Outdoor Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers and Young Children

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The great outdoors offers endless opportunities for sensory exploration that simply can't be replicated indoors. From the squelch of mud between fingers to the rustle of autumn leaves underfoot, nature provides rich, multi-sensory experiences that support children's development in profound ways.

Whether you have a large garden, access to a local park, or just a small outdoor space, these outdoor sensory play ideas will help you create meaningful learning experiences for toddlers and young children. Best of all, most require little more than what nature already provides.

 

Introduction to Sensory Play

Sensory play involves activities that stimulate children's senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing, and the often-overlooked senses of movement (vestibular) and body awareness (proprioceptive).

Sensory play supports brain development by creating neural pathways that help children process and respond to sensory information. This foundation is crucial for everything from fine motor skills to emotional regulation.

Outdoor environments naturally engage multiple senses simultaneously. The varied textures, unpredictable weather, natural sounds, and changing seasons provide sensory input that evolves throughout the year, keeping children engaged and challenged.

 

 

Importance of Sensory Play for Development

Sensory play offers far-reaching developmental benefits for young children. Through sensory exploration, toddlers and preschoolers build cognitive skills, enhance physical development, and develop emotional resilience.

Research shows that sensory play strengthens neural connections in developing brains, supporting language development, problem-solving abilities, and fine motor skills. Children who engage regularly in sensory activities often show improved concentration and better self-regulation.

For children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, outdoor sensory play provides essential opportunities to explore sensory input in a less overwhelming environment than indoor spaces. The natural world offers gentle, progressive sensory challenges that help children build tolerance and integration skills.

Key developmental benefits include:

• Enhanced fine and gross motor skills
• Improved language and communication
• Better problem-solving abilities
• Stronger emotional regulation
• Increased creativity and imagination

 

Overview of Outdoor Sensory Play

Outdoor sensory play harnesses nature's inherent sensory richness. Unlike indoor activities that require planning and setup, outdoor play often emerges spontaneously as children respond to their environment.

The outdoor environment provides unique sensory experiences:

Tactile variety: Bark, leaves, grass, mud, sand, water, stones – each offering distinct textures and temperatures

Dynamic sounds: Birdsong, rustling leaves, rainfall, crunching gravel, flowing water

Visual stimulation: Changing light, moving shadows, colour variations across seasons, wildlife observation

Olfactory exploration: Flowers, fresh-cut grass, rain-soaked earth, herbs, pine needles

Physical challenges: Uneven terrain, climbing, balancing, digging, carrying natural materials

Understanding how sensory integration works helps parents and educators recognise the value of these naturally occurring sensory experiences.

 

 

Sensory Bins for Toddlers

Outdoor sensory bins combine the benefits of contained play with nature's materials. These portable exploration stations allow children to engage deeply with natural textures whilst developing fine motor skills and concentration.

Unlike indoor sensory bins that often use dried rice or pasta, outdoor versions can incorporate materials that are messier and more changeable – mud, water, leaves, sand, and ice.

The beauty of outdoor sensory bins lies in their flexibility. You can adapt them to seasons, weather conditions, and your child's current interests whilst embracing the mess that outdoor play naturally creates.

 

Ideas for Filling Sensory Bins

The possibilities for outdoor sensory bin fillings are endless. Choose materials that reflect the current season and provide varied sensory experiences.

🐝 Spring sensory bins:

• Fresh soil with buried seeds or bulbs to discover
• Water with floating petals and leaves
• Moss, grass clippings, and small twigs
• Rainwater collection with natural objects

🌞 Summer sensory bins:

• Sand with shells and pebbles
• Water play with sponges and pouring containers
• Herb garden clippings (lavender, mint, rosemary)
• Ice blocks with frozen flowers or herbs

🍂 Autumn sensory bins:

• Fallen leaves in various colours and stages of decay
• Conkers, acorns, and pine cones
• Autumn berries (non-toxic only) and seed pods
• Bark chips and wood pieces

⛄ Winter sensory bins:

• Snow and ice exploration
• Frozen water with natural objects trapped inside
• Winter berries and evergreen sprigs
• Frozen sensory ice blocks with food colouring

🔧 Tools to include:

• Kitchen utensils (spoons, scoops, cups)
• Small buckets and containers
• Tweezers or tongs for fine motor practice
• Magnifying glasses for closer observation

For year-round sensory play equipment, consider investing in durable outdoor storage solutions that make setup and cleanup easier.

 

 

Incorporating Natural Materials

Natural materials offer superior sensory experiences compared to manufactured alternatives. They provide authentic textures, smells, and visual interest whilst connecting children to the natural world.

Using natural loose parts in play encourages creativity and problem-solving. Unlike toys with predetermined purposes, natural materials can become anything in a child's imagination.

 

Collecting natural materials safely

Start by gathering materials from your immediate environment. Garden prunings, fallen leaves, stones from walks, and shells from beach visits all make excellent additions to sensory play.

Safety considerations:

• Avoid toxic plants, berries, or mushrooms
• Check materials for sharp edges or points
• Wash materials that might carry pesticides
• Supervise closely with small objects
• Be aware of choking hazards for very young toddlers

 

Best natural materials for sensory bins

Varied textures:

• Smooth pebbles and river stones
• Rough bark pieces
• Soft moss and lichen
• Fluffy seed heads (like dandelions)
• Spiky pine cones and sweet gum balls

Different weights and sizes:

• Heavy stones for proprioceptive feedback
• Light feathers for gentle sensory input
• Varied sized shells for sorting
• Twigs of different thicknesses

Aromatic additions:

• Fresh herbs (particularly robust ones like rosemary)
• Fragrant flowers (roses, lavender)
• Citrus peels
• Crushed leaves (mint, lemon balm)

Rotating materials regularly maintains interest and provides new sensory challenges. Store collected items in clear containers so children can help choose what to explore next.

 

 

Nature Exploration Activities

Nature exploration transforms ordinary outdoor time into rich sensory learning experiences. These activities encourage children to slow down, observe carefully, and engage all their senses with the natural world.

Unlike structured activities, nature exploration follows children's interests and curiosity. This child-led approach builds genuine engagement with the environment whilst developing observational skills and patience.

Regular nature exploration also supports learning through doing, allowing children to discover cause and effect, seasonal changes, and natural processes through direct experience.

 

Nature Walks and Observations

Nature walks offer simple yet powerful sensory experiences. Even a short walk around the garden or local park provides opportunities for sensory discovery.

 

Making nature walks sensory-rich

Slow down: Rather than covering distance, focus on detailed observation. Spend time examining a single tree, watching insects, or listening to bird calls.

Engage all senses:

• Touch: Bark textures, leaf shapes, grass blades
• Sight: Colour variations, patterns, movement
• Sound: Bird calls, rustling leaves, buzzing insects
• Smell: Flowers, herbs, damp earth
• Proprioception: Climbing, balancing, carrying natural objects

 

Check out this video from Mother Natured to find out simple ways to encourage outdoor sensory play during nature walks:

 

Seasonal sensory observations

Creating a sensory garden provides year-round opportunities for nature walks, even in limited space.

🐝 Spring observations:

• New leaf buds opening
• First flowers emerging
• Bird nest building
• Warmer soil after winter

🌞 Summer observations:

• Insects visiting flowers
• Ripe berries and fruits
• Long grass and wildflowers
• Warm sunshine and shadows

🍂 Autumn observations:

• Changing leaf colours
• Falling seeds and nuts
• Preparing for winter (animals gathering food)
• Cooler temperatures and morning dew

⛄ Winter observations:

• Bare tree structures
• Frost patterns
• Evergreen plants
• Winter bird feeding habits

👣 Tips for successful nature walks with toddlers:

• Keep walks short (10-15 minutes for young toddlers)
• Follow your child's pace and interests
• Bring a small bag for collecting treasures
• Dress appropriately for weather and mess
• Ask open-ended questions: "What do you notice?" "How does this feel?"
• Model curiosity and wonder yourself

 

 

Creating a Nature Journal

Nature journals help children document their outdoor discoveries, building observation skills and creating lasting memories. For toddlers and young children, journals need to be simple and accessible.

 

Setting up a toddler-friendly nature journal

Use a sturdy sketchbook or folder where you can add pages. Include thick paper that can handle glue, paint, and natural materials without falling apart.

 

What to include

Pressed flowers and leaves: Press finds between heavy books for a week, then glue into the journal. Even very young children can help arrange items on the page.

Bark and leaf rubbings: Place paper over textured surfaces and rub with crayons. This activity builds fine motor skills whilst creating beautiful records.

Seasonal collections: Dedicate pages to different seasons. Glue small items or stick photos of larger discoveries.

Weather observations: Draw simple weather symbols or stick weather-related items (like frozen twigs from winter).

Photographs: Print photos of children's outdoor discoveries and let them help stick these in their journal.

Simple drawings: Encourage children to draw what they see, focusing on colours and shapes rather than realistic detail.

Dictated observations: Write down what your child tells you about their discoveries. Their words add personal meaning to the journal.

 

Making journal time part of outdoor play

Set aside a few minutes after outdoor exploration to add to the journal. This reflection time helps consolidate learning and builds routine.

Keep journal supplies accessible – a small outdoor box with glue, crayons, and the journal makes documentation spontaneous rather than a separate activity requiring indoor setup.

 

 

Tactile Play Ideas

Tactile play – experiences focused on the sense of touch – is fundamental to early development. Outdoor environments provide unmatched opportunities for tactile exploration with textures rarely available indoors.

Tactile experiences support brain development by strengthening neural pathways. For children with tactile sensitivities, gentle outdoor exposure helps build tolerance in a playful, non-threatening context.

The outdoors allows for genuinely messy play without worry about carpets or furniture. This freedom lets children fully immerse themselves in tactile experiences.

 

Mud Play and Mud Kitchens

Mud play tops the list of beloved outdoor sensory activities. The cool, malleable texture provides proprioceptive feedback whilst the unlimited supply encourages extended, focused play.

 

Benefits of mud play

Sensory input:

• Tactile stimulation from varied mud consistencies (wet, dry, sticky, smooth)
• Temperature variation (warm mud vs cool mud)
• Proprioceptive feedback from digging, squeezing, and carrying

Physical development:

• Strengthens hand and arm muscles
• Improves fine motor control
• Enhances gross motor skills through digging and mixing

Cognitive growth:

• Experiments with cause and effect (adding water changes consistency)
• Problem-solving (how to make mud the right consistency)
• Imaginative play scenarios

Emotional benefits:

• Stress relief and emotional regulation
• Confidence through messy exploration
• Sensory satisfaction

 

 

Setting up a mud kitchen

A mud kitchen needn't be elaborate. A designated mud patch, some water, and basic kitchen items create endless play opportunities.

 

Basic mud kitchen equipment:

• Old pots, pans, and baking tins
• Wooden spoons and spatulas
• Whisks and ladles
• Muffin tins for mud cakes
• Plastic cups and bowls
• Buckets for water
• Natural decorations (flowers, leaves, pebbles)

Structure options:

• Repurposed wooden pallets create simple work surfaces
• Old tables at appropriate height
• Stacked logs or stumps as counters
• Wall-mounted shelves for equipment storage

 

For permanent outdoor play solutions, explore outdoor play equipment designed for durability and year-round use.

 

Mud play safety:

• Ensure mud source is free from animal waste or harmful chemicals
• Wash hands thoroughly after play
• Dress in waterproof or changeable clothing
• Supervise to prevent mud eating (common in young toddlers)
• Provide clean water for drinking

Variations on mud play:

• Mud painting on fences or outdoor walls
• Mud volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar
• Mud sculptures and structures
• Mud pie bakery
• Nature imprinting in mud

 

 

Water Play Stations

Water play provides versatile sensory experiences that adapt to seasons, temperatures, and children's interests. The fluid, changeable nature of water captivates young children whilst supporting multiple areas of development.

 

Setting up outdoor water play

Basic water play station: A large washing-up bowl or baby bath creates a simple water play area. Add cups, funnels, and containers for pouring and transferring.

Enhanced water play:

• Water table at appropriate height
• Paddling pool for full-body water play
• Wall-mounted water channels
• Rain guttering for water runs
• Spray bottles and water pumps

 

Water play additions

Floating and sinking exploration:

• Natural materials (twigs, leaves, flowers, pebbles)
• Manufactured items (plastic toys, corks, foam)
• Ice blocks with frozen treasures inside

Pouring and transferring:

• Containers of varied sizes
• Funnels and tubes
• Sieves and colanders
• Measuring jugs and cups
• Watering cans

Color and texture:

• Food coloring for colour mixing
• Bubbles and foam
• Oil and water separation
• Cornflour gloop (slippery sensory experience)

Temperature variations:

• Warm water on cool days
• Ice cubes on warm days
• Snow melting observations
• Comparing hot and cold water

 

Seasonal water play

🐝 Spring: Rain collection, puddle jumping, water and mud mixing

🌞 Summer: Paddling pools, water sprinklers, water balloon play, ice exploration

🍂 Autumn: Leaf boats in water, rain water collection, conker floating

⛄ Winter: Ice melting, frozen color blocks, warm water on frozen surfaces

 

❗ Safety considerations:

• Never leave children unattended near water
• Empty containers after play to prevent accidents
• Use shallow water for toddlers
• Be aware of slipping hazards around wet areas
• Check water temperature to prevent burns or discomfort

 

 

Outdoor Art Projects

Outdoor art projects combine creativity with sensory exploration. Natural materials add texture, colour, and unpredictability that manufactured art supplies cannot replicate.

Creating art outdoors frees children from typical indoor constraints. Large-scale projects, messy techniques, and experimental approaches all become possible.

The process matters far more than the product in outdoor art. Focus on sensory experiences, exploration, and expression rather than creating something to keep.

 

Nature-Inspired Painting

Outdoor painting offers sensory richness through varied tools, surfaces, and environmental influences. Wind, sun, and rain become creative collaborators.

 

Natural paintbrushes

Instead of conventional brushes, experiment with natural painting tools:

• Leafy twigs for broad strokes
• Pine branches for interesting textures
• Feathers for delicate marks
• Grass bundles tied together
• Flowers for printing and painting
• Large leaves as stamps

 

Painting surfaces

Move beyond paper to explore diverse outdoor canvases:

• Fence panels and garden walls
• Large cardboard boxes
• Paving slabs (wash away with water)
• Old bedsheets hung as outdoor canvases
• Rocks and pebbles
• Tree stumps or logs

 

Natural paint recipes

Create paints from natural materials for authentic sensory experiences:

Mud paint: Mix soil with water to varied consistencies

Berry and flower paint: Crush berries or flower petals with water (ensure non-toxic)

Grass paint: Blend grass with small amount of water

Earth pigments: Collect different coloured soils and mix with water

Painting activity ideas:

Seasonal painting: Paint pictures of seasonal observations using natural colours

Ice painting: Freeze food coloring in ice cube trays with lolly sticks. Paint with melting ice.

Wind painting: Hang paper outdoors and let wind-blown paint create patterns

Shadow painting: Trace shadows of objects or children throughout the day

Rain painting: Start a painting outdoors and let rain finish it, creating unique effects

 

Check out this video from Mother Natured sharing 10 nature art activities for children!

 

Rock and Shell Decorating

Rock and shell decorating provides sustained focus activities that combine fine motor development with creative expression.

 

Collecting rocks and shells

Nature walks become treasure hunts when children search for decorating materials. Look for:

• Smooth, flat stones in varied sizes
• Interestingly shaped pebbles
• Clean shells from beach visits
• Slate pieces with flat surfaces

 

Decorating techniques suitable for toddlers

Paint and markers: Simple painted designs or colour blocking works well for young children. Acrylic paints withstand outdoor elements better than poster paints.

Natural dyes: Create patterns using berry juices or flower pigments

Leaf printing: Press painted leaves onto rocks to transfer shapes

Mud decorating: Use mud as natural paint or adhesive for adding small natural items

Gluing natural materials: Attach small flowers, seeds, or bark pieces with PVA glue

 

Creating rock collections

Themed collections:

• Colour sorting (collect rocks in rainbow colours)
• Size grading (smallest to largest)
• Texture variety (smooth, rough, bumpy)
• Pattern rocks (stripes, spots, swirls)

Functional rocks:

• Story stones with simple pictures for storytelling
• Number rocks (1-10 for counting)
• Letter rocks for name building
• Weather rocks showing different conditions

 

Display and use

Create a small outdoor display area for decorated rocks. A dedicated shelf or collection box encourages children to arrange, reorganize, and add to their collection.

Use decorated rocks in sensory garden designs as markers, path decorations, or sensory stepping stones.

 

 

Texture Scavenger Hunt

Texture scavenger hunts transform ordinary outdoor spaces into sensory adventures. These focused exploration activities develop observational skills whilst providing rich tactile experiences.

Unlike traditional scavenger hunts that seek specific objects, texture hunts focus on sensory qualities. This approach works beautifully with toddlers who may struggle with precise object identification but readily recognize "soft" versus "rough."

 

Creating a Scavenger List

Adapt scavenger lists to your child's age, developmental stage, and the outdoor environment available.

 

For young toddlers (18 months - 2.5 years)

Keep lists very simple with 3-5 basic textures:

• Something soft
• Something hard
• Something smooth
• Something bumpy
• Something wet

 

For older toddlers (2.5 - 3.5 years)

Expand to 6-8 textures with more specific descriptions:

• Something rough like tree bark
• Something smooth like a pebble
• Something soft like moss
• Something prickly like pine needles
• Something squishy like mud
• Something hard like a stone
• Something bumpy like a pinecone

 

For preschoolers (3.5+ years)

Challenge with detailed texture vocabulary:

• Something furry or fuzzy
• Something slippery
• Something sticky
• Something bendy
• Something crumbly
• Something scratchy
• Something silky
• Something spongy

 

Making visual scavenger lists

For pre-readers, create picture-based lists:

• Draw simple texture representations
• Take photos of example items
• Use magazine pictures showing textures
• Create texture boards with actual samples glued on

 

Free Texture Scavenger Hunt

Enjoy Simple, nature-based sensory play with a printable texture scavenger hunt for toddlers and young children.

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Seasonal texture hunts

Adapt scavenger lists to seasonal availability:

🐝 Spring textures:

• Soft new leaves
• Damp soil
• Smooth new growth
• Sticky buds
• Wet grass

🌞 Summer textures:

• Warm rocks
• Dry sand
• Silky flower petals
• Cool water
• Rough bark

🍂 Autumn textures:

• Crunchy leaves
• Smooth conkers
• Spiky seed cases
• Crumbly dry soil
• Papery seed pods

⛄ Winter textures:

• Icy surfaces
• Rough frost
• Smooth frozen puddles
• Crispy frozen leaves
• Cold metal

 

Tips for Engaging Toddlers During the Hunt

Texture scavenger hunts succeed when adults follow children's pace and interests rather than rigidly pursuing list completion.

 

Setting up for success

Timing: Choose times when children are well-rested and fed. Morning or late afternoon often work better than immediately after lunch.

Dress appropriately: Waterproof clothing and wellingtons free children to explore without worry about mess.

Bring collection containers: Small buckets, bags, or baskets give children somewhere to place treasures.

Have wet wipes handy: Quick hand cleaning mid-hunt prevents eye rubbing with muddy fingers.

Engagement strategies

Model enthusiasm: Your excitement about discoveries inspires children's engagement.

Narrate sensory experiences:

• "That feels rough and bumpy, doesn't it?"
• "This leaf is so smooth and silky"
• "Can you feel how cold this stone is?"

Ask open-ended questions:

• "What else can we find that feels like this?"
• "How would you describe how this feels?"
• "Which texture do you like best?"

Encourage comparison:

• "Is this rougher than the bark we found?"
• "Which one feels smoother?"
• "Can you find something that feels the opposite?"

Follow their lead: When children discover something not on the list, celebrate it. Extended exploration of one fascinating texture teaches more than rushing through a checklist.

 

Extend the activity

Texture sorting: After collecting items, sort them into groups by texture at an outdoor table or on a blanket.

Texture rubbings: Take paper and crayons outside to create texture rubbings of interesting surfaces found during the hunt.

Texture matching: Create duplicate lists and see if children can match items with identical textures.

Sensory bin creation: Use found textures to create a sensory bin for continued exploration.

Photography documentation: Older children can photograph textures, creating a visual texture journal.

 

 

Making Outdoor Sensory Play a Daily Habit

The most significant benefits of outdoor sensory play come from regular, sustained engagement rather than occasional special activities. Building outdoor time into daily routines ensures children receive consistent sensory input.

 

Creating outdoor routines

Morning sensory start: Begin each day with 15-20 minutes outdoors. Even brief garden exploration provides alerting sensory input that helps children arrive at other activities calm and focused. This approach mirrors the benefits of sensory circuits.

Post-nap outdoor time: After rest periods, outdoor sensory play helps children transition back to active engagement.

Pre-bedtime nature time: Gentle outdoor sensory experiences in early evening provide calming input. Focus on quiet activities like watering plants, evening nature observations, or collecting treasures.

 

Weather and outdoor play

British weather provides diverse sensory experiences year-round. Rather than avoiding outdoor play in less-than-perfect weather, adapt activities to conditions.

🌧️ Rainy day play:

• Puddle jumping and splashing
• Rain listening and observation
• Mud play (enhanced by rain)
• Rain water collection
• Worm watching

💨 Windy day play:

• Flag and ribbon streaming
• Leaf watching and chasing
• Wind sock making
• Feeling wind on skin
• Sound observation (rustling, whistling)

🥶 Cold day play:

• Frost observation and touching
• Ice collection and melting
• Warm and cold comparison
• Breath cloud watching
• Winter bird feeding

☀️ Hot day play:

• Water play and cooling activities
• Shadow exploration
• Sun and shade comparison
• Ice play
• Quiet observation in shade

 

Check out this video from Mother Natured to learn more about nature play and how it can help children connect with the outdoors.

 

Minimal space solutions

Even without a garden, outdoor sensory play remains accessible:

Balconies and patios:

• Container sensory gardens
• Small water play tubs
• Hanging sensory bottles
• Wind chimes and streamers
• Portable sensory bins

Regular park visits:

• Create routines around specific park areas
• Bring sensory hunt lists
• Pack portable sensory materials
• Visit different parks for variety

Nature walks:

• Local streets offer pavement texture, garden observations, weather experiences
• Longer walks to varied locations on weekends
• Nature reserve visits for deeper exploration

 

 

Safety Considerations for Outdoor Sensory Play

Whilst outdoor play offers immense benefits, appropriate safety measures ensure positive experiences.

 

Supervision essentials

Always supervise outdoor sensory play, particularly with toddlers. Even familiar gardens contain changing hazards – puddles, visiting wildlife, fallen branches.

 

Plant safety

Before allowing free exploration, identify any toxic plants in your outdoor space. Common UK garden plants requiring caution include:

• Laburnum
• Foxglove
• Daffodil bulbs
• Yew
• Ivy berries
• Holly berries

Water safety

Water features, paddling pools, and even small buckets pose drowning risks for toddlers.

Water safety rules:

• Empty water containers after each play session
• Never leave children unattended near water
• Use shallow water depths
• Teach water safety from early age
• Install fencing around ponds or water features

 

Sun protection

Toddlers' skin requires particular sun protection.

Sun safety measures:

• Apply appropriate SPF sunscreen
• Provide shade during peak sun hours (11am-3pm)
• Use sun hats and protective clothing
• Ensure adequate hydration
• Watch for signs of overheating

 

Appropriate clothing

Dress children for weather conditions and messy play:

• Waterproof clothing for wet play
• Layering for temperature regulation
• Wellington boots for muddy exploration
• Sun hats in summer
• Warm layers in winter

Allergy awareness

Be mindful of potential allergens in outdoor play:

• Bee and wasp stings
• Plant allergies
• Grass sensitivity
• Pollen reactions

Keep antihistamine nearby if children have known allergies and know when to seek medical attention for severe reactions.

 

Final Thoughts

Outdoor sensory play provides unmatched opportunities for toddlers and young children to explore, learn, and develop. The natural world offers ever-changing sensory experiences that engage children's curiosity whilst supporting crucial developmental milestones.

From simple mud play to structured texture scavenger hunts, outdoor sensory activities needn't be complex or expensive. Nature provides the materials; children provide the curiosity and creativity.

Making outdoor sensory play a daily habit – even in small doses – builds strong foundations for physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Rain or shine, warm or cold, the outdoors offers sensory richness that indoor environments simply cannot match.

Start small. Choose one or two activities from this guide and observe what captures your child's interest. Follow their lead, embrace the mess, and enjoy the wonder of discovery alongside them.

The greatest gift we can give young children is time – unhurried time to dig, splash, explore, and wonder. In those moments of sensory engagement, profound learning happens.

 

Follow Sensory Surroundings on social media for more outdoor sensory play ideas, seasonal activity suggestions, and practical tips for supporting children's development. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @sensorysurrounding

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References and Further Resources

Early Education (2023). Physical development in early childhood.

National Autistic Society. Autism and sensory processing. 

Kuo, M., Barnes, M., & Jordan, C. (2019). Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 305. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30873068/ 

 

Related Reading:

How Sensory Integration Therapy Works

Sensory Stimulation in Gardens - A Guide to Engage Your Senses

Sensory Play Ideas That Help Develop Fine Motor Skills