sensory bins for toddlers (2024)

If you're looking for sensory bins for toddlers then you've found the right spot. Sensory bins are a great toddler activity and are easier to set up than you might think!

I love setting up sensory bins for toddlers and babies and there are so many different ways you can approach this. You can have simple toddler sensory bins or get quite complex and creative!

Sensory Bins for Toddlers and Babies

Sensory bins are a great form of sensory play for babies and toddlers and they are also a great way to keep them entertained. If you have never made a sensory bin before, you might like to start with our Simple Sensory Bin Ideas first.

If you're ready to jump into some more sensory bin ideas, we've found over 60 great sensory play activities that yourbabies and toddlers will love. If you're planning on making your own sensory bins, there's a few items that are handy to have at home. You can find all of my favorite toddler sensory play items HERE.

If you're keen to get started with toddler sensory bins, but find some of these a bit overwhelming, you might like to join our 10 Day Simple Sensory Bin Challenge.

In this challenge, we use simple and inexpensive items to create fun and engaging sensory bins. They won't win any Pinterest awards but they WILL entertain your toddler. You can sign up for the challenge (it's free!) HERE.

Here are more than 60 of our favorite toddler sensory bin ideas!

These sensory bin ideas are taken from our Facebook group, where our creative members have shared some of their own sensory bin setups.

Kinetic Sand Sensory Bin

This sensory bin was shared by Laura who used store bought kinetic sand (Amazon sells it HERE), small toys that she already had and sand castle molds like the ones from this set.

Farm Sensory Bin

Jennifer made a farm sensory bin using food items and farm figurines (I like THIS farm set)

Simple Rice Sensory Bin

Paola shared this simple toddler sensory bin made out of rice - so much fun to be had with plain rice and some simple scoops and toys (I always recommend these scoops).

Farm Sensory Bin using Oats

Megha made her toddler a farm themed sensory bin using a bag of oats and some cow and horse toys she already had. Simple!

Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin for Toddlers

What a wonderful idea for a Winter themed toddler sensory bin. This sensory bin was shared by Jenna and use coco pops and white pom poms.

Fruit Loop Scooping Sensory Bin

Megan shared this simple toddler sensory bin with us - fruit loops and scoops (get the scoops HERE).

Crushed Cheerio Sensory Bin

Rachel shared her truck sensory bin with us - she used crushed up cheerios as the sand - great idea!

Ice Skating Sensory Bin / Tray

I love this idea from Danielle - freeze ice cubes and make your toy animals ice skate! Great for a hot day!

Even More Toddler Sensory Bin Ideas

Easy Rice Sensory Bin

Farm Animal - Simple Fun for Kids

Sunflower Sensory Bin - Life Over C's

Pour & Scoop - Laughing Kids Learn

Easy Water Sensory Bin

Color Sorting Fish - Teaching 2 and 3 year olds

Frozen Under the Sea - Natural Beach Living

Paw Patrol Sensory Play - The Gingerbread House

Colored Pasta Sensory Play

Ice Cream Sensory Bin - Fantastic Fun and Learning

Shark Sensory Water Play - Mommy's Bundle

Airplane Sensory Bin - School Time Snippets

Taste Safe Insects Sensory Play

Color Changing Water Play

Fairy Mud - Laughing Kids Learn

Winter Sensory Bin

Scooping Blocks Water Play

Galaxy & Space - 3 Princesses and 1 Dude

Lady Bird Sensory Bin - Clare's Little Tots

Nature Sensory Play - How Wee Learn

Ocean Sensory Water Play - Frogs and Fairies

Jell O Sensory Play - In the Kids Kitchen

If you enjoyed these sensory bins for toddlers and babies then...

Some posts you may enjoy are ourSensory Bottles for Babies and Toddlers

250 Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers

If you loved this post why not PIN IT!You can also follow us on Pinterest HERE.

FAQs

Are sensory bins good for toddlers? ›

sensory bins are a powerful tool that ignites a child's imagination, curiosity, and learning potential. By engaging their senses, these bins provide children with valuable hands-on experiences that promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.

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How to make sensory bins for a 2 year old? ›

Remember that you can use things you already have around the house as sensory items for kids to create easy sensory bins!

Dry rice, beans, and/or pasta.
Unpopped popcorn.
Sand.
Cotton balls.
Shredded paper.
Raffia/crinkle grass.
Corn Meal.
Craft feathers for a feather sensory bin.

More items...

Oct 15, 2022

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What are the rules for the sensory bins? ›

Use visual supports to help your learners remember the rules for the sensory bins (use hands only, put on lid when finished, complete seek and find, raise hand if you need help, keep the materials in the box.) Use a visual timer to help your students transition when the time comes.

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How often should I change my sensory bin? ›

Depending on how often your sensory bin gets used, we recommend cleaning your sensory bin at home about every 3 weeks. Food items like rice and beans should be thrown away and replaced.

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Will toddler outgrow sensory issues? ›

Can a child outgrow a sensory processing issue? While kids with sensory processing issues may need therapy into adulthood (especially when they head off to new environments, such as a different school), they can learn to better cope with the sounds, smells and other sensations that they encounter as they grow.

What are sensory issues in 2 year olds? ›

Signs and symptoms of SPD can vary from child to child, but here are a few to look out for: Refuses to wear certain clothing or fabrics because they feel itchy, painful or just don't feel right. Has delayed motor skills, is clumsy or constantly bumps into walls or objects. Reacts strongly to loud noises and bright ...

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Why is sensory play important for 2 year olds? ›

Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It helps to build nerve connections in the brain and encourages the development of language and motor skills.

What age to get a sensory table? ›

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.

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Are sensory bins fine motor skills? ›

Sensory Bin Benefits

Sensory bins support your child's development in several ways: Improve fine motor skills.

What ages are sensory activities appropriate for? ›

From birth, children are ready for sensory play. Children are natural explorers – they're constantly learning and taking in what's around them. Sensory activities can be adapted for different ages, needs and abilities.

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Are beans safe for sensory play? ›

For example, sensory bin beans are unsafe because raw or undercooked beans are toxic, while the benefits of rice sensory play are numerous! Messy Play Kits strives to be the place to offer the best and safest sensory play ideas.