25 Easy Sensory Bin Ideas! - Keep Calm And Mommy On (2024)

Are you looking for great sensory bin ideas for kids? Are you looking for sensory bins that are not only fun but easy and fast to assemble? Your child will love these 25 easy sensory bin ideas!

25 Easy Sensory Bin Ideas! - Keep Calm And Mommy On (1)

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Do your children like to play with sensory bins?

Sensory bins are not only a wonderful way to entertain your child, but a great way to incorporate sensory stimulation!

Sensory bins engage at least one, if not several, of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell or taste.

Try all of these 25 easy to make sensory bins to experience stimulation of all five of the senses!

Sensory Bins For Toddlers and Preschoolers

These sensory bins have something for both toddlers and older children.

Now, I do want to say that while sensory bins are great for toddlers, if your toddler is prone to putting things into his or her mouth, be sure to keep an eye out with some of the bins as some contain small items which can be choking hazards!

However some of these bins are great for taste testing!

Let’s check them out and see which ones are best for you and your family! My kids have either tried or want to try all of these:)

Sensory Bin Ideas

Every single one of these sensory bins are easy to make!

You can assemble each of these sensory bins in 10 minutes or less!

Vegetable Garden Sensory Bin!

This vegetable garden sensory bin was a big hit in my house!

And it was incredibly easy to make!

Let your little ones plant and harvest their own veggies in this stimulating sensory bin. But watch out! The hungry deer and rabbits are trying to get into your garden and it’s your job to keep them out!

Find out how to make the Vegetable Garden Sensory Bin here.

Ocean Sensory Bin

Deep Sea Sensory Bin!

The Deep Sea Sensory bin was another big hit with my kids.

Probably because it involves water;) My kids love to play with anything that has water in it!

This is also a bin that is quick and easy to assemble! You can find out how to make the Deep Sea Sensory Bin here.

Yellow Sensory Bin!

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This sensory bin is a great way to teach toddlers and preschoolers about colors!

Experience the color yellow with different textures and shapes.

Kids will love playing with this yellow sensory bin!

Not only is it fun and educational, but it’s incredible easy to assemble.

Your kids can be playing in this sensory bin in less than 10 minutes!

Everyday Chaos and Calm shows you how to make this colorful yellow sensory bin!

Farm Animals Sensory Bin!

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You have got to head over to Playground Park Bench to check out this Farm Animal Sensory Bin!

It is so adorable!

My kids have the exact same barn that she uses alongside her sensory bin and I know that they would love to incorporate it in their’s as well!

Such a fun, yet simple, sensory bin!

Moana Sensory Bin!

Do your kids love the movie Moana as much as mine do?!

My kids played with this for hours!

Feel the grains of rice slide through your fingers like sand, splash the blue water as you travel to restore the heart of Te Fiti!

Yes, that’s right, I know my Disney movies;)

You definitely need to give this sensory bin a try!

Find out how to make the Moana Sensory Bin here!

Water Beads Sensory Bin!

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Have you used water beads yet? If not then you should!

Water beads are an extremely popular sensory item right now, they are awesome!

Everyday Chaos and Calm shares eight ways to use water beads including this fun sensory bin!

And of course, it is extremely easy to make;) Definitely check this sensory bin out, you will not be disappointed!

Let the sensory fun begin!

Sensory Play!

Construction Site Sensory Bin!

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Do you have boys? Do they love to play with dump trucks and other construction vehicles?

Then you have got to try this sensory bin!

They will have loads of fun with this imaginative play experience:) What a great way to combine their favorite toys with sensory items!

Find out how to construct this Construction Site Sensory Bin from Craftulate.

Cereal Sensory Bin!

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Ok, I told you there was an edible bin on this list didn’t I:)

Let your kids snack while playing with this fun yet simple sensory bin!

Find out how to make this bin to keep your toddler entertained at Hands On as We Grow.

Dinosaur Sensory Bin

Dinosaur Dig Sensory Bin!

This is also a favorite sensory bin at my house!

The kids love it because it’s lots of seek and find sensory fun, and I love it because it is literally the easiest sensory bin I have ever assembled!

I assembled this sensory bin in less than five minutes! That has to be a record;)

And they played with it FOREVER!

My son loved digging for dinosaur bones! Actually my daughter did as well:)

They had so much fun taking turns burying the bones for the other one to find!

My older kids even got involved in the fun and hid the dino bones for the younger ones as well!

This is definitely a sensory bin that you need to make for your little archeologist:)

Find out how to assemble the Dinosaur Dig Sensory Bin here.

Square Sensory Bin!

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This sensory bin is not only lots of fun, but a great learning experience.

What a great way to teach kids about shapes!

Instead of showing them what squares look like, let them FEEL what makes a square a square!

They won’t even know they’re learning:)

Head on over to Everyday Chaos and Calm to find out how to make this sensory bin and the must-have items to include for the best sensory experience possible!

Colored Pasta Sensory Bin!

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This colored pasta sensory bin is such a creative idea, and it looks like lots of fun!

Another great sensory bin for teaching colors while exposing your child to sensory stimulation.

What a great way for little hands to experience different textures and colors!

You can find out how to make this Colored Pasta Sensory Bin at My Bored Toddler.

Spring Sensory Bin Ideas

Easter Sensory Bin!

The Easter Sensory Bin is so colorful and incredibly easy to assemble.

It is also mess free! Nothing sticky or gooey to clean up here:)

I notice at easter every year that my kids love to feel and play in their easter baskets. So I thought, why not make a bigger version of their easter baskets?!

They loved it!

I included lots of spring and easter goodies:)

You can find out how to make this fun and colorful Easter Sensory Bin here.

Craft Sand Sensory Bin!

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The Craft Sand Sensory Bin is a bin that your child will love!

The feel of the smooth sand between their fingers in contrast with the harder objects included in this bin make for a great sensory experience.

Plus the spring colors are so bright and cheerful:)

Head on over to Little Bins For Little Hands to find out how to assemble this crafty sensory bin.

Bird Seed Sensory Bin!

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The Bird Seed Sensory Bin is a great way to teach your toddler or preschooler about nature!

Learn about some of the foods that birds like to eat, feel the different textures, and have lots of imaginative fun!

You can find the exact instructions to make the Bird Seed Sensory Bin at My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Soap and Water Sensory Bin!

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The Soap and Water Sensory Bin is a great sensory bin for outdoor summer fun!

What can be more fun than water play during the summer months?!

This awesome sensory bin incorporates not only soapy fun, but color blending fun as well!

Find out how exactly to make this colorful Soap and Water Sensory Bin at Everyday Chaos and Calm.

Raindrops In a Cloud Sensory Bin!

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Teach your toddler or preschooler about the weather with this fun Raindrops In a Cloud Sensory Bin.

This is a sensory bin that they will love playing in! The clouds in this bin are great fun to stick your hands in.

Your little meteorologist will ask to play with this easy to make sensory bin over and over again:)

Find out how to make the Raindrops In a Cloud Sensory Bin at From ABCs to ACTs.

Cornmeal Sensory Bin!

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The Cornmeal Sensory Bin is another easy, yet creative, sensory bin.

The course texture of cornmeal makes for an excellent sensory experience!

Combine that with the tools used in this bin and your toddler will be entertained for hours!

Find out what to include in your Cornmeal Sensory Bin at Craftulate.

Magnet Sensory Bin!

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This is, in my opinion, an awesome idea!

Using magnets in addition to sensory materials, how cool is that?!

You kids will have a blast using their magnets to search for hidden objects in the sensory sand used in this bin!

Head on over to Coffee Cups and Crayons to find out how to make this Magnet Sensory Bin and exactly what you need for the ultimate magnetic experience!

Plastic Straws Sensory Bin!

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The Plastic Straws Sensory Bin is a great way to make a sensory bin using something that you probably already have on hand!

This sensory bin is simple to make and a colorful way for kids to experience sensory stimulation.

Find out exactly what to include in your Plastic Straws Sensory Bin at Teaching Mama.

Seaside Sensory Bin!

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The Seaside Sensory Bin is a great summertime sensory bin!

And a creative use of materials that you probably have lying around the house:)

Quickly and easily assemble this beach fun sensory bin using the detailed instructions at The Chaos and The Clutter.

Cloud Dough Sensory Bin!

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The cloud dough sensory bin is really neat!

The soft texture of this cloud dough is great for little fingers.

What a great sensory bin for your children to play with their favorite toys in!

Find out exactly how to easily make your own cloud dough at Life With Moore Babies.

Fall Sensory Bin

Apple Sensory Bin!

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The Apple Sensory Bin is a great fall sensory activity.

This sensory bin is very easy to assemble yet full of sensory fun!

And, this sensory bin also includes a free printable for additional fall apple learning and fun!

Find out how to assemble this sensory bin and get your free printable at Teaching Mama.

Winter Sensory Bin Ideas

Melted Snowman Sensory Bin!

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Who said that melted snowman can’t still be lots of fun? 😉

This Melted Snowman Sensory Bin is a great winter sensory bin idea!

Little hands will love playing with this melted ‘snow’!

Preschool Inspirations has the exact directions to assemble this Melted Snowman Sensory Bin.

Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin!

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How cute is the Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin?!

Kids love to play cook and this sensory bin is the ultimate way for them to make this traditional winter drink!

How do you like your hot chocolate? 😉

Find out exactly what you need for your Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin at Play & Learn Everyday.

Ice Cream Sensory Bin!

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The Ice Cream Sensory Bin brings even more play cooking fun!

Let your little chef serve you a yummy bowl of ice cream complete with your favorite toppings:)

Fantastic Fun and Learning will tell you everything that you need to know about assembling this cool treat sensory bin!

And that is 25 easy sensory bin ideas!

Create all of these fun and educational sensory bins in ten minutes or less!

This is the ultimate sensory bin list for busy moms!

I hope that you and your family enjoy all of these sensory bins and create wonderful memories together:)

Which sensory bins are your favorites? Which ones do your children like the best?

Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Oh, and be sure to send me awesome pics of your sensory bin creations!

Have fun:)

25 Easy Sensory Bin Ideas! - Keep Calm And Mommy On (2024)

FAQs

What age do kids like sensory bins? ›

Sensory bins are good for children over 18 months of age. Before they're 18 months old, sensory bins are not developmentally appropriate because the possible hazards outweigh the benefits.

How to make a sensory box for kids? ›

What You'll Do
  1. Lay out a sheet, tablecloth or towel. Not only does this protect the floor, but it makes cleanup much easier.
  2. Fill the bin or bowl with dry pasta, rice or beans.
  3. Add spoons, scoops, toys and whatever else you have on hand into the bin.
  4. Play!

How do you organize sensory bin items? ›

I often pick a base color for my bins so I keep the colored items sorted this way and an get to them easily for bins or even other activities regarding colors. In the white drawers, I keep extra random supplies for the bins and for other Tot Tray activities.

What do kids do with sensory bins? ›

Sensory bins provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on tactile play that engages their senses. These bins encourage and support various types of development and are great activities to have in your home.

Does my 7 year old have sensory issues? ›

Signs of sensory processing disorder include sudden mood swings and strange behavior. Kids with sensory issues might avoid bright lights or loud noises, run around crashing into things, throw tantrums, or appear clumsy.

Does my 9 year old have sensory issues? ›

Signs your child may have SPD

Oversensitivity to pain, temperature, and touch; experiencing strong reactions when feeling touched. Difficulty transitioning from one activity to another. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Easily distracted by continuous, loud sounds.

How do you make a simple sensory toy? ›

- Use hair gel and mix with 6 parts warm water and fine glitter if you wish then pour into the bottle. Add plastic toys such as lego bricks. Put the lid on and see if the bricks move. If they don't then empty some of the liquid and add more warm water.

How do you make a sensory Ziplock? ›

Here's how: Fill a resealable plastic bag with tactile materials like hair gel, pumpkin seeds, shaving cream, or marbles. Reinforce the seal with strong tape, then use painter's or washi tape to secure the edges of the bag to the floor or a table where your baby can play.

What can you put in a sensory box? ›

Turn old magazines and junk mail into sensory playtime. Use vegetables for your sensory box - if you remember to clear them out once in a while! Pick up some sticks on your next walk and pop them in your sensory bin. Big or small, woolly or silky, it doesn't matter what type of scarf you own.

How do you fill sensory bags? ›

Simply fill your bag with roughly one cup of small sensory objects (some hard, some soft but none with shape edges. Add the Gel and carefully seal the zip lock bag. Place that bag inside a second bag and fold the inside zip part down so you can properly seal the outer bag.

How to make a homemade sensory bin? ›

How to Easily Create Sensory Bins
  1. Decide on a theme, if you are using one.
  2. Choose your container. ...
  3. Add your base material.
  4. Decide on additional sensory toys and materials. ...
  5. Add tools like scoops or bowls to help children manipulate the materials.
  6. Set out for your child to enjoy!

How to make play rice? ›

Instructions
  1. Put 1 cup of rice in a resealable bag.
  2. Add in ½ tsp of vinegar and some food colouring. ...
  3. Seal up the plastic bag or container and shake it well.
  4. Repeat this step until you have different colours of rice.
  5. Spread the coloured rice on a backing tray to dry overnight.
Mar 20, 2023

How to make sensory bins less messy? ›

The basics of using a sensory bin

I always like to set down a vinyl tablecloth first and then set the plastic bin on top. It helps contain any mess that might spill out. You could also do sensory play outside if you are worried about a mess.

What age are sensory tables good for? ›

What age is best for a sensory table? If your kids can stand, they can play on a sensory table! Our table is designed at a height that is accessible for children as young as 12 months while not being too low for your big kids, too. We would recommend the table for children ages 18 months to 10 years old.

Are sensory bins good for 2 year olds? ›

Sensory bins for toddlers and preschoolers have many benefits and are a great way to incorporate a fun, hands-on activity into daily learning. But before you get started, there are some ground rules to keep in mind. Here are some sensory bin play rules to familiarize yourself with: Be wary of choking hazards.

Are sensory bins safe for 2 year olds? ›

Short answer: yes. Creating sensory bins for toddlers allows them to build skills and understanding through play-based, hands-on learning. Sensory bins are easy, in-expensive, and effective for supporting toddler in their growth and development – but (spoiler alert) they don't have to be messy to be fun.

What age should you start baby sensory? ›

Baby Sensory is designed for babies' birth to 13 months and the youngest baby to come along to the Chelmsford District classes has been 3 days old! The average age for babies to start the classes is 2-8 weeks of age. The earlier you start Baby Sensory the quicker they will gain new skills learnt from Baby Sensory.

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