One of my favorite things to create is sensory bins. I’m fascinated with a small box containing lots of little toys that can keep kids busy for long periods of time. And when they’re done you just pack everything up in the box and on the shelf it goes. This Under the Sea Sensory Bin is one of my favorites.
Most of the sensory bins that I make are filled with water beads, sand, pom-pom balls, rocks, marbles, water, and colored beans. The key is to have a variety of materials that will help kids stimulate the senses. The objects you add to the bin will depend on the theme of the sensory bin that you are creating.
More Sensory Bins: DIY Colored Beans for Sensory Play
You can find a lot of small figures at the Dollar Store or on Amazon. I like to buy packs of animals or creatures like these. You can make all kinds of combinations to make your sensory bin more fun.
Some fun things you can do with your sensory bins:
- Count the items inside the bin
- Name each creature
- Make up a story about your sea or beach adventure
- Call out the colors you see inside the bin
- Close your eyes and scoop out items and try to guess what’s in your hand.
More Sensory Bins: Feed the Turkey- Fine Motor Development Game
I find our sensory bins to be great storytelling tools. We like to take turns making up silly names for the animals and any kind of bin where I add sand and rocks is always a hit.
Supplies to make an Under the Sea Sensory Bin:
- Plastic container with lid
- Play Sand or Kinetic Sand
- Rocks or Garden Stones
- Water Beads
- Sand Toys
- Sea Creatures
- Small Shovel, Rake, or Sifter
Steps to Build an Under the Sea Sensory Bin:
- Follow the instructions on the water beads package.
- Add kinetic sand to one side, lay the stones along the edge of the sand, and add the water beads to the other side.
- Add sea creatures and sand toys.
More Sensory Bins: Mini Construction Site Sandbox
Have Fun!
Tip: If the water beads and sand touch, the sand may get slimy and the beads dirty but you can clean the water beads off with water and a fine-mesh strainer. Dry the sand out by laying it out flat on a cookie sheet and letting it air dry until it returns to its original texture.
More Sensory Bins: Underground Discoveries-Letter U Sensory Bin
What kind of sensory play does your little one like? Share in the comments below.
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Hi! I’m Meagan and I’m a 41 year old mom of a high energy almost 9 year old, happily navigating my way through the little boy years. I’ve been married for 14 years. I met my husband over 20 years ago in high school; we got married 10 years later after graduating from the University of South Florida. I currently help run a family business with my parents while blogging about my life and love of DIY projects!
When I’m not at a kids sports game, I enjoy spending time with my family on a beach anywhere. I also love decorating and organizing, fun DIY projects, bargain shopping, and eating out or in! I also love Barbecue anything and a good show or movie on Netflix.
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