{"id":68242,"date":"2025-08-19T13:46:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T21:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=68242"},"modified":"2025-10-02T10:28:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T18:28:50","slug":"sensory-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/sensory-play\/68242","title":{"rendered":"What Is Sensory Play? Benefits, Ideas, and Activities for Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-playdough-rainbow.jpg\" alt=\"A child making a colorful rainbow from playdough in sensory play. \" class=\"wp-image-68316\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-playdough-rainbow.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-playdough-rainbow-300x150.jpg 300w, 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c0.044-0.175,0.267-1.029,0.365-1.428c0.032-0.128,0.017-0.237-0.091-0.362C6.445,11.911,6.01,10.75,6.01,9.668 c0-2.777,2.194-5.464,5.933-5.464c3.23,0,5.49,2.108,5.49,5.122c0,3.407-1.794,5.768-4.13,5.768c-1.291,0-2.257-1.021-1.948-2.277 c0.372-1.495,1.089-3.112,1.089-4.191c0-0.967-0.542-1.775-1.663-1.775c-1.319,0-2.379,1.309-2.379,3.059 c0,1.115,0.394,1.869,0.394,1.869s-1.302,5.279-1.54,6.261c-0.405,1.666,0.053,4.368,0.094,4.604 c0.021,0.126,0.167,0.169,0.25,0.063c0.129-0.165,1.699-2.419,2.142-4.051c0.158-0.59,0.817-2.995,0.817-2.995 c0.43,0.784,1.681,1.446,3.013,1.446c3.963,0,6.822-3.494,6.822-7.833C20.394,5.112,16.849,2,12.289,2\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Pinterest<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li style=\"color:#467ff7;background-color:#ffffff00\" class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-mail wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/%20\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19,5H5c-1.1,0-2,.9-2,2v10c0,1.1.9,2,2,2h14c1.1,0,2-.9,2-2V7c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5,12c0,.3-.2.5-.5.5H5c-.3,0-.5-.2-.5-.5V9.8l7.5,5.6,7.5-5.6V17zm0-9.1L12,13.6,4.5,7.9V7c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h14c.3,0,.5.2.5.5v.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Mail<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li style=\"color:#467ff7;background-color:#ffffff00\" class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-etsy wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/%20\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path 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class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-chain wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/%20\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M15.6,7.2H14v1.5h1.6c2,0,3.7,1.7,3.7,3.7s-1.7,3.7-3.7,3.7H14v1.5h1.6c2.8,0,5.2-2.3,5.2-5.2,0-2.9-2.3-5.2-5.2-5.2zM4.7,12.4c0-2,1.7-3.7,3.7-3.7H10V7.2H8.4c-2.9,0-5.2,2.3-5.2,5.2,0,2.9,2.3,5.2,5.2,5.2H10v-1.5H8.4c-2,0-3.7-1.7-3.7-3.7zm4.6.9h5.3v-1.5H9.3v1.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Link<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0515bd\"><strong>What Is Sensory Play? Benefits, Ideas, and Activities for Learning<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#767676;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Learn how touch, sound, movement, and more help kids grow through play.<br><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-table-ofcontents has-background\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#01075f;background-color:#bdd7ff\">Table of Contents\u2013Jump to Each Section<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8b7b73fe1bfc625b140c745c708cecad wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#033eaa;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#sensory-play\" title=\"\">What Is Sensory Play?<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59d239dc45108fffb4ee1b028312de37 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><a href=\"#benefits\" title=\"\">Benefits of Sensory Play for Learning and Child Development<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b1ff54a544653821523a69470a9ed260 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#types\" title=\"\">Types and Examples of Sensory Play<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4e7e5f05b0add5631d32429c13058000 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#faq\" title=\"\">Sensory Play Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"sensory-play\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong>What Is Sensory Play? Definition and Examples for Kids<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Sensory play<\/strong> is any activity that engages a child\u2019s senses to support learning and development. This includes sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, as well as the \u201chidden\u201d senses of general body awareness and balance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-frosted-sky-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Characteristics of Sensory Play<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d7f65d81c7978991c5bb88dd4f11cd41\">\n<li>Interactive and hands-on<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploratory and immersive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative and engaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sometimes loud or messy&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Sensory play starts almost as soon as a child is born born, as infants watch, touch, and listen to all the new stimuli around them. The first of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/the-6-stages-of-play\/66402\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the six stages of play<\/a>, unoccupied play, is full of unstructured sensory play and exploration. It\u2019s why babies seem to put just about everything in their mouth and grab anything new they see. Every sensory experience is new to them, and they use everything at their disposal to learn more about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">As children get older, sensory play can become more structured, through activities specifically designed to stimulate the five senses, as well as build general body awareness. Parents and teachers can help by providing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/sensory-play-ideas\/68335\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">sensory activities<\/a> and games throughout childhood, offering kids the chance to explore using their senses as often as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image aofl-advice-image-video\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Young kids playing together with toys on the floor. \" class=\"wp-image-68307\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px;width:769px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-kids-with-toys-at-preschool-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-frosted-sky-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">Research Behind Multisensory Learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">The multi-sensory theory suggests that engaging several senses at once\u2014like sight, hearing, and touch\u2014can make learning more effective and memorable. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10101150\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">this 2022 study<\/a> determined that a &#8220;multisensory approach helps students link new information to prior knowledge and understand relationships between concepts.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Additionally, research published in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/education\/articles\/10.3389\/feduc.2024.1182660\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Frontiers in Education<\/a> highlights that a &#8220;multi-sensory approach to processing not only enriches our comprehension of the received information but also ensures that learning is more robust and durable.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"benefits\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong>Benefits of Sensory Play for Learning and Child Development<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Sensory play helps the brain develop neural connections, building the foundations for learning and self-regulation. According to a report from <a href=\"https:\/\/developingchild.harvard.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Science_Early_Childhood_Development.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Harvard University\u2019s Center on the Developing Child<\/a>: \u201cAppropriate sensory input (e.g.,through hearing and vision) \u2026 build[s] healthy brain architecture that provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">A wide range of sensory experiences supports development of important skills and abilities like these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gross and Fine Motor Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In a <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/brb3.70052\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">2024 study published in Brain and Behavior<\/a>, scientists noted, \u201cMotor and sensory developments are intertwined during infancy and early childhood. Sensory feedback guides improving movements and coordination; <strong>sensory experiences provide essential input for motor skill acquisition.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sensory-play-baby-with-toys-in-mouth-.jpg\" alt=\"A baby putting a colorful toy ring in her mouth. \" class=\"wp-image-68309\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sensory-play-baby-with-toys-in-mouth-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sensory-play-baby-with-toys-in-mouth--300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sensory-play-baby-with-toys-in-mouth--768x448.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Their research shows that infants and babies who lack sensory experiences may face motor skills challenges and deficiencies as they get older. Babies track objects with their eyes, then begin to reach out and learn to grab, pinch, and manipulate. Sensory input spurs them on to learn and move, first crawling and then walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;color:#01075f;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);line-height:1.5\"><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Providing children with sensory play opportunities right from the start encourages strong gross and fine motor skills as they grow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emotional Regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">The link between emotions and sensory input is obvious to many of us: a few notes of a song can take us back to a school dance decades earlier; the smell of ginger and cloves instantly transports us back to our grandmother\u2019s kitchen at the holidays. We not only experience the memories tied to those sensations\u2014we also experience the emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aota.org\/-\/media\/corporate\/files\/membership\/sensory-emotion-regulation_trends-in-cognitive-sciences.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">2023 report in Trends in Cognitive Science<\/a> states, \u201cResearch indicates (i) the process of sensation is inherently emotional; (ii) sensation-driven emotion can be deliberately harnessed; and (iii) sensation relatively effortlessly activates emotional processes. Together, this work suggests that sensation constitutes a tool that people can use to deliberately manage their emotions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In other words, <strong>the way we perceive the world using our senses is directly tied to how we feel. What\u2019s more, we can use our senses to help understand and, in turn, regulate our emotions<\/strong>. This is an incredibly challenging skill for most people to develop\u2014it starts in early childhood and essentially continues throughout our entire lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;color:#01075f;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);line-height:1.5\"><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Sensory play can be both stimulating and calming. Through this kind of play, kids learn how various types of sensory input affect their own emotions (it\u2019s different for everyone) and can find ways to use their senses to manage difficult emotions and big feelings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Language Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Learning to talk is a complex process. It involves not only the ability to manipulate your mouth and tongue muscles to produce the appropriate sounds, but also an understanding of the meaning of words themselves. <strong>In their preschool years, children build their vocabulary at an astonishing rate. <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5400288\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Studies show<\/a> that by age one, children recognize about 50 words; by age three, they recognize about 1,000 words; and by age five, they recognize at least 10,000 words!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-toddler-squishing-toys-.jpg\" alt=\"A young girl playing with a textured ball during sensory play. \" class=\"wp-image-68311\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-toddler-squishing-toys-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-toddler-squishing-toys--300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-toddler-squishing-toys--768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>During sensory play, children encounter new experiences that require new words to describe them. <\/strong>It\u2019s much easier to <em>experience<\/em> something that\u2019s \u201csquishy\u201d than to try to define it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;color:#01075f;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);line-height:1.5\"><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Encourage your child to describe what they encounter using their senses to help build a stronger vocabulary as they grow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sensory Processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In recent years, medical science has started to recognize and understand the major impact of sensory processing disorders (SPD). Some people are hypersensitive to sensory input and are easily overstimulated to the point of being unable to function. Others have difficulty making sense of sensory input, which can make daily life feel confusing and uncomfortable. SPD is often observed in individuals on the autism spectrum or those with ADHD and can also contribute to anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In sensory play, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3708964\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">children with SPD can experience sensory input<\/a> in a safe and controlled environment. Over time, they can develop tolerance for otherwise uncomfortable experiences or learn the adaptations they\u2019ll need to thrive. <strong>Sensory play can also help kids learn to better understand what their senses are telling them<\/strong>, an important skill that doesn\u2019t come naturally for all. It\u2019s often used by occupational therapists to treat SPD.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"types\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong>Types of Sensory Play<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">There are five types of sensory play related directly to our five senses, plus two more that correlate with our body overall. Read through this overview of each type, then apply them with our list of 15+ Sensory Play Activities for Kids:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff9c;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-fe4449b19ce08360d9b399d643b4cfde\" style=\"border-radius:15px;color:#01075f\"><strong>Tactile Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border aofl-advice-image-video\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-play-dough-and-number-stamps.jpg\" alt=\"A young child playing with colorful playdough stamping numbers in it with cookie cutters. \" class=\"wp-image-68313\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-play-dough-and-number-stamps.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-play-dough-and-number-stamps-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-childs-hands-with-play-dough-and-number-stamps-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fa908615b6fc1c29e007a41348a13245 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/homeschool\/tactile-learning\/30434\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Tactile play<\/a> is all about touch and the way we experience the world through the sensory receptors in our skin and other parts of the body. This can include textures, temperature, pressure, and vibration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5d18e01430ece6e8976421bae59436d wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Through tactile play, kids develop fine motor skills by grabbing, pinching, and otherwise manipulating materials. They also pick up new vocabulary to describe what they\u2019re experiencing: soft, rough, squishy, sticky, etc. Tactile play helps develop emotional regulation, as many calming and soothing behaviors are tactile, such as stroking soft fur or receiving a hug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1439efe8c54a88f56b8ff3c6c229179f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of Tactile Play:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46526006 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18e496eaa60e7088026645fa2af16111\">\n<li>Running fingers through sand, rice, or beans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Splashing in warm or cold water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Squishing and building with playdough<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff9c;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-d75a30c7f52388c66c8b91c0f40379f0\" style=\"border-radius:15px;color:#01075f\"><strong>Visual Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border aofl-advice-image-video\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1279\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/preschool-sorting-activites1.jpg\" alt=\"A young child playing with colorful wooden toys on a table. \" class=\"wp-image-21446\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/preschool-sorting-activites1.jpg 1279w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/preschool-sorting-activites1-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/preschool-sorting-activites1-1200x563.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/preschool-sorting-activites1-768x360.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1279px) 100vw, 1279px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-03b9bd3d3f7a9423f2cb0a4f54ccaa8b wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Visual sensory play uses the eyes, or child&#8217;s sense of sight. In visual play activities, children explore colors and patterns, shapes, visual tracking and focus, and spatial awareness. Visual play can help strengthening how children process and respond to what they see, which supports their ability to read, write, solve problems, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e131a136e514571ce511080973736602 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of Visual Play:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46526006 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94803d9e55b3f393134a20e8da0939d4\">\n<li>Watching mobiles, ceiling fans, bubbles, or pinwheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/sorting-activities-for-preschoolers\/21432\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Sorting objects<\/a> by size, shape, or color<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solving \u201chidden picture\u201d puzzles&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff9c;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3dca3e71d8ba313f8c349f730b7d8dc8\" style=\"border-radius:15px;color:#01075f\"><strong>Auditory Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border aofl-advice-image-video\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-banging-pots-and-pans.jpg\" alt=\"A young child playing drums on a bunch of kitchen pots and bowls. \" class=\"wp-image-68319\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-banging-pots-and-pans.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-banging-pots-and-pans-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-banging-pots-and-pans-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f99d732433b880cf0837db675de8e680 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Auditory play explores the sense of hearing using our ears. It\u2019s a vital form of play for speech and language development\u2014the ability to discern various sounds allows children to begin imitating them. Auditory play also helps kids learn to read, develop a sense of volume, pitch, and rhythm, and become active listeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e131a136e514571ce511080973736602 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of Visual Play:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46526006 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f77262093c1a7322ab74924dd37e64ac\">\n<li>Making noise by banging objects together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Singing along or playing instruments while listening to music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listening to and identifying nature sounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff9c;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-638cb35c3d6e52cdfa683dedd95e3078\" style=\"border-radius:15px;color:#01075f\"><strong>Olfactory Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-smelling-dandelion.jpg\" alt=\"A young boy smelling a dandelion with a smile on his face. \" class=\"wp-image-68321\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-smelling-dandelion.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-smelling-dandelion-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-smelling-dandelion-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44a7cad633e413c9df8ba89f87cdfa77 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In olfactory play, kids use their nose and sense of smell. Research shows that smells and memory have a strong link, so strengthening our olfactory sense may also improve our memories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4adf865891e9f2f660fa890c0c4b81fe wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Smell and taste are closely related as well, and our noses can help us know when something might not be safe (for example, the bad smell of rotting food tells us we shouldn\u2019t eat it). Some fragrances can also have a soothing effect, improving emotional regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15e5631e924d356ec0db71a1f1325da6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of Olfactory Play:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46526006 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4ea00642cc4a023ea719b4585c6daf0f\">\n<li>Using scented markers or playdough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smelling the flowers and plants in a garden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playing \u201cguess-the-scent\u201d games<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff9c;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a91f75706e01fd4051538c2a28153867\" style=\"border-radius:15px;color:#01075f\"><strong>Gustatory Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border aofl-advice-image-video\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-licking-lemon.jpg\" alt=\"A young kid licking an orange with a surprise face. \" class=\"wp-image-68323\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-licking-lemon.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-licking-lemon-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-child-licking-lemon-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61c970dd7751b1ad55ca35b002a957ea wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In gustatory play (also called taste exploration), kids explore various tastes using the receptors on their tongue. They learn to recognize flavors like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (savory or meaty). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4dc2c28d686ab6dfaae30d2883b1c49b wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Young children who experience a wide variety of flavors through diverse foods are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/printables-and-worksheets\/free-picky-eater-printables\/67819\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">less likely to become picky eaters<\/a> as they get older. Gustatory play helps support oral motor development too, strengthening the muscles used for chewing and swallowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cc3eead4ce6428a2452c826245641831 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> In this type of play, it\u2019s especially important to supervise children to ensure they are only putting safe items into their mouths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9de46549754fc0d91f2caf6c7da97b3a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of Gustatory Play:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46526006 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-627d00472af585122e49ac64fc2bec97\">\n<li>Taste-testing games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trying new foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiencing unique textures (i.e. the smooth but stretchy texture of mochi)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff9c;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-95c79f1e58d93697b239c0104d8b3893\" style=\"border-radius:15px;color:#01075f\"><strong>Vestibular and Proprioceptive Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border aofl-advice-image-video\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-children-climbing-tree.jpg\" alt=\"Two young kids climbing a tree together. \" class=\"wp-image-68325\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-children-climbing-tree.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-children-climbing-tree-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sensory-play-children-climbing-tree-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fdf87de6d6e1212cc56494093e05ad88 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">These two types of sensory play are often overlooked, but they\u2019re incredibly important. Vestibular play refers to balance and movement. It\u2019s what enables us to learn to walk, ride a bicycle, or walk up or down stairs without falling over. Proprioceptive play refers to body awareness\u2013where our body is in relation to the space around us, how heavy or light something is to lift, or the pressure we feel from outside objects (i.e. the strength of a hug).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15e5631e924d356ec0db71a1f1325da6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of Olfactory Play:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46526006 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9787979c4e74749441b7d96b43f6c4ec\">\n<li>Climbing trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pulling a wagon up a hill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walking along a narrow log<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-frosted-sky-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Learn About Other Types of Play<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cec07ce8aa4c5cee6c6ba8d53bb05a71\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/cooperative-play\/68060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Cooperative Play Explained: Why It Matters and How to Encourage It<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/a-parents-guide-to-play-based-learning\/8199\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">A Parent&#8217;s Guide to Play-Based Learning<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-image u-m-hide\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/create-account\/?src_tag=wp:cta:0015\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile.png 924w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile-768x416.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image u-d-hide aofl-mb-3rem-margin \">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/create-account\/?src_tag=wp:cta:0026\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Desktop.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Desktop.png 393w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Desktop-211x300.png 211w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"faq\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Sensory Play Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>What is the purpose of sensory play?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2010f2785234b2b7eda7d0fd4acdb70f wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Sensory play stimulates brain development, develops fine and gross motor skills, supports language development and communication skills, promotes emotional regulation, and encourages creativity and imagination. When children encounter new sensory experiences on a regular basis, they develop an awareness of their bodies as well as of the world around them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>What age is best for sensory play?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6e9670e875f803fc05342cc6ee2ee591 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Sensory play is most important in early childhood (birth to age 6), but children of any age can benefit from it. It can be especially helpful for older children with neurological differences, like ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>How does sensory play help learning and development?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b7e49e98251328dd5447925c276a9b0c wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Research shows that sensory play has a direct effect on the development of the neural pathways in our brains. During the early childhood years, when our brains grow faster than at any other time in our lives, sensory experiences build and establish the cognitive pathways that enable us to learn, think critically, and communicate with others. It also promotes body and spatial awareness, balance, and hand-eye coordination.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>What materials are best for sensory bins?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e4d448a6d4577776ee67138d93aaa016 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">While you can use almost anything in sensory bins, be sure to choose those that are age-appropriate and safe. For very small children, watch for potential choking hazards since they tend to put everything in their mouths. Observe your child closely for any potential allergic reactions, and clean and sanitize materials regularly, especially if they\u2019re used by multiple children. Common sensory bin items include uncooked rice and beans, popcorn kernels, sand, soil, flour, water beads, water and ice, rocks and pebbles, pompoms, fabrics and paper, scented items, and small toys and tools.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can I do sensory play with children who have sensory sensitivities?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e7d7b3fac0850872562a68cffaea7a92 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Yes, sensory play can help them develop a stronger tolerance for uncomfortable sensory experiences and learn to manage their emotional responses to sensory input. The key is to be flexible and responsive, limiting stimuli and respecting the child\u2019s preferences and perceptions. If you have concerns, talk with your child\u2019s pediatrician or health care expert.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Is sensory play appropriate for older children?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59681e3eb5933d64128868fd1cb366f0 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Yes. As kids get older, sensory play is especially helpful for both language development and emotional regulation. Using their senses helps kids develop a wider vocabulary as they look for words to describe their experiences. Plus, understanding how different sensory activities make them feel allows kids to narrow down the ones that cause them stress or provide a sense of calm. Sensory play also makes older children more observant of the world around them, expanding their horizons and increasing their tolerance for a variety of different ways to live.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ae64b0b37c05d74ee1411fc87b416181 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:12px\"><em><strong><em>Legal disclaimer:<\/em><\/strong><em>&nbsp;Any information, materials, or links to third-party resources are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with and do not sponsor\/endorse these third parties and bear no responsibility for the accuracy of content on any external site. All information provided in this article is current as of May 2025.&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fac2cdea wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<printables-email-registration style=\"width:fit-content;display:flex;margin:auto\" class=\"wp-block-abcmouse-printables-email-registration\"><\/printables-email-registration>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how sensory play supports learning, motor skills, and emotional growth through fun, hands-on activities for kids.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":68316,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[79,14,13,131,177],"class_list":["post-68242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","tag-first-grade","tag-kindergarten","tag-preschool","tag-toddler","tag-types-of-play"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68242"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68634,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68242\/revisions\/68634"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}