20+ Fun Spring Sensory Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers
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Spring brings warmer weather, outdoor activities, and fun changes to see and do. Kids of all ages can explore the world around them through these sensory activities.
I am absolutely in love with these amazing spring sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers that I found. I know your kids are going to love playing with these too. What a fun way to celebrate the coming of spring and warmer weather.
Spring sensory play table of contents
What are the benefits of sensory play?
Sensory play has many benefits, especially for the toddler and preschool age demographic. This includes:
- Physical development through exploring the 8 senses
- Language development
- Cognitive skills like problem-solving and STEM exploration
- Social and emotional skills to help with self-regulation and playing with others
- Creative development
- Sensory input through the 8 senses to help with sensory challenges or self-regulation skills
- Fine motor skill development
- Visual-motor skill development
- Plus, sensory play is so much fun!
You can read more details on the benefits of sensory play and messy play in my blog post here.
What are sensory activities examples?
Sensory activities are any type of activity that engages the 8 senses. Yes, there are 8! You probably think of sensory activities as messy play, but it can be so much more than that.
The 8 senses include:
- Tactile (touch)
- Vision (sight)
- Gustatory (taste)
- Auditory (hearing)
- Olfactory (smell)
- Proprioception (body awareness and input from the muscles and joints)
- Vestibular (sense of balance)
- Interoception (internal sensations such as hunger, thirst, and bathroom needs)
Sensory play activities can target one or more of each of the sensory systems. Many of these activities can have a regulating effect on children, particularly if they need help with attention and focus throughout the day. All children benefit from sensory play though, as we discussed above.
You can read more about all 8 of the sensory systems here.
20+ Fun Spring Sensory Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Here are some fun spring-themed sensory play ideas for toddlers and preschoolers.
Sensory Bins are a great way to encourage sensory exploration and play, here are some of my favorites for spring.
Spring Sensory Bin from Teaching Mama
Spring Sensory Tub from Time for Flashcards
Gardening Sensory Bin from Fantastic Fun and Learning
Spring garden sensory bin from Mess for Less
Spring Sensory Tub with Carrots from Nurture Store
Ladybug life-cycle sensor play from Natural Beach Living
Water beads are another fun sensory play base. You can also use tapioca pearls for younger toddlers who may still put things in their mouths, or if you want a more environmentally friendly activity.
Frog pond water bead sensory play from Messy Little Monster
Water beads in mud sensory bin from Happy Toddler Playtime
Garden sensory play with water beads from Mommy Evolution
Water tables are a great spring sensory play activity since you can set them up outside to help avoid the watery mess. Here are a few fun water-based ideas.
Spring-Scented Water Bin Play Date Idea from The OT Toolbox
Spring Sensory Water Table from The Pleasant Things
Spring Colored Sand Play from Buggy and Buddy
Spring-Scented Water Sensory Bin from Fun A Day
Spring flower sensory play from Natural Beach Living
Sensory bottles are a great way to set up some sensory play and emotional regulation stations in your home or classroom. There are so many fun-themed ones, here are a few of my favorite spring ones.
Spring flower sensory bottle from My Little 3 and Me
Butterfly life-cycle sensory bottles from Fun-A-Day
Insects sensory bottles from The Chaos and the Clutter
Spring sensory bottles from The Chaos and the Clutter
Sensory bags are a great way for children to explore while avoiding some of the mess. It's a great first activity for children who may not want to get messy. It can also be a great idea for younger toddlers so they don't put things in their mouths.
Here are some fun spring-themed sensory bags.
Spring sensory bag from Artsy Momma
Spring flower sensory squish bag from Fantastic Fun and Learning
Spring sensory seek and find from The OT Toolbox
Rainbow sensory bag for toddlers from Messy Little Monster
Do you have a favorite spring sensory play activity idea? Share it in the comments below!
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I just saw on playconnect.org a cute sensory flower activity – actually three that I loved! It involves drying some flower petals!