The Ultimate Guide to DIY Sensory Activities for Toddlers: Epic Fun! 🎉

diy sensory activities for toddlers

Hey there, mama! 🌟 You’ve landed on this page, and I know exactly why. Let’s cut to the chase—you’re here because you want to be the hero of your toddler’s playtime, right? You’re after the good stuff—the kind of DIY sensory activities for toddlers that’ll have your little one’s eyes lighting up like they’ve just spotted a cookie jar within reach.

Sure, you might be thinking…

“I’m here because I want to enrich my child’s life, foster development, and educate them.”

And while that’s definitely a big part of it, let’s be real. You’re also here because you need something to keep those tiny hands busy (where do they get their energy from?). You’d like to finally tackle the laundry and sip that cup of coffee before it turns cold. ☕️ (Let’s dream big!)

So, buckle up because you’re about to dive into a world of DIY sensory activities that will make you look like a Pinterest master and keep your toddler entertained long enough for you to finish that lukewarm coffee in peace.

Table Of Contents
  1. What’s the Big Deal with Sensory Play 🤷‍♀️?
  2. The Lowdown on DIY sensory activities for toddlers 🕵️‍♂️
  3. Crafty: DIY Sensory Activities for Toddlers You Can Actually Pull Off ✂️
  4. Pin it for Later
  5. Latest Posts:

What’s the Big Deal with Sensory Play 🤷‍♀️?

Alright, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way, shall we? Sensory play is not just about squishy, gooey, messy fun (though that’s a HUGE part of it). It’s also about sneaky little things like cognitive development, motor skills, and emotional regulation.This stuff is basically superhero training in disguise. 🦸‍♀️

Here’s why it’s awesome:

Emotional Regulation: Ever notice how your kid chills out after playing with sensory dough? It’s magic, I swear.

Cognitive Growth: Sensory activities help your toddler process information and solve problems.

Motor Skills: Those little fingers are working hard, learning how to grab, pinch, and squish like pros.

Language Skills: You’ll be amazed at how many new words pop up when they’re describing the goop they’re playing with.

Social Skills: Group sensory play teaches sharing, cooperation, and teamwork.

The Lowdown on DIY sensory activities for toddlers 🕵️‍♂️

Sensory play comes in all shapes and sizes, just like that random assortment of toys you keep stepping on. Here’s the scoop on the different types you can try at home (and totally brag about to your mom friends later).

1. Tactile (Touch) Sensory Play: Where the Magic Happens 👐

This is where sensory play gets all touchy-feely. It’s about textures, temperatures, and that oh-so-satisfying squish.

Get Your Hands Dirty with:

  • Sensory Bins: The classic go-to. Fill a bin with rice, pasta, or sand, and throw in some toys. Your toddler will be wrist-deep before you can say, “Where’s the vacuum?” Need ideas? Check out these Sensory Bin Ideas and for the farm-loving toddler, Farm-Themed Sensory Bins.
  • Sensory Dough: Homemade or from the store, dough is where it’s at. Knead it, roll it, and squish it—trust me, it’s toddler therapy. Peek at Top 31 Sensory Dough Activities You Have to Try for endless inspiration.

My toddler loves water play:

2. Visual (Sight) Sensory Play: Eye Candy for Toddlers 👀

Get ready to dazzle those little eyes with activities that light up, sparkle, and shine. It’s like a sensory disco for your toddler.

Throw Some Glitter on It:

  • Layered Sensory Bottles: Layers of liquid, colors, and sparkles. It’s basically a lava lamp, but cooler and safer. Get creative with Stunning Layered Sensory Bottles.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Sensory Bottles: Turn off the lights and watch the magic happen. Perfect for bedtime (or convincing them it’s bedtime). Check out Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottles.

3. Auditory (Sound) Sensory Play: A Symphony of Fun 🎶

Let’s face it—toddlers love making noise. So, why not turn that into an actual activity that doesn’t involve them banging on pots and pans (again)?

Let’s Make Some Noise:

  • Sound Sensory Bottles: Shake, rattle, and roll. Fill bottles with beads, rice, or bells to create different sounds. Get the scoop on DIY Sound Sensory Bottles.
  • DIY Instruments: Think maracas, drums, and tambourines made from everyday items. Who knows? You might have the next Mozart on your hands (or just a very loud toddler).

Luca even helped fill the sound sensory bottles!

4. Gustatory (Taste) Sensory Play: Safe and Scrumptious 🍎

Sure, everything ends up in your toddler’s mouth anyway, so why not make taste an actual part of the play? (Just make sure it’s safe, okay?)

Taste the Fun:

  • Edible Sensory Dough: Made from food-safe ingredients, so it’s okay if they sneak a taste. (I mean, who are we kidding? It’s going to happen.) For more, check out The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Sensory Dough Last.
  • Cooking and Baking: Get them involved in the kitchen. Mixing, stirring, and tasting—now that’s what I call a win-win.

5. Olfactory (Smell) Sensory Play: Follow Your Nose 👃

This one’s for the little sniffers. It’s time to engage those senses with some sweet (and not-so-sweet) smells.

Smells Like Fun:

  • Scented Playdough: Add essential oils or food extracts to your playdough for a full sensory experience. Think vanilla, peppermint, or lavender.
  • Nature Sensory Bottles: Fill bottles with pine needles, flowers, or spices for a smell-good time. Get inspired with Nature Sensory Bottle Ideas.

6. Proprioceptive and Vestibular (Body Awareness and Balance) Sensory Play: Time to Get Moving 🏃‍♂️

These activities help your little one learn about body awareness and balance. And the best part? They’ll be so tired afterward that bedtime will be a breeze (one can hope).

Move It, Move It:

Swinging and Spinning: Use a swing, spinning toys, or even just a good ol’ fashioned twirl around the room. It’s like the park, but with less grass stains.

Sensory Obstacle Course: Use pillows, blankets, and soft toys to create a course they can crawl, jump, and climb over. Your living room will never be the same.

Crafty: DIY Sensory Activities for Toddlers You Can Actually Pull Off ✂️

Now that you’re pumped up and ready to become the MVP of sensory play, let’s get into some DIY activities that are as easy as they are fun. And don’t worry, you won’t need a degree in Pinterest to nail these.

1. DIY Sensory Bins: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser 🎉

Sensory bins are like the Swiss Army knife of sensory play. They’re versatile, easy to set up, and can keep your toddler entertained long enough for you to finally switch the laundry over. 🧺

Here’s How to Get Started:

  • Container: Any shallow bin or box will do.
  • Filler: Think rice, beans, sand, or water beads—whatever you have on hand.
  • Tools: Toss in spoons, cups, small toys, and let the fun begin.

Try These Themed Sensory Bins:

  • Farm-Themed Sensory Bin: Corn kernels as the base, plastic farm animals, tractors—basically, a toddler’s dream farm in a box. Check out more Farm-Themed Sensory Bin.
  • Rain Sensory Bins: Perfect for a cozy indoor day. Use blue water beads, cotton balls (for clouds), and small boats or rubber ducks. Dive into Rain Sensory Bins for more inspiration. I’ve learned that whenever water is involved Luca is all in…

For even more ideas, swing by Sensory Bin Ideas with Household Items, and when you’re drowning in rice and pasta, learn How to Store Sensory Bin Materials.

2. DIY Sensory Bottles: Where Sparkle Meets Silence ✨

Sensory bottles are the VIP section of sensory play. They’re mess-free, mesmerizing, and make great calming tools for those “I’m-too-tired-to-function” moments. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

Here’s What You’ll Need:

  • Bottle: Any clear plastic bottle you have lying around. (Pro tip: save those old smoothie bottles they are the perfect size for toddler hands!)
  • Filler: Water, oil, glitter, beads, or small toys. (My personal experience vegetable oil looks horribly yellow)
  • Seal: Glue the lid shut to prevent accidental spills. (Because we all know toddlers are basically mini tornadoes. Just this week at almost 1 Luca learned to open bottles…)

Awesome Sensory Bottle Ideas:

3. DIY Sensory Dough: Squishy, Squashy, and Totally Awesome 🎨

Sensory dough is like the ultimate play therapy. It’s squishy, moldable, and perfect for little hands to get all sorts of creative. And the best part? It’s a breeze to make at home!

Basic Sensory Dough Recipe:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • Food coloring
  • Water (as needed)

Fun Variations:

  • Glitter Sensory Dough: Add a bit of sparkle to your dough for a magical play experience. Just be prepared to find glitter everywhere.
  • Scented Sensory Dough: Use essential oils or food extracts to give your dough a delightful aroma. Lavender for calm, peppermint for pep!

For more dough-tastic ideas, visit The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Sensory Dough Last and The Simple Guide to Teaching Math with Sensory Dough.

4. DIY Sensory Mats: Touchy-Feely Fun 🧤

Sensory mats are like the VIP lounge of tactile play. They’re great for toddlers who love exploring different textures and are perfect for laying out on the floor for a play session.

Here’s How to Make One:

  • Base: A non-slip mat or a large piece of cardboard works well.
  • Materials: Glue on a variety of textures like bubble wrap, fabric scraps, faux fur, or sandpaper.

Fun Themes:

  • Nature Sensory Mat: Incorporate smooth stones, pinecones, and grass for a mini-nature adventure. Check out Nature Sensory Bottle Ideas for more inspiration.
  • Color Sensory Mat: Use different colored materials to create a rainbow effect. It’s a colorful extravaganza!

5. Sensory Play Crafts: Art with a Twist ✂️

Let’s turn crafting into a sensory experience! These activities combine creativity with sensory exploration for double the fun.

Crafty Fun Ideas:

  • Sensory Art Projects: Use textured materials like sandpaper, foil, or fabric for tactile art experiences. Your toddler will love the mix of textures!
  • Nature Collages: Collect leaves, twigs, and flowers, and create collages with different textures and colors. Perfect for combining sensory play with art!

Quick Tips for Sensory Play Success 🚀

  1. Safety First: Always supervise your little one during sensory play, especially with small items or edible materials.
  2. Keep It Mess-Free: Use trays or tablecloths to contain any mess. It makes cleanup a breeze.
  3. Rotate Activities: To keep things exciting, rotate sensory activities and bins. It’s like giving your toddler a new toy every week!
  4. Join the Fun: Participate in the sensory play. It’s a great bonding experience and lets you see the world through your toddler’s eyes.

Answering Your Burning Sensory Play Questions 🔥

Q: How often should I introduce new sensory activities? A: Whenever you need a break from the norm or when your toddler’s enthusiasm starts to wane. New activities keep things fresh and exciting!

Q: Can sensory play be messy? A: Absolutely. But that’s part of the fun! Just be ready with a vacuum or broom and maybe a spare shirt.

Q: What if my toddler doesn’t seem interested in sensory play? A: It’s okay! Try different types of sensory play to see what they respond to. Sometimes it takes a little while to find the right fit.

Q: Are sensory activities only for toddlers? A: Nope! Sensory play can be adapted for all ages. Older kids and even adults can benefit from sensory activities.

So there you have it, folks! Your go-to guide for turning ordinary days into extraordinary sensory adventures. With these ideas, you’ll be ready to tackle playtime with creativity and flair. Go ahead, get those hands (and maybe a few surfaces) a little messy, and watch your toddler’s eyes light up with joy. 🌟

Happy crafting and playing!

Feel free to explore the links provided for more detailed guides and ideas, and don’t forget to share your sensory play wins with the world. After all, you’re not just making memories—you’re creating magic. 🌈✨

Pin it for Later

📌 Pin now, read later! Save our guide on Pinterest and share the joy of sensory play with your friends and family.

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Hi, I am Carina

Welcome to our little corner! I started this blog so I’d be forced to try new and fun activities with Luca. Some things I try work. Some are utter failures, but even that is fun. Here, I share ideas to help other mums focus on the magic of small moments, because sometimes it’s the littlest things that become the most memorable.

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