A little girl holds her blue paint covered hands up to the camera.

This week we’ve been embracing the mess. Because let’s face it—our littles are messy—and that’s one of the best parts of play.

One of the best ways to embrace the mess is through sensory play! When little ones explore their senses, they often make a mess—with paint, water, dirt, or whatever other materials they’re using—but they also learn some powerful stuff. Sensory play supports language development (“This slime feels sticky!”), creativity (“Let’s make a pizza out of play dough!”), and can expand a child’s knowledge of the world (“Oil and water don’t mix!).

So, while it can be messy, sensory play is a powerful parenting tool! Here are some awesome sensory play resources for you and your little to explore. And while you’re embracing the mess, throw on this Snore and Guzzle playlist to balance your messy endeavors!

To Do: Chicago Children’s Museum At Home Activities

Tinkering at Home: Waterslide!

Recipe for Play: Perfect Play Dough

Any of our Sensory Play category of Parenting Playbook activities.

To Explore: CCM Friends & Family Content

AfriCaribe is a Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, research, promotion and development of the Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures through music, dance, theatre and other artistic mediums.

A decades long Chicago Children’s Museum partner, and also one of the founding partner/members of CCM’s Passport to the World program, this organization offers a great way for you and your littles to explore your senses through art.

Make a sensory/messy/water table: These tables or bins are essential for maximizing and providing opportunities for messy and sensory play, and an easy way for adults to embrace it! Here are a couple of our favorite resources: