Summer Sensory Activities For Kids
June 18, 2026
All activities on this site require adult supervision. When using this website, you agree to our terms of use. This post may contain affiliate links. I am an Amazon Associate, a Walmart partner, and a member of other affiliate programs and I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy for details.
Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to explore different sensory inputs! From sand and mud to soil and water, kids can explore various sensory inputs that will help them explore the world around them. I’ve put together the best summer sensory activities for kids that are full of playdough activities, sensory bins, slime, and a whole lotta fun! If you’re looking for summer sensory activities, sensory play ideas, or summer activities for kids, keep reading to find the best activities!
And, if you want some fun at-home summer camp ideas you can do right in your own backyard, check out these ideas here.
Pretend Play Ice Cream Shop
Create a pretend ice cream shop using playdough, cones, and pom poms for a hands-on sensory experience. Kids can scoop, roll, squish, and decorate their creations while building fine motor and imaginative play skills.
Pebble Slime
This unique slime recipe combines stretchy slime with smooth aquarium pebbles for an exciting sensory experience. The added texture makes it perfect for tactile exploration while strengthening fine motor skills.
Glow-In-The-Dark Slime
Kids will love stretching, squishing, and playing with this glow-in-the-dark slime. It’s a fun sensory activity that combines STEM learning with an engaging tactile experience.
Playdough Volcano
Mix sensory play and science with this bubbling volcano activity. Children can mold the play dough, build their volcano, and enjoy the exciting fizzing reaction.
Edible Shark Bait Sensory Bin
Kids can scoop, sort, and explore a variety of sweet and salty treats in this edible sensory bin. It’s a fun beach-themed activity that encourages sensory exploration and imaginative play.
Beach Sand Playdough
Bring the beach indoors with textured sand playdough. Children can squeeze, roll, and build while strengthening fine motor skills and engaging their senses.
Summer Books For Kids
Watermelon Volcano
Turn a watermelon into an erupting volcano with this exciting summer science activity. Kids will love the fizzing reaction while engaging their senses through hands-on exploration and messy play.
Floating Lego Boats
Challenge kids to build and test floating LEGO boats in this hands-on STEM activity. Water play combined with building and experimentation creates a fun sensory learning experience.
Watermelon Sensory Play
This colorful watermelon-themed sensory bin encourages scooping, sorting, and imaginative play. It’s an easy summer activity that provides plenty of opportunities for tactile exploration.
Lemon Slime
This lemon-scented slime is a bright and refreshing sensory activity for summer. Kids will love stretching, squishing, and playing with the soft texture while exploring a fun citrus theme.
Dinosaur Swamp Water Table
Transform your water table into a prehistoric swamp where dinosaurs can splash, explore, and roam. This hands-on sensory activity encourages imaginative play while providing plenty of opportunities for scooping, pouring, and water exploration.
Watermelon Ice Sensory Play
Cool off on a hot summer day with this refreshing watermelon ice sensory activity. Kids can explore melting ice, bright colors, and different textures while strengthening fine motor skills through hands-on play.
Bug Fossil Playdough Tray
Little explorers will love creating and discovering bug fossils in this interactive playdough tray. The combination of playdough, insects, and nature-inspired materials makes for an engaging sensory experience.
Dinosaur Pool Party Sensory Bin
Turn sensory play into a prehistoric pool party with this dinosaur water bin. Kids can float toy dinosaurs on pool noodle rafts, splash in bright blue water, and create imaginative stories with mini umbrellas and floating dinosaur islands.
Ice Fishing Sensory Bin
This ice fishing sensory bin combines sensory play with a simple science experiment. Kids use salt and string to “catch” frozen fish, learning about melting ice while building fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
Glow-In-The-Dark Rice Sensory Bin
Add some excitement to sensory play with this glowing rice sensory bin. Kids will enjoy scooping, pouring, and exploring the colorful materials while playing in a darkened room.
Dragon Sensory Bin
Spark creativity with this magical dragon sensory bin filled with treasures, textures, and fantasy-themed play. Kids can create their own dragon adventures while engaging in open-ended sensory exploration.
Leave a Reply