7 Fun Ways to Encourage Sensory Play in Nature

Hey Mama! If you are like me, you know the magic that happens when our little ones step outside. The giggles, the wide-eyed wonder, the messy hands and feet – it is pure joy. Nature is an incredible playground for your child's senses. Whether you have a curious toddler or a wild-hearted preschooler, helping them explore nature through touch, sight, smell, sound, and even taste can spark creativity and build important developmental skills. Let me share with you some of our favorite fun ways to dive into the great outdoors, and give those senses a little workout.

1. Go on a Texture Hunt

There is nothing like feeling the world with your hands. One of our favorite ways to explore is by going on a texture hunt. Grab a little basket or even just use your pockets, and head outside. Challenge your little one to find things that feel different – smooth rocks, rough bark, soft leaves, squishy mud. Let them run their fingers across everything (well, maybe not everything – let’s skip the bugs, ha!). You can even make it a game by asking, “Can you find something bumpy? What about something soft?” Not only does this help them learn about textures, but it also builds vocabulary and observational skills. The best part? It keeps their little hands busy and curious. Plus, feeling nature with bare hands helps develop sensory processing and fine motor skills, all while they just think they are playing.

2. Nature Sound Safari

Close your eyes, Mama, and listen. What do you hear? Birds chirping, leaves rustling, maybe a dog barking in the distance? Now imagine what your little one hears. Going on a nature sound safari is a fun way to help your child explore the outdoors with their ears. Find a quiet spot, sit down together, and play a game of “What’s that sound?” You can even bring along a small notebook and crayons for them to draw what they think is making the sound. Encourage them to imitate the noises – tweet like a bird or crunch leaves under their feet. This is not only a calming activity, but it also helps with auditory discrimination – the ability to notice, compare, and distinguish between different sounds. It is amazing how something as simple as listening can sharpen their focus and bring a sense of peace. Bonus: it is a great way for us busy moms to slow down and enjoy the moment too.

3. Smell the Roses (and Everything Else)

Let’s be honest – sometimes kids love smelling things we would rather they did not. But when it comes to nature, encouraging them to use their noses can be a fun and safe sensory adventure. Flowers, herbs, even the fresh smell of rain or dirt after digging – all of these offer a rich world of scents for your child to discover. Take a walk in the garden or park and ask them to sniff different plants and talk about what they smell. Is it sweet? Earthy? Spicy? Let them pick a flower (as long as it is okay) or crush a leaf in their hands to release more scent. This kind of play helps develop their olfactory sense and connects them to the natural world in a personal way. Did you know that certain smells can actually trigger memories and emotions? Helping your child form these positive associations with nature now can have long-lasting benefits for their mood and well-being.

4. Taste-Test the Garden

Okay Mama, I am not saying you should let your child snack on random plants, but with a little guidance, tasting nature can be fun and educational! Growing a small herb garden or visiting a pick-your-own farm is a great way to safely explore flavors. Let your child nibble on mint leaves, strawberries, or even snap peas right off the vine. Talk about how each one tastes – is it sweet, sour, or bitter? This helps them develop their sense of taste in a natural and engaging way. Plus, being part of the process from garden to table makes them more likely to try new foods. There is something so satisfying about eating something you picked yourself, especially when your little one’s hands helped grow it. Just make sure to teach them what is safe to eat and what is not, and always supervise any taste-testing adventures.

5. Barefoot Walks on Different Surfaces

Let’s talk about feet, Mama. When was the last time your little one kicked off their shoes and just ran wild? Walking barefoot is one of the most natural ways for kids to connect with their environment. Try going for a little sensory walk, where they can feel grass, sand, pebbles, and even mud beneath their feet. Each surface gives a different sensation, helping their bodies learn balance, coordination, and body awareness. It is not just about fun – walking barefoot stimulates nerve endings and supports proper foot development. It can even help reduce anxiety by grounding their little bodies in nature. If you are worried about safety, just scope out a clean area and maybe start small with a backyard barefoot adventure.

6. Create Nature Art Together

Let their creativity bloom, Mama. Collect leaves, twigs, flowers, stones, and anything else that catches their eye. Then, bring out the glue and paper and let them create their very own nature masterpiece. This activity is perfect for engaging their sense of sight and touch. They get to notice the colors, shapes, and sizes of different natural items, and use them in a fun and expressive way. You can also make nature mandalas or press flowers between books for keepsakes. The focus here is not on perfection but on the process – noticing, feeling, arranging. Art inspired by nature helps with fine motor skills, patience, and imagination. Plus, you will end up with some beautiful, one-of-a-kind art for the fridge.

7. Follow the Light and Shadows

Sunlight and shadows make nature even more magical. One of our favorite ways to explore is by playing shadow games. Find a sunny spot and show your child how their shadow moves with them. You can make shadow animals, trace shadows with chalk, or just chase them around. As the day goes on, point out how the light changes and how shadows grow longer or shorter. This helps them develop an understanding of time, space, and movement. It also encourages curiosity – why do shadows exist, and why do they change? This simple playtime turns into a mini science lesson without them even knowing. Watching the light dance through trees or sparkle on water is just one more way to help them fall in love with being outside.

Resource:
American Academy of Pediatrics (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children.

This study emphasizes how play, especially in natural environments, promotes healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and physical health in children. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/3/e20182058

At Little Love Bug Company, we believe in giving kids the freedom to explore without restrictions. Our barefoot shoes are made with soft, durable materials that move with your child’s feet, not against them. Whether they’re splashing in puddles, climbing at the playground, or running through a field of wildflowers, our shoes let them feel the world beneath their feet…just as nature intended.

So, if you’re ready to give your little one the best foundation for movement, check out our latest collection of barefoot shoes. Trust me, once you see the difference, you’ll never go back!

👉 Shop Now & Let Their Feet Explore Freely!

What’s your toddler’s favorite outdoor activity? Drop a comment below—We’d love to hear all about their little adventures! 💛

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are barefoot shoes, and how are they different from regular kids’ shoes?

Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot while still providing protection. Unlike traditional kids' shoes, which often have stiff soles and thick cushioning, barefoot shoes have:
✅ Flexible, thin soles that allow for natural foot movement
✅ Wide toe boxes to let little toes spread and grow properly
✅ Zero-drop soles (flat from heel to toe) for better posture and balance

2. Are barefoot shoes good for first walkers and toddlers?

Absolutely! Barefoot shoes are actually one of the best choices for first walkers because they allow a baby’s feet to develop naturally. Toddlers learn to balance, grip the ground, and move more confidently when their feet are unrestricted.

Many pediatricians and podiatrists recommend soft, flexible shoes for little ones just learning to walk. Barefoot shoes provide just enough protection while still letting them feel and connect with the ground beneath them.

3. Do kids need arch support in their shoes?

Nope! This is a common misconception. Babies and toddlers are born with flat feet, and their arches naturally develop over time as they walk, run, and strengthen their foot muscles.

Overly supportive shoes can actually weaken the muscles that are supposed to develop arches naturally. That’s why barefoot shoes are designed to let kids' feet move and grow without restriction, helping them build strong, healthy arches over time.

4. Can my child wear barefoot shoes in all seasons?

Yes! Barefoot shoes come in a variety of styles for year-round wear. In warmer months, lightweight and breathable options keep little feet cool and comfortable. For fall and winter, there are lined and water-resistant barefoot shoes that keep feet warm without compromising flexibility.

Plus, many parents love layering with wool socks for extra warmth while still allowing for a full range of motion in colder months.

5. Will my child’s feet get stronger from wearing barefoot shoes?

Yes! Wearing barefoot shoes allows kids to use their feet the way nature intended—gripping, balancing, and strengthening muscles with every step. Over time, this helps improve:
✅ Foot strength and muscle development
✅ Better posture and balance
✅ More natural movement and coordination

Many parents notice their kids become more confident and agile when wearing barefoot shoes because their feet are free to move naturally.

This design helps strengthen foot muscles, improve coordination, and support healthy development—perfect for growing toddlers and active kids!

Learn more about why barefoot shoes are important for child foot development:

Resource:

How barefoot and conventional shoes affect the foot and gait characteristics in toddlers

Gimunová M, Kolářová K, Vodička T, Bozděch M, Zvonař M (2022) How barefoot and conventional shoes affect the foot and gait characteristics in toddlers. PLOS ONE 17(8): e0273388. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273388