We have the ultimate resource of sensory bin ideas for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten age young children. Sensory bins are great for kids to learn about their senses and be able to really get hands-on with touching, feeling and experiencing with open-ended play.
Sensory Bins for Kids
While kids are touching, smelling, listening and even sometimes tasting they’re exploring and learning without even realizing it and that is what sensory activities are all about. You can change out your own sensory bins all the time because we have over 200 different sensory box ideas for your kids to play with!
What is a sensory bin?
Sensory bins may incorporate a variety of senses: touch, sight, sounds, taste, and smell for children to learn and explore.
Lumiere Children’s Occupational Therapy
Benefits of Sensory Bins
As a Physical Therapist, I know the benefits of sensory bins is more than just touching and experiencing the sensory bin. A sensory box provides a learning environment of sensory play that helps develop play skills, language development, fine motor skills, social skills, brain development and helps kids complete a cognitive task.
A note of safety: Sensory bins are filled with small pieces and small items that could be a choking hazard for younger children and adult supervision is required at all times.
Our Favorite Sensory Bin Ideas
Choose a sensory bin to make with materials you might already have on hand to save yourself a trip to the craft store or dollar store. Jump ahead if you have a sensory bin idea in mind by clicking on these links:
Giant Sensory Bin Play
The purpose of a sensory bin is to give kids’ senses some unusual input. These big bins are a great opportunity to do that on a big scale so that kids can sit inside and experience with their whole body.
1. Shredded Paper Pool Sensory Bin
Replace the water ingredient in any sensory bin with shredded paper. This makes it more of an indoor-friendly bin and has the added sensation of crinkled paper for kids to interact with.
2. Wintery and Cold Sensory Bin Idea
My Mini Adventurer has a lovely winter sensory bin idea that celebrates the cold of winter with an arctic bath of different size icebergs.
3. Bean Sensory Tub Idea
Sensory tub idea that uses a lot of dried beans and bring your dump truck, because this is going to be fun! Get the instructions from Craftulate.
4. Fun Water Sensory Bin
Don’t have a water table? Check out these sensory bin alternatives to a traditional water table from Picklebums
Bead Sensory Bin Ideas
5. Shaped Bead and Sequin Sensory Bin
Shaped beads make a really simple and easy sensory bead bin from Artsy Mama. I love the addition of sequins and alphabet beads.
6. Star Shaped Bead Sensory Bin
Use star shaped beads for this star sensory bin from 3 Dinosaurs. Kids will love playing with the pointy shapes and then use pipe cleaners to thread the beads during play.
7. Wooden Bead Sensory Bin
This really cool wooden bead sensory bin comes from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes and uses pipe cleaners as something to string the wooden beads on as part of the play.
Best Sensory Bins with Cars & Trucks Theme
8. Car Sensory Bin With Beans and Scoops
This cars sensory bin uses pinto beans, scoops, bowls, pom poms, cars and stir sticks and can be created really easily at home. Check out all the automobile fun from Intentional By Grace.
9. Super Fun Car Sensory Bin
This cars theme sensory tub from Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails is super fun and cute.
10. Car-Themed Sensory Bin With Beans and Pom Poms
Buggy and Buddy has a cool sensory box with a car theme. Using black beans as the color of the road, some yellow straws to make dotted lines and then pompoms the color of a traffic light.
11. Construction-Themed Sensory Bin
Let’s get in some sensory play with a construction theme. My kids always loved anything digger and bulldozer related so this would have been a hit at my house. Check out all the fun from The Chaos and the Clutter.
12. Great Sensory Bin With Farm Trucks and Grits
Farm trucks and the rhythm of life on the farm can be felt with this grits based sensory bin from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tail.
Water Beads Sensory Box Ideas
13. Water Bead Sensory Table
Water beads are a blast! Here are over a dozen sensory box ideas where your kids can play with water beads.
14. Rainy Day Sensory Activities
Check out this rainy day sensory bin filled with things that are related to the storms raging outside from Paper and Glue.
15. Water Beads Sensory Activities
Here is a fun idea to combine clear water beads sensory activities with flowers for sensory play.
16. Colors and Rainbow Water Bead Sensory Idea
Learn more about colors and the rainbow with this water bead sensory idea from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds.
17. Water Bead Sensory Bin Play
Use water beads instead of water to make a sensory bin that is super cool. Via B-Inspired Mama
18. Shark Water Sensory Bin
Have some fishy fun with this neat shark water bead sensory bin! Via 3 Dinosaurs
19. Fun Water Monster Sensory Bin
Make a super fun and adorable monster sensory bin. Via B-Inspired Mama
20. Water Bead and LEGO Sensory Play
How about a water bead sensory bin that is called Slippery LEGO sensory play? I love this idea and everything about the juxtaposition of slippery with hard surfaces from Best Toys 4 Toddlers.
21. Water and Light Sensory Tub
I love light table play, and this light table sensory bin is perfectly fun! Via Where Imagination Grows
22. Edible Rainbow Water Beads Sensory Bin
This idea to use edible rainbow water beads for a sensory bin is really colorful and cool from The Train Drivers Wife.
23. Taste-Safe Water Bead Sensory Bin Idea
Another taste-safe water bead sensory bin idea is an ocean theme from The Train Driver’s Wife.
24. Taste Safe Rainbow Sensory Ideas
Make a taste safe rainbow with these special ideas from Life with Moore Babies.
Science Themed Sensory Box Ideas
Sensory materials draw kids into learning more just like science. When you think of science education, you might think of older kids, but younger children are the perfect age for science because of their curiosity! Let’s get some hands-on science sensory play.
Space Sensory Bins
25. Solar System Sensory Bin
Make a solar system sensory bin for out of this world excitement. Via 1 + 1 +1 = 1
26. Space Sensory Bin Ideas
This space sensory bin has two wonderful looks that are completely different…one for the day and one for the night or when the lights are out with glow in the dark fun from Life with Moore Babies.
27. Outer Space Cloud Dough Sensory Activity
Outer space fun with cloud dough (duh!) from Mama of Many Blessings has all sorts of out of the world figurines and textures.
How Things Work Sensory Play
28. Magnetic Sensory Bin
Magnetic Sensory Bin from Gift of Curiosity has a rice base and then a lot of things to experiment with as to what a magnet will pick up.
29. Desert Sensory Bin Ideas
Learn about different geography and ecosystems that happen around the world with this desert sensory bin idea from The Chaos and the Clutter.
30. Geography Sensory Bin With Puzzle Pieces
Map reading skills are essential and fun with this geography sensory tub from B-Inspired Mama. She uses puzzle pieces to extend the play into a puzzle solving activity.
31. Jelly Brain Sensory Bin Idea
Jelly brain? Yep! This jelly brain sensory bin idea is from Best Toys 4 Toddlers and full of science-y fun!
32. Mechanical Sensory Tub
A mechanical sensory tub? Yep! Best Toys 4 Toddlers has created this cool sensory experience using nuts and bolts. Fine motor skill training has never been more fun.
33. Excavating Sensory Activity
Let your kiddos break some ice and uncover some hidden toys in this Excavating activity. Via Mama of Many Blessings
34. Frog Sensory Bin
With this frog sensory bin and pond unit, kids can have fun while learning about the pond system. Via Enchanted Schoolroom
Gardening Sensory Box Ideas
35. Garden Sensory Tub
A garden sensory tub from Wugs and Dooey is almost art! The bin is full of things from the garden including wildflowers and feathers.
36. Garden Small World Play Oat Sensory Bin
Garden small world play combines with a rolled oat base sensory bin themed for the garden from Wugs and Dooey.
37. Planting Garden Sensory Bin
This garden sensory bin would be great when you’re learning about planting. Via Mama Papa Bubba
38. Bird Seed Garden Sensory Tub
Another fun garden sensory bin starts with bird seed and creates a garden path with smooth stones. Check out the details from Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.
39. Sunflower Sensory Bin
Let your kiddo pretend to grow some of the most beautiful flowers with this sunflower sensory bin! Via Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes
40. Super Cute Gardening Bin Ideas
This super cute gardening sensory bin is from Fantastic Fun and Learning and will have kids planting plants and then labeling them with popsicle sticks. Such a sweet spring idea!
41. Garden Bird Seed Sensory Bin Fun
Make a garden bird seed sensory bin to play in and then let it sit outside to watch the birdies come eat! Via Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails
42. Pumpkin Patch Fall Themed Sensory Bin
Gardening in fall means pumpkin patches! Have some fall-themed fun with this adorable pumpkin patch sensory bin! Via Life Over C’s
43. Peas and Carrots Sensory Bin
Peas and Carrots sensory bin from Fantastic Fun and Learning is super cute and has the added benefit of maybe getting more veggies in the kids?
44. Pretend Mud Edible Sensory Bin
Let’s make pretend mud! This edible recipe makes for really fun sensory play.
45. Very Hungry Caterpillar Sensory Bin
Gardening would not be the same without The Very Hungry Caterpillar sensory bin which is filled with black beans, lentils, brightly colored dishes, bucket, butterfly magnifying glasses, fabric leaves and fabric flowers. Get the step by step directions from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes.
Garden Composting Sensory Play
46. Compost Sensory Bin
Try this compost sensory bin that has the added benefit of learning the ABCs from Growing Book by Book with all sorts of gardening goodness.
47. Compost, Pine, Pebbles, Twig Sensory Bin
Another composting sensory bin comes from Our Little House in the Country and is the perfect invitation to play using tray, compost, pine cones, pebbles, twigs, leaves, cars and diggers, wooden railway tracks, plastic animals, dinosaurs and loose pieces.
Beach & Ocean Theme Sensory Bins
48. Beach Sensory Bin Idea
This beach sensory bin starts with the sensory material of white rice (you don’t even have to color it for this one because it is the color of sand) and uses found and dollar store objects like sea shells.
49. Pool Noodle and Sea Shell Sensory Bin
A pool noodle cut up is the center of this sand and shell seaside sensory bin from The Chaos and the Clutter that is full of seaside colors and things to touch.
50. Beach Small World Play
This beach small world play has both an ocean and a beach using a water table from Fantastic Fun and Learning.
51. Beach and Summer Sensory Bin
If you don’t have the opportunity to hit the beach this summer, bring it home with this Beach sensory bin! Via Mama.Papa.Bubba.
52. Ocean-Themed Sensory Bin
Mama Papa Bubba also has a really simple and fun ocean themed sensory bin that uses both water and the bottom of the ocean colors and textures.
53. Cornmeal Sand Sensory Bin
This cornmeal sensory bin from Craftulate reminds me so much of the beach because the texture of cornmeal (along with the color) mimics sand.
54. Sea Sensory Bin With Aquarium Rocks
Excite and Explore has an under the sea sensory bin filled with aquarium rocks, sea week and all sorts of sea life that kids would have to go to an aquarium or scuba diving to experience!
55. Ocean Themed Sensory Bin With Small Sea Toys
This ocean themed sensory experience for kids of all ages from toddler to early grade school is from Mama of Many Blessings and filled with aquarium rocks and all sorts of small sea toys.
56. Edible Summer Luau Sensory Bin
Double the fun with this edible summer luau sensory bin! Via Excite and Explore
57. Underwater Fun Sensory Bin
Underwater fun takes on a whole new look with glitter sand. This glitter sensory bin idea comes from In the Playroom.
58. Sand Foam Sensory Play
Create sand foam for sensory play! This is a fun idea from Theres Just One Mommy and will have kids enjoying the textures of sand mixed with scented shaving cream.
59. Shaving Cream Ocean Sensory Bin
Another shaving cream ocean sensory bin idea comes from Confidence Meets Parenting with shells and all sorts of smooth textures.
60. Magic Sand Sensory Box
How about a little magic sand in your sensory box? Check out the fun details and instructions from There’s Just One Mommy.
61. Indoor Beach Sensory Bin
This indoor beach sensory bin is just plain sandy fun from Mama Papa Bubba. Grab the instructions to make it happen!
62. Sea Shell, Gem Stone, Sand, Beach Sensory Bin
This beach sensory box has decorative sand, sea shells, blue glass gem stones, decorative stones and a shallow container. Grab the info from Stir the Wonder.
63. Shark and Pirate Ocean Themed Sensory Tub
This ocean themed sensory tub has some danger because Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes has added in not only sharks, but pirates!
Animal Themed Sensory Play
64. Meerkat Mana Sensory Activities
This is sooooo fun! Check out the Meerkat Manor that Adventures and Play set up for her kids.
65. Great Outdoors Sensory Experience Tub
This super cute idea comes from Where Imagination Grows and shows how to create a great outdoors sensory experience within a tub.
66. Three Billy Goats Gruff Sensory Play For Kindergarteners
Inspired by the book, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Growing by the Book created a sensory play bin for Kindergarten that emphasizes the concepts of big, medium and small.
67. What The Ladybird Heard Sensory Bin
This completely adorable (and very organized) small world play idea has a sensory bin component from Wugs and Dooey. As a great activity after reading the book, you will need craft sticks, oats, animal and people figurines, fake flowers, small shallow dish, toilet roll, small wooden block, wooden box and cereal balls.
Bug Sensory Experiences
68. 10 Butterfly Themed Sensory Bin
These 10 butterfly themed sensory bin ideas come from Suzy Homeschooler and will have your kids fluttering around the house!
69. Bug Sensory Bin
This bug sensory bin is from 3 Dinosaurs and filled with beans and a whole bunch of bug and insect goodness based on the child’s interests.
70. Insect Sensory Bin
This insect sensory bin uses green colored rice, plastic insects, reptiles and amphibians and plastic rocks and trees from Living Life and Learning.
71. Creepy Crawly Insect Sensory Bin
Inspect some cool and creepy creatures with this insect sensory bin. Via Stir the Wonder
72. Insect Learning Sensory Activity
Insect learning and fun has never been this sensory! Check out the insect sensory bin from Gift of Curiosity that starts with black beans.
73. Lady Bug Sensory Big For Preschoolers
Learning about Lady Bugs? Check out this lady bug sensory box from Gift of Curiosity that is part of a learning module that starts with dried peas.
74. Bug Sensory Bin With Rice
Bugs sensory bin from 1 Plus 1 is colored rice based sensory fun.
75. Easter Grass Hide and Seek Bug Sensory Bin
Use Easter grass to make a hide and seek bug sensory tub like Pre Kinders did! I love this fun and colorful idea.
Dinosaur Sensory Fun
76. Rare Dinosaur Bone Sensory Bin
Discover some rare bones with this dinosaur fossil sensory bin! Via Growing Book by Book
77. Dino Dig Sensory Activity
Let’s go on a sensory dino dig with Fireflies and Mud Pies!
78. Cloud Dough Dinosaur Toy Sensory Bin For Preschoolers
More dinosaur sensory play can be found with this box from Memorizing the Moments using cloud dough and some very cute dinosaur figurines.
79. Super Fun Dinosaur Small World Play With Fizz
Super fun dinosaur small world play with a fizzing sensory component from Wugs and Dooey.
80. Fossil Matching Dino Dig Sensory Activities For Kindergarteners
Fossil matching is part of this dino dig sensory bin from Growing Book by Book.
81. Fun and Messy Dinosaur Sensory Play Idea
These dinosaurs live in a chocolate mud world from Adventures and Play…what a fun sensory play idea.
82. Dinosaur Dig Sensory Game For Kids
This dinosaur dig game for kids doubles as a sensory experience and is the perfect compliment to dino lesson plans for the Preschool and Kindergarten crowd. Use a paint brush as a fine motor tool.
Monster Sensory Bins – Monsters are animals, right?
83. Frighteningly Cut Monster Sensory Bin Ideas
This frighteningly cute monster sensory bin idea comes from The Chaos and the Clutter and is full of squishy texture fun.
84. Icy Monster Eyes Sensory Activity
Icy monster eyes are not only adorable, but great for a sensory experience from Best Toys 4 Toddlers.
Farm Animal Sensory Bins
85. Farm Based Sensory Bin
Check out the farm based fun from Gift of Curiosity that has kids experiencing all sorts of touches, sights and hopefully not too many smells from the farm.
86. Simple Farm Sensory Bin With Natural Items
This simple farm sensory bin has all sorts of natural items that give the textures and feels of the farm from Fantastic Fun and Learning.
87. F Is For Farm Sensory Bin
F is for Farm Sensory bin from Life with Moore Learning is really simple using farm animals and some pop corn.
88. Grass Based Farm Sensory Bin
I love this farm sensory bin because it uses grass as the base of the sensory play. Check out the fun from Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.
89. Rice and Farm Animal Sensory Bin
This rice sensory bin could be themed in any way depending on the toys you might already have or the craft store finds you encounter on sale. In this sensory activity example, some farm animals are included!
Animal Wash
90. Washing Animal Sensory Activity
This is the cutest idea that combines water sensory play with animals into a hub for washing animals. Think car wash meets the zoo. Check out all the fun from Where Imagination Grows.
Animal Mazes
91. Animal Maze Sensory Bin With Cornmeal
This pre-writing idea is great sensory fun and learning from B-Inspired Mama. She uses a sensory tray of cornmeal to create animal mazes to increase fine motor skills.
Color Based Sensory Fun
92. Messy and Colorful Bubble Foam Sensory Bin
Have some messy and colorful fun with this enchanting colorful bubble foam bin. Via Mama.Papa.Bubba.
93. Bubbly Soap Foam Sensory Idea
Bubbly soap foam used in conjunction with a water table is a fun colorful idea from Artsy Mama. Check it out!
94. Red Sensory Bin Ideas
This very very red sensory bin is due to Gellibaff and is a unique way to play from In the Playroom. While Gellibaff is designed to go in the tub (now that would be a BIG sensory experience), it works great for a sensory box or bin as well.
95. Rainbow Scented Beans Sensory Play
Make scented rainbow beans for sensory play.
96. Foam Color Sensory Activities
Try a foaming color sensory bin from Life with Moore Babies which combines all sorts of awesomeness.
97. Color Sorting Sensory Tub
Color sorting from a sensory tub is a smart idea for preschoolers from The Weaving Ideas. Using a bin for sorting opens up all sorts of accessory play ideas.
98. Large Bright Colorful Rainbow Sensory Bin
Oh the bright colorful rainbow fun from A Little Pinch of Perfect! Using a large bin, shaving cream, spaghetti noodles, food coloring and a sensory tray she created this amazing fun!
99. Colorful Rainbow Spaghetti Sensory Bin
An entire large bin of colorful rainbow spaghetti noodles? I love this idea from the Train Drivers Wife.
100. Rainbow Letters Sensory Bin
Rainbow letters sensory bin from Growing Book by Book is a cleaver way to use paper for sensory learning.
101. Color Reflection Sensory Bin
Color reflection sensory bin is something I had never seen or thought of when it comes to creating a sensory experience for preschoolers. This genius idea from Best Toys 4 Toddlers uses a sensory bin, tin foil, light cubes and plastic toys.
102. Colored Hay Sensory Bin
Colored hay sensory bin from Crayon Box Chronicles is a fun and colorful sensory experience.
103. Black Light Sensory Experience For Kids
Grab a black light for a very intense sensory experience from Where the Imagination Grows.
104. Color Purple Themed Sensory Bin For Kids
The color purple is awesome and so is this purple themed sensory bin for kids from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes.
105. Yellow Themed Sensory Bin
Or how about the color yellow? Create an entire sensory bin around a color like Serenity You.
106. Rainbow Corn Sensory Tub
Make rainbow corn like Fun A Day instructs for a colorful and really cool textured sensory tub.
Water Activities
107. Simple Water Table and Marshmallow Sensory Bin
Fantastic Fun and Learning shows us how to turn a simple water table into a marshmallow sensory bin!
108. Really Cool Water Sensory Bin With Funnels
This really cool water sensory bin idea uses funnels and all sorts of fun containers to play with and interact with water. This is the Best Toys 4 Toddlers idea that is going to be a ton of fun.
Seasonal Sensory Play – Sensory Box Ideas Perfect for the Summer
109. Summer Sensory Bin
A summer sensory bin is even more fun when you put it in a small blow up pool! Via The Chaos and The Clutter
110. Summer Temperature Sensory Bin With Ice
This summer sensory idea is a bin from Mama of Many Blessings and is something you will want to do outside because it is full of temperature sensory fun with ice cubes!
111. Fresh Fruit Sensory Bin
Got peaches? How about using the fresh fruit as a sensory bin for little ones? I love this sweet smelling idea from Suzy Homeschooler.
Fall Sensory Bins
112. Autumn Extravaganza Cornmeal Sensory Box
Growing Hands On Kids has an autumn extravaganza fall cornmeal sensory box for toddlers.
113. Autumn Color Sensory Bin
This smart idea for an autumn color sensory bin comes from The Train Drivers Wife. It is a great way for younger kids like toddlers to be able to have a lot of safe fun using ball pit balls while identifying colors associated with the season.
114. Fall Sensory Bin
This fall sensory bin is from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes and filled with all sorts of autumn sensory fun with wood stove pellets, popcorn kernels and more.
115. Pumpkin and Gourd Autumn Sensory Bin
This autumn sensory bin from Intentional by Grace uses pumpkins, gourds, spin tops, leaves, pinto beans and black beans.
116. Football Themed Sensory Bin
For many families, fall means football and this is a really fun idea to get younger kids into the game. Make a fall football sensory bin with your favorite team in mind. Grab all the directions from Fantastic Fun and Learning.
117. Two Fall Sensory Bin Ideas
Get into autumn senses and learning with this two fall sensory bin ideas from Suzy Homeschooler.
118. Lovely Autumn Sensory Tub With Corn
The Chaos and the Clutter has a lovely autumn sensory tub that is full of corn and fall items.
119. Fall Sensory Box Idea
The sights and smell of autumn are on display in the B-Inspired Mama fall sensory box idea that she did with kids after a fall scavenger hunt.
Winter Sensory Bins
120. Sparkly Snowflake Themed Sensory Tub
Check out the chilly themed fun from Mama of Many Blessings that includes supplies like blue dyed pasta, plastic winter characters, sparkly snowflakes, pom poms, cotton balls, fake snow covered trees, styrofoam balls and toothpicks to make snowmen, blue and white beads.
121. Real Snow Sensory Bin
Too cold outside? Let’s make a real snow sensory bin! This fun idea comes from Creatiful Kids.
122. Sweet Winter Sensory Box
This really sweet winter sensory experience uses cotton balls, colorful jewels, snowflakes, pom poms and glitter along with winter words from Paper and Glue.
123. Frozen Themed Sensory Bin
Frozen fans can celebrate this sensory bin from No Stress Homeschooling with blue food coloring , barley and some measuring spoons as well as some Christmas decorations in a silver color.
124. Polar Exploration Sensory Bin
This polar exploration sensory bin is super visual and fun – click the translation tab to read it in English.
125. Snowy Day Sensory Bins
Snow day sensory bins with cotton balls and an ice cream scoop will be a snow bank worth of fun from Play Learn Everyday.
126. Sledding Themed Sensory Bin
How about combining the love of sledding with a sensory bin? Check out all the texture-y details from Artsy Momma!
Spring Ideas for Sensory Play
127. Spring Sensory Bin With Green Rice
Learning and Exploring Through Play has a really cute spring sensory bin that has the foundation of green rice.
128. Flower Button Sensory Bin
Try a flower button sensory bin for spring! This idea comes from 3 Dinosaurs and is a big box filled with all sorts of different shaped flower buttons.
129. Rainbow Jell-O Sensory Play For Preschoolers
This rainbow jello sensory play bin is filled with different colors of jello from Craftulate. I thought it would be the perfect sensory addition to any spring showers conversation!
130. Spring Flower Soup Sensory Bin For Toddlers
Make spring flower soup! This fun sensory bin idea is from Crafts on Sea.
131. Dirt and Flower Spring Sensory Bin For Kindergarteners
Spring sensory bin idea includes dirt, flowers and more from Mama of Many Blessings. Grab your garden spade because you will need it.
132. Floating Flowers Sensory Bin
Floating flowers is the theme of this spring sensory bin from Happiness is Here – I love the bright colors.
133. Dandelion Soup Sensory Activity
Let’s make dandelion soup! What a fun flower themed sensory bin from Suzy Homeschooler full of flower fun.
134. Sunflower Sensory Bin
Create a sunflower sensory bin with Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes filled with birdseed, orange glass gems and plastic jewels, colorful sunflowers and sunflower accessories.
Christmas Sensory Bins
135. Nativity Sensory Bin
Create this Nativity sensory bin filled with crinkle paper and peg dolls from Growing Hands On Kids to celebrate the Christmas holiday.
136. Festive Christmas Sensory Bin
This colorful and festive Christmas sensory bin comes from Teacher Types and is filed with red and green rice and a lovely Christmas tree.
137. Christmas Sensory Bin With Natural Scents
This is a lovely idea from Paper and Glue to use all natural items in the Christmas sensory bin allowing for the natural scents to come through.
138. Peppermint Themed Sensory Bin
Love the idea of a peppermint sensory bin for the Christmas holiday using rice, red and green food coloring, ziplock bags, mint extract and Christmas items. Get all the directions from No Stress Homeschooling.
139. Gingerbread Themed Sensory Tub
If you love the smell of gingerbread as much as I do, you will love the idea of a gingerbread sensory tub for kids that includes pine cones and empty spice shakers from Pre K Busy Bees.
140. Christmas Tree Sensory Bin
This Christmas tree sensory bin is delightfully full of buttons and charm from Best Toys 4 Toddlers.
141. Easy Christmas Sensory Tray
Here is an easy Christmas sensory tray to try for your next holiday celebration from You Clever Monkey.
142. Tinsel and Candy Cane Christmas Sensory Box
Grab your tinsel and candy cane ornaments and let’s make a Christmas sensory box with Mama of Many Blessings.
143. Christmas Carol Themed Sensory Box
You won’t be able to stop singing Christmas carols with this Christmas sensory box idea from Learning and Exploring through Play.
New Years Sensory Bins
144. Chinese New Year Sensory Bin
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with this fun sensory bin filled with black beans, pom poms, colorful beads and something that represents the year to come from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes.
145. Blue Rice and Animal Chinese New Year Sensory Bin
Wugs and Dooey used green and brown playdough, dyed blue rice, wooden peg dolls, felt, and plastic animal figurines to make a really celebratory Chinese New Year sensory bin.
St Patricks Day Sensory Bins
146. Luck of the Irish Themed Sensory Play Ideas
The luck of the Irish is sure to come your way with this sensory play idea from Mama of Many Blessings and another idea for St. Patricks day is to dig for coins in the sensory environment.
147. St. Patricks Day Sensory Bin
This St. Patricks Day sensory bin starts with Lucky Charms cereal which makes it a fun idea at my house! Follow the simple instructions at B-Inspired Mama.
148. Cute Green and Gold St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin
Gift of Curiosity has the cutest idea for a St. Patricks Day sensory bin filled with all sorts of green goodies like gold coins and shamrock shapes hidden in a sea of dried green peas.
Valentines Sensory Bins
149. Pink and Red Heart Valentine’s Day Sensory Play Ideas
This sensory play is themed with red and pink and hearts for Valentine’s Day. From Suzy Homeschooler, you can follow along with the fun playing with silk rose petals, pom poms, heart shapes and foam stickers.
150. Heart Themed Valentines Day Sensory Bin
Another Valentines sensory bin comes from Mama of Many Blessings and is filled with heart shaped fun.
151. Valentine Sensory Experience With Water Beads
And Mama of Many Blessings also has a Valentine sensory experience with water beads that works great in a sensory tub.
152. Valentine’s Sensory Box
This Valentines sensory box has more flower textures and fun than some of the others that we have featured here. You can get the directions and contents from Enchanted Schoolroom.
Easter Sensory Bins
153. Christ Themed Easter Sensory Bin
The Chaos and the Clutter has created a fun Christ-centered Easter Sensory bin using all things Easter like faux grass, plastic eggs and more.
154. Easter Egg Themed Easter Sensory Box
All the senses of the Easter season come together in this tub of colored rice and Easter eggs from Gift of Curiosity.
4th of July Sensory Bins
155. Red, White, and Blue Themed Sensory Bin
Gift of Curiosity has a colorful red, white and blue bin for the fourth of July. Grab some measuring cups because you will want to get in on the fun.
156. Patriotic Sensory Bin Ideas For Independence Day
Let’s have fun with a patriotic sensory bin to celebrate Independence Day – July 4. Life with Moore Babies goes through an entire lesson plan for preschool that includes these sensory tub instructions.
Halloween Sensory Bins
157. Fall and Halloween Themed Sensory Box
This fall and Halloween themed sensory box is from Mama of Many Blessings and uses all the Halloween themed fun!
158. Halloween Sensory Bin Ideas
Halloween sensory bin ideas from Paper and Glue are spooky and cute. Check out this full sensory play experience with a base of black beans.
159. Toddler Halloween Sensory Bin
This Halloween sensory bin is perfect for toddlers because it has a cereal base. Check out the younger sensory experience fun from Play Learn Everyday.
160. Halloween Sensory Ideas For Older Kids
This Halloween sensory idea for kids is perfect for a Halloween party for older kids or a sensory experience for the younger ones. Make brains and eyes!
Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
161. Thanksgiving Sensory Bin Ideas
The Chaos and the Clutter has a really fun idea to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a Thanksgiving sensory bin.
See above for all the fall and autumn sensory bins that could be adapted to Thanksgiving.
Birthday Party Sensory Ideas
162. Birthday Sensory Bin Ideas For Preschoolers
This birthday party sensory bin idea from The Chaos and the Clutter is a fun way to celebrate your child’s day. It is like a birthday party in a tub with party hats, blowouts, streamers, party horns, glasses, ribbon curls, birthday candles (do not light!) and a clown nose.
163. Birthday Sensory Bin With Rice
This birthday sensory bin from Intentional by Grace has all the birthday trimmings in white rice for playful celebration and fun.
164. Pirate Birthday Party Themed Sensory Bin
If you are having a pirate themed party, check out this pirate sensory bin from 3 Dinosaurs.
165. Jack and the Beanstalk Sensory Bin Idea
I love this Jack and the Beanstalk sensory bin idea from Fantastic Fun and Learning.
Art Sensory Experiences for Kids
166. Starry Night Themed Sensory Bin
Check out this really awesome celebration of the artwork Starry Night. This sensory tray is filled with an interactive art idea from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes.
Unusual Sensory Recipes
167. Night of the Moonjellies Sensory Table
Life with Moore Learning has a really cool sensory table that is inspired by the book, Night of the Moonjellies. Kids will love touching the different textures and temperatures associated with jello made in mini muffin tins that are a part of this sensory table.
Sludge
168. Colorful Bight Green Sensory Play
Picklebums created this colorful (bright green) sensory play recipe out of corn flour paste, washing detergent and green paint. It looks delightful!
169. Clean Mud Sensory Bin
Another version of what I consider sludge is also called “clean mud”. One fun way to make it comes from Best Toys 4 Toddlers.
170. Cornstarch Sludge Sensory Fun
This sludge is created from cornstarch and has the consistency of quicksand. Follow along the sensory and goopy fun at Memorizing the Moments.
171. Goopy Sludge Sensory Activity
This goopy sludge started out as a science experiment with Ivory soap and turned into a box full of touchy awesome. See the steps from Life with Moore Babies.
172. Paper Pulp Sludge Sensory Tub
Paper pulp is a cheap and simple way to make a sludge sensory tub for hands on fun and Stir the Wonder has a great set of instructions.
173. Sensory Tub With Squishy Gel
This sensory tub uses an unusual ingredient…diapers…to create a squishy gel experience and then experiment with how to undo it. Get the instructions from Life with Moore Babies.
Oobleck
174. Frozen Oobleck Sensory Play
Inspiration Laboratories has a great way to integrate sensory play with a frozen oobleck play recipe. Frozen oobleck is cold and squishy, and it doubles the fun of normal oobleck.
175. How To Make Oobleck
If you have ever wondered how to make oobleck, we have you covered! It is super fun and check out what you can use oobleck for.
Homemade Cloud Dough Sensory Experiences
176. Little Cloud Themed Sensory Bin
To celebrate the book Little Cloud by Eric Carle, Artsy Mama created this really fun homemade cloud dough that works really well in a sensory bin.
177. Homemade Cloud Dough Sensory Bin
B-Inspired Mama has a fun homemade cloud dough sensory bin that uses corn flour and vegetable oil along with an Egyptian history theme.
178. Chocolate Cloud Dough Sensory Activity
Make chocolate cloud dough! That sounds heavenly. This simple play recipe comes from In the Playroom.
179. Moon Dough Sensory Bin
How about making a moon dough sensory bin like Mama Papa Bubba shows you?
180. Toddler Safe Cloud Dough Recipe
Make a toddler safe cloud dough recipe!
Sensory Games for Kids
181. Monster Sensory Bin
Use a kid’s searching ability to create a monster sensory bin from 1 Plus 1 Plus 1 Equals 1. I love the idea of using all the sensory items to have kids build their own monster creature!
182. Fishing Themed Sensory Bin
This sensory bin is half sensory fun and half fishing game created from colored beans and rice, use magnetic fishing poles to catch a heart. Instructions available from Practical Mom.
I Spy Sensory Bins
183. I Spy Sensory Bin For Toddlers, Preschoolers, And Kindergarteners
This sensory bin works really well for kids of literally any age. It doesn’t just have to be the younger crowd – toddlers, preschool and Kindergarten because it is turned into a game. Check out The Chaos and the Clutter’s version of I Spy sensory bin.
184. Toddler I Spy Sensory Box
Toddler I Spy includes shapes and colors in this sensory box from Intentional by Grace. I love the use of household items that you probably already have on hand.
185. I Spy Sensory Bin With Matching Fun
Stir the Wonder has a cute I Spy sensory bin idea that uses images and matching skills for the sensory fun.
186. I Spy Sensory Box For Kids
Another really cool I Spy sensory box comes from You Clever Monkey – check it out!
Food Inspired Sensory Experiences
187. Sushi Sensory Bin Idea
Sweet Silly Sara has the cutest sushi sensory bin idea using rice (duh) and some sushi accessories she found. What a fun way to touch and feel different types of items.
188. Candy Sensory Bin Idea
The Chaos and the Clutter has a really fun candy sensory bin idea that is the perfect compliment to reading the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
189. Pantry Themed Sensory Bins
Use things you already have in your pantry as the foundation for your sensory bins. Use of food items in sensory exploration can keep costs down and use things that are taste-safe. Check out this really helpful information from Teacher Types.
Apple Themed Sensory Fun
190. Apple and Oats Sensory Bin
Apple and Oats are the basis of this apple themed sensory bin from Growing Hands On Kids.
191. Apple Pie Inspired Sensory Bin
And how about an Apple Pie inspired sensory bin? I can smell it already! Get all the yummy smells from Stir the Wonder.
192. Apple Scented Sensory Bin For Toddlers
Here is an apple scented sensory bin for toddlers from Best Toys 4 Toddlers.
Sensory Walk Ideas
193. Walking On Rice Sensory Box
This walking on rice sensory box idea is super fun and will get all sorts of sensory input through the soles and toes. Check out the instructions from No Stress Homeschooling.
Travel Sensory Bins
194. Sensory Bin Suitcase
Love this idea from B-Inspired Mama about how to make a sensory suitcase that travels when you do!
195. Travel Themed Sensory Bin
This cars themed travel sensory bin has small world play included just for traveling fun from Wugs and Dooey.
Our Favorite Sensory Bags
196. Small, Portable, Mess-Free, Sensory Bags
Sensory bags are a lot like a small sensory bin that is portable and mess-free. Often they make really good travel companions and work well for the younger kids like toddlers.
197. Ocean Gel Sensory Bag
Here is an ocean gel sensory bag that is perfect for babies and toddlers.
DIY Sensory Bottles & Jars
Sensory bottles are a little bit sensory bin, but much more portable and usually used for calming. Here are a few of our favorites that you can make at home:
198. Glowing Sensory Bottle For Bed Time
This sensory glowing bottle is perfect to calm at bedtime. It is one of my very favorite activities here on Kids Activities Blog.
199. Valentine’s Day Sensory Bottle
This sensory bottle activity is themed for Valentines Day with bright red glittery fun…but could be used for any day!
200. Pokemon Sensory Bottle
Make a Pokemon sensory bottle for the fan at your house.
201. Jelly Fish Sensory Bottle
Make a jellyfish in a bottle!
202. Finding Dory Sensory Bottle
Make a Finding Dory sensory bottle.
203. Glitter Sensory Jar
Make a glitter jar!
204. Galaxy Sensory Bottle With Glitter
And don’t miss this lovely galaxy bottle filled with glitter and colors.
Best Sensory Bin Filler Materials
We have featured oh so many fun ways to fill a sensory tub. Check out the top 10 fillers from Little Bins for Little Hands which include a few of my favorite sensory bin fillers:
- Colored dry rice – here is how to dye rice
- Colored pasta
- Aquarium rocks
- Water beads
- Colored sand
- Shredded paper
- Colored salt
- Water
- Beans
- Cloud dough
What sensory bin are you going to make today?