Sensory Play on Rainy Days: Engage, Adapt, and Learn

A fellow parent recently wrote to me:

“As a parent, I do not pay much attention to growth through the senses. Can you share some practical ideas for sensory play, especially when we are stuck indoors, like on rainy days or if your child has certain sensitivities?”

This message brought me right back to my years as a young parent. Back then, sensory play was not even on my radar. But on rainy days, I tried anything to keep us engaged and calm indoors. I was often at my wits’ end, searching for activities that were not overly noisy or messy.

If you are wondering what sensory play is, how to turn a gloomy day around, or how to support a child with sensory needs, you are not alone. You’re already doing a wonderful job simply by seeking out ideas and asking questions.

Sensory play eventually became one of my greatest allies. It was not about elaborate setups. It was about creating small, manageable moments of curiosity, calm, and connection. And that’s what I’d love to share with you today.

In this post, we’ll explore:

Simple sensory activities perfect for rainy days, using materials you already have
The science behind why sensory play is so powerful
Tips for encouraging hesitant learners—because not all kids jump right in
Gentle adaptations for children with sensitivities, so no one feels left out

Note: For ideas specific to children with sensitivities like being on the autism spectrum, check out the companion guide: Sensory Play Companion Guide: Supporting Children with Sensitivities.

Together, we will rediscover the magic of sensory play—no matter the weather or where your child is on their journey.

The Science Behind Sensory Learning in Early Childhood

Remember, our previous post discussed why sensory play matters:

Building Brain Connections: Sensory input strengthens neural pathways that support decision-making, attention, and coordination.
Developing Vocabulary: “Squishy,” “smooth,” “gritty,” “cold”—descriptive language blooms during play.
Boosting Motor Skills: Children develop muscles and coordination needed for writing and daily activities by pouring rice or sifting through sand
Supporting Emotional Regulation: Sensory tasks like kneading dough or squeezing a squishy ball can calm and ground children.

Science says: Multi-sensory experiences activate multiple brain regions and improve memory, making learning more lasting¹.

Sensory Play Activities for Rainy Days

Here are a few tried-and-true activities to transform a dreary day into one filled with joy and learning:

The Usual, With a Twist

Every day activities can be made special. Let your children:

Help bake and decorate cookies
Manipulating homemade playdough
Play classic board games like Bingo
Take turns reading and making up stories

Indoor Rice Bin Safari

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love to dig:

Fill a large bin with uncooked rice
Bury small plastic and metal toys or animal figurines
Provide scoops, spoons, a magnet on a string, and tweezers for motor skill development

Edible Finger Paint

For mess-friendly, sensory-rich fun:

Mix plain yogurt with natural food coloring or fruit purée
Let toddlers paint on plates or highchair trays
Safe to taste, easy to clean

Sound Sorting Game

For kids who love noise—or need sound therapy:

Fill small containers with different materials (e.g., dry beans, bells, sand, buttons)
Create a “musical band” and record the sounds
Use headphones for sound-sensitive children
Add a dance session to various tunes, including traditional music

How to Engage Reluctant Learners

If your child is hesitant or wary of sensory activities, focus on their area of interest. These ideas offer a gentle entry point:

Sensory Tray Drawing

Fill a tray with flour, cornmeal, or salt
Encourage drawing with fingers, sticks, or paintbrushes
Use alphabet stencils to make it educational and low-pressure

Foam Road Trip

Great for pretend play lovers:

Spread shaving cream or foamy soap to create a "car wash"
Let toy cars drive through and then “rinse” in a water bin

Closing Thoughts: Small Sensations, Big Impact

When I reflect on my parenting days, indoor activities were not fancy or intentionally sensory. However, they helped us connect, regulate emotions, and grow in diverse ways. My children now lovingly pass these experiences on to their children.

To those of you who asked about sensory play, this is for you. Sensory play is not about getting it “right.” It’s about showing up, being flexible, and trusting that even the smallest steps can lead to the greatest growth.

Remember: Check the guide: Supporting Children with Sensitivities.

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Footnotes

Shams, L., & Seitz, A. R. (2008). Benefits of multisensory learning. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(11), 411–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2008.07.006 ↩