25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (2024)

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Sensory activities for kids are almost always a no-fail activity. It opens the door for free play. It lets the kids explore a material. And it’s just fun!

Sensory activities tend to end in a mess at our house.

But if you’re not a mess fan, take preventative measures with our 10 tips for keeping messy play clean.

Sometimes, I have a hard time differentiating a sensory activity from any other kids activity. Because really, everything the kids do has to do with their senses, right? Touch especially.

Let’s challenge ourselves over the next few weeks to get the kids to explore sensory activities with senses other than touch too.

We can find more activities that intentionally get them to use their sense of sound, taste, sight, and smell.

It’s exciting to really stretch ourselves out of our normal element!

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (1)

Most of these sensory activities listed are to do with the sense of touch. However, a couple break out of that too. Can you find the ones that explore the other senses?

Enjoy Our 25 Sensory Activities for Kids!

I’ve broken our list up into two sections.

The first section is the majority of our sensory activities and they’re more of a ‘sensory tub’, even though they’re not necessarily always in a tub.

They’re set out as an activity to explore a material of some sort.

The second section is the accidental sensory exploration through the creation of something else.

I love these the most because there seems to be a purpose for the kids to explore even though the sensory part is an activity in itself.

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (2)

Download the FREE Week of Sensory Bins PDF here!

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (3)

Be prepared for sensory activity fun with these affiliate products for kids:

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (4)

What’s your child’s favorite material for sensory exploration?

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About Jamie Reimer

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram!

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

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39 Edible Sensory Play Ideas for Little Kids
6 Sensory Activities for Toddlers to Explore with All 5 Senses
A Very Sticky Sensory Art Activity for Toddlers

Reader Interactions

35 Comments

fooddoz.com says
July 18, 2022 at 8:29 am

Thanks for the post.
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Best Daycare in Ahmedabad says
July 14, 2022 at 7:33 am

Thanks for sharing
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artelixir says
July 7, 2022 at 5:11 am

Very nice
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See Also
50 Fun Sensory Activities For Kids | Little Bins for Little Hands Sensory Play: 20 Great Activities for Your Toddler or Preschooler 60 Easy Sensory Activities for Kids - Taming Little Monsters
Jatinder kumar says
January 11, 2022 at 4:05 pm

I absolutely agree with the greater youngsters get themselves messy whilst they’re more youthful the braver they may be to attempt new matters whilst they’re an adult. There’s a few absolutely amusing thoughts right here thank you
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Niranjan says
October 26, 2021 at 3:12 am

Nice article, Niranjan
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Suzy McCullough says
May 12, 2021 at 3:37 am

I fully believe the more kids get themselves messy when they are younger the braver they will be to try new things when they are an adult. There’s some really fun ideas here thank you
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Online Shopping Deals says
February 14, 2021 at 9:16 pm

Such a wonderful, thoughtful tips for engaging children.
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C. Glass says
September 23, 2020 at 5:00 am

Have just come across this site and browsed through. I think it is amazing and such an amazing treasure trove of ideas for those wishing to raise their little ones. Brilliant!
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www.restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website says
August 3, 2020 at 12:19 am

Thanks for the post.
to www.restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website" aria-label='reply to this comment to www.restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website'>reply to this comment
Anny says
January 27, 2019 at 11:38 pm

I like this site because give me a good ideas for activities.
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Pretty says
June 23, 2018 at 2:36 pm

I like your funny activity for young children I am an ecd practitioner I want to make different activities for kids
that not boring them.
Please help!
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Seema Mehta says
April 23, 2018 at 12:32 am

Very good sensory activity for the children to do, every child is different and has different interest, likes and dislikes. Parent has to find out the one the child likes the most and is interested in. I liked the accidental sensory activities, as it would help the child to be creative during unexpected circ*mstance to have presence of mind.
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Paulette Barnes says
September 2, 2017 at 8:27 pm

I really enjoy your creative ideas to teach sensory play. thank you.
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Michelle says
February 27, 2017 at 12:38 am

Look like your ideas.
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Rohan says
April 21, 2014 at 12:44 am

I totally love this sensory activities for kids! What cute ideas for kids.
Rohan
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Taylor Martinez says
April 7, 2014 at 7:15 pm

I really love this website and it has really helpful ideas for anyone who is working with two’s.
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- Jamie Reimer says
  April 8, 2014 at 8:35 pm
  
  Thanks Taylor.
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IrishEyes (@ILuv2Fish78) says
October 4, 2013 at 8:11 am

It doesn’t show how to make any of these things. I’m starting a job as a nanny, and I came upon this site. I thought-what a great thing. But, then it doesn’t give me the ingredients I need to make any of them.
to IrishEyes (@ILuv2Fish78)" aria-label='reply to this comment to IrishEyes (@ILuv2Fish78)'>reply to this comment
- Jamie Reimer says
  October 4, 2013 at 9:17 am
  
  You can click on each of the pictures and links to get the details of each one.
  to Jamie Reimer" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jamie Reimer'>reply to this comment
Sarah says
May 2, 2013 at 11:33 am

You have a great collection too!
to Sarah" aria-label='reply to this comment to Sarah'>reply to this comment
Mandy says
February 24, 2013 at 8:40 pm

If you live in the right region, putting a tub of snow on a big towel on the floor is a great thing for little ones to have fun with too. The snow doesn’t melt as fast as one would think it would.
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Bek @ Just For Daisy says
February 23, 2013 at 5:29 am

Wow! Some great new things for us to try! :) Thanks x
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katepickle says
February 21, 2013 at 8:26 pm

I am so with you on this… sensory play calms the savage beasts in our house!
thanks for such a fab list of resources!
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Mary Catherine says
February 21, 2013 at 12:47 pm

I agree with you . . . when all else fails, bring out the sensory play! My guy loves so many different sensory items, but he always comes back to just plain old water. Even when we use different materials, like shaving cream or oats, he always ends up adding water to the play. Thanks, as always, for sharing such fun ideas for the kiddos. :)
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- chutima rittraprom says
  October 19, 2015 at 2:41 am
  
  I think it is the ieas in a child , Thank you very much.
  to chutima rittraprom" aria-label='reply to this comment to chutima rittraprom'>reply to this comment

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or emotions, but I can provide you with information on the topic of sensory activities for kids. Sensory activities are a great way for children to explore and engage their senses while having fun. These activities can involve various materials and stimulate different senses such as touch, sound, taste, sight, and smell.

Sensory Activities for Kids:

Sensory activities for kids are almost always a no-fail activity. They open the door for free play and allow children to explore different materials while engaging their senses. These activities can be messy but can also be enjoyed with some preventative measures to keep things clean [[1]].

Sensory activities can involve various materials and can be categorized into different types. One popular type is sensory tubs, which are activities that allow children to explore a material. These activities are often set up in a tub, but they can also be done using other containers or setups. The materials used in sensory tubs can vary, such as sand, water, kinetic sand, or other tactile materials [[1]].

Another type of sensory activity is accidental sensory exploration through the creation of something else. These activities have a purpose beyond just sensory exploration, but they still provide opportunities for children to engage their senses. For example, creating art using different textures or making homemade playdough that children can touch and mold [[1]].

Exploring Different Senses:

While many sensory activities focus on the sense of touch, it's also important to encourage children to explore other senses such as sound, taste, sight, and smell. By intentionally incorporating activities that stimulate these senses, children can have a more well-rounded sensory experience. For example, activities that involve listening to different sounds, tasting different flavors, observing colorful objects, or smelling different scents [[1]].

Conclusion:

Sensory activities for kids are a great way to promote exploration and engagement with the senses. These activities can involve various materials and stimulate different senses, allowing children to have fun while learning and developing their sensory skills. By providing opportunities for children to explore different senses, we can help them have a more well-rounded sensory experience.