Sensory trays for outdoor play
Sensory trays can be a safe and stimulating way for children with complex disabilities to explore the outside world.
What is a sensory tray?
For children who are less mobile or reluctant to explore, sensory trays can be a good way to introduce natural items.
This can include sterile compost or ‘clean mud’ (made from toilet paper or tissues and brown paint), sticks, leaves, clean feathers and clean large stones.
Sensory trays always require supervision. Be mindful of hygiene, sensitivities and choking hazards.
What to put in a sensory tray
To get your child used to natural objects and textures, you might fill your sensory tray with things like:
- Feathers
- Rocks and stones
- Leaves
- Twigs
Sensory tray ideas
Watch our helpful video to get some more sensory tray ideas.