15 Simple Homemade Sensory Play Ideas

For many autistic children, sensory play is more than just fun. It can be helpful for some children to support regulation, build confidence, and create moments of calm in a busy world. The good news is that meaningful sensory experiences do not need to be expensive, complicated, or require special equipment. Some of the best activities can be created with everyday items already sitting in your cupboards, laundry, or craft drawer.

Adriana, one of our wonderful Behaviour Support Practitioners, has put together a practical list of homemade sensory activities compiled from a range of online ideas - all designed to be simple, engaging, and family-friendly.

These ideas are especially helpful for weekends, school holidays, or those after-school hours when children may need support to unwind, reconnect, or burn off some energy in a positive way.

Each activity may offer sensory input through movement, touch, sound, touch or calming repetitive play, while also creating simple opportunities for connection between parents and children. There is no pressure to do them perfectly. The value is often found in the shared experience, the laughter, the curiosity, and learning what helps your child feel safe and regulated. Every child is different, so not every activity will suit every child, and that’s completely okay.

Below, you’ll find 15 easy sensory ideas using common household items, with examples and links to help you get started. Try one, try a few, and most importantly, follow your child’s lead and have fun together.

A quick note for families:
These activities are general ideas gathered from commonly shared sensory play resources. Every child has different sensory preferences and support needs, so not every activity will suit every child. Please supervise children during activities, consider allergies or safety risks, and stop if your child seems uncomfortable or overwhelmed. 

1. Chia seed sensory play: Watch on YouTube here. 

2. Bubble foam (all you need is a tray, water, bubble bath, food colouring and then add toys such trucks, fish, animals). You can also add a brush and clean the toys.



3. Sensory foam dough
(1 cup cornflour, ½ cup foam shaving cream, food colouring)

Want to make it even bigger? Check out And Next Comes L for a giant shaving cream rainbow sensory play activity that sounds a lot of fun and a great full body experience. 

4. Sensory bags.  Check out this YouTube short for ideas on how to make your own sensory bag. Or check out Little Learning Club for 100 Sensory Bag ideas. 

5. Bubble dough



6. Homemade playdoh

7. Wax resist art activity - watch this simple demo on how to create your own. 



8. Leaf rubbing art (similar to wax resit activity above). Read about some ideas on Mama Pappa Bubba or check out this demonstration on Pinterest. 

9. Leaf stamping nature activity

10. Ocean sensory play idea from 7 Days of Play. 

   

11. Kinetic sand



or

12. Colour pasta or chickpeas for sensory play. You can make necklaces or sort into colours for fine motor skills practice.  Take a look at these great recipes from Raising Wild Children. 

 

13. The arctic rescue (Ice Play) – freeze plastic fish or animals in containers overnight. Use warm cloth to melt the ice and rescue the objects.

14. Sensory ice smash from the OT Toolbox. 



15. Cotton/ cotton pad art