3 Types of Sensory Play Ideas for Halloween Fun

Did you know that Halloween can be an excellent opportunity for sensory play?

Halloween is a time of excitement and wonder for children, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. Spooky sensory play will engage the senses and not only enhance a child's cognitive development but will also provide hours of entertainment and exploration.

Come explore three exciting Halloween sensory play ideas that are sure to delight your little ones and create lasting memories.

Spooky Sensory Bin:

• Fill a sensory bin with various Halloween-themed objects such as Safari Ltd. spooky TOOB figurines from the Zombies Super TOOB®, Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Designer TOOB®, Heroes & Monsters Designer TOOB®, Cryptozoology Designer TOOB®, or  Insects TOOB®.
• Add materials like colored rice, Playfoam Pluffle, slime, faux spider webs or shredded paper to create a textured base.
• Encourage your child to search through the bin, feeling the different textures and discovering hidden treasures.
• Sit back and listen as your child weaves stories about the figurines or talk about the different details of the objects. Sensory bins stimulate visual and tactile senses as well as promote imaginative play.
• Use a cleaned out pumpkin as a fun container for your sensory play!
• Create a mini travel sensory play tin with some Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty and your favorite Spooky TOOB figures.

Pumpkin Guts Exploration:

• Gather a few small pumpkins or gourds and carve them out, removing the seeds and pulp.
• Place the pumpkin guts in a large container or sensory bin.
• Encourage your child to explore the slimy texture, squishing it between their fingers and hands.
• Add your favorite large Safari Ltd. figurines, TOOB or Good Luck Mini figurines, spoons, scoops, or other tools for extra sensory stimuli.
• Discuss the smells and sounds associated with the pumpkin guts, engaging multiple senses.

Create Your Own Monster:

• Use play dough or Hey Clay modeling clay to create your own monster.
• Use a prepackaged kit like Hey Clay – Monsters or TUTTI FRUTTI MONSTER TRIO KIT. You can also set up a buffet of materials that includes clay or play dough, google eyes, pipe cleaners (for appendages), beads, feathers, and other fun decorative items. The My First Arts & Crafts Library has many fun supply options.
• Encourage your kiddo to be creative and invent their own scary and not so scary monster friends. 

Engaging in Halloween sensory play not only provides a fun and interactive experience for your child but also enhances their cognitive, sensory, and fine motor skills.

These three sensory play ideas are just the beginning of the endless possibilities you can explore during this spooky season. So gather your materials, embrace the spirit of Halloween, and watch as your little ones embark on a thrilling sensory adventure. Happy haunting and happy Halloween!

More sensory and Halloween fun:

Sensory and Fidget Collection

Science Collection

SCAREfari Halloween Collection

Blog: How to Create an Ocean Sensory Bin for Your Kid