Parent Resource: Top 5 Sensory Play Ideas to Try at Home with Infants & Toddlers

As parents, we know play is more than just fun—it’s a powerful way for infants and toddlers to explore, learn, and grow. Sensory play, in particular, helps little ones develop critical skills by engaging their five senses: touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. At Little Scholars Learning Center, we encourage families to create simple sensory experiences at home that nurture curiosity and build strong developmental foundations.

Here are five sensory play ideas you can easily try with your infant or toddler:

1. Texture Treasure Baskets

Fill a small basket with safe, household items of different textures—soft washcloths, wooden spoons, crinkly paper, or silicone spatulas. Let your child explore by touching and mouthing (for infants). This activity strengthens tactile awareness and fine motor skills.

Tip: Rotate items often to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

2. Water Play Adventures

A shallow basin of water can provide endless exploration. Offer cups, spoons, or bath toys for pouring and scooping. For toddlers, you can add a few drops of food coloring or floating objects to spark discovery.

Safety reminder: Always supervise water play closely, even with very small amounts.

3. Mess-Free Finger Painting

Place a piece of paper inside a resealable plastic bag and add a few drops of non-toxic paint. Seal the bag tightly and tape it to a highchair tray or table. Infants can press, squish, and move the paint around without getting messy.

This activity introduces color mixing while stimulating touch and sight.

4. Nature Sensory Walk

Step outside and let your child explore the world around them. Encourage them to feel grass, listen to birds, or smell flowers. For toddlers, collect small sticks, leaves, or pinecones to create a nature basket indoors.

Outdoor sensory play encourages observation skills and strengthens a child’s connection to their environment.

5. Sound Exploration Jars

Fill small, tightly sealed containers with items like rice, beads, or pasta. Let your child shake and listen to the different sounds each jar makes. This activity builds auditory discrimination and rhythm awareness.

For safety, always ensure lids are securely fastened.

Why Sensory Play Matters

Engaging infants and toddlers in sensory play supports:

Cognitive growth and problem-solving
Language development through new experiences
Fine and gross motor skill development
Emotional regulation and self-soothing

At Little Scholars Learning Center, we believe play is the foundation of early learning. By incorporating these simple activities at home, you can support your child’s development while creating joyful bonding moments together.