Free guide for parents

Ages 2+4 pages3 play ideas

Food-Based Play for Sensory Exploration

Children learn about food through their senses long before they're ready to eat it. This free guide shares simple, safe play ideas using ingredients you already have, so your child can explore food in fun, pressure-free ways.

Written by Samantha Breuninger, OTR/L, MSOT · Shared by Kids Feeding Wellness

Food-Based Play for Sensory Exploration free guide cover

Does this sound familiar?

Your child won't touch certain textures, even with one finger.
Wet, sticky or messy foods lead to gagging or tears.
You'd like to help, but don't want another battle at the table.

Play takes the pressure off. When food is part of a game, children can look, touch and smell at their own pace, and that's how comfort with new foods begins.

Take a peek inside

Easy, messy, meaningful play ideas

Tap any page to see it up close.

Guide page: Types of Sensory Play
Why messy play mattersThe senses behind food exploration
Guide page: A Day at the Beach
A day at the beachA crunchy sensory tray
Guide page: Foody Finger Painting
Foody finger paintingPainting with purées and yogurt
Guide page: Pasta Play
Pasta playDry and cooked noodle ideas

What you'll learn

Fun ways to build comfort with new foods

  • 1The senses involved in exploring food
  • 2Why messy play builds motor skills, confidence and curiosity
  • 3A Day at the Beach: a crunchy sensory tray with snacks and toys
  • 4Foody finger painting with purées, pudding or yogurt
  • 5Pasta play with dry and cooked noodles
  • 6Ideas for children who don't want to touch food yet

This guide is for you if…

  • Your child is 2 or older and avoids certain textures
  • Messy or wet foods upset your child
  • You want pressure-free ways to explore food away from meals
  • You'd like simple activities with ingredients you already have
BabiesToddlers 2+PreschoolSchool age
KFW Meet Argie
Argie Karakalpakidis

Argie Karakalpakidis, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, CLC

Founder, Kids Feeding Wellness · Practicing since 2018

Pediatric feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist helping families understand why feeding may be hard — and what to do about it.

“Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn about food. No bites required.”

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Looking for words to describe food during play? Food Sensory Descriptors is free too.