What kind of play is characterized by children exploring their environment with objects?

Sensorial play is characterized by children exploring their environment through their senses and engaging with objects to understand the world around them. This type of play allows children to manipulate items, explore textures, smells, sounds, and shapes, and engage in hands-on experiences that are crucial for cognitive development. Through sensorial play, children develop fine motor skills, enhance their sensory perception, and begin to grasp concepts of cause and effect.

Imaginative play involves scenarios and roles, usually leading to creative expression rather than direct interaction with the environment through objects. Social play emphasizes interaction with peers, promoting social skills and emotional development, focusing less on the exploration of physical objects. Rough-and-tumble play is more about physical activity and gross motor skills rather than the exploratory aspect involving objects and the sensory experience. Thus, the unique nature of sensorial play lies in its focus on exploration and tactile experience, making it the correct choice for this question.