Fun 5 Senses Activities For Preschool

We use our 5 senses every day! Discover how to set up a wonderful and simple discovery table for early childhood learning and play that uses all 5 senses. These 5 senses activities are delightful for introducing preschoolers to the simple practice of observing the world around them.  They will discover their senses and learn how their bodies work.  Easy science activities for preschoolers using everyday items!

 EASY 5 SENSES ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

My 5 Senses Book

 These 5 senses activities were sparked by this simple 5 Senses book I found at a local thrift store. I adore these Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out science books.

I chose to set up a science discovery table with simple science activities that make use of each of the 5 senses. I combined different elements from around the house to set up our 5 senses invitation.

What are the 5 senses?  These 5 senses activities explore the senses of taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell.  

First, we sat and read the book together. We talked about everything around us. We talked about what we could and could not touch.

We also talked about how you can see something and not hear it. We thought of times we used more than one sense.  

WHAT IS A DISCOVERY TABLE?

Discovery tables are simple low tables set up with a theme for kids to explore. Usually the materials laid out are meant for as much independent discovery and exploration as possible. 

A science center or discovery table for young kids is an excellent way for kids to investigate, observe, and explore their own interests and at their own pace. Theses kinds of centers or tables are usually filled with kid friendly materials that don’t need constant adult supervision.

See our magnet activities and indoor water tables for more examples.

DISCOVERY LEARNING THROUGH 5 SENSES

Click here to get your free 5 Senses Game!

Creating curiosity, building observation skills, and increasing vocabulary through discovery!

Help your child to explore and wonder by asking simple open-ended questions. If your child is having difficulty with the materials below, model a way to use it, feel it, or smell it. Offer a turn, allow some time for your child to become familiar with the ideas and items, and then ask a few questions to get them thinking.

• Tell me, what you are doing?
• How does that feel?
• What does it sound like?
• How does it taste?
• Where did you think it came from?

Observations made with your 5 senses form the foundation of the scientific method for kids.

SETTING UP 5 SENSES ACTIVITIES

Use a divider tray or small baskets and bowls to hold your 5 senses items below. Choose a few or many items to explore each sense.

SIGHT

• Mirrors
• Mini Flashlight
• DIY Kaleidoscope
• Glitter Bottles
• Homemade Lava Lamp

SMELL

• whole cloves
• cinnamon sticks
• lemon
• flowers
• Lemon Scented Rice 
• Vanilla Cloud Dough 
• Cinnamon Ornaments 

TASTE

• honey
• lemon
• a lollipop
• popcorn 

Check out our simple Candy Taste Test: 5 Senses Activity

and Apple 5 Senses Activity

SOUND

• bell
• shaker eggs
• a whistle.
• Build simple instruments
• Make a rain stick

Use your 5 senses to make observations about pop rocks.

TOUCH

• silk scarf
• rough/smooth conch shell
• sand
• large pine cone
• tree pods.

Check out our awesome sensory recipes for more tactile activities. 

FUN 5 SENSES ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

Check out more awesome preschool and kindergarten science activities to try at home or school!