15 Engaging Five Senses Activities for Preschool

Five senses activities for preschool kids.

The five senses activities for preschool are the building blocks of exploration and learning in early childhood.

Senses Activities that engage sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell help preschoolers develop crucial cognitive, social, and emotional skills. 

Below, we’ll explore a variety of hands-on, interactive activities that you can use to stimulate your preschoolers’ sensory development.

The Importance of the Five Senses in Early Childhood

Engaging preschoolers in sensory activities is about more than just play—it lays the foundation for their learning journey. When children explore their environment through the five senses, they develop problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and physical coordination.

Five Senses Activities for Preschool –
What Are the Five Senses?

The five senses activities for preschool include—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—which help children interpret and interact with the world around them. Each one of the 5 senses plays a distinct role, from identifying colors to discerning textures, to hearing birds chirping and more.

How Sensory Play Impacts Development:

Sensory play supports language development, social skills, and motor coordination. It also encourages children to be mindful of their surroundings, boosting focus and self-regulation.

Five Senses Activities for Preschool – Sense of Sight

Color Sorting Games:

Use colored objects like blocks or beads to teach preschoolers about shades, patterns, and contrasts.

Shadow Play:

Shadows spark curiosity. Use flashlights and everyday objects to create shapes on walls or ceilings. Discuss how shadows change based on the light’s position.

 

Activities for the Sense of Hearing

Musical Chairs:

This classic game sharpens listening and reaction skills. Change tempos or use songs with varying beats for added fun.

Listening Walks:

Take preschoolers on walks where they identify different sounds—birds chirping, cars honking, or leaves rustling. This enhances auditory discrimination.

 

5 Senses Activities for Preschool – Sense of Touch

Texture Exploration:

Provide a variety of materials like sandpaper, feathers, and cotton balls. Encourage kids to describe how each feels.

Sensory Bins:

Fill bins with items like rice, beans, or water beads. Add small toys for a fun, tactile treasure hunt. 

You can even try this Mystery Box for Kids activity.

 

Activities for the Sense of Taste

Food Tasting Party:

Offer a variety of safe, bite-sized foods. Discuss their flavors—sweet, salty, sour, or bitter.

Flavor Matching Game:

Blindfolded, children match the taste of foods to pictures or descriptions. It’s a fun way to expand their palate.

 

Five Senses Activities for PreK –  Sense of Smell

Smell Bottles:

Fill opaque bottles with different scents like lavender, vanilla, or lemon. Let children guess the smell. 

Try this Guess the Smell activity for kids.

Herbal Sensory Bags:

Seal herbs like mint or rosemary in small bags. Use them in group activities to encourage sharing observations.

 

Combining Multiple Senses

Scented Playdough Creations:

Add essential oils to playdough for a multisensory experience. Kids can mold shapes while enjoying the fragrance.

Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt:

Create a list of sensory items to find, like a rough rock, a fragrant flower, or a brightly colored leaf.

 

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Learning Environment

Designing a Safe Space:

Provide soft lighting, comfortable seating, and easy access to sensory tools.

Tips for Teachers and Parents

Rotate activities and observe what works best for individual children.

 

Adapting Activities for Children with Sensory Challenges

Inclusive Sensory Play Ideas:

Modify activities for sensitivities—use gloves for texture play or opt for quieter sounds.

Tools for Accommodating All Learners:

Invest in sensory-friendly equipment like noise-canceling headphones or weighted blankets.

 

Benefits of Sensory Activities Beyond Preschool

Lifelong Cognitive and Emotional Skills:

Sensory activities foster critical thinking and empathy, traits valuable throughout life.

Building Curiosity and Creativity:

By exploring textures, tastes, and smells, children learn to ask questions and solve problems creatively.

FAQs About Five Senses Activities for Preschool

  1. Why are five senses activities important for preschoolers?
    They promote holistic development, including cognitive, emotional, and motor skills.

  2. Can these activities be done at home?
    Yes! Most activities require simple, household items.

  3. How do I handle sensory sensitivities?
    Start slow and adapt to the child’s comfort level.

  4. Are sensory activities safe?
    Ensure materials are non-toxic and age-appropriate.

  5. What if my child doesn’t enjoy sensory play?
    Offer alternatives and involve them in choosing activities.

  6. How often should sensory activities be done?
    Daily engagement is ideal for consistent growth.

 

Why Five Senses Activities for Preschool & Sensory Play Matters

Sensory play and these five senses activities for Preschool aren’t just fun—they are transformative. Through engaging their five senses, preschoolers build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery.