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Easy Outdoor Sensory Activities at Home

By Sharla Kostelyk

(This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure policy.)

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We’ve been stuck inside only able to do indoor sensory activities but now it’s finally warmed up enough to spend some time outside. That means we can finally add these easy outdoor sensory activities to our days. We are so looking forward to getting some fresh air.collage of images of kids playing. Text reads "Outdoor Sensory Activities at home"The kids have already begun exploring in the trees and enjoying the sunshine. It has done wonders for their mood now that they aren’t as cooped up anymore.

Easy Outdoor Sensory Activities at Home

Outdoor Sensory Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Frozen Treasure Find

This is one of my favourite activities as it keeps the kids busy for hours.

Scented Bubbles: Calming Lavender Bubble Recipe

There are so many fun ways to play with bubbles and this is a great homemade recipe to use.

5 Trampoline Games

Playing on a trampoline is good for kids' moods and health. These trampoline games are great fun.

Bug Action Cards for Kids

These bug action cards give kids ideas for practising their gross motor skills while getting fresh air.

Nature Sensory Bottle

As kids explore outside, they can collect items to create their own unique sensory bottle.

Nature Inspired Spring Sensory Soup

Pour, dump, scoop, and stir with this sensory soup.

Nature Weaving

Nature meets art in this sensory rich weaving project.

Ghost Hands Campfire Fun

Ewwww! This is so sticky and messy, but kids completely love it!

Edible Freezie Painting

Even toddlers can participate in creating art with this taste-safe "paint".

Cotton Ball Painting

Big movements and lots of interaction is required for this cool art activity.

Calming Lavender Sensory Bin

There are only a few simple supplies needed to make this calming sensory bin for kids.

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Older kids will enjoy exploring outdoors in a photo scavenger hunt.

Bubble Wrap Body Slam Painting

Bubble wrap body slam painting is as hilarious to watch as it is to do. Great proprioceptive sensory input too!

Shaving Cream Polka-Dot Sidewalk Painting

Shaving cream painting is a neat alternative to sidewalk chalk.

Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder

Use your empty toilet paper rolls to create a bird feeder. Then watch as the birds come to eat.

Simple Summer Sensory Activity

This is so easy to set up, but the best ideas usually are. My kids always love this game.

Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Flower Oobleck

Summer, sensory, and science combine for this ooey-gooey gorgeous flower oobleck.

Photo Credit: happilyevermom.com

Nature Soup

A mess free nature sensory bin for toddlers and siblings to do together. Gather materials outside, freeze them, and make a nature soup that will help kids cool down on a hot day as they mix their nature soup together!

Photo Credit: teachingmama.org

Sensory Walk

Exploring the sense of touch with the toes in a sensory walk!

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Nature Sensory Bin Outdoor Explore and Discover

Create a real nature theme sensory bin to explore the senses! Go on a nature hunt and collect materials to build an outdoor sensory bin. Make sure to talk with your kiddo about all the smells, textures, and items found in nature.

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

How to Make a PVC Pipe Sand and Water Table

Make your own sand or water table using PVC pipes. There are so many play opportunities with this.

Photo Credit: handsonaswegrow.com

DIY Mud Kitchen in One Weekend

Make your own outdoor mud kitchen for messy exploration.

Photo Credit: happyhooligans.ca

Outdoor Sensory Play - exploring herbs

Make some "homemade" sensory soup using weeds or herbs from the garden.

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Mud Soup

Pretend play doesn't have to be complicated. How about some good old fashioned mud soup?

Not all activities have to be planned out. There are other things that can be done more spontaneously in the yard. 

Other easy ideas for outdoor sensory activities you can do at home:

  • make mud pies
  • water balloons or an old fashioned water fight
  • obstacle course – Use anything you have on hand such as hula hoops, slides, wood, pallets, tunnels, pool noodles, chairs, and tires. 
  • jump rope
  • relay races
  • sprinkler, kiddie pool, or Slip ‘n’ Slide
  • tag
  • yard work – Great for proprioception and for teaching good work ethic! Think raking, mowing (for kids who are old enough), picking rocks, and carrying firewood or bricks.
  • dig in the sandbox
  • gardening – digging, planting, pulling weeds, and picking are all great tactile sensory input.
  • bike rides
  • hikes or nature walks
  • family campfire
  • tree climbing
  • interval circuit – set up exercise stations in the yard with signs like “10 Jumping Jacks”, “1 Run Around the Yard”, “10 Supermans” (my kids loved this activity!)

Of course as with all sensory activities, adult supervision should be used. 

In case the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can find a great list of indoor sensory activities for home here.

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Filed Under: Crafts and Activities, Sensory, Summer Sensory Activities Tagged With: parenting through pandemic

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