5 Important Things to Know About Sensory Play (From a Certified Play Therapist)
Sensory play might look like simple fun, scooping sand, splashing water, squishing playdough, but it’s so much more than just a messy activity. As a certified play therapist (or guided by one), I’m here to share five key things to know about sensory play and why it’s one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s development.
1. It’s More Than Just Messy Play
At first glance, sensory play can look like chaos, but underneath the surface, a child’s brain is hard at work. When babies and young children explore textures, sounds, and movement, they’re building vital brain connections that support language development, problem-solving, and emotional growth.
2. All the Senses Count
We often think of touch when we talk about sensory play, but there’s so much more to it. Sensory play engages all the senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and movement (also called proprioception and vestibular input). Each sense plays a role in helping children learn about the world and how they fit into it.
3. It Helps Regulate Emotions
Sensory experiences are grounding. A toddler swirling water, a baby feeling soft fabric, or a preschooler jumping in a pile of leaves, these moments help children feel safe, calm, and in control. It’s one of the reasons sensory play is such a powerful tool for emotional regulation.
4. It Boosts Learning and Memory
Children are experiential learners. Sensory play gives them a hands-on way to make sense of new information, helping concepts “stick.” Whether it’s pouring water into cups (early math), mixing colors (science), or listening to the sound of rain (language development), these sensory-rich moments support long-term understanding.
5. You Don’t Need Fancy Toys
The best sensory tools are often the simplest. Nature provides a rich sensory landscape, think sand, water, leaves, sticks, shells. Household items like rice, lentils, wooden spoons, and scarves can become magical tools in play. You don’t need plastic gadgets or expensive kits to create meaningful, developmentally rich play experiences.
💛 Final Thought:
Sensory play doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be purposeful. Follow your child’s curiosity, embrace the mess (or set up outdoors!), and trust that even the simplest activities are doing big things for their brains and bodies.