Summer with toddlers is full of snack requests, sticky fingers, and requests for Paw Patrol at least 12 times before noon.
But sensory play? Fun learning activities?
That’s a magic trick.
It gives their hands something to do, sparks their imagination, and gives you a few peaceful sips of hot coffee before it turns cold!
The best part? You don’t need a backyard or a Pinterest degree.
Here are 11 toddler-approved sensory activities using Jell-O®, oil, water, and other things you probably already have at home.
Toddler Sensory Activities
1. Jell-O® Dig (Yes, it’s as fun—and messy—as it sounds.)
Make a batch of Jell-O® and set tiny toys inside as it sets (think bugs, animals, or ocean creatures). Once it’s firm, let your toddler dig through the squishy mess with spoons or fingers to uncover the hidden treasure.
Pro tip: Do this outside or in the bathtub for easier cleanup.
2. Ice Cube Rescue
Freeze small toys (animals, dinosaurs, big coins) in ice cube trays or muffin tins. Then give your toddler warm water, droppers, salt, or kid-safe tools to melt and chip their treasures free.
It’s a science lesson and playtime in one!
3. Kitchen Sink Splash Station
Plug the sink or grab a large bin and fill it with cups, spoons, ladles, and plastic toys. It turns into an instant splash station!
Let your toddler scoop, pour, and blow bubbles to their heart’s content. Add a bath bomb or a few drops of bubble bath for extra fun.
For older toddlers, turn it into a pretend kitchen by adding plastic fruit and measuring spoons.
Want to sneak in a little number learning? Create simple cards that show how many of each fruit they need to gather for a built-in math activity.
4. Cloud Dough (2 Ingredients!)
Mix 8 parts flour to 1 part oil (vegetable or baby oil) until it’s moldable like wet sand. Add scoops, animals, or trucks to make it more fun.
Store in a container with a lid and reuse all week!
5. Shaving Cream Smash
Spread shaving cream on a tray and let them go to town. You can add a few small toys or a few drops of food coloring.
This would also make for a fun color lesson! Print out a simple color wheel and show them what happens when you mix two primary colors.
Please skip if your kiddo still puts everything in their mouth, or substitute whipped cream instead (if you don’t mind the sugar rush)!
6. Alphabet Car Parking
This is one of my son’s favorite activities we do together! All you need is painter’s tape, 12 toy cars (you can double it to 24 later, but we started with 12), and a bit of space to play.
- Start by cutting the painter’s tape into small rectangles and write a different letter on each piece of tape (we go in ABC order to make it easier to remember), then stick one on top of each car.
- Next, create your parking lot using a sheet of paper, a cardboard piece, or use a toy parking garage if you have one.
- Then cut another set of rectangles and write the same letters on them, one per parking space.
Now the fun begins! Have your toddler drive the cars to their matching letter spots for a fun and educational matching game!
7. Jell-O® + Water Combo Play
Layer cubes of firm Jell-O® into a bin and pour cool water over it for a unique texture play. It’s slippery, jiggly, and downright hilarious to toddlers.
You can also create a beach theme! Prep a small layer of blue Jell-O® in a bin or shallow dish. Before placing it in the fridge, tilt the bin slightly so the Jell-O® sets at an angle. This will give it a natural shoreline look.
Drop in a few sea creatures before it firms up to create an underwater scene. Once the it is set, pour a little water on the lower end to mimic the ocean and sprinkle crushed Cheerios on the higher side for a realistic sandy beach.
You can even add small beach toys, mini umbrellas, or a toy shovel for extra fun!
8. Rice Cake Farm Bin
Crush rice cakes to mimic sand/hay and pour it into a bin for a taste-safe sensory base. Add farm animals, tractors, and diggers and then let your toddler plow and pile.
Want to get wild? Use broccoli for trees and add oats or raisins as feed. It will be the yummiest (and best smelling), day on the farm.
9. Pom Pom Drop Wall
This is so fun! Tape empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls to the wall or side of a cabinet to make tunnels, then drop in pom poms or soft balls.
The simple act of watching them fall brings more giggles than you’d expect. You can also cut the tubes in half to create a rolling track for the little balls!
10. Water and Oil Spill
This simple science activity uses items you likely already have at home! Start by filling a bowl with water, then set out three small containers with a little bit of oil in each. Add a drop of natural food coloring to each oil container to create vibrant colors.
Using plastic syringes or kid-friendly basters, let your kiddo squeeze the colored oil into the water and watch the magic happen. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore oil and water separation.
11. Nature Soup
When I was a younger, I would make my parents the most gourmet dinner ever. Go on a walk and collect flower petals, grass, sticks, and leaves. Grab a bowl and use kitchen tools like ladles or whisks. Let them cook outdoors or by a sunny window.
Sensory play and learning activities don’t need to be fancy or complicated. With just a few basic supplies (and some wipes nearby), you can have fun in your kitchen or living room. Try one or two a week, rotate materials, and let your toddler lead the way. Mess and all!
