Sensational Senses: Explore Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch

Our five senses help us explore the world in exciting and meaningful ways—and they’re also the perfect inspiration for family fun! Whether you're at home on a cozy afternoon or out and about in your community, these activities will spark curiosity, conversation, and creativity for kids of all ages.

Sight – Explore with Your Eyes

I Spy Neighborhood Walk
Head outside and take turns playing “I Spy” using color, shape, or pattern clues. Try things like I spy something round and red (stop sign!) or I spy something that moves with the wind (a flag, a tree, a kite)

Make a Sensory Suncatcher
To make a DIY suncatcher, use clear contact paper and bits of tissue paper, leaves, or shiny wrapping. Hang it in a sunny window and admire how light changes your creation.
 

Sound – Tune Into the World Around You

Sound Safari
Visit a local park or simply open your window and make a list of all the sounds you hear: birds chirping, leaves rustling, dogs barking, cars driving by. Can you guess where each sound is coming from?

Homemade Shakers and Rainsticks
Recycle plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, and dry pantry goods like rice or beans to make your own musical instruments. Decorate them and start a family rhythm band!
 

Smell – Discover the World Through Scents

Scent Matching Game
Fill small containers or plastic eggs with cotton balls soaked in different extracts (vanilla, mint, lemon, etc.). Close your eyes, smell each one, and try to guess the scent.

Nature Nose Walk
As you walk through a garden, trail, or local farmers market, stop and take a whiff! Flowers, herbs, soil, and even fruit stands have distinct and memorable smells.
 

Taste – Try Something New and Delicious

Rainbow Snack Challenge
Create a snack board featuring something from each color of the rainbow—berries, cheese cubes, cucumber slices, crackers, and more. Try a bite of each and talk about how they taste: Sweet? Salty? Crunchy? Sour?

Blindfold Taste Test
Let kids sample mystery bites while blindfolded (think apple slices, yogurt, or pretzels). Have them guess what each one is and describe its flavor and texture.
 

Touch – Feel and Explore with Your Hands

Mystery Texture Box
Place different textured items inside a cardboard box (with a hand hole): a sponge, pinecone, cotton ball, LEGO, etc. Have your child reach in and guess what they feel without peeking!

Foamy Art Play 
Mix shaving cream with food coloring on a tray and let kids swirl, smoosh, and squish to create sensory art. To turn it into a keepsake, press white paper over the foam to make marbled prints.
 

Wrap-Up Questions for Family Reflection

1. Which sense did you enjoy exploring the most today?
2. Was there a texture, taste, or sound that surprised you?
3. How do our senses help us learn about the world?