Amazingly Simple Yet Fun Edible Sensory Activities for Tots

Of all the different activities you’ll do with your little one, these edible sensory activities for toddlers may become among your favorites ever. There’s just something about playing with food that brings out the kid in all of us. If you’re dealing with a toddler speech delay, these activities do so much more than help keep your tiny tot busy on rainy days, they’re also incredibly therapeutic.

I speak from experience when I tout the benefits of letting your toddler play with food. My son had a speech delay. He also had issues with food. By 18-months, when most kids well on to regular foods, my son was still eating Stage 2 baby food.  He just wouldn’t eat anything else. Up until age three, I had him speech therapy for his language delay and occupational therapy for his food issues. Throughout both, different types of edible sensory activities for toddlers played a large role in his therapy. Children struggle with defining language and words until they have experienced the meaning of the word. Using sensory activities, children discover descriptive language.

Beyond linguistic learning, sensory activities encourage many areas of growth. Social and emotional growth is encouraged with play that supports cooperation. Cognitive skills are supported with challenges like problem solving. Even physical development occurs through activities that sharpen fine motor skills. A favorite sensory activity is eating and can provide your toddler with a fun way to learn and explore. These edible sensory activities for toddlers will easily become a favorite, memory-making time that can expose children to a world of engaging playtime.

Related: Fun Activities to Develop Speech & Language Skills in Toddlers

Edible Sensory Activities for Toddlers

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Yummy Peanut Butter Play Dough

Create a safe and delicious dough for your curious tot to play with. Mix 3 large marshmallows with 3 tablespoons of peanut butter. Heat the combo in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and mix thoroughly. Once the melted mixture has been melted and mixed, add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to the dough and roll out. It’s as simple as that and it will be a tasty way to explore.

Safe and Edible Finger Paint

You might have the ingredients for this paint already in fridge right now! Grab a carton of your toddler’s favorite yogurt (or make your own yogurt) and add a few drops of food coloring. It’s easy, completely customizable, and a healthy treat. Try a bit of Greek yogurt for a thicker paint. For a natural food coloring option try: beet powder or beet juice for red, ground turmeric for yellow, spinach powder for green, carrot powder for orange, and cinnamon from brown.

Tasty Homemade Sand

This is a great alternative to using real sand. Mix 1/2 cup of baby rice cereal with 1 and half tablespoons of melted coconut oil. You can add some of the natural dyes mentioned in the safe and edible finger paint to create colored options your kids will love. The soft texture is pleasing to the touch and easily moldable.

These edible sensory activities will be little adventures your toddler will love. Exploration through touch and taste will be easily become a favorite pastime that supports development and curiosity.

Have you tried any fun edible sensory activities for toddlers? Tell us in the comments!