Today we have a Shark themed sensory activity for younger kids. We are calling it “Feed the Shark” Sensory Bag. A sensory bag is just like a sensory bin…only mess-free and portable. Making a sensory bag for sensory play is easier than you might think and you can customize it for your child’s favorite themes like sharks!
Sensory Bag Idea for Baby or Toddlers
We love sensory bags for kids because they are a fun way to explore different senses for babies and toddlers under supervision. This one includes an activity that kids will enjoy — feeding fish to a shark!
Related: More sensory bag ideas
Whether your little one loves fish, sharks, or just the water, this sensory bag is perfect!
- Smaller children still tend to put their hands, toys, and other items in their mouths so sensory bins are not always the best choice for them. However, sensory bags have loose pieces secured inside.
- Older kids can make a little game to get the fish into the shark’s mouth. This portable sensory bin is great for taking places, using in the car and sticking in your diaper bag as waiting room fun.
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How to Make this Sensory Bag Activity for Kids
Supplies Needed to Make Sensory Bag
Directions for Shark Themed Sensory Activity Bag
Step 1
Start by cutting a shark shape from the grey foam paper. You’ll want to cut it so that its mouth is open so it can eat the fish!
Step 2
Use bright colors to cut small fish, and we used tan to cut out the shape of sand for the bottom of our sensory bag.
Step 3
Squirt the hair gel into your zipper bag, then add the foam pieces. Press all of the air from the bag and use the Duct tape to seal it closed.
Finished Sensory Bag
Now your child can squish the fish around the bag to feed the shark! Or squish the fish away from the shark to run away! There are so many ways to play with this fun sensory bag!
Benefits of Sensory Bags
They not only help your little one explore and learn, but they teach a number of other skills like:
- Language skills
- Sensory input
- Fine motor skills
- Social skills
- Perception
- Cognitive development
Pretty amazing right? There are so many benefits!
Materials
- Blue hair gel
- Foam paper (we used grey, tan, red, and yellow)
- Gallon-sized zipper bag
- Duct tape
- Scissors
Instructions
- Start by cutting a shark shape from the grey foam paper. You’ll want to cut it so that its mouth is open so it can eat the fish!
- Use bright colors to cut small fish, and we used tan to cut out the shape of sand for the bottom of our sensory bag.
- Squirt the hair gel into your zipper bag, then add the foam pieces. Press all of the air from the bag and use the Duct tape to seal it closed.
- Now your child can squish the fish around the bag to feed the shark! Or squish the fish away from the shark to run away! There are so many ways to play with this fun sensory bag!
More Sensory Activities from Kids Activities Blog
Pssst…Looking for more Shark Week ideas for kids? <–Check out all the Shark themed fun!
What did your child like best about this shark sensory bag activity?