Top 10 Sensory Activities to Try at Home with Your Little One

In the vibrant homes of Sydney, parents are always on the lookout for engaging and beneficial ways to support their children's development. While structured learning has its place, the magic of discovery often unfolds in hands-on, interactive ways. This is where sensory activities truly shine. 

They don’t require complicated setups; often, the best experiences can be sparked with everyday items, or enhanced with thoughtfully designed play tools. Sensory play helps children explore the world using all their senses, supporting creativity, fine motor skills, and stronger parent-child connections. 

Here are 10 inspiring sensory activities to try at home with your little one, perfect for curious minds and busy hands. 

1. The Classic Sensory Bin 

A sensory bin filled with different textures and objects offers endless opportunities for scooping, pouring, sorting, and imaginative storytelling. It’s calming, engaging, and encourages focus. With Only Play’s durable, child-safe accessories, these bins can be transformed into versatile play stations that grow with your child. 

2. Playdough & Soft Mouldable Materials 

Soft, squishy materials like playdough are fantastic for building hand strength, sparking creativity, and encouraging imaginative designs. Adding scents or colours makes the experience even richer. Only Play’s playdough tools and sets ensure safe, long-lasting fun. 

3. Water Play Adventures 

From splashing to pouring, water play is a favourite for children of all ages. It develops coordination, introduces concepts like sinking and floating, and provides a soothing sensory outlet. Our range of safe water-play sets make setup easy and mess controlled. 

4. Messy Finger Painting 

Finger painting allows children to experiment freely with colours and textures, encouraging confidence and creative expression. Parents love it for its developmental benefits, while Only Play’s washable, child-friendly materials make cleanup stress-free. 

5. Edible & Taste-Safe Sensory Experiences 

Taste-safe sensory play (like soft, squishy textures or colourful edible play bases) is wonderful for younger children. It engages multiple senses, sight, touch, smell, and taste, making it both safe and enriching. Only Play offers ready-made kits designed for age-appropriate edible play. 

6. Nature’s Treasure Bin 

Leaves, stones, shells, and sticks spark curiosity when brought into play. Exploring natural textures helps children connect with the outdoors and inspires imaginative scenarios. Pairing these treasures with Only Play’s magnifiers and tools adds structure and safety to discovery. 

7. Sensory Bottles & Bags 

Calming and visually stimulating, sensory bottles or squishy bags help children focus and self-regulate. They’re perfect for quiet time or travel. Only Play offers a wide range of safe, ready-to-use sensory bottles that provide the same benefits without DIY hassles. 

8. Cloud Dough & Textured Materials 

Soft, crumbly textures that can be moulded and shaped create a unique sensory experience. Children love experimenting with form and structure, while parents value the fine motor development it encourages. Only Play’s pre-prepared sets make it easy and less messy. 

9. Musical Play with Simple Instruments 

Homemade or toy instruments introduce rhythm, sound, and movement. It’s a wonderful way to engage auditory senses and build confidence. Only Play’s curated range of child-safe musical instruments helps bring joyful sound play into any home. 

10. The "Feely" Box 

Guessing objects by touch builds descriptive language and problem-solving skills. It’s fun, surprising, and develops tactile awareness. Our sensory kits come with safe, textured items that make this game simple to set up anytime. 

Conclusion 

Sensory play is one of the most rewarding ways to support your child’s growth and development. While many parents use everyday items, investing in high-quality sensory tools ensures safety, durability, and endless play possibilities. 

At Only Play, we specialise in products that elevate these experiences, helping you turn simple ideas into enriching, long-lasting activities. From versatile bins and tactile play kits to safe musical and art sets, our products are designed to inspire joyful, meaningful play. 

Ready to transform your home into a hub of sensory discovery? Explore our range today and create unforgettable moments with your little one right here in Sydney. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: What age group are these sensory activities suitable for?

Sensory activities can be adapted for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older children. The key is choosing safe, age-appropriate tools and materials. 

Q2: Why is sensory play so important? 

Q3: How do Only Play’s products help?