Walk into any vibrant early childhood setting and you'll likely find children doing things that might, at first glance, look like simple fun.
They're digging their hands into sand, squishing playdough, splashing in water, or painting with their fingers. As an occupational therapist with 16 years of experience working with children, and as a mum of two, I can tell you that what’s happening in those moments goes far deeper than fun. Sensory play is one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting children's development, and the science behind it is genuinely fascinating.
What is sensory play?
Sensory play refers to any activity that engages one or more of a child's senses. Most people immediately think of the five familiar senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell), but sensory play also engages two lesser-known senses that are equally important for development.
The
vestibular sense relates to movement and balance, giving children information about where their body is in space.
The proprioceptive sense comes from the muscles and joints, helping children understand the position and force of their body. When children climb, jump, push, pull or carry heavy objects, they're feeding these systems in ways that are deeply regulating for the nervous system.
I've spent years explaining this to parents in clinic, and the moment they understand that their child's need to crash into cushions is not naughtiness but a genuine sensory need, everything shifts.
Why sensory play matters for brain development
In the early years, the brain is developing at a remarkable pace. From birth to around age five, children are building billions of neural connections – the pathways that’ll form the foundation of thinking, learning, language, movement and emotional regulation for the rest of their lives.
Sensory experiences are what drive this process. Every time a child touches a new texture, hears a new sound, or moves their body in a new way, their brain creates and strengthens neural pathways. Research in neuroscience consistently shows that hands-on, sensory-rich learning in the early years builds the brain architecture that supports everything from attention and memory to problem-solving and creativity.
How sensory play supports cognitive development and language
When children engage in sensory play, they’re not just having fun – they are thinking.
Sensory play naturally invites children to observe, question, predict and problem-solve. What happens if I mix these two colours? How can I make this tower taller without it falling?
These are the beginnings of scientific thinking and logical reasoning. Children who engage with open-ended materials like natural loose parts, dough or the craft materials found in My Creative Box Collage Sensory Activity Boxes are building skills in sorting, cause and effect, spatial reasoning and creative thinking, all of which form the building blocks of later academic learning.
There is also a strong connection between sensory play and language development that I see in clinic all the time. Children who find it hard to sit and talk will often open up beautifully while their hands are busy. When we name what children are noticing, ask open questions, and introduce new vocabulary during sensory play, we give language something concrete and immediate to attach to.
How sensory play supports emotional regulation
Many parents notice that sensory play seems to have a calming effect on children, and there’s good reason for that.
Sensory experiences, particularly those involving deep touch, heavy work or rhythmic movement, help to regulate the nervous system. Activities like kneading dough, digging in sand, or focused craft activities can help children who are feeling anxious, overstimulated or dysregulated to return to a more settled state.
The benefits of sensory play for children with different sensory needs
Children experience and respond to sensory input differently. Some are highly sensitive and may find certain textures, sounds or smells overwhelming. Others actively seek out strong sensory input. Both are within the range of typical variation, though children with sensory processing differences, autism or developmental delays may have more pronounced needs.
The key is to follow the child's lead. Forcing a child to engage with a material they find distressing is counterproductive. Offering choice and a range of options allows each child to engage in ways that feel manageable and enjoyable. I think about this as a parent too. My two children have very different sensory profiles, and honouring that difference makes all the difference.
Bringing sensory play home
Rich sensory play does not require elaborate resources. Nature is one of the best sensory environments children can access – sand, water, mud, sticks and leaves offer a remarkable range of experiences that are free and readily available.
For families who want activities that are thoughtfully put together and take the planning out of it, resources like the My Creative Box Collage Sensory Activity Boxes are a perfect option. Each box brings together a wide range of supplies and materials that support sensory development through creative play, with everything neatly organised. As a mum, I know how much that matters on a busy weekday afternoon when you want to offer something meaningful but do not have the bandwidth to set it all up from scratch.
A final thought
Sensory play is not a luxury or an extra – it’s an essential part of how young children learn, grow and make sense of the world. The next time you see a child with muddy hands or a face covered in paint, know that something important is happening. The learning is in the mess, and it is well worth embracing.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice and is not a substitute for assessment or support from a qualified allied health professional. If you have concerns about your child's sensory development, please seek advice from an occupational therapist or other relevant health professional.
About the author
Sally Galloway is a paediatric occupational therapist with 16 years of experience and the founder of Regulation Rituals®, The Early Childhood Method. Over her career, Sally has worked with thousands of families and supported more than 650 early learning services across Australia to build environments and practices that truly work for all children. She is also the founder of a charity dedicated to children of all abilities. Sally lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband, her two children, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Leo. When she is not working, you will most likely find her salty at the beach or somewhere out in nature.
