Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds

Finding the right sensory activities for 1 year olds means matching the activity to their developmental stage. At 12-24 months, kids are working on walking and balance, simple cause and effect, and sensory activities can support all of these areas.

Sensory Activities Ideas for 1 Year Olds

Here are our top picks, adapted for the very simple with large areas level appropriate for this age group:

Playdough Creations

Mold, squish, and shape homemade or store-bought playdough. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Sensory Bin Exploration

Fill bins with rice, pasta, beans, or water beads for scooping and pouring. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Shaving Cream Play

Spread shaving cream on a tray for drawing and sensory exploration. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Sand Play

Dig, pour, and build with kinetic sand or outdoor sand. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Texture Boards

Touch and feel different materials like sandpaper, velvet, and bubble wrap. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Ice Excavation

Freeze small toys in ice and excavate them with warm water and tools. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Tips for Parents of 1 Year Olds

• Praise effort over results to build confidence and a growth mindset.
• Rotate activities regularly to prevent boredom and stimulate new skills.
• Take photos of finished work to create a portfolio of their progress.
• Make it social by doing the activity alongside your child.
• Keep sessions to about 5-10 minutes to match their natural attention span.

How to Get Started

1. Choose an activity from the ideas above that matches your child’s interests.
2. Gather materials listed in the activity description.
3. Set up a workspace that’s comfortable and easy to clean.
4. Guide your child through the activity, offering help when needed.
5. Display or save their work to encourage pride in their accomplishments.