As the temperature rises and kids head home for the summer, parents begin looking for activities to fill the days. Here are 10 projects that incorporate new textures, colors, smells and sounds that will give your children a great new sensory experience and help improve motor skills!

For even more sensory play ideas, check out our Pinterest boards!

Note: Autism Speaks does not endorse any of these activities, we are simply sharing recommendations from our community. Before taking part in any activity, please make sure all materials are safe for your child. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share below! Happy playing!

10) COLORED BEANS

The secret to these brightly-colored beans? A mix of regular food coloring and neon food coloring! Find the instructions here.

9) RAINBOW ICE EXCAVATION

This mom got THREE DAYS of play time out of this ice tower! Click here for instructions on how to make your own!

8) POLKA DOT SLIME

You only need 3 items to make this fabulous, fun slime! Click here to find out how.

7) “GLOWING” WATER

This “glowing” water is actually made out of ground-up vitamin pills and glows under a black light! Find out how to make it here.

6) SPIDER WEB WALK

This fun game involves balancing on a “web” while gathering letter tiles to spell words. Find out how to make it here.

5) ZIPPER BOARD

A simple to make board that will provide hours of entertainment for young ones! Instructions here.

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4) BALLOON PAINT STAMPING

This site actually includes 30 interesting methods to stamp paint: from using fruit and veggies, to water balloons, to toilet paper rolls!

3) MAGIC FOAMING SNOWMAN

This is the perfect activity for a hot, summer day! Find out how to make this magic, “melting” snowman here!

2) POOL NOODLE BOATS

These are perfect for bath time! Check out the instructions here.

1) RAINBOW SOAP FOAM

Just add toy cars, and it’s a rainbow car wash! Instructions here.