10 Easy Sensory Activities You Can Do at Home (With Common Household Items!)
At our pediatric occupational therapy clinic, one of the most common questions we hear from parents is:
“What can I do at home to help support my child’s sensory needs?”
The good news? You don’t need to buy fancy equipment or expensive sensory tools. Many calming, organizing, and alerting sensory experiences can be created right in your living room — using items you already have.
Whether your child is a sensory seeker, sensory avoider, or just needs a little extra input to stay regulated throughout the day, these activities can help.
1. Laundry Basket Push or Pull
Skills Targeted: Proprioception (body awareness), motor planning
How To: Fill a laundry basket with soft items (like pillows or folded clothes) and have your child push or pull it across the floor.
Why It Helps: Heavy work provides deep pressure input, which helps regulate the nervous system.
2. Whipped Cream or Pudding Finger Painting
Skills Targeted: Tactile exploration, fine motor coordination
How To: Spread whipped cream or pudding on a cookie sheet and let your child draw shapes or letters with their fingers.
Bonus: It’s edible! Great for kids who are still exploring textures with their mouths.
3. DIY Sensory Bottle
Skills Targeted: Visual tracking, calming regulation
How To: Fill a plastic water bottle with water, glitter, beads, or small toys. Secure the lid with hot glue.
Why It Helps: Watching the movement of objects through the liquid can help calm an overstimulated child.
4. Sink or Bin Water Play
Skills Targeted: Tactile input, hand strengthening
How To: Fill a bin or sink with water, soap, and kitchen tools (measuring cups, sponges, whisk).
Pro Tip: Add food coloring or small plastic toys for extra engagement.
5. Socks on Hands Game
Skills Targeted: Motor planning, bilateral coordination
How To: Have your child put socks on their hands and try to pick up different-sized toys or objects.
Why It Helps: It challenges fine motor skills and builds frustration tolerance in a playful way.
6. Toilet Paper Roll Bowling
Skills Targeted: Gross motor coordination, visual-motor skills
How To: Stack empty toilet paper rolls into a pyramid. Use a soft ball (or rolled-up sock) to “bowl” them down.
Great For: Rainy days or indoor movement breaks!
7. Blindfolded Texture Hunt
Skills Targeted: Tactile discrimination, body awareness
How To: Blindfold your child and have them reach into a bag or box filled with different textured items (cotton balls, spoons, LEGOs, a sponge, etc.).
Challenge: Can they guess what each item is?
8. Cook Together with Your Child
Skills Targeted: Multi-sensory input, sequencing, fine motor
How To: Involve your child in mixing, pouring, and kneading while making something simple like pancakes, pizza dough, or a smoothie.
Added Benefit: Builds confidence and life skills!
9. Pillow Crash Pad
Skills Targeted: Proprioception, vestibular input
How To: Stack couch cushions, pillows, and blankets to make a “crash zone.” Supervise your child as they jump or fall into it.
Important: Always prioritize safety and keep the area clear of hard furniture.
10. Kitchen Band Parade
Skills Targeted: Auditory processing, rhythm, motor coordination
How To: Use pots, pans, wooden spoons, or sealed containers with rice as instruments. March and sing around the house.
Good To Know: This can be energizing for sluggish days — but avoid it if your child is sensitive to sound.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Sensory activities don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a little creativity and a few everyday items, you can offer your child the sensory input they need to thrive.
Not sure what kind of input your child seeks or avoids? Our occupational therapists can help identify your child’s sensory profile and recommend individualized strategies that work for your family.
📞 Want More Support?
Schedule a sensory consultation or evaluation with us at KidLink Therapy! We’re here to help your child feel regulated, confident, and capable — one sensory activity at a time.
