We’re getting creative in the kitchen this week, but it doesn’t always have to be about cooking!

The kitchen is full of opportunities to pour, scoop, sort, smell, mix and explore — and sometimes the simplest activities can be the most fun.

Try a few of these:

Scoop dry pasta or rice between containers

Sort different pasta shapes, sizes or colours

Use measuring cups and jugs for pouring water

Wash fruit or vegetables in a bowl of water

Smell different herbs and talk about which ones you like

Match containers with their lids

Sort cupcake cases by colour or size

And make it a whole-family activity. Older siblings, younger children, parents and grandparents can all join in.

For children who prefer not to touch certain textures, there are plenty of other ways to participate — using utensils, sorting, choosing, pouring or simply watching before deciding whether they'd like to join in.

There’s no pressure to experience sensory play in a particular way. 

It’s about exploring, connecting and having fun together.

And the bonus? Most of these activities use things you probably already have sitting in your kitchen cupboard!

What would your family choose first — pouring, sorting or scooping?