Sensory play does not need a trip to the craft store. Everything on this list uses what is already in your kitchen or pantry.
✨ Build one for my kidFill a bin or bowl with dried pasta. Add small toys to find. Let them dig, sort, pour, and bury. A toddler classic.
Spread rice in a baking pan. Give them small toys, spoons, and cups. No instructions needed.
Mix cornstarch and water until it acts like both a liquid and a solid. Two cups cornstarch, one cup water. Hands in.
Spread shaving cream on a tray or in the bathtub. Add a few drops of food coloring. Let them mix and draw.
Freeze small toys in a block of ice. Give them warm water, a spoon, and patience. The dig-out takes as long as you need it to.
Tell us their age, interests, and what you have at home. Personalized in minutes.
✨ Build a personalized activityWhat are easy sensory activities for toddlers at home?
Dried pasta bins, rice trays, and water play with cups and spoons are all easy to set up and clean up with household items.
What household items can be used for sensory play?
Dried pasta, rice, cornstarch, shaving cream, water, ice, flour, and coffee grounds all make excellent sensory materials.
Are sensory activities good for kids?
Yes. Sensory play supports fine motor development, language, and the ability to self-regulate. It is also genuinely absorbing for most kids.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy something through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.