Sensory Pathways in Action: How EZPlay Toys Activate the Brain Through Play

Written by Dr. Stefanie Rodsater, Pediatric Chiropractor and Founder of Building Brilliant Brains

Does your child love to spin, climb, bounce, or go barefoot?

That’s not random.

It’s their brain seeking sensory input-and it’s a good thing.

Sensory input isn’t just about fun-it’s how the brain grows and organizes itself.
The more intentional input your child receives through movement, the stronger their foundation for focus, coordination, emotional regulation, and learning.

What Are Sensory Pathways?

The brain is built on input. When children move, balance, climb, and touch different surfaces, they’re feeding seven key sensory systems:

1. Tactile – Touch (e.g., texture, pressure, skin contact)

2. Vestibular – Balance and motion

3. Proprioceptive – Body position and joint compression

4. Visual – Tracking and spatial awareness

5. Auditory – Sounds that help orient movement

6. Olfactory – Smell and environmental awareness

7. Gustatory – Taste (less relevant in movement play, but still integrated!)

In movement-rich play, the top three systems—tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive—are the heavy lifters for early brain development.

Why Sensory Input Builds Better Brains

Every time your child balances, crawls, climbs, or crashes into a pillow pile, they’re doing high-level brain work.

✅ They’re strengthening neural connections
✅ Organizing their primitive reflexes
✅ Building coordination, attention, and confidence

And when sensory systems are under-stimulated (hello, screens + sitting too long)? Kids can become anxious, unfocused, or even hypersensitive.

That’s where sensory-rich play environments come in.

EZPlay Toys That Activate Sensory Pathways

EZPlay toys are more than beautiful wooden playsets. They’re sensory gyms for the brain—designed to give your child the input they crave in a safe, purposeful way.

🪵 Wobble Balance Board

Sensory Boost: Vestibular + Proprioceptive
🌀 Rocking stimulates balance centers
💪 Standing or crawling builds core and joint feedback
👣 Great for barefoot tactile exploration

🧗♀️ Koala Adventure Playset 

Sensory Boost: Vestibular + Tactile + Proprioceptive
🧠 Climbing ramps, slides, and ladders promote full-body sensory integration
💡 Perfect for toddlers and older kids to explore movement variety

🐼 Panda Playground Jungle Gym 

Sensory Boost: Proprioceptive + Vestibular
🙌 Monkey bars and swings support grip strength, body awareness, and midline crossing
🏃♀️ Encourages active movement and spatial problem-solving

🧸 Double-Sided Baby Play Mat

Sensory Boost: Tactile + Visual
👀 Contrasting textures and soft landings make tummy time and early movement more inviting
👣 Barefoot play supports reflex integration and skin stimulation

🏕️ Panda Teepee Tent

Sensory Boost: Visual + Tactile + Auditory
🛏 Cozy retreat for quiet play and sensory decompression
🎶 Add soft lighting or calming sounds to turn it into a self-regulation zone

Bonus: Free Ways to Add Sensory Input

You don’t need a big budget to build a sensory-smart space.

✅ Let your child climb you!
✅ Use couch cushions to create tunnels and balance paths
✅ Do log rolls, bear crawls, or spinning games together
✅ Encourage messy sensory play (dirt, water, rice bins)

Final Thoughts

The brain builds itself through the body-and the body builds itself through sensory movement.

When we create a home environment rich in tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive input, we’re not just helping kids burn energy.
We’re helping them build better focus, behavior, balance, and learning skills—from the ground up.

🧠 Want to create a sensory-smart play zone at home?
Explore EZPlay’s collection of Montessori-inspired play gyms and movement tools designed to build your child’s brain through joyful movement.