Children get to know the world with all their senses: they feel, look, listen, smell, and taste. Sensory play consciously taps into this. It is simple, inexpensive, and you can start today. In this article, you will read what sensory play is, why it works so well, and how to get started at home.
What is sensory play?
With sensory play, children discover materials using their senses. Think of pouring water, digging in sand, kneading clay, or playing with soft and hard objects. There is no right or wrong: the child decides for themselves what to do and for how long.
Why is it good for your child?
- Fine motor skills: scooping, squeezing, and sorting train the small muscles in hands and fingers.
- Language: children learn words like soft, rough, cold, and sticky.
- Concentration and calm: a sensory bin or glitter bottle can help them settle down.
- Creativity: open-ended materials invite them to come up with their own ideas.
Ideas by age
Baby (0-1 years)
Let your baby feel fabrics with different textures, give them a safe teether or rattle, and play together in the bath with bath toys.
Toddler (2-3 years)
A sensory bin is ideal. Fill a container with rice, pasta, or water and provide cups, spoons, and funnels. Stacking and sorting with wooden blocks also works well.
Preschooler (4+ years)
Preschoolers love clay, kinetic sand, and balance games. With Stapelstein, they can build courses, towers, and bridges, while practicing their balance at the same time.
How to start with a sensory bin
- Choose a low bin or a special sensory tray.
- Fill it with one base material, such as rice, lentils, water, or sand.
- Add scoops, cups, funnels, and a few figurines.
- Place a towel or mat under the bin and let your child play freely.
- Change the theme every week: autumn, animals, colors, or seasons.
Safety: always stay nearby with young children and choose materials without small parts for those who still put everything in their mouths.
Our favorite sensory toys
View our full collection of sensory toys with brands like Tickit, Petit Boum, Stapelstein, and Glo Pals, or discover open-ended toys that grow with them for years.