In art therapy, every splash of paint, swipe of slime and scoop of sensory rice is not only fun but a pathway to growth. While not all messy play happens within art therapy, when thoughtfully incorporated into art therapy sessions, it can support emotional regulation, sensory exploration, foster creative expression and so much more. Sometimes known as sensory or exploratory play, messy play is a hands-on way for children with disability, developmental delay and sensory challenges to engage with their environment safely and playfully.

Messy play approach

For many children, messy textures and new sensations can feel challenging. Art therapist Charlie explains, “Messy play is child-led with children choosing how and when to engage. Some might explore for a while, then take a break and come back when they’re ready. This helps build confidence and gives them control over the experience.”

What does messy play look like?

“In my sessions I support authentic messy play,” explains Charlie “it’s not controlled, it really is quite messy!”

Messy play includes activities might include:

• Making and playing with slime
• Creating with play dough
• Digging into tubs of sensory rice
• Crafting sensory bags filled with materials of their choice
• Finger painting or using other ways to paint

These experiences invite children to explore textures, colours, smells and movements, sparking creativity and engagement.

The many benefits of messy play

Sensory exploration is big part of messy play, as children are encouraged to investigate and experiences through their senses. This can help children with sensory sensitivities to gradually build tolerance to different textures and sensations in a safe and fun way, boosting their confidence and reducing anxiety around new sensory experiences.

Beyond the sensory benefits of messy play, it also supports:

• Communication skills: Children describe what they feel, share emotions, or express themselves through gestures, building language and self-awareness.

• Listening and sequencing: Following step-by-step instructions, like when making slime, builds attention, patience and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration: Sharing materials and taking turns encourages teamwork and social connection.
• Autonomy: Children make choices about how to play, for how long and what to create, boosting independence and confidence.
• Motor skills: Manipulating materials strengthens both fine and gross motor abilities.

Messy play and emotional regulation

“One of my favourite tools in messy play is sensory bags,” Charlie shares. “I encourage children to fill them with materials like water, oil, glitter, or rice and to choose colours and textures to match different emotions, maybe red for anger or a mix of colours for when things feel overwhelming.”

“They take the bags home and when they have big emotions, reaching for their sensory bag gives them something tangible to focus on. It’s a calming strategy that supports mindfulness and diverts attention from the big emotion they are experiencing.”

Tips for messy play at home

Messy play can be manageable at home with these tips:

• Use a space that’s easy to clean, like outdoors or a tiled area.
• Protect surfaces and clothes with sheets, towels, or aprons.
• Start small, introducing one or two materials at a time.
• Let your child decide what to try and when to stop.
• Keep wipes or a bucket of water nearby for easy clean-up.
• Use everyday items such as uncooked pasta, rice, flour, or soapy water for affordable materials.

As Charlie says, “Messy play gives children the chance to engage on their own terms, within their own ability, make choices and enjoy the process.”