I’ll get straight to the point. Shaving cream pups messy play for those children that like to go all in. What I mean by this is that the sensory play escalates pretty quickly. What begins in a sensory bin ends all over the body – and I am here for it.
Why? Because sometimes, a little messy play can remind us that childhood is about exploring texture and learning beyond the limits. It uses our hands, develops our minds, and adds a little creative freedom along the way. Plant yourself near a hose; the rest is up to your kids. Let the messy play begin!
RELATED: First sensory bin? Use my step-by-step guide to help introduce sensory play.
Why shaving cream for sensory play
Let’s rewind to how this sensory play started. My five-year-old loves playing with shaving cream. – The squirting, the sloshing, the going into play headfirst. It is a kid activity dream for some kids!
Yup, hand him a bottle of shaving cream for his birthday, and he’s one happy guy. When I asked him what he thought would make a good play prompt, he headed right for the Paw Patrol. This was a mission for Chase and his team of pups! Messy sensory play was in full force.
Messy sensory play tips
It’s not our first messy play rodeo. Nope. In fact, we have gotten a lot smarter over the years. When I know the boys will go from clean to unpredictable, we swap out our shorts for a bathing suits.
We also take this outside and position ourselves close enough to the hose. Since the boys have played before, they know the final stage here is adding water.
PRO TIP: First time? Keep the water play finale on the down-low. Telling your child too early could abruptly bring the play to a screeching halt.
Other shaving cream sensory bins include:
The kids take the lead with sensory play
It may seem reckless, but I hand over the shaving cream. Have you tried pressing that button to let out a stream of shaving cream? It takes some pressure!
As my five-year-old does this, I know he strengthens his little hand muscles. It is a sneaky little mom move that ultimately improves fine motor. – A perfect combination for summer.
Again, slide over handwriting worksheets. We’ve got some creative play ideas to do for learning.
Set up
The boys have access to our outdoor sensory supplies when we take activities outdoors. Here is anything from funnels to measuring cups; they use these supplies every day.
- Place the under-the-bed storage bin on the grass.
- Add a few squirts of shaving cream inside the sensory bin.
- Drop in the plastic Paw Patrol figures.
- Invite your child to play!
Supplies:
- Under the bed storage bin
- Shaving Cream
- Paw Patrol Pups – no pups? Use a different toy that can easily be washed off
What to do about the mess?
The final play stage may or may not be two children covered in shaving cream, so I will let you judge if this sensory play is the right fit for you.
If so, sit close, watch to ensure it stays away from the face, and have fun hosing everyone down. – The best part!
Head back up to the messy sensory play quick tips for a few reminders on how to keep the hose close for a fun washdown.
Big Kid Activity Cards
Because our big kids crave hands-on learning, too!
20 hands-on activities for ages 5.5-8 years old.
FAQ
Yes! Messy play is sensory play because it is hands-on learning that includes all of the senses. Read about the importance of sensory play to understand better how to use it in your home.
If your child does not like to get messy, that is common! Introduce different textures a little at a time to see which ones your child begins to enjoy. Mud, molding clay, and kinetic beach sand are great sensory play options.
The best outdoor activity for kids gets children moving. Our favorites include activities that encourage balancing, running, hopping, or water play. These gross motor activities are fun ideas to do outside.
