Summer Sensory Activities For Toddlers

Summer is the perfect time to let your toddler explore the world around them.

With longer days and warmer weather, there are endless opportunities for sensory play that can keep your little one entertained while also aiding in their development. Sensory activities are crucial for toddlers as they help in the development of motor skills, language, social skills, and cognitive growth.

Here are some specific and easy-to-set-up sensory activities to make this summer unforgettable for your toddler.

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1. Frozen Treasure Hunt

Freeze small toys or objects in ice cube trays or larger containers filled with water. Once frozen, give your toddler tools like plastic hammers, warm water in squeeze bottles, or spoons to excavate the treasures.

This activity is excellent for fine motor skills and sensory exploration.

Tools I Recommend For This

Silicone Ice Cube Trays – Flexible and easy to use for freezing small toys.Plastic Hammers and Tools Set – Safe tools for little hands to excavate frozen treasures.
Squeeze Bottles – Perfect for adding warm water to melt the ice.

2. DIY Water Wall

Create a water wall using a pegboard or a sturdy piece of wood. Attach funnels, plastic tubes, and water wheels using zip ties or strong tape.

Provide a bucket of water and cups for your toddler to pour water through the various pathways. This activity encourages problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.

Tools You May Need

Pegboard – A sturdy base for creating a water wall.
Plastic Tubes and Funnels – Essential components for the water pathways.
Water Wheels – Fun additions to enhance the water play experience.

3. Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin

Dye rice in various colors using food coloring and vinegar. Once dry, mix the colored rice in a large bin. Add small toys, scoops, and cups for your toddler to explore. The bright colors and textures provide a stimulating sensory experience.

Suggested Tools

White Rice – The base material for the sensory bin.
Food Coloring Set – To dye the rice in vibrant colors.
Sensory Bin – A large container for the activity.

4. Outdoor Mud Kitchen

Set up a mud kitchen in your backyard using old pots, pans, and utensils. Provide a designated area with dirt, water, and natural materials like leaves, sticks, and flowers. Encourage your toddler to make mud pies, “soups,” and other imaginative concoctions. This messy play activity is fantastic for tactile exploration.

Supplies For This Activity

Mud Kitchen Set – Includes pots, pans, and utensils.
Play Aprons – To keep clothes clean during messy play.
Kids Gardening Tools – Perfect for digging and mixing.

5. Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting

Lay out a large sheet of bubble wrap and tape it to the ground. Pour different colors of washable paint onto the bubble wrap. Let your toddler walk, jump, and stomp on the bubble wrap, creating unique patterns and enjoying the popping sensation under their feet. This activity combines sensory stimulation with artistic expression.

Tools

Large Bubble Wrap Roll – For creating a stomping surface.
Washable Paint Set – Safe and easy-to-clean paints.
Painter’s Tape – To secure the bubble wrap to the ground.

6. Nature Collage

Take a nature walk with your toddler and collect various natural items like leaves, flowers, sticks, and stones. Once home, provide a large piece of paper and glue. Help your toddler create a nature collage by gluing the collected items onto the paper. This activity enhances sensory exploration and creativity.

Tools

Large Craft Paper Roll – A big canvas for the collage.
Glue Sticks – For attaching natural items to the paper.
Nature Walk Collection Bag – A fun bag for collecting items on a walk.

7. Ocean Sensory Bag

Fill a large resealable plastic bag with clear hair gel, blue food coloring, and small ocean-themed toys like fish and shells. Seal the bag securely and tape the edges for extra safety. Let your toddler squish and move the items around inside the bag. This no-mess activity is perfect for visual and tactile stimulation.

Tools

Resealable Plastic Bags – Durable bags for the sensory activity.
Clear Hair Gel – To fill the sensory bag.
Ocean-Themed Toys – Small toys to include in the sensory bag.

8. Scented Playdough

Make homemade playdough and add different scents using essential oils or food extracts (like vanilla, lemon, or peppermint). Provide cookie cutters, rolling pins, and other playdough tools. The scented playdough offers a multi-sensory experience through touch and smell, promoting creativity and fine motor skills.

Tools

Homemade Playdough – All the ingredients you need to make playdough.
Essential Oils Set – For adding different scents.
Playdough Tools – Cookie cutters, rolling pins, and more.

9. Flower Soup

Fill a large bin or sensory table with water and add flower petals, leaves, and herbs. Provide your toddler with spoons, ladles, and small bowls to mix and create their own “flower soup.”

This activity engages the senses of touch, sight, and smell, while also encouraging imaginative play.

Tools

Large Sensory Table – Perfect for outdoor sensory activities.
Mixing Bowls and Utensils – For making flower soup.
Gardening Kit for Kids – Includes tools for collecting flowers and leaves.

10. Glow Stick Bath Time

Turn bath time into a sensory delight by adding glow sticks to the water. Dim the lights and let your toddler enjoy the glowing colors in the bath. This activity provides a calming visual sensory experience and makes bath time extra fun.

Tools

Glow Sticks – To create a fun and glowing bath experience.
Bathtub Non-Slip Mat – For safety during bath time.
Bath Toys – Additional toys to make bath time even more enjoyable.