The Ultimate Parent's Guide to Sensory Activities Photo: Natee K Jindakum (Shutterstock) Sensory activities play a critical role in the development of a young child. It’s not just for children who have challenges with sensory integration: It’s good for all kids to explore the world with their senses. In fact, they do this instinctually almost immediately without any help from us. Babies grab at your silky hair or shiny necklace. Toddlers explore any item they can get their hands on by sticking it straight into their mouths. The best sensory activities don’t just allow little kids to explore with their sense of touch, though. Whenever you can add in crinkling sounds or earthy smells or colors that mix and change, you’re engaging multiple senses and, therefore, helping their developing brains build nerve connections.