Sensory Play in the Summer Season

Nosey Toesie
Dec 6
2 min read

Exploring the world in the warmer months.

Summer is a season of usually a lot of sunshine, discovery, and outdoor play. It’s the perfect time to bee outside (with plenty of sunscreen) , explore new sensations, and let little ones connect with the world through sensory play.

At Nosey Toesie, we believe play doesn’t need to be super fancy - just full of sensory play opportunites, hands-on, and full of curiosity.

Why Summer is Perfect for Sensory Play

Summer invites open-ended exploration. Warm weather and longer days encourage children to get outside, move freely, and experience textures, sounds, and sensations that change with the season.

From the squishy warm sand between toes at the beach to the cool splash of water play, every sensory experience helps little ones develop coordination, creativity, and a deeper connection to nature.

Simple Seasonal Summer Sensory Play Ideas

Here are a few ways to bring sensory magic into your summer days!

1. Water Play Wonders: Fill a shallow tub, shell pool, or even a large bowl with cold water. Add cups, spoons, natural treasures (like flowers or leaves), and let your little one scoop, pour, and splash. Water play always garuntees fun, grabbing a hose or sprinkler is also just as simple and provides endless fun..

-Supports hand-eye coordination, temperature awareness, and calm focus.

2. Nature Treasure Hunt: Head outside and collect small nature finds - pebbles, crunchy leaves, fragrant herbs, or velvet flower petals. Use them to create a sensory basket or art collage

-Encourages observation, language development, and mindful play.

3. Sand & Earth Play: Dig, scoop, make a sand castle and mould - whether it’s in the sandpit, a beach day, or the garden bed. Adding water can change the texture and deepen sensory exploration with sand play.

-Great for tactile awareness and strengthening fine motor skills.

4. Fruit Sensory Fun: Freeze and refrigerate slices of citrus, frozen berries, or watermelon. Let children smell, squeeze, and explore textures (and yes, taste too, make sure to supervise with little ones!).

-Stimulates multiple senses while introducing natural colours and flavours.

5. Sound Scavenger Hunt: Close your eyes and listen. What can you hear around you?Can you hear birds, rustling trees, buzzing bees, or distant laughter? Summer is alive with natural music waiting to be noticed.

You could also use our BumbleBeats Wooden Intrument set, hide these outside or inside, send your little one to find them and then create an orchestra together once they have all beeen found.

-Supports auditory awareness and mindfulness.

Tips for Summer Sensory Play

Always supervise water play.
Play outdoors early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't so hot.
Always bring a wide-brimmed hat, water bottle, and sunscreen for sun safety and prevent dehydration.
Keep it simple - sometimes the most meaningful play happens when you just let it unfold.

A Season to Slow Down

Summer reminds us that learning doesn’t need structure - it happens naturally when children are free to explore, create, and use their imagination.

So this season, let them get messy, chase shadows, squish mud between their fingers, and giggle under the sunshine. Every moment of sensory play helps them build not just skills, but make memories.