Messy Mates Club: Sensory Stories

Where Literacy Meets Play

Sparking imagination through a unique blend of storytelling, sensory exploration, and hands-on arts and crafts.

At Messy Mates Club, we believe that stories shouldn't just be heard. They should be felt. Our Sensory Stories sessions are designed for children aged 2 to 6 to experience books in a multi-dimensional way. By combining the magic of a read-aloud story with immersive sensory play, we help children build deeper connections to language, themes, and the world around them.

How a Session Works

Each 60-minute session is carefully curated to engage young minds and busy hands:

  • Part 1: The Story (10 mins) We gather for an interactive reading of a hand-picked English children’s book. We don't just read; we ask questions, mimic sounds, and set the stage for the adventure ahead. 

  • Part 2: Sensory Exploration (35 mins) The room transforms into a hands-on exploration space. We set up three themed tuff trays filled with textures, colors, and materials that bring the book’s environment to life. Whether it’s "space dust," "ocean waves," or "enchanted forests," children lead their own play. This is a beautiful time for you to observe your child’s curiosity in action and play alongside them.

  • Part 3: The Take-Home Project (10 mins) Parent and child work as a team to create a small, themed craft. This "token" acts as a physical bridge between the story and home, allowing the play to continue long after the session ends.

  • Part 4: Goodbye & Reflection (5 mins) We close our time together with a gentle group reflection. This moment helps children (and parents!) process the experience and transition calmly before headed home.

For the Parents: Connection & Community

Messy Mates Club is more than just an activity for your child; it is a space for you, too.

  • Bonding Time: Enjoy a dedicated hour of screen-free, meaningful interaction with your child.

  • No Cleanup: We provide the materials, the inspiration, and, most importantly, we handle all the cleanup! You get all the benefits of sensory play without the mess in your living room.

  • Meet Other Families: A wonderful opportunity to connect with other English-speaking and international parents in The Hague in a relaxed, creative setting.

When, Where, and How Much?

When: Two Fridays per month from 16:00 to 17:00.

  • Our launch session is Friday, 13 February! * Further dates for the season will be added here soon.

Where: Vlierboomstraat 413, 2564JD, The Hague.

  • Easy access by tram and plenty of space for your bakfiets or bike. Free parking.

How Much: €17 per session.

  • This covers one child and one accompanying parent or caregiver.

  • Includes the story, all sensory play materials, and a craft to take home.

Note: We keep our groups cozy and interactive! A minimum of 4 children is required for a session to go ahead. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will be notified and offered a full refund or a spot in a future session.

Meet the teacher

Hello and welcome!

My name is Anastasia, and I am a Child Psychologist and a Messy Play facilitator with over five years of experience supporting children and families across school, clinical, and community settings. I specialize in emotional and behavioral development, particularly in the early and primary years, and I am dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported.

In my sessions, I am excited to combine storytelling, sensory activities to help children explore emotions, build connections, and enjoy learning through play. Together, we’ll make this a fun, engaging, and memorable experience for both children and parents. After all, the way to the brain is through the senses :)

I look forward to meeting you and your little ones and sharing this special, interactive experience!

What to expect: Frequently asked questions

Does a parent or caregiver need to stay? Yes! Messy Mates Club is a collaborative experience designed for you and your child to enjoy together. We love seeing parents, grandparents, or caregivers getting involved in the play!

What should we wear? We call it "Messy Mates" for a reason! While we use child-safe and mostly washable materials, we highly recommend that both children and adults wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little splash of water or a bit of flour on.

Is my child too young/too old? Our Sensory Stories are specifically curated for the 2 to 6-year-old developmental stage. Younger toddlers will love the tactile exploration of the trays, while older preschoolers will engage more deeply with the storytelling and the tinkering craft.

What if my child doesn’t want to sit still for the story? That is perfectly okay! We know that young children learn through movement. Our storyteller is experienced in keeping things engaging, but if your child needs to wiggle or look at the trays early, we follow the child's lead.

Is the session conducted entirely in English? Yes, the story and facilitation are in English. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure environment for native speakers and those looking to expose their children to the English language through play.

How messy does it actually get? We use a variety of materials like colored rice, water, foam, or kinetic sand. We provide wipes and towels for a quick clean-up before you head home, so the "mess" stays with us and not in your car or cargo bike!