On rainy days, overly hot afternoons, or quiet weekends, indoor play can quickly lead to boredom, but it doesn’t have to. With a few easy sensory activities, you can create enriching play experiences that keep your preschooler active, curious, and learning indoors. For families near Beverly Farms Ivymount in Potomac, MD, these simple ideas are perfect for supporting development at home in ways that feel just as fun as the playground.
Sensory play includes any activity that engages your child’s senses; touch, smell, sight, sound, or movement. For preschoolers, it plays a critical role in brain development, helping to build nerve connections and support fine motor skills, language, and problem-solving.
It also helps children self-regulate by providing calming experiences, making sensory activities ideal for indoor days when energy levels are high and outdoor space is limited.
Some of the best sensory experiences don’t require anything special.
These simple setups encourage independent play while also supporting focus, coordination, and exploration.
For more ideas like this, check out:
→ Fun & Easy Indoor Play Ideas to Help Your Infant or Toddler Build Motor Skills
You don’t need fancy materials to make a sensory bin. Start with a plastic container and fill it with materials that are safe and engaging.
Rotate themes weekly, like “ocean,” “farm,” or “construction”, to keep things fresh. Add a few small toys, tools like tongs or scoops, and let your child explore freely.
Many preschoolers struggle with big feelings, especially indoors when movement is limited. Sensory play offers a natural outlet for stress and restlessness. Activities like playdough kneading, water pouring, or sensory bottle shaking can calm the nervous system and reset emotions.
Read:
→ Guide to Better Communication: Getting Your Preschooler to Listen
Letting your child help with setup builds excitement and ownership.
Encourage reflection during and after play: “What did the water feel like?” “How did it smell?” These moments of shared observation promote language and critical thinking.
Keep the Learning Going
Sensory play is more than just fun, it’s a meaningful way to support your preschooler’s learning and emotional growth indoors.
Explore more at-home learning ideas in these blog posts:
Whether your child is enrolled in a local program like Beverly Farms Ivymount or enjoying time at home this season, sensory activities offer a playful path to learning; even indoors.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
