Sensory bins aren’t only fun for young kids; they also enhance learning and growth. Through hands-on play, children can develop a range of skills and explore their environment. Perfect for curious minds, sensory bins also stimulate the imagination and promote creativity. As the season’s change, here are our favorite ideas for springtime sensory bins for preschoolers.
Farm Animal Washing Station
This terrific idea from Coffee Cups and Crayons is quick and easy to set up and ideal for warm days outside in the yard. It involves several textures, with soapy water, dirt, plastic animals, and washing equipment like sponges, cloths, and brushes. Once your child has washed all the animals you could change to a toy car washing station too.
Bug Sensory Bin
Another easy bin to set up, this bug sensory bin from Living Life & Learning is so simple yet can keep little ones occupied for ages. Kids can prepare to encounter diverse bugs as they spend more time outdoors over the warmer months. Plus, many children love playing with creepy crawlies! While the original instructions call for dying rice green to replicate grass, we think it would also work just as well — and save time — if you use white rice instead.
Spring Robin Sensory Bin
The OT Toolbox features a cool springtime sensory bin idea with robins and worms. You can either make the robins yourself before setting up the bin or include the kids in an extra craft activity. Preschoolers are sure to have fun digging for worms in the corn and you can easily incorporate basic math practice.
Garden Sensory Bin
Blossoming flowers often symbolize the coming of spring so this garden sensory bin from Mess for Less is a perfect seasonal idea. Combining bright colors and various textures, using fresh-cut flowers can also introduce an array of scents. A great follow-up activity after playing with this springtime sensory bin would be to actually assist your child in planting their own seeds to take care of and watch as they grow.
Easter Sensory Bin
Symbols of Easter and springtime are often somewhat synonymous and this Easter sensory bin, courtesy of There’s Just One Mommy, perfectly captures the seasonal joy. Crinkly paper stimulates the sense of sound, while edible treats like jelly beans and mini chocolate eggs appeal to the taste buds. There are diverse colors and textures too. We love that this website also provides a suggested educational follow-up activity too.
Bird Nest Sensory Bin
This charming springtime sensory bin idea from Fantastic Fun and Learning encourages youngsters to get active outdoors as they collect materials to build their own bird nests. Assist your child to gather twigs, leaves, and dried grass to assemble their nest. Then, add the nest to a sensory bin filled with birdseed. Complete the fun bin with fake birds and worms, a small birdhouse, and natural items such as leaves, stones, acorns, and sticks.
Pond Life Sensory Bin
Children who love getting wet are sure to enjoy exploring this pond life sensory bin from FunLittles. We especially like that the instructions contain a recipe for edible water beads for safety. It’s easy to combine math and science learning with this spring-themed sensory bin too.
