Sensory play is one of the most effective ways to support a child’s brain development. From birth, children explore the world around them using their senses – touch, sight, sound, taste and smell. Through sensory experiences, they form crucial neural connections that support cognitive growth, problem solving skills, fine and gross motor development, and social interactions.

But what does sensory play look like at different stages of childhood and how can parents incorporate it into daily routines? Let’s explore the best age-appropriate sensory activities, the benefits of this style of play and the best materials to use for sensory experiences. 

 

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play refers to any activity that stimulates a child’s senses, providing them with opportunities to explore textures, sounds, colours and movement in a hands-on way. Activities like squishing playdough, splashing in water or listening to different types of music all fall under sensory play. According to our developmental specialists at GymbaROO, the more sensory-rich experiences children engage in, the more they strengthen their brain development and connections that support learning and development.

According to a study published by The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), effective self-regulation in early childhood years can provide a foundation for children to grow and develop positive skills for learning. Sensory play can play a key role in this. It is essential for building nerve connections in the brain which supports language development, cognitive skills and emotional regulation.

 

Age Appropriate Sensory Play Activities

It’s hard to always know exactly what sensory experience is right for your child. Here is our guide to sensory activities for different age groups to get you started:

Infants (0-12 months)

At this stage, sensory play is all about gentle exploration and interaction with different textures, sounds and movements. Some simple but effective activities for infants include:

• Tummy time: Helps strengthen neck, shoulder and core muscles.
• Soft textures exploration: Provide materials such as silk scarves, silicone teething rings, crinkly paper or soft plush toys to engage their sense of touch. 
• Gentle music and singing: Introduces infants to rhythmic patterns and auditory stimulation. Use rattles and musical toys in playtime. 
• Water play: Letting babies splash in shallow water (with supervision) encourages early motor skills development. 

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore using their senses. Activities that engage their hands and bodies help refine their motor skills and support language development. 

• Sand and water play: Filling containers, scooping and pouring kinetic sand or water can help improve coordination and fine motor skills.
• Finger painting: Enhances creativity while allowing toddlers to experience different textures.
• Playdough play: Strengthens hand muscles needed for later writing skills. 
• Mess-free sensory bags: Fill ziplock bags with squishy substances like gel or beads for a fun tactile experience without the mess
• Sensory books: Books with different textures can make reading time more engaging for a toddler.

 

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

At this age, children begin to experiment more with imaginative and interactive sensory activities. These activities can help refine problem solving skills and boost creativity. 

• Sensory bins: Fill a bin with leaves, sand and sawdust, and add scoops, cups and small toys for sorting and digging.
• Nature walks: Collect leaves, flowers or pebbles to explore different textures and colours.
• Creative play: Finger paint and chalk are great materials for preschoolers to play with. 
• Bubble play: Blowing bubbles helps with breath control, oral motor development and visual tracking.
• Obstacle course: Climbing, jumping and crawling enhance spatial awareness and motor coordination. 

School-Aged Children (5+ years)

Older children still benefit from sensory play, especially activities that encourage problem solving and creativity. 

• Cooking and baking: Measuring, mixing and kneading ingredients engage multiple senses while teaching real-world skills.
• Gardening: Digging, planting and watering help children connect with nature.
• Slime making: Experimenting with different textures in DIY slime encourages scientific exploration. 
• Building and constructing play: Using blocks, Lego or magnetic tiles strengthens spatial awareness and fine motor coordination.

The Benefits of Sensory Activities

Sensory play does more than just entertain – it builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning. It strengthens neural connections, enhances memory retention and supports cognitive flexibility. 

According to COS, sensory play provides key benefits for young children’s growth, wellbeing and ongoing development. 

Sensory experiences can also aid in emotional control by helping children develop self-soothing strategies. Activities like rocking, deep pressure play or rhythmic movement support nervous system regulation, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. 

 

Bringing Sensory Experiences into Daily Life

Sensory play doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. Simply adding sensory-rich experiences to everyday activities can make a big difference. Let your child walk barefoot in the grass, explore different food textures during different meals or listen to nature sounds before bed. These simple activities contribute to well-rounded development and encourage a lifelong love for learning. 

By integrating sensory experiences into daily routines, parents can support their child’s brain development in a fun and meaningful way. Whether through messy play, outdoor adventures or hands-on experiences, sensory activities provide children with the building blocks for success in school and beyond.

Learn Sensory Play at GymbaROO-KindyROO

Bring your child to their local GymbaROO-KindyROO centre to explore the world of sensory play. Guided by an expert teacher, you’ll learn the valuable developmental skills provided by our early childhood education programs and feel more confident in bringing sensory experiences into your child’s at home learning.