Sensory Play That Saves the Day: 5 Summer Setups That Actually Work

Summer is wonderful… and also a lot.

The days are longer, the structure is looser, and our kids are home (all day, every day!) with their beautiful, buzzing brains, forever hungry stomachs, and endless needs. It can be joyful and exhausting all at once.

For many families like ours, sensory play isn’t just about fun - it’s a powerful tool for emotional regulation. It provides comfort, stimulation, calm, and connection, especially when routines are off and emotions run high (which, let’s be honest, they often do).

But I also know this: if a sensory activity needs 14 ingredients, a craft trolley, or a clean house, I’m not doing it.

So here are five simple, tried-and-tested sensory setups that we default to in our house. No pressure. No perfection. Just things that work.

🧼 1. The Soapy Water Station

All you need is a plastic tub, warm water, dish soap, and a few cups or toys. That’s it. We call this the “Clean the Toys” station - and it’s always a hit.

Kids can splash, scrub, scoop, and pour to their heart’s content. It’s calming, repetitive, and endlessly entertaining.

Why it works: Water play is soothing, tactile, and engages all the senses - perfect for overwhelmed little nervous systems.

🏖️ 2. The Texture Tray

This is your “grab whatever’s in the cupboard” activity. Lentils, rice, chickpeas, sand from outside - any small-textured material works. Pour it into a baking tray or container and add scoops, spoons, and hidden toys to dig for.

We love turning this into a mini theme: a dinosaur dig site, a construction zone, or even a treasure hunt.

Why it works: This kind of sensory input helps ground and calm kids who seek touch and tactile feedback. Plus, it's easy to reset and reuse.

❄️ 3. Frozen Rescue

Pop some small toys in a bowl of water and freeze it overnight. The next day, give your child safe tools (a spoon, warm water in a bottle, or even toy hammers) and challenge them to “rescue” the trapped toys.

You can make it colourful with a drop of food dye (I don't do this often because the mess! But occasionally I'll brave it 😜) or create themed rescues (frozen animals, bugs, LEGO characters… whatever your child loves).

Why it works: This is sensory-rich and encourages focus, problem-solving, and fine motor skills - a win all round.

🏃 4. The Movement Circuit

This one burns energy and helps regulate emotions. Set up a few quick “stations” using household items:

- Jump on a cushion 5 times

- Crawl under the table

- Balance on one foot 

- Throw a ball into a box

Time them if they’re into speed, or encourage silly versions if your child is more playful than competitive.

Why it works: Movement provides proprioceptive and vestibular input - both crucial for kids who are dysregulated or climbing the walls.

🏕️ 5. The Chill-Down Tent

A pop-up tent, or DIY blanket fort becomes a calm-down sanctuary with just a few touches: pillows, some snacks (obviously), a book or two, and maybe a little torch or sensory bottle.

We give our kids ownership by letting them decorate or choose what goes inside. It’s their space to breathe, rest, and reset - no questions asked.

Why it works: Having a designated calm zone helps children learn self-regulation and creates a sense of safety when things feel overwhelming.

🌿 Less Stress, More Sensory

You don’t need elaborate crafts or perfect setups. You don’t even need a full hour. Just a few go-to ideas you can reach for when the energy’s high and patience is low.

Sensory play gives our kids the input they need - and gives us a little breathing space, too.

Got a sensory play idea your kids love? Pop it in the comments, I'm always open to trying new (low-key) things!