Resources
Outdoor Sensory Play
Outdoor sensory play with open-ended materials — things kids can mix, blend, scoop, and explore without adult direction — is such an important way to support tactile processing, motor planning, praxis and fine motor skills. It is often very regulating and can keep a child happily engaged in independent play for longer stretches of time. Below are ideas, tools, and strategies to help you set up this kind of play at home.
Sensory Tables
A sensory table is a great place to start. Options vary in size, material, and cost, and many can be found second-hand. There is also a very reasonably priced one at Ikea. The key features to look for are removable bins and lids, which make cleaning and swapping out materials easier between uses.
Placing a vinyl covering or splat mat under the sensory table helps protect tile, wood, or other floor surfaces. These coverings can be wiped down quickly and stored away when play is finished.
“Ingredients”
It’s helpful to keep a small collection of “ingredients” on hand so you can rotate materials and keep play feeling fresh. Storing these in easy-to-open containers allows your child to access them more independently while still keeping things relatively clean and organized. A few of our favorites:
Corn starch
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All-purpose flour
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Bath color fizzies
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Fluffy foam soap
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Shaving cream
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White rice
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Crayola bathtub fingerpaint
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Kinetic sand
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Tools
You can also offer simple tools to extend play and support motor skills. These invite pouring, transferring, mixing, and experimenting, and they add another layer of interest to your child’s play. Some options we love:
Liquid droppers
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Silicone mixing spoons
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Mini plastic cups
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Mixing bowls with pour spout
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Plastic jars with lids
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Art trays
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Flex-grip tongs
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Fine motor tool set
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Kids paint brushes
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Scoops
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Reusable water balloons
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Large ice cube tray
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Extra-large ice cube molds
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Instant fake snow
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Bug catcher clips
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Nested mixing bowl set
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Art trays (10 pack)
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Water dispenser
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Sponges
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Squeeze bottles
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Spray bottles
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Funnels
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Small Toys
Finally, keep a few small toys nearby that can join the sensory scene. These can become part of your child’s stories and pretend-play themes, making the experience more meaningful and motivating.
Pull-back cars
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Little People Disney Princess set
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Tumbled stones
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Tumbled stones (bulk)
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Polished crystal stones
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Mini resin animals
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Small animal figures
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Arctic animal figures
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Set Up and Play
When you’re setting up, start simple. Offer one toy and 1–2 “ingredients” at a time, along with a couple of tools. Having a nearby water source — a hose, bucket, or large bowl of water — lets your child rinse hands, add water to mixtures, or clean off materials as they experiment. A towel within reach also makes it easier to wipe hands and reset when needed. This is especially important for kids who have tactile sensitivities. You want to make sure they are accessing the materials at their own pace and in ways that feel good to them, without any pressure.
As your child settles into play, you can gradually introduce additional toys or tools to extend their exploration. Try to avoid putting everything out at once, as too many options can be visually overwhelming and may actually reduce their interest and ability to stay engaged.
Videos of our favorite outdoor sensory activities are coming soon.
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