5 types of sensory playground equipment to consider
Sensory play gives all children, regardless of ability, the chance to enjoy being in the playground. In this blog post, we look at some of the different types of sensory play equipment that’s available and why you should consider it.
Tunnels
A Sensory Ribbed Crawl-Through Play Tunnel is just one type of tunnel, but it provides multiple developmental and therapeutic benefits. Each element of it is designed to encourage hands-on exploration, helping children build awareness of different textures, motions, and visual stimuli.
On the outside of the tunnel, interactive features for tactile play strengthen processing in children as they learn to respond to different touch sensations, which is an important skill for sensory integration.
Coloured windows provide gentle visual stimulation that can be both calming and captivating, while spinning shapes and sliders support the development of fine motor skills through precise hand movements, grip control, and coordination.
The security of an enclosed space can help with overstimulation and work as a safe space for children who need a few minutes.
Sensory Totem
The Sensory Totem is a piece of indoor and outdoor sensory playground equipment, making it a great option for various settings, which is beneficial to the development of inclusive parks that are slowly but surely becoming the norm.
The textured leaves, tactile roller balls, and rotating flower shaker invite children to explore different touch sensations and hand movements, while supporting hand-eye coordination. Mirrors encourage self-recognition and visual engagement, and the colourful vine design sparks curiosity and imaginative play.
If you’re looking for a piece of equipment that combines multiple tactile, visual, and auditory elements in one compact, engaging structure, the Sensory Totem is a great option to consider.
Basket swings
Basket swings are a popular form of inclusive play equipment seen in almost every playground today. It might not be seen as a specific piece of multi sensory playground equipment, but there are several sensory benefits.
The materials used in basket swings, such as rope and netted seating, provide varied tactile sensations that encourage touch exploration. Combined with the swinging motion, this enhances vestibular stimulation and creates an experience that can be both comforting and stimulating for children.
A loud bump, sudden pressure, or jolt can be very unsettling to some children, disrupting play and leading to negative outlooks on playgrounds. In sensory play, especially for neurodivergent children or those with sensory processing challenges, feeling physically safe is important. The absence of support bars with a basket swing removes the threat of injury, helping children feel secure and calm so that they can focus on the thrill of swinging without the worry.
Sand pits
Sand pits or boxes, such as the Sand Box Modular System, provide sensory stimulation for children, particularly through texture. Whether it’s dry, wet, smooth, or gritty, children get exposed to different textures in a fun way that helps prevent tactile discrimination from an early age.
Being a natural substance, sand allows children to connect with nature, which can be calming and help with emotional regulation. The repetitive, rhythmic actions of digging and sifting sand can have a soothing effect, helping them relax.
Scooping, digging, pouring, and shaping support fine motor skills and strengthen hand muscles and coordination, which are essential for writing and other movements that require precision.
Musical sets
Musical playground equipment offers a host of sensory benefits, with the most obvious being auditory stimulation with sounds of varying pitch, tone, and volume, which can be particularly useful in preventing noise discrimination.
Some people respond strongly to music, and this type of equipment can aid in pattern recognition, timing, rhythmic coordination, and auditory memory development. Other cognitive benefits include cause-and-effect learning (e.g., striking a chime = sound).
Playing instruments like drums or xylophones in playgrounds involves pushing, tapping, or hitting, which engages the joints and muscles. This helps with body awareness, motor planning, and emotional regulation.
Music provides a non-verbal outlet for feelings and can be soothing or energising, depending on the individual. This type of equipment can help children learn to regulate mood through sensory-motor activity.
Choosing sensory equipment for playgrounds
When building a playground that includes sensory equipment, prioritise creating an inclusive space that supports children with a range of sensory needs.
It’s important to provide both stimulating and calming options, as some children seek sensory input while others may get easily overwhelmed. The layout should allow for movement-based play as well as quiet, enclosed spaces where children can retreat and regulate.
By considering these elements, you are already contributing to the ongoing efforts of making playgrounds accessible to all children. If you’re ready to take it a step further, let us help.