Kids love learning through messy play

Splashing in the sprinkler, digging in the flowerbed, playing in the sand and finger painting are messy and wonderful activities! Messy play is the exploration of materials. By its very nature, it is open-ended play with no planned outcomes. 

Messy play engages a child’s natural sense of curiosity. Young children seek to understand our world – usually through their senses. Research shows exposure to sensory-rich environments positively influences cognitive development. Through messy play children gain skills related to cause and effect, quantities (number sense), and problem solving.

Messy play ideas

Messy play activities are fun and engaging, easy to set up, and not always super messy. Here are some of my favorite messy play options.

• Shaving cream creations                  
• Gardening                   
• Playing in mud, dirt or sand             
• Cooking - mixing, pouring and decorating               
• Painting or finger painting  
• Playdough                      
• Playing in the sprinkler or hose               
• Set kids free with dry goods (rice, shredded paper, etc.) in a large bin