When the Tactile Sense is fully functioning, children are secure and organized enough in their bodies to be able to attend and respond to all of the other sensory information they encounter each day. They are also able to filter out which tactile information is important (the feel of the toy they just stepped on – OUCH!) and which isn’t so important (the feel of their shirt on their arms). For most children, simply engaging in everyday play activities that allow for exploration, touch, and movement allows for healthy development of the tactile sense. Here are some of our favorite activities, developed by our team of pediatric therapists, to promote development of the tactile system through sensory play.
Sparkly Starfish An ocean-themed tactile craft for kids with a free printable template. Get those Super Fingers ready for a fine motor workout!
Feed the Spider A spider’s favorite meal? Insects of course! In this fun activity, kids will get to prepare a meal fit for a spider with some sensory play along the way!
All You Need is Love In this hands-on sensory activity you and your family will create a unique piece of art that will bring a smile to your face every time you see it. You’ll want to find wall space for this one!
Making an Impression: Fall Fun With Playdough Get ready for some fall-themed tactile play with this fun post!
9 Great Playdough Activities for Kids Get some inspiration for new, creative ways to play with playdough in this post created by one of our occupational therapists. All of the activities are geared toward strengthening and developing fine motor skills.
Pillow Party 10 great movement games for kids to build balance, motor control, strength, and proprioception with whole-body tactile input.
“Tear”ifying Jack O Lanterns An awesome hands-on Halloween activity that gets those Super Fingers working hard!
Dinner at Your Child’s Fingertips Here’s a fun sensory craft to give kids exposure to descriptive language using their senses of touch and sight.
Crayonless Coloring Activity Kids will love this new twist on coloring…forget the crayons and let the fingers take over the coloring action!
Finding Summer Through the Snow In this fun sensory activity, kids use their hands to find buried summer treasures under the snow!
Baby Bumble Bee Pairing movement with kids songs is great for a whole host of body awareness and gross motor skills – and this one gets some fine motor strengthening and tactile input in there too! This would be a perfect “make it and take it” craft for a party or playdate!
Feet in the Sand A physical therapist’s twist on the tactile bin. This activity is great for proprioception, sensory integration, digit isolation in the toes, and strengthening of the lower leg and foot muscles.
For the Love of the Birds Five ways to make bird-friendly treats while practicing fine motor skills and providing an awesome tactile experience for kids!
Peppermint Glitter A great all-around fine motor and sensory project that allows kids to explore with their sense of touch and their sense of smell.
15 Sensory Activities for Elf on the Shelf Find 15 fun ways the Elf on the Shelf can inspire sensory activities at your house…your little one won’t be able to resist getting in on the action!
Hands on Tactile Farm Exploration The farm offers so many great tactile experiences, why not bring them right to the kids? These hands on activities can last for a day, or for a whole week!
A Farm Fresh Feast A fun hands-on activity for kids to explore food from the farm. A great chance to talk to kids about where food comes from and full of messy sensory fun!
