19 Therapeutic Activities for Sensory Seeking Kids
“Sensory seeking is a child's attempt to regulate their sensory system by actively engaging with their environment. These behaviors often serve as a way to organize their nervous system and feel more grounded.”
—Dr. A. Jean Ayres
My two-and-a-half-year-old asked to be excused from the table, and then it began. She leaned against the wall and started banging her head. Next, she was spinning at full speed on the spinner. Then came bouncing on the trampoline. Finally, she was standing so close to her brother, who was playing with Legos, that they practically became Siamese twins.
As this went on, her behaviors grew more intense, and her frustration tolerance plummeted. What was really happening was that her nervous system was craving sensory input—specifically deep proprioceptive input. Recognizing this, my wife scooped her up for a big, long hug. Afterward, we played airplane and "crashed" onto the couch pillows. We pretended to be lions and tigers crawling around, followed by lots of running and jumping.
Finally, she was regulated, calm, and ready for bed.
Sensory Seeker Activities
As an OT, managing sensory processing disorders, including sensory seeking is something we've learned about in school. It's a skill I occasionally used with adults, especially those with brain injuries, but one I use on a regular basis as a parent.
Here's a list of ideas for you to use with your sensory seeker.
1. Obstacle Course
Bear crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, climbing through tunnels, balancing on beams, dodging the agility ladder "fire," hopping between stepping stones, and walking through a hallway of "lasers" (taped toilet paper will do) provides a full-body workout that fulfills their need for movement and pressure.
OT Tip: Allow the child to experience a sense of achievement as they master each stage. Incorporate activities that involve pushing, pulling, lifting, and climbing to hit multiple senses.
Stuff to use:
2. Trampoline Jumping
In addition to improving balance, coordination, and body awareness, it gives kids intense proprioceptive and vestibular input.
OT Tip: Get creative by challenging their gross motor coordination and have them throw a ball in a bucket as they bounce. Set a visual timer for short intervals. Make targets with grippy tape on the trampoline to have them alternate between each of them as they jump.
Stuff to use:
3. Heavy Work Activities
Heavy work activities, such as pushing a weighted cart, carrying a backpack filled with books, or pulling a wagon, provide deep proprioceptive input. These activities can have a calming and organizing effect on the sensory system, making them ideal for sensory-seeking children.
OT Tip: Integrate heavy work activities into daily routines, such as having the child help with carrying groceries, pushing a shopping cart, carrying water or soil with gardening.
Stuff to use:
4. Sensory Bins
There's no shortage of sensory bin ideas. Simply grab a large bin and add whatever you've got on hand: rice, beans, sand, water beads. You can do a bin full ice ice and water or one filled with sand. If you already have Legos stored in a bin then you can use that and create an activity around it such as having your kid organize colors or find the smallest of the Legos at the bottom of the bin.
OT Tip: You can also take the sensory bin idea a step further into function and get them more involved in activities like cooking, baking, and gardening.
Stuff to use:
Dry rice, beans, sand, water beads, pom-poms, shredded paper, dried pasta, slime, or kinetic sand.
A good storage bin with a lid
Even a large Lego bin (have the child look for specific pieces or colors)
5. Sand Play
My daughter plays in the sandbox on a near-daily basis when the weather is nice. It's simple, inexpensive ($5 for a 50lb bag of sand), and provides opportunity for sensory play with imaginative play. We put in shovels, buckets, cars, and really anything else she wants to use. Sometimes it's baking and other times it's just filling up buckets.
OT Tip: Let them get messy. Expect it, accept it, and roll with the fun of it.
Stuff to use:
6. Swinging
Swinging provides rhythmic vestibular input that can be calming and organizing for sensory-seeking children. The best swings involve sturdy trees so take advantage of them if you have them. Get creative but don't over think it. The simplest items (read: a tire and string) can provide the best fun.
OT Tip: Just like with the trampoline, keep them engaged and promote their coordination by having them throw balls to a target (or you) as they swing.
Stuff to use:
7. Hanging
Kids have an innate desire to hang which likely stems from our evolution from apes. Beyond providing sensory input, hanging improves grip strength, shoulder stability, and coordination. It's great for kids and for adults too--do those dead hangs.
OT Tip: Encourage hanging exercises for short bursts throughout the day. Lead by example and hang from that pull-up bar when you walk through the door frame.
Stuff to use:
8. Hugs
The power of touch can’t be overstated. As an OT, I’ve found that deeper, firmer touch with more points of contact is far more effective than light, loose touch. Think about the difference between a long, deep hug with someone you love versus an awkward, shallow one with someone you don’t. Hugging your kids tightly provides a sense of safety, releases oxytocin, and reduces cortisol. Hug them tight, and hug them often.
OT Tip: Embrace skin-to-skin contact whenever possible. Skin-on-skin touch has been shown to enhance bonding and further reduce stress.
Stuff to use:
Your body
9. Music and Dance
Music and movement are a perfect combo for sensory seekers. Music and movement are a perfect combo for sensory seekers. Dancing to a good beat can provide a rhythmic pattern that kids love while helping them burn energy and improve coordination. Whether it’s jumping, spinning, or stomping, this activity is pure joy.
OT Tip: Incorporate songs with clear instructions like “freeze dance” and “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” to challenge motor skills, attention, and balance.
Stuff to use:
10. Water Play
Water play activities, such as splashing in a pool, playing with water balloons, or simply washing hands with soap (one of my daughter's favorite activities), provide tactile and proprioceptive input.
OT Tip: Make it dynamic and combine more sensory-stimulating activities in water play such as obstacle courses, mud play, and sensory toys.
Stuff to use:
11. Weighted & Compression Gear
Weighted vest or blanket during activities provides deep pressure input to help kids feel more centered and attentive. These tools can be used during seated activities, such as reading or doing homework or more dynamic activities like hiking or simply walking throughout the house.
OT Tip: Introduce weighted vests or blankets gradually, starting with short periods of use and monitoring the child’s response. Adjust the weight as needed to ensure that the child experiences the calming benefits without feeling overwhelmed.
Stuff to use:
12. Put Them in “Traps”
This has been a go-to of mine for a while. When I notice my kids or nieces or nephews being dysregulated I turn into a Superhero and put them into a difficult trap “I’ve been working on” and challenge them to get out of it. I wrap my arms and legs around their body, crossing their arms and legs as I tuck them into themselves and squeeze them tightly, letting them out very slowly so as to prolong the pushing, pulling, and twisting. Ultimately they get out excited, proud, and confident that they can break the next one.
OT tip: Grade the “trap” based on their frustration tolerance at the moment. Sometimes they’re very short and breaks are needed between them. Other times they’re long and they need to recruit a friend or sibling to help.
Stuff to use:
Your body.
13. Edible Sensory Art
Make art using edible materials like colored yogurt, pudding, or whipped cream. Children can paint, mix, and create designs using their hands.
OT Tip: Incorporate different flavors and colors to keep your child engaged and encourage exploration. It's going to get messy and it's going to be great. Have towels at the ready.
Stuff to use:
Yogurt or pudding
Applesauce
Mashed bananas
Gelatin
Kitchen tools: spatulas, spoons, bowls, rolling pins, cookie cutters, and muffin trays
14. "Burrito" Wrap
Grab a large blanket and wrap it around your child either while they're standing or lying on the ground. Add more and more layers to it and give them a hug, pretending to "chomp" on it.
OT Tip: Have them bring in different textured "ingredients" that make them feel comfortable such as pillows, lovies, and other soft toys.
Stuff to use:
Soft blanket or sheet
Pillows for added comfort
Sensory pod swing (for a pot sticker instead of a burrito)
15. Mud Kitchen
Set up a “kitchen” outside using mud, water, and natural things like leaves, sticks, and stones. Let your child mix, stir, and “cook” mud creations.
OT Tip: Encourage them to verbalize the sensations they feel and link them to their emotions to improve their interoception, their ability to understand and respond to internal bodily signals.
Stuff to use:
Dirt and water
Leaves, sticks, and stones
Old kitchen utensils and materials like pots, pans, and strainers
16. Interactive Sensory Board
Create a sensory for younger children. Take your kid to the hardware store and make a morning of it. Shop the aisles and let them play with random safe things you can put on the board. Go a step further and have them paint it first before adding everything onto it. Just make sure to use safe and secure items.
My homemade sensory board
OT Tip: Make it multi-dimensional and use interactive elements that promote intrigue and problem-solving as well as input and sensory stimulation
Stuff to use:
Wood board for the base
Sandpaper and paint
Textured fabrics, zippers, buttons
Hook-and-loop fasteners
Pipes
Wheels
Old sensory books
Basic locks
Key chains
So many more things
17. Nature Walk with Sensory Collection
Go on a nature walk and have your kid collect items like pinecones, leaves, and rocks. Use them later for a craft or to add to your sensory bin.
OT Tip: Turn the activity into a “treasure hunt” by giving your child a list of items to find. Go a step further and make Bingo cards for the hike.
Stuff to use:
A basket or bag for collecting items
A backpack that will eventually turn into a weighted one (see above) for even more added input.
Nature-themed craft supplies for later use (e.g., glue, paint)
18. Wrestling or Rough Play
This may be my favorite form of sensory input as a dad. It offers a wide array of sensory experiences including deep pressure, proprioception, and vestibular input. It also improves strength and coordination. Plus, it fosters emotional development. It teaches kids about boundaries, how to manage emotions, and how to read non-verbal cues from others, which is crucial for social skills. And getting on the floor with your kids is a great bonding strategy.
OT Tip: Set clear boundaries. Set up a “stop” signal or word so the child knows when play needs to end or calm down. Structure the play with rules to keep everyone safe and emotionally regulated. For some kids, this may be a great down-regulator before bed. For others, it may be stimulating so recognize your child’s reactions.
Stuff to use:
Pillows for a pillow fight (and to cover hard or dangerous areas)
19. Go Barefoot More Often (and Minimalist Shoes When You Can't)
Shoes are the enemy of the input that sensory seekers (and really, humans) need. Minimalist (a.k.a. barefoot) shoes are better, nothing is best. Plus, going barefoot can be a form of earthing or grounding which has health benefits.
OT Tip: Always supervise and set clear boundaries to ensure the play remains safe and fun. Set up a “stop” signal or word so the child knows when play needs to end or calm down. Structure the play with rules to keep everyone safe and emotionally regulated.
Stuff to use:
Less footwear
Wear minimalist shoes when you can't go barefoot. Check out Anya’s Reviews for reputable brands for kid’s minimalist footwear. Check out this list for minimalist footwear adults.
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