Sensory room equipment are tools you can use to create the ULTIMATE space for your child (even you too) where you can just get away from it all in a soothing and calming environment.
The GREAT news is you don’t need an entire room or large area (you totally could if you wanted) to design an incredible sensory space for your kiddo!
Throughout this post we’ll get creative on different areas you could put a sensory room.
Plus, we’ll cover the benefits of a sensory room, what exactly it is, places you could put a sensory room, and most importantly, what type of equipment and tools you can use to create an AMAZING space for your child to explore their senses while feeling comfortable and safe.
My intention is to provide you the most valuable information and clarity to your questions you may have about sensory rooms. Also, equip you with the most knowledgeable information so you can make the best purchasing choice for your space.
Even if you’re looking to design a room outside of the home, the type of sensory room equipment discussed below can be used in ALL types of atmospheres. 🙂
What EXACTLY Is A Sensory Room?
A sensory room is a ‘safe’ haven designed with the intention of being a place for someone who has sensory issues to go relax and decompress in an area where they can cope with their current situation in a soothing environment.
But exactly how does a sensory room help a child?
Bear with me as we dive a little deeper into the science behind it.
What happens when a child experiences sensory issues is the ‘calming and soothing’ space that has been created will actually help regulate their brains negative response.
What this will do is allow them to work out those issues they are going through in an atmosphere they feel safe in. Tthey will learn (without even realizing) how to cope with that experience.
In a nutshell, a sensory room helps a child naturally develop coping skills in negative or overly stimulated situation while learning how to respond to that scenario in a more positive way.
How To Create a GREAT Sensory Space
Let’s expore the TOP tools and equipment you can use to create the ULTIMATE sensory space for your child.
#1. Wall Panel Collection
Price: ==> For the best current price click here <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 4 years +
The benefit to the Wall Panel is your kiddo will be able to learn through touch, play, and cause and effect.
The panel is a wonderful hands-on activity for mood regulation, to develop gross motor and fine motor skills, as well as visual processing.
The Frame makes it simple to slide each sensory wall panel in and out where you can quickly switch activities for sensory play, to gently calm or stimulate their senses.
The Wall Panel Frame (which you can choose from the drop down menu when you click on the link above) is required for inserting the wall panels. Here are the five wall panels you can choose from:
- Animal Maze Wall
- Clock Whiteboard Wall
- Gears Whiteboard Wall
- Mood Wall
- Optical Illusion Wall
Also, one frame can be used for numerous panels (each panel mentioned above is sold separately). For instance, the mood wall panel can be mounted on the wall for your child to easily access. It will help teach body awareness, facial orientation, and emotions.
#2. Fidget Key Chain Balls
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | Age: 5 years +
Your child can fidget away with these 3 sensory fidget balls!
They are GREAT to travel with since they are smaller and each ball is filled differently (one with sand, pellets, and small balls) which keeps this fidget activity fresh and fun.
It also provides visual stimulation and an outlet to get rid of stress by squeezing the fidget balls.
Plus, your kiddo will be working on their fine motor skills such as strengthening their hand muscles.
#3. Musical Touch Wall
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 years +
If your kiddo LOVES music, they will definitely enjoy the musical touch wall which takes music to a whole new level!
The touch wall provides the ultimate visual and auditory stimulation experience with musical sounds and a rainbow of colors.
To become thoroughly engaged, you just touch the wall to make the music play and use your fingers to change the colors of the 256 LED lights.
This touch wall enhances gross motor functions, hand eye coordination, and recognition with color, numbers, and shapes.
An added bonus feature is you can adjust the settings to MATCH the needs of your little one;
- Choose their favorite colors
- Adjust the speed of the effects to move fast or slow
- Set the effects to fade away so your kiddo can watch them longer
- Adjust the volume
- Change up the LCD screen mode.
The price can be viewed as an investment in your child’s sensory development.
Everything you receive for the investment 
price of $3,999.99 is worth it because of the countless activities your child can do using the musical touch wall to keep them interested and challenged.
There are pricing plans available starting at $352/month with Affirm.
You can make simple monthly payments over a period of time that’s convenient for your budget in 3, 6, or 12 month increments AND checking your eligibility will not affect your credit.
#4. Air Lite Ball Pit
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 years +
Your little one can hop in, roll around, crawl, balance, and hide in this large sensory ball pit.
The bottom is very cushioned for safety. The outside surface is super soft for a tactile defensive child.
You’ll have plenty of space as this ball pit can fit up to 5 children and 500 balls!
The ball pit can help improve a little one’s mood and coordination as well as those who are sensory seeking. It’s easy to inflate and deflate quickly so you can use it at home or to travel with on-the-go (the balls and pump are sold separately).
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option without the sensory features, an inflatable pool with high walls could be a great alternative to use as a ball pit.
#5. Groovy Lava Lamp
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | Age: 10 years +
Your child will have a blast watching the lava ooze out!
This is a great sensory tool if you’re looking to create your sensory space on a budget.
The entertainment of watching the lava ooze and spread creates a calming effect as well as encourages your little one to focus and work on eye-tracking.
When the lamp is on, the liquid will bubble and go to the top and then it will cool down and fall to the bottom.
Words of caution: The lamp is NOT recommended for younger children because it is made of glass so it can become pretty hot to the touch. It takes a couple hours to heat up when turned on.
#6. Fiber Optic Flexible Lights with Light Source
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 years +
If you are looking for your child to play with an item that can help keep them calm while holding their attention and focus, these light strands may be just for you.
They are very bendable and glow in beautiful colors.
Your child will be mesmerized!
The different colors that glow encourage visual tracking. Your kiddo can have a blast bending the strands into fun shapes or draping over their body for tactile input.
What’s great is you don’t need any tools to set this up!
The lights include one light source and your choice of 100, 150 or 200 fiber optic strands.
#7. Bubble Table
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Recommended Age: 4 years +
This is the ultimate hands on therapy experience!
The bubble table is like a huge bubble tube but on a flat surface.
It’s the perfect height (24″L x 24″W x 11.8″H) made for a child to sit next to where they can touch the flat table for sensory play where they can watch changing colors and moving bubbles.
The bubble table supports relaxation, focus and visual tracking.
A remote control does come with it where you can select auto-rotate to cycle through different colors such as red, blue, orange, pink, purple.
In all, the bubble table provides visual and auditory sensory input to stimulate your child if they are an under responder and help them calm down if they are an over responder.
#8. My Magical Cushion
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 years +
If your child is a little squirmy or has trouble sitting still, this may be the perfect seat option for them which is budget friendly.
The air-filled seat cushion stimulates sensory awareness to help keep their wiggles under control.
This seat is multi-functional which is an added bonus feature. You could use it as a booster seat at the kitchen table while your child is eating, coloring, or doing school work. 🙂
The sensory input encourages weight shifting and movement which helps improve focus and posture.
The cushion can be inflated with a needle hand pump (which is sold separately).
#9. Hopper Balls
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | Age: 3 years +
If your kid has high energy and needs a way to release it, this activity may be right up their ally. 🙂
Not only will your child have a blast hopping around on the ‘hopper ball’ (which is like a therapy ball) but they will be working on their sensory integration and motor planning.
Plus, it is a wonderful activity that focuses on coordination and balance AND is a GREAT budget friendly alternative to a trampoline.
Side note: You will need a pump to inflate the ball which is sold separately.
#10. Spaghetti Chewy Fidget
Price: ==> Click here for the best current price <== | Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | Recommended Age: 4 years +
If you need a sensory travel item that your child can bite and fidget with, this chewy toy would be a great option.
The spaghetti is made of smooth colored tubing knotted together to create a soothing chewing experience for your little biter.
The tubes can be twisted, tied, and manipulated. They are extremely lightweight which you can use at home or take with you on-the-go by clipping to your belt, bag, or clothing.
The benefits of using a chewy fidget toy is it encourages tactile and oral motor exploration.
It’s important to know this item has been safety-tested and is FDA-approved silicone free of BPA. It has been tested by an independent and accredited third-party lab, so this chew item meets or exceeds government safety standards for lead and phthalates.
Where should you put a Sensory Room?
If you’re looking to create a sensory space in your home you can definitely designate a separate room to do this such as a bedroom space you don’t really use much (like a guest room), an office area, loft, or maybe a room in your basement.
If you’re looking to do a sensory room on a budget, you can definitely do so by creating a sensory corner in your home (it doesn’t have to be entire room) that is designated for your child to enjoy.
Do you have a closet space you could turn into a little nook? Maybe even move some furniture around to free up a corner in your home to put a few sensory items?
The sky is the limit with the type of space you can create!
What Colors Are Best For A Sensory Room?
Something to consider that many sensory spaces include are tools that project light, color, and sound.
Due to this, it’s best to work with colors that are typically a pale color or even a soft white so the projected color or lighting from the sensory toys in your room can illuminate off the wall in their ‘true color’.
The purpose of your space is to create a calming and soothing atmosphere for your kiddo.
Sensory color options you could use include:
- Pale blue
- Pale green
- Soft white
- Ivory
- Pale gray
Who Benefits From A Sensory Space?
If your little one has learning difficulties, a developmental disability, or sensory impairment then they would benefit from having a sensory room.
Ultimately, the sensory space can help them learn to interact with the world around them in a gentle way.
Like we mentioned earlier, it’s all about the positive experience. That’s what a sensory room can accomplish, a positive outcome for a kiddo that is responding to a negative situation or becomes overly stimulated.
Also, if your child doesn’t even have sensory challenges, a space like this could still help soothe, relax, and allow them to enjoy their surroundings.
Final Thoughts
Overall, you can create a sensory room or corner that’s flexible within your budget.
It’s doesn’t have to be anything fancy or crazy (but it can be if you want). 🙂
The sky is the limit with what you can do to make your little one’s sensory space feel soothing and calm while tailoring it to their individual needs.
I hope you found value in this post and most importantly, I hope I equipped you with some tools and ideas you can use to create the PERFECT haven for your child to unwind from a hectic situation or to just go and have some FUN.
If there are other sensory room equipment tools you would recommend, a review you would like to share, questions you may have, or anything you’d like to add that I did not cover in this post, please feel free to comment below.
If you found value in this post, please share the love to help or inspire another parent and their child. 🙂
I really do strive to make the content I create as helpful as possible for you…as a fellow parent looking out for their most precious gift.
THANK YOU for stopping by today!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items I truly believe in based upon in-depth research, reviews, and/or personal experience. Thank you for your incredible support and allowing me the opportunity to deliver the most valuable content to you!
First I want to say that i absolutely love your mission. There are so many kids and adults with disabilities that don’t have the financial resources for some of these useful products and services. I have been working with people with disabilities for the last 15 years and have taught many similar coping strategies throughout my career. Currently I work with individuals with autism and have a child on the spectrum. My son and my clients at work all make use of sensory tools to get through the day. I especially like your inclusion of fidget tools and different types of walls. Very informative.
I appreciate the kind words! That means a lot. Sensory tools can be budget friendly or an investment. I will look into writing an informative post about budget friendly sensory items to add more value for those interested in this topic. Thank you so much for the amazing work you do and for sharing that with us.
Hello!!
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE LOVE this article! Being a mom of two very different autistic boys where one is a sensory seeker and the other is the exact opposite, these options seem like they both would play and enjoy them all. So that’s a plus!
I really wish to have a sensory room or corner, because I KNOW how much toys like this are beneficial to their emotional and even physical needs!
Really love this. Keep it up!
Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing about your boys! If you ever do a sensory room or corner I’d love to hear how it turned out. 🙂
Hello,
Wow, what an amazing website you got there. You have a great website. I like your style and I like the way you present everything. I see your image which is very important, after that there’s nothing to complain about your website thanks for sharing that with us. You did a great job keep it up.
Thank you for sharing! Appreciate the feedback and kind words.
Hello Lindsey, thanks for this really wonderful article and it’s indeed really good and beneficial to lots of people who would be in need of it. I have only seen a sensory room from a movie but I really didn’t know what benefit it had and seeing here it’s really nice I must say. These rooms can be used for people who get anxiety and stressed easily just like my son. I would make provisions to setting one up for him soon.
Glad you found value in the post. Thanks for sharing Bella!
This is truly amazing! A lot of value and very informative. This is the very first time I’ve heard of a sensory space or room and you have definitely opened my eyes to this.
Learned a lot from your suggestions and how these tools and/or equipment can help our child.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Mark! I’m so glad you found value in the post and really appreciate you taking the time to read about how to create a sensory space. Your kind words mean a lot. Thank you. 🙂
hello awesome article you have here First I want to say that i absolutely love your mission. There are so many kids and adults with disabilities that don’t have the financial resources for some of these useful products and services. I have been working with people with disabilities for the last 15 years and have taught many similar coping strategies throughout my career. Currently I work with individuals with autism and have a child on the spectrum. My son and my clients at work all make use of sensory tools to get through the day. I especially like your inclusion of fidget tools and different types of walls. Very informative.
Thank you so much Joy! Wonderful line of work you are in, thank you for doing what you do to help these children. I appreciate you taking the time to share your story and what you thought about my post. 🙂
Omg thanks for this great article! The fidget sensory ball with sand reminded me of my childhood. It was so popular back then. The musical touch wall seems to be interesting not just for kids but for adults as well lol
Fiber optic flexible lights with light source are most likely going to be a little decoration in my room too and of course the hopper balls, every single child loves it! Thanks so much for writing this article, it completely brought me back to some age. I am going to be completely honest, I think that all these equipments can help adults occasionally find their peace as well 🙂
Thank you so much Sunny! So glad you enjoyed the post and found items that us adults will enjoy too. 🙂
Now this is really great to see here and definitely the fact that I have never heard of anything like this before in the past really makes me value this more. You know, having something’s that are targeted towards helping the kids to develop faster by teaching them sensory and also making them self aware towards some major things is really great to see. And aslo, you have reviewed some great tools. Thanks you
Thanks for sharing Sherry! I love that you provided feedback on what you thought. 🙂
Since a dear friend of mine and doctor recommended this to me for my beloved child I have been fascinated with this idea. I enjoyed reading your post and I feel I have already researched a lot about sensory rooms and it’s time to begin buying the things I want my room to have. I would like to start with the wall panel and a musical touch wall.
Wonderful Ann! So glad you found the post helpful and sensory items that may be a fit for you. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Lindsey,
Amazing website. I had never heard about a sensory room, what goes into it, and the benefits to the kids. I think having a place that is soothing and calming is very important to a child’s physical, and mental well being. Every child is different, and that is why tailoring this sensory space to best suite the kids purposes is important. Giving kids a positive experience is so very important. Also helping them interact with the world in a calm manner. I thank you for building this sensory room with a choice of the best colors. The therapy ball, the chewy fidget and so on. This really is an amazing room, a magical cushion, what kid would not like that. I have watched kids mesmerized by the action that occurs in a lava lamp. I really think every parent should consider building a sensory room. Thank you for sharing this well organized article.
Best wishes,
Michael
Thanks you so much Michael for your heartfelt feedback and kind words! I appreciate you sharing. 🙂