This post was contributed by Ness of One Perfect Day.
A DIY Campsite for Small Sensory Play
Our family recently went on our very first camping trip. To help build the excitement of our impending holiday, I created this campsite small world for my son. It was a big hit, providing a fun way to explore and talk about the things we might see and do while on our little adventure.
How We Made Our Sensory Play Campsite
To make our sensory play campsite, I first lined a serving tray with aluminium foil and then filled it with sand. Granted, most campsites would be covered with grass, not sand, but I knew the sand would add that extra bit of sensory fun to this activity. You could easily substitute the sand with green paper or even green felt.
Every campsite needs a source of water, so I added a small lake to the sensory play using blue felt and glass pebbles. The smooth and shiny pebbles really added something beautiful to the sensory play, and the LEGO people we added to the scene even went for a little swim!
To make the tents, I simply cut two rectangle shapes from some patterned paper, folded them in the center to make a pointed shape and then stood them on the sand – simple! The picnic rug and trees were also made from paper. All very quick and simple.
The campfire was possibly the easiest element to make. I simply scattered a few broken twigs in a circle, shredded some red and orange tissue paper into small strips and clumped them in the center of the twigs. Voila! Instant campfire.
My son couldn’t wait to start playing and he added two LEGO minifigures for our campers. The sand provided lots of scope for sensory play via scooping and pouring, as well as tracing lines and shapes with his fingers. We made up stories together and I was able to introduce lots of new language related to our upcoming camping holiday.
Sensory play is always a favorite at our place. My son loves it because, well, it’s FUN! I love it because it provides so many early learning opportunities from fine motor skills, to fostering imagination and enhancing language. What’s not to love?
More Sensory Play Ideas from B-Inspired Mama:
Mary Catherine of Fun-A-Day! says
I absolutely LOVE this idea! What a great sensory and pretend play opportunity! Going to try this out with my Lego-loving son!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Isn’t it great?! I love Ness’ ideas. 🙂
Shanice says
This look fantastic! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams , starts on Fridays 😀 Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party.
Deceptively Educational says
Everything about your campsite is so clever and cute! My youngest boy would love, love, love this! Thanks for sharing at the After School Linky Party.
Tiffany H. says
This is so cute! I need to get some sand and give this a try! My preschooler will love it.
Yuliya says
I love this so much! What a cute and fun idea! Pinned 🙂