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Writer's pictureAmanda Griffith

Celebrating Spring: Sensory Play Activities for Kids

Toddler walking through a flower arch during a Nature Explorers mommy and me class.


As the days grow longer and the air fills with the sweet scent of blossoming flowers, it's time to welcome the arrival of spring with open arms. Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and exploration, making it the perfect time to engage children in sensory play activities that celebrate the beauty of nature. In this article, we'll delve into the world of spring sensory play, offering creative and engaging activities that encourage children to explore textures, colors, and scents using flowers, grass, and other natural materials.



Flower Petal Sensory Bin:

Fill a large bin with fresh flower petals of various colors. Invite children to explore the petals with their hands, feeling the softness and delicacy of each petal. Encourage them to sort the petals by color or size, promoting sensory exploration and fine motor skills development.


Grass Painting:

Take painting outdoors by using fresh blades of grass as paintbrushes! Dip the ends of the grass blades into washable paint and let children experiment with creating colorful patterns and designs on paper. This activity not only engages children's senses but also allows them to connect with nature in a hands-on way.


Scented Playdough Creations:

Infuse homemade playdough with natural scents inspired by spring, such as lavender, citrus, or mint. Set out a variety of playdough tools and natural materials like flower petals, leaves, and twigs for children to use in their creations. Encourage them to explore different textures and scents as they mold and shape their playdough masterpieces.


Nature Sensory Walk:

Take children on a sensory walk outdoors to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of spring. Encourage them to touch tree bark, listen for birdsong, and smell fragrant flowers as they wander through nature. Use this opportunity to engage children's senses and spark their curiosity about the natural world.


Seed Planting Sensory Activity:

Provide children with a variety of seeds and small pots filled with soil. Encourage them to use their hands to plant the seeds in the soil, feeling the texture of the seeds and the earth beneath their fingers. As they plant, discuss the process of seed germination and the importance of caring for plants.


Sensory Garden Exploration:

Create a sensory garden in your outdoor space or visit a local botanical garden with children. Encourage them to touch and smell different plants, flowers, and herbs, engaging their senses and fostering a deeper connection to nature.


Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin:

Dye rice in vibrant spring colors using food coloring or natural dyes made from fruits and vegetables. Fill a sensory bin with the rainbow-colored rice and provide scoops, cups, and containers for children to explore and manipulate the rice. This activity encourages color recognition, sensory exploration, and imaginative play.


Toddler observing flowers during a Nature Explorers mommy and me class.


Spring sensory play offers children the opportunity to engage their senses, explore the natural world, and unleash their creativity. By incorporating activities that celebrate the textures, colors, and scents of spring, we can inspire a lifelong love of nature and curiosity about the world around us. So, let's embrace the season of renewal and growth by encouraging children to immerse themselves in the sensory delights of spring and let’s get outside!



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