Kids & Company Blog

Summer Sensory Play Ideas Children Will Love

We are halfway through summer, and if you’re looking for new ways to keep your little ones engaged, we’ve got you covered. These sensory activities are simple to set up and perfect for keeping the summer spirit alive while encouraging creativity and exploration. Add a few of these to your list for some easy, hands-on fun!

 1. Sensory Painting 

Pine boughs, twigs and leaves are terrific sensory tools for painting. Provide your little one with various items, washable paint and easel paper for them to be able to explore using their senses and create a masterpiece at the same time. 

2. Sea Foam Sensory 

Combine 2 Tbsp of dish soap, 1/4 cup of water and food coloring in a bowl. Mix the ingredients on high with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes. Your foam should be able to form stiff peaks that hold their shape. Scoop the mixture into a sensory container and repeat as necessary until you have the desired amount of foam! Add play items for your child to explore the bubbly fun! 

3. Frozen Flowers

Create this fun sensory activity by freezing a variety of flowers in water. Freeze flowers or nature items in ice cube trays or containers, then place your colourful cubes into a shallow bin and invite your child to explore. Add small tools to the bin for your child to 'chip' out their treasures and explore the variety of colours, and retrieve flower petals as they melt.

4. Oil and Water 

Sensory bags can be filled with a variety of options. Place oil, water and food colouring in a zip-lock bag, seal and tape the top for your child to squish and explore. This bag can be taped to a table, highchair tray or given to your child to play. 

5. Leaf Exploration

Collect a variety of items from your backyard or on a nature walk to create a fun sensory experience. Your child can rip, snip or pull apart the items while they explore. Add cups and spoons for your child to fill and dump containers full of nature.

6. Ice Boats 

Create small 'ice boats' by filling an ice cube tray with water, add food colouring and a toothpick with a triangle sail attached. Freeze the boats and float in a sensory bin of water or take into the tub to explore

7. Garden Sensory 

Invite your child to play in a sensory bin with dry black beans that will represent dirt. Add plastic vegetables, shovels, garden pots and flowers to create a clean gardening experience for your child to play and learn.

We hope these sensory activities spark some summer fun and creativity for your little ones. For even more engaging ideas, check out our Kidco at Home resources, filled with activities handpicked by our team here at Kids & Company to support learning and play at home.

 

Posted on: Friday August 8th, 2025

Posted by: Kids & Company