Sensory Play Ideas to Support Regulation Over the Holidays

Sensory obstacle course

Sensory play is not just enjoyable—it’s an important way for children to regulate emotions, build body awareness, and stay calm. If your child has goals related to sensory processing or self-regulation, here are some holiday-friendly ideas to try at home:

✅ Homemade Sensory Bins: Fill a tub with rice, pasta, or kinetic sand and hide small toys inside for your child to discover.

✅ Water Play: Use cups, spoons, and sponges to scoop, pour, and squeeze.

✅ Nature Walks: Engage all senses by noticing sounds, textures, and sights outdoors.

✅ Obstacle Courses: Set up a simple course with pillows, tunnels, and balance beams to help with proprioception.

✅ Weighted Toys or Blankets: These can provide calming deep pressure input.

✅ Bubble Blowing: Great for breath control and calming.

✅ Calm Down Bottles: Fill a jar with glitter and water—shaking and watching it settle can be soothing.

If your child benefits from more structured sensory support, our clinic runs sensory-based therapy groups during the school holidays. We’d love to welcome your family to our sessions.

🌟 July School Holiday Therapy Groups – Enrolments Now Open!

Access Therapy Faster Than Ever

We’ve made it easy to book your occupational therapy and speech pathology appointments online. You can now schedule your consultation at a time that suits you via HotDoc:

• Shellharbour Clinic: Book online here

• Shoalhaven Clinic: Book online here