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

Scissors Practice Sensory Bin - Moms and Crafters

Transport Sand and Water Play

Snow Dough - Powerful Mothering

Moon & Space Sensory Play - Fun with Mama

Bug Discovery- The Best Ideas for Kids

Shaving Cream Messy Play

Apples Sensory Fun - I Heart Crafty Things

Dragons Love Tacos Sensory Bin - Days With Grey

Coffee Sensory Play - The Chaos and the Clutter

2 Ingredient Cloud Dough - My Bored Toddler

Rainbow Rice Sensory Play - Kidz Activities

Construction Truck Play - The Pleasantest Thing

Foamy Sensory Bin - Craftulate

Digging For Dinosaurs - The Jenny Evolution

Rainbow Spaghetti Play - The Train Driver's Wife

Rainbow Rice & Play Dough - The Way He Plays

Rainbow Ice Ball Sensory Bin - Craftulate

Alphabet Sensory Ice Play - Something 2 Offer

Taste Safe Snow Sensory Play - The Train Driver's Wife

Keys Sensory Play - Preschool Powol Packets

Star Sensory Soup - Modern Preschool

Toddler Pasta Scoop - The Train Driver's Wife

Yellow Yarn Sensory Bin - Fantastic Fun and Learning

Let the Ice Melt - The Jenny Evolution

Pigs in the Mud Play - Modern Preschool

Farm Sensory Bin- Best Toys for Toddlers

Dinosaur Smelly Swamp - Adventures of Adam

Duck Pond Sensory Play - Fantastic Fun and Learning

Colored Salt Sensory Play - The Jenny Evolution

Insect Sensory Bin - Cutting Tiny Bites

Ocean Sensory Bin & Sort - - A dab of glue will do

Watermelon Oobleck- Gift of Curiosity

Edible Sludge Sensory Play - And Next Comes L

Coconut Sensory Play - Adventures of Adam

Dinosaur Chocolate Mud Sensory Bin - Best Toys 4 Toddlers

Stars & Stripes - Cutting Tiny Bites

July 4th Ice Play - Playground Park Bench

Insect Inspections - Parenting Chaos

Rainbow Bubbles - Gift of Curiosity

Construction Sensory Play - Sugar, Spice & Glitter

Scoop & Pour - Play to Learn Preschool

Don't forget that you can sign up to our FREE 10 Day Simple Sensory Bin Challenge too! Join HERE.

We also have a great toddler sensory bins Pinterest board that you can FOLLOW HERE.I would love to see how your toddler or preschooler played with their sensory bin. Share a photo in ourFacebook groupor onInstagram(follow@myboredtoddler) and use#MyBoredToddlerso we can all see!

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 2 year olds? ›

Children learn so much during unstructured free play – problem solving, emotional regulation, imitation, social skills, language, fine motor skills, the list is endless. So giving them new experiences in the form of a sensory bin will help them develop and hone so many new skills, all while having a blast!

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What age should you start 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.

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 do I know if my 2 year old has 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.

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How can I help my 2 year old with sensory overload? ›

Would it help to take a nap, go outside and play, retreat to a quiet room or leave the party? Give your child sensory toys, such as squeezy balls or buzzers, or make sure they always have their favorite blanket or stuffed animal. This can help create a sense of calm and security. Make time for physical exercise.

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How are sensory bins developmentally appropriate? ›

Sensory bins can support cognitive development as children sort hidden items by size or color. Putting number and letter shapes into the sensory bin can provide children the opportunity to learn the alphabet, their numbers and gain practice with counting and spelling.

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What age is rice sensory bin for? ›

It's ageless. From 12 months old to 12 years old, a rice sensory bin holds attention spans. It is the great equalizer of play: if you have siblings to entertain with a toddler, this activity gives them a level playing field.

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When should I buy sensory toys? ›

At what age can babies start using sensory toys? You can actually start using sensory toys and props with your little one when they're still a newborn. Sensory experiences don't have to be complicated and there are so many simple ways you can stimulate your child's senses.

How to occupy a busy toddler? ›

Ways to Keep Young Kids Busy When You Can Barely Keep Up

Play 'Don't wake the dragon' ...
Send them on a mini scavenger hunt. ...
Use sensory bins. ...
Build a bored box. ...
Play a silly guessing game. ...
Use painter's tape. ...
Take to the tub. ...
Create a washing station.

More items...

Oct 13, 2020

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Are sensory bins safe for toddlers? ›

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.

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Who needs sensory bins? ›

A sensory bin allows preschoolers to explore and develop their primary senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. This technique works since sensory bins can stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. You should consider filling a sensory tub with all types of filler objects of different textures.

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What is the point of a sensory box? ›

Sensory bins are a great way to allow children to explore multiple senses at the same time in a fun way. This includes touch, smell, sight, and even sound. Learning to engage with and stimulate several senses at once in a healthy way is incredibly beneficial and loads of fun!

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Why is sensory play important for 2 year olds? ›

Sensory play is a lot of fun. It also offers many benefits for child development, including: Helping children understand how their actions affect what's around them. Supporting brain development, enhancing memory, complex tasks and problem solving.

What age is appropriate for sensory play? ›

In general, most children will be able to start engaging in sensory play from around 6 months old. As they get older, they will be able to explore more complex sensory experiences.

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Which toy is most age appropriate for a 2 year old? ›

Parlakian also says roleplaying items can encourage pretend play, including toy kitchen items, dolls and strollers or vehicles with chunky figures that can fit inside. In addition, she suggests looking for toys that encourage problem-solving like wooden blocks, building toys and puzzles.