When I think of sensory play, I think of exploration! Feet in the sand, fingers in the dirt, smelling the flowers and throwing stones in the water. Heading outdoors and allowing children to explore the world around them is a simple form of sensory play, and intensely beneficial to children of all ages. Indoor sensory play can be just as beneficial and simple, all you need is some type of sensory bin and a few easily gathered materials. Sand, water, dough, leaves, pebbles, all of these can be brought indoors for sensory play. Add some scoops, cups, tongs, and little hands and that’s all you need!

Here are a few examples of very quick and easy sensory play set ups that will engage kids in hours of open ended play.