Holi-Inspired Sensory Activities Using Play Mats

Hi, Parents!

Holi is around the corner, and it’s time for colors, laughter, and festive fun! While your little one might be too young for traditional Holi celebrations, you can still introduce them to the festival in a baby-safe way. Sensory play is a great way to help babies explore textures, colors, and sounds while having loads of fun. So, let’s turn your baby’s play mat into a Holi wonderland with these colorful, engaging, and safe sensory activities! 

Colorful Water Play with Edible Colors

Water play is always a hit with babies! You can introduce the joy of Holi colors by using natural, baby-safe food colors in water.

How to do it?

Fill small bowls with water and add a tiny drop of natural food colors like beetroot (pink), turmeric (yellow), and spinach (green).

Give your baby a soft sponge or a small squeeze bottle to play with the colored water on their play mat.

Let them watch how colors mix and change—a great way to develop visual and motor skills!

Parent Tip: Always supervise and use safe, edible colors. Avoid synthetic colors to keep it baby-friendly.

Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin 

Sensory bins are a fantastic way for babies and toddlers to explore different textures and colors.

How to do it?

Take uncooked rice and mix it with natural food coloring and a few drops of vinegar.

Let it dry completely and place it in a large tray over the play mat.

Give your baby some cups, spoons, or small toys to explore the texture and play!

Place the sensory bin on the Tidy Sleep play mat to contain the mess while giving your little one a fun multi-sensory experience.

Bonus Fun: Hide small toys in the rice and let your little one find them. It’s a mini treasure hunt!

Soft & Squishy Holi Balloons 

Squishy balloons filled with different textures can help your baby explore touch and pressure sensations.

How to do it?

Fill small balloons with flour, water, rice, or soft cotton balls to create different textures.

Let your baby squish, squeeze, and roll the balloons around their play mat.

It’s a fun way to introduce Holi colors while improving sensory skills!

Safety Check: Tie the balloons tightly and supervise playtime to avoid any breakage.

Holi-Themed Mess-Free Painting 

Want to introduce your baby to colors without the mess? Try this no-mess painting activity!

How to do it?

Take a ziplock bag, squeeze in a few drops of baby-safe paint, and seal it tightly.

Tape it to the play mat and let your baby press, smush, and move the paint around.

Watch as they create their own mini Holi artwork—without any cleanup needed!

Why It’s Great? Babies love the squishy feeling, and it helps them explore colors in a mess-free way!

Soft & Fluffy Color Hunt 

This activity is perfect for introducing colors through soft textures.

How to do it?

Gather soft toys, blankets, or baby essentials in different Holi colors.

Spread them on the play mat and ask your little one to pick up a specific color.

Let them touch and feel the different textures while learning about colors!

Extra Fun: Play a color song in the background to make it a full sensory experience! 🎶

Wrapping It Up – Let’s Play with Colors!

🎉Holi is all about colors, happiness, and new beginnings. Even if your baby is too young for traditional Holi fun, these safe and sensory activities will help them explore and enjoy the festival in their own special way.

Try these ideas and let us know which one your baby loved the most! Tag us @TidySleep with your Holi-inspired playtime moments. Happy Holi! 🌸