In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is tough finding ways to “bring the calm” to children. Fortunately, the best kids’ Sensory tents of 2023 can help you do just that.
All children, particularly those with neurodivergence or unique sensory processing needs, can significantly benefit from a haven to regulate sensory input and find a moment of solace.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the benefits of using sensory tents to create a designated calming space for your child or students, where to find the best tents in 2023, and what factors to consider to find the best tent for your child(ren)’ s needs.
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- What are Kids' Sensory Tents?
- What are the benefits of indoor calming spaces?
- Key factors to consider when choosing a kids' sensory tent
- 1. Best Overall Kids' Sensory Tent
- 2. Best Kids' Blackout Pop-Up Sensory Tent for Autism
- 3. Best Sensory Tent for Small Spaces
- 4. Best Sensory Tent with Lights
- 5. Best Sensory Tent on a Budget
- 6. Best DIY Sensory Tent
- 7. Best Sensory Tent for Beds
- 8. Best Inflatable Sensory Tent
- 9. Best Sensory Tent for Classroom Use
- 10. Best Kids' Teepee Tent for Indoors
- FAQ #1: Do sensory tents work?
- FAQ #2: Why do children need sensory rooms?
- FAQ #3: What do you put in a calm down tent?
- FAQ #4: Are tents good for toddlers?
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What are Kids’ Sensory Tents?
Kids’ sensory tents are small indoor structures that provide children with a designated calming space to retreat, unwind, and regulate their senses and emotions in a controlled and soothing environment.
Sensory tents play a vital role in supporting the well-being and development of children with sensory processing needs, providing them with a nurturing sanctuary to control and engage their sensory input and output and regulate emotions.
Indoor sensory tents may be used at home or in the school setting.
What are the benefits of indoor calming spaces?
Kids’ sensory tents provide a safe and enclosed area where children can:
- Reduce or control sensory input
- Regulate emotions and find comfort when big feelings are at play
- Explore calming tools or try out coping skills in a more focused, secure setting
- Relax in an environment with adjustable lighting and sound
- Have a private space for reading or independent play
- Explore autonomy with a sense of security
- Increase focus on subsequent tasks and activities
“…providing control of sensory changes to autistic children may help create better conditions for learning.”
Unwin, Powell, & Jones (2021) regarding research published in Autism, a peer-reviewed journal.
Key factors to consider when choosing a kids’ sensory tent
- Size and dimensions: Where will you put your new sensory tent? What tools or activities will need to fit in the tent with your child?
- Cost: What is your budget? I encourage families to consider their new tent as a key sensory and social-emotional tool, rather than a “toy.”
- Durability: How much wear and tear does your child typically put on their belongings? Is it machine washable? What do previous customers have to say about the tent’s quality?
- Sensory features: Will your child benefit from blackout features, lighting, or soundproofing capabilities?
- Portability and storage: Do you plan to leave your tent out, or will you need the ability to collapse it and put it away?
- Accessibility: This is often overlooked! How easily can your child move inside and open the tent on their own?
- Safety: Does the tent provide a sturdy frame? Is it made with non-toxic materials with proper ventilation?
- Child’s interests and preferences: Plain and simple, if your child likes the tent, they will be more likely to use it. Narrow down your search and allow your child to take part in the final purchase decision when possible.
The 10 Best Indoor Kids’ Sensory Tents
Let’s jump into the best indoor kids’ sensory tents on the market so you can get onto creating your designated calming space with your child.
1. Best Overall Kids’ Sensory Tent
Razee Large Indoor Tent for Kids
Key Features: Available in natural or pink hues, this gorgeous tent offers a breathable window, tie-back entry, and a soft, relaxing feel to help bring the calm.
Why We Love It: This cottage-style tent is high-quality and aesthetically pleasing. Reviewers comment it’s large enough to fit a play kitchen if you wish for it to double as a pretend play space!
Price: $69.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
2. Best Kids’ Blackout Pop-Up Sensory Tent for Autism
Children with ASD or those with other sensory processing needs may prefer a blackout style tent to maximize sensory control.
Amagenius Sensory Black-Out Tent
Key Features: This 1 square meter lightweight blackout cube can block nearly all external light, giving you the freedom to add illuminating toys or a projector for an awesome sensory effect!
Why We Love It: This tent comes with a storage bag and easily folds up, giving you the option to move your child’s calming space from room to room or bring it with you for travel.
Price: $74.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
3. Best Sensory Tent for Small Spaces
Harkla Pod Sensory Swing
Key Features: This cozy pod-style swing provides vestibular input for kids with sensory needs while taking up minimal floor space. You’ll want to pair this with Harkla’s quality 360 degree swivel for safety and maximum calming effect.
Why We Love It: Harkla has become our family’s most trusted brand for all things sensory! They are not only experts in the field but provide phenomenal educational resources on sensory strategies for parents.
Price: $79.99
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
4. Best Sensory Tent with Lights
Sumbababy Castle Tent with Fairy Star Lights
Key Features: Yes, the star fairy lights are included! This whimsical, tie-back hexagon castle tent comes in pink, purple, and blue color options and provides a defined space with lots of breathability.
Why We Love It: If you have a child like I do who is drawn to anything shiny and fabulous, this is a slam dunk! Remember, when kids love their space, they’ll want to use it.
Price: $39.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
5. Best Sensory Tent on a Budget
Alvantor Indoor Children Play Tent
Key Features: This indoor/outdoor play tent offers a classic camping-style look and a healthy balance of containment and breathability.
Why We Love It: The nearly 5,000 reviews on Amazon speak for themselves! It’s by far the highest quality tent I’ve found for the price.
Price: $29.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
6. Best DIY Sensory Tent
Kids’ Fort Building Kit by Obuby
Key Features: This 120-piece STEM building toy set can quickly transform into a unique tent by adding your child’s imagination and a bedsheet.
Why We Love It: If you’re unsure if your child will use a sensory tent or if you know they need maximum control over their space, consider going DIY! These engaging, open-ended toys can easily be stored away as needed.
Price: $49.79*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
7. Best Sensory Tent for Beds
Reminder: Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines on the minimum age and weight for use and consult your child’s pediatrician before introducing a sensory tool as a sleep aid.
LEEDOR Bed Tent Canopy Shelter
Key Features: Available in twin, full, queen, and even bunk bed options, LEEDOR’s bed tent has become one of the most well-received sleep space canopies on Amazon.
Why We Love It: If your child struggles to wind down or struggles with sharing a bedroom, this canopy shelter helps provide a defined space with sensory control.
Price: $119.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
8. Best Inflatable Sensory Tent
AIR FORT Build A Fort in 30 Seconds
Key Features: In 30 seconds you can construct a 77-inch wide tent for your little one to explore and unwind! A box fan is required and not included.
Why We Love It: If you know your child will love a larger-than-life tent but you don’t want it out all the time, Air Fort strikes the perfect compromise.
Price: $39.96*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
9. Best Sensory Tent for Classroom Use
Space World Play Tent
Key Features: This sturdy, breathable dome space tent offers an engaging scientific look and even has important space-themed dates and facts printed on the cover!
Why We Love It: With over 5,000 Amazon reviews, it’s safe to say this tent’s durability has been put to the test, making it our top classroom pick.
Price: $36.99
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
10. Best Kids’ Teepee Tent for Indoors
Sumbababy Teepee Tent for Kids with Carry Case
Key Features: This gorgeous indoor canvas teepee stands 59 inches tall and is held together by 3 natural wood poles.
Why We Love It: Sumbababy offers a range of teepee options on Amazon, including this plain natural white look (with or without a floor mat), lace trimmings, star accents, and even a dinosaur print.
Price: $49.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
We invite you to stick around and explore our favorite sensory room essentials!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kids’ Sensory Tents
FAQ #1: Do sensory tents work?
Research on the use of sensory spaces in children shows that it may increase engagement in subsequent activities and optimize their learning potential.
FAQ #2: Why do children need sensory rooms?
Sensory rooms or smaller spaces such as tents provide a special place for kids to control their sensory input and help themselves feel better when overwhelmed.
Sensory rooms are helpful for kids who get overstimulated by things like sounds, lights, or textures. Being in a sensory room helps them feel calm, focused, and more comfortable.
FAQ #3: What do you put in a calm down tent?
The contents of a calm down or sensory tent depend on the individual child and may include:
- A weighted blanket or weighted stuffed animal
- Small fidget toys
- Prompts to identify emotions and calming strategies
- Lights
- Music
Explore the many calm down corner resources available here at Such a Little While.
FAQ #4: Are tents good for toddlers?
Tents can be great for toddlers with proper safety measures and supervision. They provide a cozy nook for toddlers to pretend play, explore books, or relax.
Toddlers especially love the feeling of having their own little space to retreat to. I remember we purchased a pop-up Thomas the Train tent for my 3-year-old when he became a big brother. He adored having a place to go for special one-on-one time with Mom or Dad (it was a tight squeeze but we made it work!)
The last thing you need to know about getting started with a kids’ indoor sensory tent
I’m so excited for you to embark on this sensory adventure with your child, providing them with a nurturing sanctuary where they can thrive, imagine, and find tranquility in the comfort of their indoor sensory tent.
As a Certified Positive Discipline Educator, I always like to mention that sensory tents or other calm down spaces should never be forced on a child or used as punishment.
By offering the space as one of several coping skill options, kids are more likely to feel empowered as collaborative problem-solvers and make the most of the space.
If you need a hand mastering positive parenting’s “time-in” alternative to time-outs, I invite you to read on below.
Happy (indoor) camping!
