Sensory bins are so great for kids! It improves their fine motor skills, cognitive growth, and best of all, it usually occupies kids and helps them play independently for at least 10 minutes!
Sensory bins don’t have to be anything complicated either. Here are 5 easy bin ideas to get you started:
1. Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is such a great texture and consistency, and you can buy it at Target and many retailers. Just add cups to scoop and toys to bury! Here are some ideas:
- Sand toys
- Paw Patrol Figurines
- Small construction trucks
- Tiny dinosaurs
2. “Mud”
Mix one cup of cocoa powder with one cup of corn starch and gradually add 1-2 cups of water until you achieve your desired consistency. Add to your bin and have your little dig out gummy worms and toys! Some suggested supplies for a “mud” themed sensory bin-
- Plastic bugs
- Magnifying glass
- Monster trucks
- Safari animals
- Pigs
- Toothbrushes
3. Water
Once your little digs out toys from the mud sensory bin, have a bin with just water in it waiting (you can add food coloring to make it special if you want) where they wash their toys. Add dish soap for them to squeeze and cups or empty bottles for filling/dumping water. Some suggested toys and supplies to use in the water for an ocean and lake themed bin-
- Plastic ocean animals
- Seashells
- Boats
- Fishing net
- Magnetic fish and fishing pole
- Dish soap to create sea foam
4. Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is taste safe, but if you don’t have a child that constantly puts things in their mouth, you can do this with any type of flour you have on hand. Add a sifter and toys! Create a Dinosaur-themed sensory bins with these suggested supplies-
- Tiny rocks
- Tiny shovel
- Sand sifter
- Dinosaur skeletons
- Dinosaur eggs
- Paint brush
5. Rice and/or beans
Dump uncooked rice or dry beans in a bin and let your little explore that texture! You can even dye the rice or beans with food coloring for a more colorful bin.
- Kid sized tongs
- Small containers for counting and sorting
- Ice cube tray to practice transferring
That’s all there is to it! Let us know in the comments if you make any of these bins for your child to play with. If you need more ideas on how to occupy your kids check out these crafts and activities.
