10 Sensory activities for autism

Fun Summer DIY sensory games that will help improve motor skills

As the temperature rises and kids head home for the summer, parents begin looking for activities to fill the days. Here are 10 projects that incorporate new textures, colors, smells and sounds that will give your children a great new sensory experience and help improve motor skills!

For even more sensory play ideas, check out our Autism Speaks Pinterest boards!

Note: Autism Speaks does not endorse any of these activities, we are simply sharing recommendations from our community. Before taking part in any activity, please make sure all materials are safe for your child. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share below! Happy playing!

10 Sensory activities for autism

1. Colored Beans

The secret to these brightly-colored beans? A mix of regular food coloring and neon food coloring!

Sensory game with different colored beans on a table and a toddler touching them

2. Rainbow Ice Excavation

This mom got THREE DAYS of play time out of this ice tower!

little girl with red hair playing with a rainbow colored sensory ice toy

3. Polka Dot Slime

You only need 3 items to make this fabulous, fun slime! 

toddler playing with a polka dot sensory slime toy

4. "Glowing" Water

This "glowing" water is actually made out of ground-up vitamin pills and glows under a black light! 

baby sitting in safe edible glow water for sensory fun

5. Spider Web Walk

This fun game involves balancing on a "web" while gathering letter tiles to spell words.

little girl in a pink shirt and skirt walking on a diy sensory spider web on the floor

6. Zipper Board

A simple to make board that will provide hours of entertainment for young ones!

toddler playing with a diy sensory zipper board

7. Balloon Paint Stamping

This site actually includes 30 interesting methods to stamp paint: from using fruit and veggies, to water balloons, to toilet paper rolls!

child playing with DIY sensory balloon painting stamp

8. Magic Foaming Snowman

This is the perfect activity for a hot, summer day! Find out how to make this magic, "melting" snowman!

DIY sensory magic foaming snowman

9. Pool Noodle Boats

These are perfect for bath time!

child playing with DIY pool noodle boats water sensory bin

10. Rainbow Soap Foam

Just add toy cars, and it's a rainbow car wash!

Childs arms playing with DIY sensory rainbow soap foam

Check out our Pinterest page for more GREAT sensory play ideas!

Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks has not validated and is not responsible for any information, events, or services provided by third parties. The views and opinions expressed in blogs on our website do not necessarily reflect the views of Autism Speaks.