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Your kids will love these winter sensory bin ideas that are perfect for exploring winter themes and arctic animals with hands-on indoor play. They are easy to set up and provide hours of sensory exploration and fun for children!
Why Sensory Bins
We love a fun sensory bin around here. I actually keep several in our game closet to rotate throughout the year. They are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers – my preschooler enjoys using sensory bins while the older boys are working on their school work. (These are our favorite stackable bins for storing and playing with our bins.)
I will add too, that while many sensory bins are targeted for toddlers and preschoolers, my elementary boys will often join in to make their own games with whatever bins we have out. Because they provide an open-ended invitation to play, they can be incredibly versatile.
But what makes sensory bins so fun? Are they really worth all the set up? In my experience – a resounding YES!
There are many benefits to sensory play. To name just a few:
- Sensory bins engage multiple of a child’s five senses.
- Sensory bins promote imaginative play.
- Sensory bins strengthen fine motor skills, which are important for writing and many other mechanical tasks.
- Sensory bins promote spatial awareness.
- Sensory bins build cognitive skills and language development.
- Sensory bins aid in self-regulation by providing a calming play experience for children.
Sources: WebMD and Whole Child Homeschool
Winter Sensory Bin Ideas
Today, we’re talking specifically about winter sensory bins for kids. I’ve rounded up 15 of what I think are the BEST winter sensory bins out there that are sure to be a hit with your family.
- This 2 ingredient Pretend Snow for Sensory Play is so easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home. It is perfect for small world play! (via Simply Full of Delight)
- Similarly, this Snow Dough Recipe by Moms and Crafters only calls for two common household ingredients and has more of a playdough consistency to build with.
- Winter Playdough is a fun and creative way to make any winter themed shapes you like! Grab some winter cookie cutters and make beautiful snowflakes, roll it up into a snowman or flatten it out to make a snow covered play area (via The Soccer Mom Blog)
- If your kids are anything like mine, they are always excited to make slime. Snow slime during winter? Yes, please! We love these different Snow Slime Ideas from Fun-A-Day for your sensory bins. They are sticky, stretchy, and each one unique – perfect for sensory bins.
- This DIY Penguin Sensory Bin by The Mindful Toddler uses one of our very favorite sensory bin fillers – dyed rice and cotton balls to create an imaginative world for penguins to play.
- We love how Crafty Kids Play keeps it simple with this Snowballs and Arctic Animals Sensory Bin. Grab all of your artic animals for this one!
- Want to create a bin for sea and land animals in the arctic? Be sure to check out this Arctic Life Sensory Bin by Little Ladoo!
- Watch the animals float by with this taste-safe Iceberg Sensory Bin by Taming Little Monsters.
- Is there a more classic sensory material that Oobleck?! My guess is, probably not. I made oobleck in school and I have made it with my own kids at home. It is a big hit every time. This Melted Snowman Sensory Bin by Mama of Minis will be a delight for your children to dig into.
- Get ready to slip and slide with Ice Skating Penguins by Messy Little Monster.
- Or use cotton balls to create a soft to touch, interactive penguin world with thisCotton Ball Penguin Sensory Bin by Happy Toddler Playtime.
- Fun- A-Day has hit the nail on the head with this fun, low-prep, low-mess Snow Scooping Pretend Play that is a great way to promote fine motor development!
- This Snowman Rice Sensory Bin provides a delightful invitation to play via Simply Full of Delight.
- [Do you want to] Build a Snowman Sensory Bag is great for little hands that might not be ready to play with water beads or small parts on their own. They will love getting to push the beads around the zipped bag to build their very own snowman. (via A Little Pinch of Perfect)
- Finally, a Snowman Sensory Bottle is not only beautiful, but makes for a calming self-regulation tool for kids. We love a calming activity around here. (via Little Bins for Little Hands)
Looking for More Fun Sensory Bin Ideas?
Be sure to check out these posts!
How to Make Rainbow Rice for Sensory Bin Filler
