Kids learn better and faster when all senses are engaged. Sensory play has many benefits, and not all of it is messy! Here are a ton of sensory activities for 1 year olds that will keep you little ones busy. (Bonus, older kids/sibling love these too!)
Over 65 Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds
Sensory Bins for 1 Year Olds
Sensory bins are such a FUN way to learn! This is the perfect way for kids to engage in hands-on learning activities while having fun. Activities for 1 and 2 year olds can be tough to find, so when choosing a sensory bin, look for something with edible components or large parts.
Bug Sensory Bin // The Best Ideas for Kids (pictured)
Ocean Beach Sensory Bin // Mommy’s Bundle (pictured)
Digging for Dinosaurs Sensory Bin // The Jenny Evolution (pictured)
Ocean Small World Play // Rainy Day Mum (pictured)
Let the Ice Melt: A Spring Sensory Bin // The Jenny Evolution
Edible Garden Sensory Bin// Views From a Step Stool
Flour Bin: An Easy Toddler Activity // Busy Toddler
15 Fun Food Sensory Bin Ideas // The Jenny Evolution
Paw Patrol Sensory Tub // Crafts on Sea
Farm Harvest Sensory Bin // The Jenny Evolution
Get our FREE mini pamphlet with sensory play ideas, recipes and more below!
Sensory Bags for One Year Olds
Like sensory bottles below, sensory bags are excellent sensory activities for toddlers as these are MESS-FREE. Kids can squish, throw, and play with these to learn about a variety of themes, early literacy, or even science!Remember to always duct tape the sides and tops of the bags to avoid any sensory bag explosions.
5 Baby Sensory Bags with Food //The Best Ideas for Kids (pictured)
Sensory Bags for Babies and Toddlers // Messy Little Monster (pictured)
Mess-Free Snowflake Sensory Bag // Crafts on Sea
Color Mixing Sensory Bags// Views From a Step Stool(pictured)
Sensory Bags: Baby Safe, Simple and Fun// Views From a Step Stool(pictured)
Googly Eye Sensory Bag // Clare’s Little Tots
My First Sensory Bags // Life with Moore Babies
Easy Nature Sensory Bags // Kiddy Charts
Sensory Bottles/Jars for 1 Year Olds
Sensory bottles and jars make for the perfect activities for 1 year olds because they are MESS-FREE. This age group can explore in many ways, all while getting a rich sensory experience. Definitely opt for a plastic bottle here.
Nebula Sensory Jar// Views From a Step Stool (pictured)
Farm DiscoveryBottle // Little World Big Adventures (pictured)
Water Bead Sensory Bottles // Living Montessori Now (pictured)
Rainbow Bottle Music Shakers // Kids Craft Room (pictured)
Fireworks Sensory Bottle // Messy Little Monster
Spring Flower Sensory Bottle // Kids Craft Room
Simple Entertainment: Sensory Bottles // Mama Smiles
Sensory Bottles for Babies and Toddlers // Kiddy Charts
Valentine’s Sensory Bottles // Something 2 Offer
Edible Sensory Play for One Year Olds
These simple setups involve sensory activities for toddlers that are sure to keep 1 and 2 year olds busy, and learning!
Edible Playdough // Danya Banya (pictured)
How to Make Finger Paint // Red Ted Art (pictured)
Taste Safe Ice Painting // Messy Little Monster (pictured)
Edible Sensory Play for Babies // Clare’s Little Tots (pictured)
Edible Rainbow Sensory Bin // Life with Moore Babies (pictured)
Edible Indoor Sand // Views From a Step Stool
Pudding Painting Messy Toddler Activity // Busy Toddler
‘Inside Out’ Edible Water Beads for Sensory Play// Views From a Step Stool
Red, White and Blue Sensory Spaghetti// Views From a Step Stool
Tapioca Pearl Sensory Play // Adventures and Play
Baby Play – Spaghetti Sensory // Rainy Day Mum
S’mores Sensory Bin // Views From a Step Stool
2 Ingredient Bread Dough // Danya Banya
Playdough Cupcakes with Nutella Playdough // Life with Moore Babies
10 Toddler Approved Edible Sensory Play Recipes // The Natural Homeschool
Spice Painting with Edible Glue // Life with Moore Babies
Baby Sensory Finger Paint // Kiddy Charts
Baby Play Sensory Activities forToddlers
Sensory Stomp Painting // Views From a Step Stool (pictured)
Rose Petal Treasure Basket // Living Montessori Now (pictured)
Pasta Play // Messy Little Monster (pictured)
Baby Gak Bath // Busy Toddler (pictured)
Giant Rice Pool // Busy Toddler (pictured)
Dinosaur Fossil Excavation for Kids // Love, Play and Learn (pictured)
Jello Potato Heads // Busy Toddler (pictured)
Indoor Cranberry Bog// Views From a Step Stool
How to Make Play Mud // The Best Ideas for Kids
Gel Sensory Bags and Sunlight // Views From a Step Stool
Stuff the OBall Heuristic Play for Babies // Little World Big Adventures
DIY Sensory Balls // Schooltime Snippets
Lego Ice Play // Crafts on Sea
Sensory Fort for Babies // Messy Little Monster
Arctic Small World Sensory Play// Views From a Step Stool
Smash Tuff Spot // Adventures and Play
Exploring Montesssori Sensory Play with Babies // Natural Beach Living
DIY Spring Toddler Activities // Natural Beach Living
There are so many ways to incorporate sensory play into the playroom with toddlers! Whether you find inspiration in sensory bins, bags or jars, your toddler will greatly benefit from this kind of hands-on learning and fun with these sensory activities for 1 year olds!
Need more Activities for 1 Year Olds?
