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10 Easy DIY Sensory Activities for Kids of All Ages and Abilities
Sensory activities don’t have to be expensive! They don’t have to be Pinterest perfect either. Today we’re going to share 10 easy DIY sensory based activities you can do from the comfort of your own home, at school or in the clinic!
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10 Easy DIY Sensory Activities For Kids Of All Ages And Abilities
Sensory play doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated! Every day, children engage with their environment using their senses, and simple DIY activities can provide valuable sensory input while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and motor development.
At Harkla, we believe in providing children with opportunities to explore and develop their sensory skills in an accessible, fun way. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, these 10 DIY sensory activities offer enriching experiences for children of all ages.
Understanding Sensory Thresholds And The “Just-Right Challenge”
Every child has a unique sensory threshold, which determines how much sensory input they need to feel regulated and engaged. Some children require high-intensity activities to stay alert and focused, while others may become overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
The key to effective sensory-based activities is finding the “just-right challenge”, where the task is engaging but not too difficult, helping the child build confidence and develop skills. When using the activities below, observe your child’s response to sensory input:
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Seem bored or disengaged: Increase the intensity (e.g., add weight, resistance, or more movement).
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Seem overwhelmed or overstimulated: Decrease the intensity (e.g., slow movements down, offer quieter activities).
Now, let’s dive into 10 engaging DIY sensory activities tailored for a range of sensory thresholds!
1. Ice Block Toys – Tactile, Interoception, & Visual Input
Best for kids who seek tactile and problem-solving challenges.
Freeze small toys inside ice cube trays, silicone molds, or a large bowl. Kids can use warm water in squeeze bottles, hammers, or salt to free the treasures and add food coloring for extra visual stimulation!
Skills Targeted:
Problem-solving, fine motor skills, cause-and-effect learning
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Wear gloves or provide a dry tool, like a wooden spoon, for tapping the ice.
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High Threshold: Add different textures inside the ice (e.g., sand, rice, or glitter) for a richer sensory experience.
2. Recycled Container Play – Fine Motor, Visual, & Proprioception
Best for kids who enjoy structured tasks with clear outcomes
Repurpose old food containers by cutting holes in the lid or sides. Provide small objects like pom-poms, pipe cleaners, or coins to insert through the openings.
Skills Targeted:
Hand-eye coordination, executive functioning, grasp strength.
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Use only one type of object for sorting to simplify the activity.
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High Threshold: Create an obstacle course where kids retrieve objects before placing them in the container.
3. Balloon Volleyball – Vestibular, Visual, & Auditory Processing
Best for kids who need movement to stay engaged
Blow up a balloon and play a slow-motion game of volleyball. Enhance the challenge using only specific body parts (elbows, knees, or feet) and add small beads inside the balloon for an auditory element.
Skills Targeted:
Motor planning, coordination, auditory discrimination
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Play in a seated position with slower movements.
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High Threshold: Incorporate balancing on a wobble cushion while playing.
4. Animal Walks – Proprioception, Vestibular, Tactile, & Visual Input
Best for kids who need full-body movement to self-regulate
Encourage kids to move like different animals:
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Bear Walk – Crawl on hands and feet
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Elephant Walk – Swing arms like a trunk while walking
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Turtle Crawl – Carry a weighted object on the back and move slowly
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Turkey Walk – Squat and waddle with knees together
Skills Targeted:
Balance, endurance, body awareness
How to Adjust for Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Start with fewer repetitions and allow breaks between movements.
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High Threshold: Combine multiple animal walks into a circuit challenge.
5. Straw Transfer Challenge – Oral Motor & Proprioception
Best for kids who need oral motor input for regulation
Have kids use a straw to pick up lightweight objects like small paper pieces or cereal and transfer them to another bowl.
Skills Targeted:
Oral motor control, breath regulation
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Use a wider straw for easier suction.
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High Threshold: Have kids crawl between bowls for added proprioceptive input.
6. Scented Bubble Slime – Tactile, Olfactory, Oral Motor, & Proprioception
Best for kids who enjoy hands-on exploration
Create DIY slime using:
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1 cup white glue
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½ cup liquid starch
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Essential oils or food extracts for scent
Stick a straw into the slime and have kids blow bubbles, adding an oral motor component!
Skills Targeted:
Sensory tolerance, deep breathing, calming tactile input
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Allow the use of a tool (like a spoon) instead of hands.
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High Threshold: Add different textures like glitter or beads.
7. Shaving Cream Sandals – Tactile & Visual Input
Best for kids working on messy play tolerance
Fill Crocs or rubber sandals with shaving cream and let kids step inside.
Skills Targeted:
Sensory exploration, messy play tolerance
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Start by dipping a finger before progressing to full-foot immersion.
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High Threshold: Add colored shaving cream for an extra visual element.
8. Vacuum Cleaner Bag Squeeze – Auditory & Proprioception
Best for kids who seek deep pressure input
Place a child inside a large trash bag (head outside!) and use a vacuum to remove air, creating a light compression effect. Ensure adult supervision.
Skills Targeted:
Deep pressure for self-regulation
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Use gentle compression tools like a weighted lap pad instead.
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High Threshold: Combine with slow rocking movements.
9. Water Pouring Play – Visual, Vestibular, & Fine Motor
Best for kids who enjoy precise, calming activities
Use different-sized jars and cups with lines marked by painter’s tape. Kids must pour water to meet each mark.
Skills Targeted:
Hand-eye coordination, self-regulation
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Use large openings to reduce spills.
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High Threshold: Have them pour while balancing on one foot.
10. Bumpy Roll Obstacle – Vestibular & Proprioception
Best for kids who need movement to regulate
Create a rolling path with pillows, blankets, and soft objects. Kids log roll across for vestibular input.
Skills Targeted:
Core strength, sensory regulation
How To Adjust For Sensory Thresholds:
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Low Threshold: Use softer surfaces like plush rugs.
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High Threshold: Add weight by wrapping them in a blanket while rolling.
Final Thoughts
Sensory play is not a one-size-fits-all approach—every child has a unique sensory threshold that influences how they experience and respond to different activities. The key to success is flexibility and creativity.
If an activity isn't working, tweak it by adding movement, increasing resistance, changing textures, or introducing new tools to better match your child’s sensory preferences. Whether your child craves deep pressure, needs vestibular movement to regulate, or prefers quiet, focused tasks, these DIY activities offer something for everyone.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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