Sensory play is a wonderful way for little ones to explore textures, develop their senses and enjoy open-ended play. These three simple activities use everyday food ingredients, making them easy to prepare at home.

Polenta Play Sand

You’ll need: Polenta or plain Cheerios, a tray and cups, spoons or small containers.

Pour polenta straight into a shallow tray for an instant edible play sand. Alternatively, blitz plain Cheerios in a food processor until they have a fine, sandy texture. Add scoops, cups and small containers and let little ones explore, pour, scoop and fill.

Tip: Add toy animals or vehicles for imaginative small-world play.

Chia Seed Sensory Gloop

You’ll need: Chia seeds, water and a bowl.

Mix around 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 250ml of water and stir well. Leave the mixture for around 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds absorb the water and create a thick, gooey texture. Add a little more water if needed.

Place the gloop in a tray and let little hands squish, squeeze and explore the fascinating texture. Add bath toys for an extra fun element!

Cornflour Oobleck

You’ll need: Cornflour, water and a tray or bowl.

Mix 2 parts cornflour with 1 part water, adding the water gradually while stirring. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels solid when squeezed but flows like a liquid when released.

Encourage little ones to squeeze, tap and scoop the oobleck and talk about how it feels and changes. Add a drop of food colouring to add some brightness! Let little ones explore different colours.

Messy hands, curious minds and lots of learning - sensory play really is simple!

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