On the Farm Sensory Play for Toddlers

August sensory play just got more exciting with a farm-themed twist! Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy scooping, pouring, and discovering different textures using popcorn kernels and their favorite farm animals. This budget-friendly activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy while encouraging pretend play and early learning skills—all without leaving home.

Set up your sensory play:

You’ll find this farm sensory play is quick and easy to set up, making it perfect for busy days. Here is what you will need. If you have been following our sensory play for a while you might already have everything on hand!

What you need:

• Sensory bin
• Popcorn kernels
• Farm animals
• Sensory play scoop

Simply pour popcorn kernels into a small bin, add your favorite farm animal toys, and let the fun begin. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a hands-on activity that keeps toddlers and preschoolers engaged while encouraging creativity and learning.

Play Ideas:

Farmyard Dig – Fill a bin with popcorn kernels and “bury” the animals so kids can dig them out like a treasure hunt.

Feed the Animals – Pretend the kernels are animal feed and let kids scoop and pour them into little bowls for each animal.

For older kids, add a math challenge! We made flashcards with numbers 0–10. Kids pick a card, then scoop that many scoops of popcorn kernels to ‘feed’ the farm animal. It’s a fun way to sneak in counting, number recognition, and fine motor skills all in one.

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Small World Farm Scene – Add toy fences, barns, tractors, and animals to create a mini farm scene in the bin.

Farm Sound Game – Hide animals in the kernels, have kids pull one out, and then make that animal’s sound. You can add music to this with the classic Old McDonald.

Storytelling Farm – Let kids create their own farm story as they move animals around in the popcorn “fields.”

Sensory Scoop & Pour – Provide cups, spoons, and funnels so kids can scoop kernels around animals, encouraging fine motor skills.

Farm-themed sensory play is a simple and fun way to engage little hands while encouraging creativity, counting, and imaginative play. Whether your child is digging for buried animals, feeding them with popcorn scoops, or practicing numbers with flashcards, there’s something here for every age. Don’t forget to save this idea so you can bring the farm to your playtime again and again!