21 Cool Sensory Activities for Older Kids | Teens

Sensory Activities for Teens

It often feels like when it comes to sensory activities and cool crafts, older kids get left out. Like their sensory needs just disappear when they are a tween or teen, right? No, they don’t! Light Play activities are popular and beneficial for all.

But take a look around on the internet and it often seems like most of the light play activities are geared for toddlers and preschoolers. Let’s fix that. Light play activities for older children are important too.

Too often, kids with disabilities get infantilized. That is, they are talked down to, condescended to, talked to in a sing-song baby voice and so on. While our kids may be behind their age-peers in skills, it’s important that we keep moving them forward and not allow them to stagnate.

Mind you, if a child enjoys an activity, I say let them enjoy it. I think that it’s fine for older kids to enjoy Sesame Street, Thomas or anything really. However, I always welcome the opportunity to encourage my child to enjoy things that are more age appropriate. And, even though I don’t have a problem with older kids liking younger-kid things, it doesn’t mean that they all necessarily like them.

Benefits of Light Play for Teens

Light play can fulfill a sensory need.
It helps brighten a dark day, particularly in winter when days are shorter. We love this as a 4-5 pm activity with his home team.
Often, the child can maintain focus longer.
Light play can beneficial for many visual impairments such as CVI.
It often has a calming effect and can help with emotional regulation.
Who doesn’t love light play? It’s entertaining!
Sensory and Light Play is very versatile.
You can educate them, and they usually don’t even know it.
Light play can be used for multiple disciplines: sensory, science, language, fine motor skills, math, the possibilities are endless!