Calming Activities for Preschoolers

If I have said it once, I have said it a hundred times – my boys tend to be on the wild side. In fact, that is a large part of the reason my children’s book, Clever’s New Trick, came to be.

This book is such a powerful tool to help little ones remember to stop and think before dealing with problems. Giving children the tools to be successful, when they are calm and in a snugly safe environment reading, is incredibly empowering for preschoolers!

But for those times when the stop and think skills are still being learned, there are bound to be a few occasions when these calming activities for preschoolers will come in handy!

These activities are fabulous to help little ones settle so they can move past any problem or upset. They are also great as quiet time activities (and as you know, I can never have enough of those!)

Here are some of the loveliest calming activities for preschoolers around:

A Simple Nature Sensory Bin – It’s amazing how relaxing this bin is! The natural aspects, as well as the the invitation to touch and smell, make this a calming sensory activity for kids.

Rainbow Glitter Jars from Fun-A-Day – There’s a reason these are often called “calm down jars”! Watching the glitter as it floats and settles has a soothing affect on kids and adults, alike.

Soothing Scented Goodnight Moon Inspired Sensory Play from Still Playing School – A water sensory bin inspired by a favorite bedtime story! Playing in the scented water is sure to help settle a child after a long day.

Sensory Play with Whole Spices and Beans from My Nearest and Dearest – This spice and bean tub allows the children to explore their senses in such a calming way!

Bedtime Sensory Tub with Lavender Dyed Rice from NurtureStore – This rice sensory tub sounds like a great way to transition towards bedtime. I love the addition of real sprigs of lavender!

Goodnight Moon Sensory Bottle from The Pleasantest Thing – What a lovely idea to make this bottle based on a treasured bedtime book! Kids can watch the materials move and float while listening to the book.

5 Kid-Friendly Yoga Poses from MindBodyGreen – This is a collection of yoga poses to use with children who need some extra help calming their minds and bodies.

Flower Petal Sensory Play from Fantastic Fun and Learning – What an ingenious idea to use flower petals in settling water play!

Rangoli-Inspired Sand Art from Kids Craft Room – This colorful transitory art experience allows for quiet creative time.

Color-Mixing Discovery Bottles from Preschool Inspirations – The colors of these bottles are so engaging! I think this purple/blue one is perfect for a calming experience.

Calming Epsom Salt Sensory Play from Fireflies and Mud Pies – Gather a few simple materials and let the kids explore this calming salt tray. I laughed when I read how she used the tray for herself after her son was finished!

Zen Garden Sensory Play from Happy Hooligans at CBC Parents – The kids will surely love creating and playing with their own mini Zen gardens. The natural materials, along with the process of putting it all together, allow for some quiet downtime.

Calming Lavender Prewriting Tray from And Next Comes L – Scooping, pouring, and arranging the scented salt in this tray has so many benefits! I’m sure the lavender really helps to calm and sooth during play.

One-Ingredient Calm Down Bottles from Play to Learn Preschool – These simple discovery bottles are quietly engaging and perfect for when kids need some time on their own.

Calming Sensory Box for Kids from Wildflower Ramblings – This is a cozy sensory bin filled with a few soft materials and a lovely scent. Great before-bed play time!

Managing Big Emotions Through Movement from Childhood 101 – Teaching children yoga poses to help them calm their bodies and minds is an amazing idea! I love that this post includes posters to share with the kids.

Zen Rock Garden from 3 Dinosaurs – The rocks and sand in this “garden” are sure to help settle and focus kids after a long and busy day!

Calming Waterbead Sensory Bin from Sugar Aunts – There’s just something about running your hands through waterbeads that is so soothing! I love how she explains all of the calming aspects of this sensory bin.

Lavender Salt Bin and Play Dough from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds – This is a calming experience times two! Kids explore and mix and lavender salt bin, and then they use that to make beautiful play dough together.