Banana Smash
Banana Smash Sensory Play is a taste-safe, hands-on activity that encourages children to explore texture, colour, and creativity through sensory play. Children can mash ripe bananas, mix in food colouring, and use the mixture for painting, mark-making, or as a sensory base for themed play. This simple activity supports sensory development while providing endless opportunities for exploration and imaginative learning.
Learn what you need to do for this activity
Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
Learn the Benefits of this activity
What do you do:
Peel and place the bananas into a bowl or tray.
Encourage children to mash the bananas using a fork, spoon, or their hands.
Add food colouring if desired and mix together.
Use the mixture for painting, mark-making, or sensory exploration.
Add toys or loose parts to extend imaginative play.
What's Needed:
Ripe bananas
Food colouring (optional)
Bowl or tray
Spoon to smash
Paper for painting
Paint brushes, rollers, or hands
How to Adapt
Use different food colours to create themed sensory bases
Add animal figures, vehicles, or loose parts.
Use as edible paint for mark-making and art activities.
Include tools such as brushes, rollers, scoops, and spoons.
Add natural materials for additional sensory exploration.
Encourage colour mixing and simple science discussions.
Benefits of the Activity
Provides a taste-safe sensory experience.
Develops fine motor skills and hand strength.
Encourages creativity and self-expression.
Supports sensory exploration through texture and colour.
Builds language and communication skills.
Promotes curiosity, experimentation, and imaginative play.
