Why Play Is a Sensory Superpower: Celebrating the International Day of Play

Today, we celebrate something vital to childhood—and honestly, to human development at every age: play.

But play isn’t just about having fun. It’s a multisensory, brain-boosting, heart-centering superpower. Whether it’s the sensation of mud between fingers, the sound of laughter, the thrill of movement, or the calm of building something small and steady, play activates the senses in ways that fuel emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

In honour of the International Day of Play, let’s dive into why play is one of the most powerful sensory tools we have—and how you can incorporate more of it into everyday life.

The Science: Why Sensory Play Matters

When children engage in play, they’re not just entertaining themselves—they’re wiring their brains. Sensory-rich play activates multiple systems:

1. Tactile (touch): squishing, stacking, molding
2. Vestibular (balance): swinging, spinning, climbing
3. Proprioceptive (body awareness): pushing, pulling, jumping
4. Auditory & visual: music, storytelling, bright materials
5. Motor: refining gross and fine motor skills through crawling, grasping, or jumping
6. Communication: encouraging speech, gesture, turn-taking, and social interaction
7. Cognition: building attention, memory, and problem-solving skills through creative and structured play

These experiences strengthen neural pathways, improve emotional regulation, and teach children how to interpret and respond to their environment. For children with sensory processing challenges, play becomes a safe, natural way to explore and integrate sensory input.

The Benefits of Sensory-Rich Play

1. Improves emotional regulation: Movement and tactile input help reduce stress and support self-soothing.
2. Boosts brain development: Open-ended play enhances executive functioning, creativity, and memory.
3. Builds social-emotional skills: Collaborative play encourages turn-taking, empathy, and resilience.
4. Strengthens motor coordination: Gross and fine motor play builds physical confidence and control.
5. Encourages independence: Self-directed play supports decision-making and problem-solving.

Where to Play: Sensory Play in Any Environment

You don’t need a fancy setup or expensive toys. Sensory-rich play is accessible everywhere—you just need the right mindset and a little creativity.

At Home:

1. Create a sensory bin with dry rice, pasta, or water beads. Add scoops, spoons, and hidden treasures.
2. Try fort-building using blankets, pillows, and furniture to create cozy, calming nooks.
3. Explore messy play with finger painting, slime, shaving cream, or dough.

At School or Daycare:

1. Incorporate movement breaks between lessons (animal walks, yoga, obstacle courses).
2. Offer quiet corners with sensory tools like weighted lap pads, fidget toys, or calming visuals.
3. Integrate music and rhythm into classroom transitions and learning routines.

In Nature:

1. Go barefoot on grass or sand for a tactile exploration experience.
2. Climb rocks, trees, or playground structures for proprioceptive and vestibular input.
3. Collect and sort leaves, stones, or shells—engaging the senses of touch, sight, and smell.

Play isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have. And sensory-rich play? It’s one of the most natural, effective ways for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

So, whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or playful-at-heart adult, today’s the perfect day to celebrate play. Step outside, get messy, and experience the joy of learning through the senses.

Happy International Day of Play! 💚