Easiest Kids Sensory Activity Ever

Hey, Friends! I’m sorry I’ve been quieter than usual over here on the blog! We are on summer break which means less DIY time, but more fun, family time. I figured many of you may be home with your kids, too, so thought I’d start a series on fun and inexpensive things to do with your kids this summer!

Now, please hear me… I’m not claiming to be a super mom with earth shattering new ideas. I’m not huge into having planned crafts and activities every day. During the school year, we typically just frequent nearby parks, take walks, paint, play with play dough, play with toys, play outside, etc. But, with all of the extra free time over the summer, I am trying to be more intentional about planning extra things that keep the kids engaged, make fun memories, and keep them from spending too much time in front of the TV.

Ok, so ready for our first activity? This is the easiest sensory activity you will ever do and it holds their attention like no one’s business. Go grab that novel you’ve been wanting to read, because you’re about to have some uninterrupted time to catch up on it. 😉

Head to your pantry and grab some rice. Grab some beans if you have those, too. Have some extra noodles? Sure, why not!

Now, grab spoons, play cups and kitchen items, cars and trucks (Dump trucks and loaders are the most fun, so I’ve been told.), whatever you have! Also grab a tray or bowl!

Pour some rice and beans onto each child’s tray or into their bowl and let them use the toys however they please! Here is the most important part… Do this outside! No one wants to clean up a mess, right?! Little Man is old enough that I was able to give him a Tupperware to play in. For Little Girlie,  I took her highchair out to the porch with us and simply poured the rice and beans straight onto her highchair tray. When we were done, all I needed to do was sweep any mess out into the grass. Easy!

Does it look especially pretty? Nope. But, let me tell you, they played with the rice and beans for almost an hour without a single complaint. They would have played with it much longer, but it was nap time. 😉

It was really interesting to watch them play! They poured the rice and beans from cup to cup, strained them in the colander, scooped them with the cars and poured into the trucks, practiced scooping with the spoon, etc. They were all great activities for increasing fine motor skills, especially for Little Girlie. I thought Little Man might be too old for this, but he enjoyed it just as much as he did when he was Little Girlie’s age!

I first got this idea from a friend who hosted a busy bag activity swap. One of the things we received was a tub of rainbow rice. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could totally dye your rice different colors for a fun touch. Or, if you’re lazy extremely tired like me, just pour it straight out of the bag. They won’t notice a difference. 😉

What fun things are you doing this summer? I’d love to hear your easy, kid friendly activities!