Messy & Sensory Play

Messy Play and Sensory Play are both types of play-based learning that support early childhood development, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.

Messy Play

Messy play involves touching, squishing, pouring, smearing, and generally getting hands-on with different textures and materials. It’s all about exploring without a set outcome.

• Encourages creativity and imagination
• Develops fine motor skills
• Builds concentration and problem-solving
• Allows children to explore cause and effect (e.g., what happens when I mix these?)

Sensory Play

Sensory play engages the five senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste — to help children learn through exploration.

• Supports brain development and cognitive growth
• Calms anxious or overstimulated children
• Enhances sensory processing
• Helps language development as they describe textures and experiences