200+ Best Sensory Bin Ideas for Toddlers, Preschool & Kindergarten

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!

Related: 23 Exciting Large Group Activities For Preschoolers

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 for Toddlers & Preschool

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 that can be done at daycare with toddlers or preschool classroom. Don’t be afraid to tackle one of these big sensory bin ideas for toddlers and preschoolers at home!

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

Bead sensory bins are best for older kids that are not placing things in their mouth. While you may want to skip this section with toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergartners will love to throw themselves into the sensory experience.

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

Choose a favorite theme for your sensory bin for your toddler or preschooler! 2 year olds and 3 year olds will embrace anything that celebrates what they love! This series of sensory bins for toddlers is perfect for the transportation fan.

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

Water beads make great sensory bins for preschool and above. Since they are not edible, it is better to be safe with toddlers. Choose these colorful beads with the gummy texture!

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 of all ages 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 with these sensory bins for toddlers, preschoolers and above!

Space Sensory Bins

One of the things we love about the space sensory bin theme is that it often engages the sense of sight in a different way, in the dark! Toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergartners will love seeing what sensations are available in the light and how it changes in the dark.

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

This sensory bin theme encompasses a ton of different non-traditional sensory pieces. If you have a future builder in the family, they will love these crazy touches, sounds and sights.

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

Your garden is one big sensory bin for 2 year olds and 3 year olds! Let’s embrace the garden and get our hands dirty in the name of sensory play.

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

This sensory bin for toddlers theme works for kids of all ages and often includes the sensations of the beach like sand and water. Keep reading for some unique ideas in bringing the ocean to your child or preschool classroom.

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

These animal theme sensory bins will delight the animal lover and can often tie in with other learning opportunities like books and animal education.

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

What kid doesn’t love bugs? And these sensory bins for preschool will have the insect lover engaged in sensory play.

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

Dinosaur digs are a popular type of sensory bins that delight even older children. Here are a bunch of our favorite dino sensory bins for preschool, toddlers and more.

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?

It doesn’t have to be Halloween to celebrate monsters in a sensory way! These child-pleasing sensory bins center around scary cute monsters.

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

Playing on the farm was the original sensory bin! Kids of this generation can get in on the fun with these fun sensory bins for toddlers, preschoolers and beyond.

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

Car wash? Animal wash! It is all good for the senses.

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

This sensory bin idea is genius and could be modified by theme.

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

These sensory bin ideas for toddlers are perfect for teaching colors. Preschoolers will enjoy these sensory bins too for color practice.

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 Sensory Activities

These water sensory bins are perfect for kids of all ages and can be taken outside on the back porch or onto the playground.

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

Celebrate summer with these sensory bins for toddlers and preschoolers that tackle the heat with play.

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

Let’s celebrate autumn with autumn sensory bins for toddlers and preschoolers that work well for back to school, fall holidays and just plain sensory fun.

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

Snow is an amazing sensory bin in itself and inspires sensory play with drastic temperature changes. Here are some winter sensory bins for kids you will love.

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

Spring sensory bins for preschool and toddlers explore the awakening that happens through the senses.

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

Celebrate the holidays with some sensory play that leverages the sights and smells of Christmas.

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

Happy New Year sensory bins for toddlers, preschoolers and beyond…

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

More holiday sensory bin ideas that contain a bit of luck!

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

Valentines sensory bins are full of love and fun. These sensory bins for preschool work well as part of a class party or as a party activity too!

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:

1. Colored dry rice – here is how to dye rice
2. Colored pasta
3. Aquarium rocks
4. Water beads
5. Colored sand
6. Shredded paper
7. Colored salt
8. Water
9. Beans
10. Cloud dough

What sensory bin are you going to make today?

More Sensory Play Ideas from kids activities blog