Best 15 Sensory Activities for Nursery: A Complete Guide for Early Years Development

Sensory play forms the cornerstone of early childhood development, offering young children invaluable opportunities to explore the world through their five senses. In nursery settings, sensory activities for nursery create pathways for children to build essential cognitive, physical, and emotional skills whilst engaging in playful exploration. Understanding how to implement these activities effectively can transform your early years provision and support each child's unique developmental journey.

What Are Sensory Activities and Why Do They Matter?

Sensory activities engage children's senses—touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste—alongside movement and balance. These experiences are particularly vital during the early years when brain development occurs at its most rapid pace. Research shows that sensory stimulation helps build neural connections that support language acquisition, motor skill development, and problem-solving abilities.

For nursery-aged children, sensory play encourages natural curiosity whilst developing critical thinking skills. Through hands-on exploration, children learn to process sensory information, which becomes foundational for future learning experiences. Moreover, these activities support emotional regulation, helping young learners manage feelings and build resilience.

The Developmental Benefits of Sensory Play in Early Years Settings

Implementing sensory activities for nursery provides numerous developmental advantages. Children develop fine motor skills through grasping, pouring, and manipulating various materials. These seemingly simple actions strengthen hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination, preparing children for more complex tasks like writing and using scissors.

Language development flourishes during sensory play as children describe textures, colours, and experiences. This rich vocabulary building occurs naturally when educators ask open-ended questions and encourage verbal expression. Social skills also develop as children share materials, take turns, and collaborate during group sensory activities.

Cognitive growth accelerates through sensory exploration. Children engage in cause-and-effect thinking, pattern recognition, and scientific reasoning when they experiment with different materials. This experiential learning creates lasting memories and deeper understanding compared to passive observation.

15 Outstanding Sensory Activities for Nursery Settings

1. Sensory Treasure Baskets

Create collections of natural and everyday objects with varying textures, weights, and materials. Include items like wooden spoons, fabric squares, pine cones, and metal containers. Children explore independently, developing object permanence and classification skills whilst engaging their sense of touch and sight.

2. Water Play Stations

Set up shallow trays with water and various tools like cups, funnels, and sponges. Add elements such as floating toys or coloured water to enhance visual interest. Water play develops mathematical concepts like volume and capacity whilst providing calming sensory input.

3. Playdough Exploration

Offer homemade or shop-bought playdough with tools like rolling pins, cutters, and stamps. This classic sensory activity strengthens hand muscles, encourages creativity, and provides therapeutic tactile stimulation. Children can add scents like lavender or vanilla for olfactory engagement.

4. Natural Loose Parts Play

Gather materials like leaves, stones, shells, and twigs for open-ended exploration. This approach, inspired by nature-based learning, allows children to sort, stack, and create whilst connecting with the natural world. It's particularly effective in outdoor learning environments.

5. Sensory Rice or Pasta Bins

Fill large containers with coloured rice or dried pasta, hiding small toys or objects inside. Add scoops, containers, and sieves for extended play. This tactile experience develops fine motor control and provides opportunities for imaginative play scenarios.

6. Jelly and Foam Exploration

Create safe, edible jelly or foam for messy play sessions. The unusual textures encourage children to overcome sensory hesitations whilst exploring new tactile sensations. This activity supports sensory integration and body awareness.

7. Ice Excavation Activities

Freeze small toys or natural objects in ice blocks. Children use warm water, salt, or tools to release the items. This activity combines scientific learning with sensory exploration, teaching about temperature changes and material properties.

8. Musical Instrument Exploration

Provide a variety of instruments—shakers, drums, bells, and xylophones—for auditory sensory development. Children experiment with sound production, volume, and rhythm, supporting auditory processing and musical awareness.

9. Scented Playdough or Clay

Create playdough infused with natural scents like orange peel, cinnamon, or mint. This multi-sensory activity engages smell alongside touch, creating memorable experiences that support cognitive development and memory formation.

10. Light Table Activities

Use a light table or torch with translucent materials like coloured acetate, leaves, or water beads. This visual sensory activity captivates children's attention whilst teaching about light, colour mixing, and transparency.

11. Texture Walking Paths

Create floor pathways using different materials—bubble wrap, fabric, sandpaper, or foam. Children walk barefoot, experiencing varied tactile sensations through their feet. This proprioceptive activity supports sensory awareness and body coordination.

12. Gardening and Planting

Involve children in real planting activities, handling soil, seeds, and watering plants. This practical activity engages multiple senses whilst teaching about growth, responsibility, and natural cycles. The ongoing nature of gardening provides long-term engagement.

13. Messy Mark Making

Offer paint, mud, or cornflour paste for mark-making experiences on large surfaces. Children explore different materials' properties whilst developing pre-writing skills. This activity encourages experimentation without pressure for specific outcomes.

14. Scent Matching Games

Prepare containers with different natural scents—herbs, fruits, flowers. Children smell and match or identify scents, developing olfactory discrimination. This often-overlooked sense plays an important role in memory and emotional development.

15. Sound Bottles or Shakers

Fill clear containers with various materials—rice, bells, buttons—creating different sounds. Children shake, compare, and match sounds, developing auditory discrimination and listening skills essential for language development.

Implementing Sensory Activities Safely in Your Nursery

Safety remains paramount when planning sensory activities for nursery environments. Always supervise children closely, particularly during activities involving small objects or liquids. Choose age-appropriate materials, ensuring items are large enough to prevent choking hazards for younger children.

Consider individual children's sensory sensitivities and preferences. Some children may find certain textures overwhelming initially. Offer alternatives and never force participation. Creating a supportive environment where children can observe before joining encourages confidence building.

Maintain hygiene standards by cleaning materials regularly and ensuring children wash hands before and after sensory play. Use food-safe materials when appropriate, particularly for younger children who may mouth objects during exploration.

Creating an Effective Sensory-Rich Environment

Transform your nursery space by incorporating sensory opportunities throughout daily routines. Designate specific areas for messy play, equipped with protective flooring and easy-clean surfaces. Rotate materials regularly to maintain interest and provide varied sensory experiences.

Consider outdoor spaces as valuable sensory environments. Natural elements like grass, soil, and water provide rich sensory input that indoor materials cannot replicate. Encourage all-weather outdoor play, as experiencing different weather conditions contributes to sensory development.

Store sensory materials accessibly, allowing children some autonomy in activity selection. This promotes independence and respects children's individual interests, following child-led learning principles that support engagement and motivation.

How Little Mowgli Nursery Supports Sensory Development

At Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland, sensory exploration forms an integral part of the daily curriculum. The nursery's nature-inspired approach, reflected in their Tigers and Giraffes rooms, creates abundant opportunities for rich sensory experiences both indoors and outdoors. The setting's commitment to outdoor learning in all weathers ensures children receive varied sensory input throughout the year.

Little Mowgli Nursery recognises that each child develops at their own pace, offering individualised support within a nurturing, community-focused environment. The nursery's play-based curriculum naturally incorporates sensory activities for nursery-aged children, supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements whilst fostering curiosity and independence. Through their emphasis on hands-on experiences and connection with nature, Little Mowgli Nursery creates an environment where sensory learning flourishes organically, helping children build confidence and essential developmental skills.

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Conclusion: Embracing Sensory Learning in Your Nursery

Implementing diverse sensory activities for nursery creates powerful learning opportunities that support children's holistic development. These experiences build neural connections, develop essential skills, and foster confidence through playful exploration. By understanding the developmental benefits and offering varied sensory experiences, early years practitioners can create enriching environments where every child thrives.

Whether you're establishing a new sensory provision or enhancing existing activities, remember that simple, natural materials often provide the most engaging experiences. Observe children's responses, follow their interests, and celebrate the joy of discovery that sensory play brings.

If you're seeking a nurturing nursery environment where sensory learning and nature-based exploration form part of daily life, discover more about Little Mowgli Nursery at their website. Their experienced team creates meaningful sensory experiences within a warm, community-focused setting where every child's unique journey is valued and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Activities for Nursery

What age should sensory activities start?

Sensory activities can begin from birth, adapting complexity as children grow. For nursery-aged children between six months and five years, activities should match developmental stages. Babies benefit from simple treasure baskets, whilst preschoolers engage with more complex sensory investigations. Always supervise younger children closely and provide age-appropriate materials to ensure safety.

How often should nurseries offer sensory play?

Ideally, sensory opportunities should be available daily within nursery settings. Rather than isolated activities, integrate sensory experiences throughout routines—during mealtimes, outdoor play, and creative sessions. This consistent exposure supports optimal sensory integration and allows children to revisit favourite activities, deepening their learning through repetition and experimentation.

Can sensory activities help children with additional needs?

Absolutely. Sensory play particularly benefits children with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental delays. These activities provide controlled sensory input, helping children regulate responses and build tolerance. Work with specialists to tailor activities to individual needs, ensuring experiences remain positive and therapeutic rather than overwhelming.

What's the difference between messy play and sensory play?

Whilst overlapping, these terms aren't identical. Sensory play encompasses any activity engaging the senses, including non-messy experiences like listening to music or smelling flowers. Messy play specifically involves materials that create disorder—paint, mud, foam—and represents one type of sensory experience. Both hold value in early years development.

How do you manage children who avoid sensory activities?

Never force participation. Instead, allow observational learning where children watch peers enjoying activities without pressure to join. Offer alternative sensory experiences matching their comfort level. Gradually introduce new textures through preferred activities. Some children need extended time to warm to sensory exploration—patience and gentle encouragement support their development.