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DIY Snow for Sensory Play: 4 Easy Kid Recipes

DIY Snow for Sensory Play: 4 Easy Kid Recipes

DIY Snow for Sensory Play: 4 Easy Kid Recipes

child playing with DIY snow for sensory play featuring Santa figurines and pine trees

How to Make DIY Snow for Sensory Play at Home or in the Classroom

Looking for an easy way to make diy snow for sensory play? You’re in the right place! In this guide, you’ll find simple recipes using everyday household items to create snow that’s soft, moldable, and so much fun for kids. Whether you’re setting up a sensory bin at home, in the classroom, or even during a winter party, these fake snow recipes are perfect for hands-on play.

During the winter months, my kids love turning our sensory table into a snowy wonderland — complete with pine trees, animal figurines, and tiny trucks. It’s one of the easiest setups that sparks hours of pretend play.

There are so many benefits to sensory play, and DIY snow gives kids the chance to scoop, squeeze, and build while strengthening fine-motor skills and creativity.

Ready to make your own? Let’s go through a few easy recipes below, plus my favorite sensory table for snowy play setups.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch How to Make DIY Snow for Sensory Play

See how easy it is to make DIY snow for sensory play using items you already have — like baking soda, cornstarch, and shaving cream.

This video walks through how to make both moldable snow (perfect for snowballs and building) and powdery snow that kids can scoop and sift. You’ll also find a link below for my favorite store-bought option if you need a quick setup.

Watch How to Make DIY Snow for Sensory Play

See how easy it is to make DIY snow for sensory play using items you already have — like baking soda, cornstarch, and shaving cream.

This video walks through how to make both moldable snow (perfect for snowballs and building) and powdery snow that kids can scoop and sift. You’ll also find a link below for my favorite store-bought option if you need a quick setup.

DIY Snow for Sensory Play Recipes for Kids

Pick your favorite recipe depending on how your child likes to play — moldable for building, powdery for scooping, or a mix of both! ach of these easy DIY snow for sensory play recipes is great for kids who love to scoop, pour, and build snowy creations at home or in the classroom.

Moldable Snow Recipes

Version 1:

  • 1 cup shaving cream

  • 1 cup cornstarch or baking soda

Version 2:

  • ½ cup hair conditioner

  • 3 cups baking soda

Powdery Snow Recipes

Version 1:

  • 1 cup cornstarch

  • 1 cup hand or body lotion

Version 2:

  • ½ cup baking soda

  • Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a powdery texture

💡 Tip: Double the recipe if you’re filling a large sensory bin or table.

 

Moldable Snow Recipes

Version 1:

  • 1 cup shaving cream

  • 1 cup cornstarch or baking soda

Version 2:

  • ½ cup hair conditioner

  • 3 cups baking soda

Powdery Snow Recipes

Version 1:

  • 1 cup cornstarch

  • 1 cup hand or body lotion

Version 2:

  • ½ cup baking soda

  • Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a powdery texture

💡 Tip: Double the recipe if you’re filling a large sensory bin or table.

A Moldable and Powdery Fake Snow You Can Buy!

Make things really easy and buy some fake snow! All you need is 2 ounces of water for every scoop. Pictured in this small world tray is a product called Insta-Snow! It can make up to 2 gallons of fake snow. Wow!

You can make an Arctic small world set up using fake snow, mini pine trees, and Arctic animal figurines. It is a great way to learn geography while sparking imaginative play.

If you’re short on time, this store-bought option makes it easy to enjoy DIY snow for sensory play without the prep work.

Our Favorite Way to Play: The 7 Days of Play Sensory Table

Once your DIY or store-bought snow is ready, set it up inside our 7 Days of Play Foldable Sensory Table! The bins make it easy to keep snow contained while still giving kids space to scoop, pour, and build.

How to Use DIY Snow for Sensory Play with a Sensory Table

My kids love turning their table into a snowy Arctic world—complete with trees, animals, and little trucks plowing “roads.” The table folds flat for easy storage and can be used year-round for other sensory play ideas too.

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Foldable sensory table for kids from 7 Days of Play with removable bins and foldable wooden legs

Educational Benefits of DIY Snow for Sensory Play

DIY snow for sensory play isn’t just fun — it’s an incredible way to support your child’s development. When kids scoop, pour, and mold snow, they strengthen their fine motor skills and activate multiple senses at once: touch, sight, smell, and sound.

This kind of hands-on sensory play helps build new neural pathways in the brain and supports focus and creativity. You can even turn it into a mini science experiment by adding vinegar to your baking-soda snow to create a fizzy snowstorm!

Playing in fake snow also encourages imaginative storytelling — think snowmen, polar bears, or Arctic rescue missions — all while keeping playtime indoors and mess-free.

TRY THE EXPERIMENT!

Educational Benefits of DIY Snow for Sensory Play

DIY snow for sensory play isn’t just fun — it’s an incredible way to support your child’s development. When kids scoop, pour, and mold snow, they strengthen their fine motor skills and activate multiple senses at once: touch, sight, smell, and sound.

This kind of hands-on sensory play helps build new neural pathways in the brain and supports focus and creativity. You can even turn it into a mini science experiment by adding vinegar to your baking-soda snow to create a fizzy snowstorm!

Playing in fake snow also encourages imaginative storytelling — think snowmen, polar bears, or Arctic rescue missions — all while keeping playtime indoors and mess-free.

TRY THE EXPERIMENT!

Winter Sensory Bin Add-Ons

Looking to take your fake snow setup to the next level? Here are some of our favorite toys and tools that pair perfectly with your DIY snow for sensory play. These winter sensory bin toys pair perfectly with winter sensory bin play, adding storytelling and pretend play to your setup.

Mini Pine Trees & Snowmen: Great for building a tiny winter world.

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Insta-Snow Powder: Expands into gallons of snow in seconds!

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Arctic Habitat Figurines: Spark small-world play and storytelling.

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Snow Plow Toy: Perfect for pretend winter clean-up play. Add some road tape for even more fun!

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What’s Next?

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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Autumn Activity for Preschool – Easy Pine Cone Pom Pom

Autumn Activity for Preschool – Easy Pine Cone Pom Pom

Autumn Activity for Preschool – Easy Pine Cone Pom Pom

autumn activity preschool pine cone fine motor skills

This autumn activity for preschool using pine cones and pom poms is a great way to use ordinary objects for strengthening fine motor skills! 

Fine Motor Skills Shine with This Autumn Activity for Preschool

Hiding pom poms inside pine cones and then tasking your preschooler to pick them out, may look easy, but it can be tricky for little hands!

Their hands and fingers will have to coordinate with their eyes to remove each, one at a time. Their pincer grasp will be strengthened as they are removed too!

Plus, tasking them to remove all of the pom poms and then providing other sensory materials like water and some cups is a fun way to turn this fine motor skills activity into a sensory play activity! 

All activities should be supervised by an adult. Pom Poms can be choking hazards. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Skills:
Ages: 
Prep Time:

Watch This Autumn Activity for Preschool

Watch this fine motor skills activity in action! 

You’ll see how my daughter, at 2 years old, enjoyed picking the pom poms out of the pine cone and then asked for water to turn this set up also into a sensory play activity.

I quickly added faux leaves (use real fall leaves if you have them!) and other fall-themed items along with sensory tools. She enjoyed picking all the pom poms and mixing everything up into a watery soup!

 

Watch This Autumn Activity for Preschool

Watch this fine motor skills activity in action! 

You’ll see how my daughter, at 2 years old, enjoyed picking the pom poms out of the pine cone and then asked for water to turn this set up also into a sensory play activity.

I quickly added faux leaves (use real fall leaves if you have them!) and other fall-themed items along with sensory tools. She enjoyed picking all the pom poms and mixing everything up into a watery soup!

thanksgiving printable activities worksheets

More Autumn Activities for Preschool

We love all things Fall and have created a bunch of different printable activities that can extend the playful learning!

First off, don’t miss our Thanksgiving bundle of activities – it includes 16 unique activities that will help your kiddo strengthen scissor skills, alphabet recognition, number recognition, fine motor skills, writing, coloring, phonics, matching, and so much more.

We also have a fun Fall Leaf Craft that is a really great way for kids to visualize a leaf transforming from a green leaf into a colorful Autumn leaf!

Plus, our free printables Pin the Peg on the Turkey and Trace the Pumpkins worksheet will continue to strengthen kid’s fine motor skills!

 

Materials

  • Acorns
  • Water
  • Tongs, Spoon, or other tools

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Place pom poms into pine cones. The further you place them inside, the harder it will be for your kiddo to pick out!

Step 2

Provide the pom pom-stuffed pine cones to your kiddo along with other sensory materials to extend the play!

Step 1

Place pom poms into pine cones. The further you place them inside, the harder it will be for your kiddo to pick out!

Step 2

Provide the pom pom-stuffed pine cones to your kiddo along with other sensory materials to extend the play!

Benefits of This Autumn Activity for Toddlers

For all the reasons listed above, the main benefit of this activity is strengthening fine motor skills! Fine motor skills are incredibly important and an essential part of early childhood development.

Additionally, this activity provides a fun sensory experience if you also include water and other textures to explore.

Providing objects that are Autumn-themed can spark conversations all about Fall, leaves, acorns, and the cooler weather which is great for language development!

autumn activity preschool pine cone fine motor skills

For more fun fine motor skills activities, check out our comprehensive list!

autumn activity preschool pine cone fine motor skills

Benefits of This Autumn Activity for Toddlers

For all the reasons listed above, the main benefit of this activity is strengthening fine motor skills! Fine motor skills are incredibly important and an essential part of early childhood development.

Additionally, this activity provides a fun sensory experience if you also include water and other textures to explore.

Providing objects that are Autumn-themed can spark conversations all about Fall, leaves, acorns, and the cooler weather which is great for language development!

For more fun fine motor skills activities, check out our comprehensive list!

More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

Here are some top picks for games and tools that will strengthen motor skills!

fine motor skills buckles and strings toy

Buckle and Threading Pillow

This colorful pillow is fantastic for fine motor skills with 12 buckles to explore as well as a threading exercise!

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wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

Sensory Bin Tools

This set comes with 7 items including bowls, scoops, and a tong. A great set for learning practical life skills through sensory play.

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color recognition sorting rainbow fine motor skills

Color Sorting Rainbow

Strengthen motor skills while using tongs to color sort this beautifully crafted rainbow! Caution: small parts!

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fine motor skills alphabet recognition maze

Alphabet Maze

This magnetic maze activity is a fun way to strengthen fine motor skills while also building upon letter recognition skills!

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What’s Next?

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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Make Oobleck with a Pumpkin Autumn Twist

Make Oobleck with a Pumpkin Autumn Twist

Make Oobleck with a Pumpkin Autumn Twist

make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

This fun sensory activity is where you’ll make oobleck and inspire your kiddo to tap into their inner chef to whip up some pumpkin spice goop soup! 

This is one of those set ups that will have kids engaged for a long time! Keep on reading to find out all the loose parts we included and how to make orange oobleck!

What is Oobleck and How Do You Make It?

Never heard of oobleck (aka goop)? Don’t wait another day! It’s so easy to make! Plain oobleck has a 2 to 1 ratio of corn starch to water! For this set up, I added a pinch of orange food coloring too. The consistency is the coolest — it’s both a liquid and a solid, depending on how you are playing with it. (Rest your hand on top of it: liquid. Squeeze it in your fist: solid.)

This activity is particular fun in a sensory play table!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make and Play with Pumpkin-Themed Oobleck 

It takes all of a few minutes to whip up a batch of oobleck! Adding in some orange coloring and providing other fun items likes pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and rosemary really enhances the sensory experience!

Of course, try to save a pumpkin shell too because it makes for the perfect bowl to hold your kiddo’s pumpkin soup creation!

How to Make and Play with Pumpkin-Themed Oobleck 

It takes all of a few minutes to whip up a batch of oobleck! Adding in some orange coloring and providing other fun items likes pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and rosemary to chop up really enhances the sensory experience!

Of course, try to save a pumpkin shell too because it makes for the perfect bowl to hold your kiddo’s pumpkin soup creation!

Sensory table for sensory bins foldable

Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

Incorporating our foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this pumpkin oobleck sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

BUY IT HERE!

Materials

  • Pumpkin Shell
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Cinnamon
  • Rosemary

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

To make the oobleck, mix in a bowl 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water plus food coloring. The consistency should allow one to squeeze the oobleck in the hand to make a solid and when released it turns into a liquid and will fall from the hand.

Step 2

For the set up, provide Fall-themed objects like pumpkin shells for bowls, a spoonful of pumpkin seeds, sprigs of rosemary, and some cinnamon. Also provide a bin of water nearby so kids can clean the oobleck off their hands throughout the time playing!

Step 1

To make the oobleck, mix in a bowl 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water plus food coloring. The consistency should allow one to squeeze the oobleck in the hand to make a solid and when released it turns into a liquid and will fall from the hand.

Step 2

For the set up, provide Fall-themed objects like pumpkin shells for bowls, a spoonful of pumpkin seeds, sprigs of rosemary, and some cinnamon. Also provide a bin of water nearby so kids can clean the oobleck off their hands throughout the time playing!

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play is not only great for having the kids learn about their senses and how important they are, but it’s also great for working on fine motor skills too. 

Every time the kids scoop, pinch, pat, or just squeeze anything in this sensory activity, they’re using their hands, eyes, and other senses to learn.

These are skills that they can quickly grow upon as they get older and will use in their everyday lives. 

This activity also helps the kids learn about creativity and shows the importance of using their imagination as well. The more they can play and create, the more their love for learning and play will grow.

make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

For more sensory play ideas, visit our comprehensive list!

make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play is not only great for having the kids learn about their senses and how important they are, but it’s also great for working on fine motor skills too. 

Every time the kids scoop, pinch, pat, or just squeeze anything in this sensory activity, they’re using their hands, eyes, and other senses to learn.

These are skills that they can quickly grow upon as they get older and will use in their everyday lives. 

This activity also helps the kids learn about creativity and shows the importance of using their imagination as well. The more they can play and create, the more their love for learning and play will grow.

For more sensory play ideas, visit our comprehensive list!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy!

sensory sand play for kids

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic sand is moldable! This bulk pack of sensory sand comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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play dough wild dough sensory

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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slime kit sensory play for kids

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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Fall Sensory Bin – How to Make Taste-Safe Foam

Fall Sensory Bin – How to Make Taste-Safe Foam

Fall Sensory Bin – How to Make Taste-Safe Foam

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

This fall sensory bin includes a taste safe foam that even babies and toddlers can enjoy! Throw in some colorful leaves, pine cones, and apples, and you’ve got a fun autumn-themed set-up that will hit all the senses! Read on for the easy, taste-safe foam recipe!

A Taste-Safe Fall Sensory Bin!

Fall is full of so many fun sights, scents and feelings, it is so fun to combine everything in a bin to play with. This sensory bin does the perfect job of integrating all those senses. And it’s safe for little hands to play with and enjoy! 

Like most of our messy play, we set this up outside, but you can easily make it work indoors with a towel or mat underneath the bins! 

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:
Ages: 
Prep Time:

How to Make a Taste-Safe Fall Sensory Bin!

This set up is super adaptable! Grab some nature right beside your feet like pine cones and fallen leaves! Try and mix up the different textures, which is why we included a foam!

If you have little ones who still put things in their mouth, making a taste-safe foam will give grown ups lots of comfort compared to playing with the soap-foam alternative! In the video, you’ll see the secret ingredient to making the coolest taste-safe foam consistency – bean water!

How to Make a Taste-Safe Fall Sensory Bin!

This set up is super adaptable! Grab some nature right beside your feet like pine cones and fallen leaves! Try and mix up the different textures, which is why we included a foam!

If you have little ones who still put things in their mouth, making a taste-safe foam will give grown ups lots of comfort compared to playing with the soap-foam alternative! In the video, you’ll see the secret ingredient to making the coolest taste-safe foam consistency – bean water!

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

What is Aquafaba, aka Taste-Safe Foam?

It’s a fluffy foam created from whipped up bean water. The translation is literally, “bean water.” People who are allergic to eggs use this as an egg replacement in food recipes. 

And like you see here, with our fall-themed sensory bin, aquafaba is also used to replace shaving cream and dish soap in sensory bins so that toddlers can dig right in without any worries of toxicity. 

Whenever I’m cooking chickpeas in the kitchen, I always save the water for sensory play. We’ve used it in lots of fun sensory bins, and even made the foam in every color of the rainbow! 

Technically, aquafaba can be made with lots of different types of bean water. However, I have tested it with black beans and it did not have the same fluffy and thick results that the chickpea water had!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

To make the taste-safe foam, pour the chickpea water into a bowl and save the chickpeas for a yummy lunch or dinner!

Step 2

Whip the chickpea water for 5 minutes until it forms a thick, creamy foam. 

Step 3

Then, add in orange food coloring and cinnamon for a fall-themed scent and look!

Step 4

Add some bowls and spoons for scooping and transferring fall-themed items like leaves, sticks, apples, and pine cones.

Step 1

To make the taste-safe foam, pour the chickpea water into a bowl and save the chickpeas for a yummy lunch or dinner!

Step 2

Whip the chickpea water for 5 minutes until it forms a thick, creamy foam. 

Step 3

Then, add in orange food coloring and cinnamon for a fall-themed scent and look!

Step 4

Add some bowls and spoons for scooping and transferring fall-themed items like leaves, sticks, apples, and pine cones.

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play is so educational for toddlers. When they feel different textures, they are actively interacting with their environment. This causes their mind to create new connections and grow. Making it taste-safe allows even the youngest to participate and explore, so anytime you want to set up sensory play for your little one, don’t forget about the power of bean water! 

This sensory bin activity is great for fine motor skills as well as creative thinking. Messy play is a fun way for early learners to really dive in and get to explore. The more that they can play and explore with their hands, the better. This will give them the chance to feel and see different textures, smell different scents, and use their minds in new and exciting ways.

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

For more sensory play ideas, visit our comprehensive list!

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play is so educational for toddlers. When they feel different textures, they are actively interacting with their environment. This causes their mind to create new connections and grow. Making it taste-safe allows even the youngest to participate and explore, so anytime you want to set up sensory play for your little one, don’t forget about the power of bean water! 

This sensory bin activity is great for fine motor skills as well as creative thinking. Messy play is a fun way for early learners to really dive in and get to explore. The more that they can play and explore with their hands, the better. This will give them the chance to feel and see different textures, smell different scents, and use their minds in new and exciting ways.

For more sensory play ideas, visit our comprehensive list!

More Sensory Bins to Explore 

Here are my top picks for sensory bins, toys, and books you can buy.

sensory bin build you own bin michaels

Build Your Own Sensory Bin Bundle

This fun bundle allows you to choose between different compounds, figurines and other accessories.

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sensory bin marine creatures

Pre-Made Sensory Bins

Whether you want to explore the ocean, dinosaurs, ice cream shop and more. These pre-made kits make set up easy!

SHOP NOW
sensory play monster truck bin

Monster Truck Arena

This sensory-play item is perfect for the monster truck fan! It comes with 2 pounds of monster dirt and a monster truck!

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fabric busy book

Sensory-Based Book

Sensory play doesn’t have to be messy! This fabric book is full of hands-on sensory-based activities!

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What’s Next?

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

read more
Fall Activity for Toddlers – Easy Autumn Sensory Bin

Fall Activity for Toddlers – Easy Autumn Sensory Bin

Fall Activity for Toddlers – Easy Autumn Sensory Bin

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

This Fall activity for toddlers is a fun way to enjoy all things Autumn! The set up is super easy, and it’s so great for for sensory play and fine motor skills!

An Adaptable Fall Activity for Toddlers

The great thing about sensory bins is that there really isn’t any set “rules” on how to make one. Since this is a fall theme, you can plan on everything being all about fall! 

Do you have fallen leaves, pine cones, or acorns?! Use them! Yup, it’s that simple! Throw in some fake apples and pumpkins too to talk about some typical produce of the season. We included corn kernels as well, but be sure to omit this if your kiddo is too young and likely to try to eat these. 

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:
Ages: 
Prep Time:

Having Fun with this Fall Activity for Toddlers

Watch this video to see how super engaged toddlers can be with such simple materials! Providing bowls, spoons, and tongs will allow young kids to use real world objects that will help them strengthen fine motor and practical life skills!

No doubt, their imaginations will spark as they have fun concocting unique bowls of Autumn soup with all the loose parts!

Having Fun with this Fall Activity for Toddlers

Watch this video to see how super engaged toddlers can be with such simple materials! Providing bowls, spoons, and tongs will allow young kids to use real world objects that will help them strengthen fine motor and practical life skills!

No doubt, their imaginations will spark as they have fun concocting unique bowls of Autumn soup with all the loose parts!

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

Tips for Setting Up This Fall Activity for Toddlers

Use What You’ve Got! As I mentioned earlier, don’t underestimate the magic of natural objects that may have fallen right near your feet! Think: acorns, vibrantly colored Autumn leaves, and pine cones! 

Dealing with the Mess. When toddlers first use sensory bins it may be difficult for them to keep the items from falling all over the floor. After all, they are likely working on a very important skill of scooping and pouring. And you don’t learn how not to spill unless you make that mistake a few times! Place some towels on the ground or set this up outside to help with the clean up!

Provide Bowls and Tools. Bowls and tools will not only help your kiddo develop fine motor skills, but they will spark their imaginations by finding new ways to use the loose parts in front of them!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Add all your favorite fall items to a bin.

Step 2

Let the kids dig in with their hands or kid-friendly tools.

Step 1

Add all your favorite fall items to a bin. 

Step 2

Let the kids dig in with their hands or kid-friendly tools.

The Benefits of This Fall Activity for Toddlers

Sensory Play. Have you heard that sensory play helps to build nerve connections in the brain? Yes, that’s right! Including different textures and sights in this bin will allow kiddos to think and explore using their hands in new ways. 

You could even add some scents, like cinnamon for your kiddo to smell and explore!

Fine Motor Skills. And if you throw in some fine motor tools like tongs along with bowls and spoons they will have the opportunity to strengthen their fine motor skills.

Pouring sensory bases from one bowl to the other, or scooping up the materials with a spoon are also all wonderful practical life skills they will use for the rest of their life.

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

Language Development. Sensory play is a great time to build vocabulary! Talk about the items, explain what Autumn is, and have your kiddo repeat and explain these new words to you!

For more sensory play fun, visit our comprehensive list!

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

The Benefits of This Fall Toddler Activity

Sensory Play. Have you heard that sensory play helps to build nerve connections in the brain? Yes, that’s right! Including different textures and sights in this bin will allow kiddos to think and explore using their hands in new ways. You could even add some scents, like cinnamon for your kiddo to smell and explore!

Fine Motor Skills. And if you throw in some fine motor tools like tongs along with bowls and spoons they will have the opportunity to strengthen their fine motor skills.

Pouring sensory bases from one bowl to the other, or scooping up the materials with a spoon are also all wonderful practical life skills they will use for the rest of their life.

Language Development. Sensory play is a great time to build vocabulary! Talk about the items, explain what Autumn is, and have your kiddo repeat and explain these new words to you!

More Sensory Bins to Explore 

Here are my top picks for sensory bins, toys, and books you can buy.

sensory bin build you own bin michaels

Build Your Own Sensory Bin Bundle

This fun bundle allows you to choose between different compounds, figurines and other accessories.

SHOP NOW
sensory bin marine creatures

Pre-Made Sensory Bins

Whether you want to explore the ocean, dinosaurs, ice cream shop and more. These pre-made kits make set up easy!

SHOP NOW
sensory play monster truck bin

Monster Truck Arena

This sensory-play item is perfect for the monster truck fan! It comes with 2 pounds of monster dirt and a monster truck!

SHOP NOW
fabric busy book

Sensory-Based Book

Sensory play doesn’t have to be messy! This fabric book is full of hands-on sensory-based activities!

SHOP NOW

What’s Next?

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

read more
The Best Sensory Bin Ideas to Keep Kids Engaged for Hours

The Best Sensory Bin Ideas to Keep Kids Engaged for Hours

The Best Sensory Bin Ideas to Keep Kids Engaged for Hours

sensory bin play ideas sensory table

Discover the best sensory bin ideas to keep kids engaged for hours! These fun, hands-on activities spark creativity, learning, and fine motor skills.

Must-Try Sensory Bin Ideas

Sensory bins are a game-changer for hands-on play! They’re not just fun—they also help kids develop fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Whether it’s scooping, pouring, sorting, or engaging in imaginative play, sensory bins provide endless opportunities for learning through play. Sensory play also offers a calming and engaging experience, making it perfect for independent play, quiet time, or group activities. Plus, these activities can be easily customized to match your child’s interests, making them even more engaging.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

foldable sensory table from 7 days of play

Why I Love Using the 7 Days of Play Sensory Table

At 7 Days of Play, I’ve set up countless sensory bins using my foldable sensory table, and it makes all the difference!

This table is designed with parents in mind—it folds up easily for storage, so you don’t need to dedicate permanent space to sensory play. It’s also the perfect size for different bin activities, making setup quick and simple.

The durable design ensures kids can explore different textures and materials without making a huge mess, and it’s easy to wipe down and store away after playtime.

BUY IT HERE!

Why I Love Using the 7 Days of Play Sensory Table

At 7 Days of Play, I’ve set up countless sensory bins using my foldable sensory table, and it makes all the difference!

This table is designed with parents in mind—it folds up easily for storage, so you don’t need to dedicate permanent space to sensory play. It’s also the perfect size for different bin activities, making setup quick and simple.

The durable design ensures kids can explore different textures and materials without making a huge mess, and it’s easy to wipe down and store away after playtime.

 

foldable sensory table from 7 days of play
play sink sensory play activity

Wash and Cut Kitchen Sensory Bin

Turn your sensory table into a mini kitchen with this wash and cut sensory bin! Kids can rinse toy fruits in the recirculating sink, sort them in the dish rack, and practice cutting them on a kid-safe cutting board. It’s the perfect setup for imaginative play that also builds fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Supplies:

Construction Sensory Bin

Dig, build, and haul with this construction-themed sensory bin! The combo of sensory sand, mini construction vehicles, and real rocks creates an immersive play experience that kids will love. Bonus: add road tape to the table’s frame for extra creativity!

Supplies:

construction sensory bin play idea
ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

Ocean & Marine Life Sensory Bin

Bring the deep sea to your sensory table with this ocean and marine life sensory bin—a fun and refreshing way for kids to explore water, textures, and pretend play with sea creatures. There are a few creative ways to set this one up depending on your child’s age and your mess tolerance!

Setup options:
(1) Use real water in one bin and waterproof sensory sand in the other for a classic beach and ocean experience.
(2) Swap the water entirely for waterproof blue sensory sand for a mess-free setup that still feels immersive.
(3) For a toddler-friendly, taste-safe version, use blue Jello as the ocean and crushed Cheerios as the sand (this is the version shown in our photo!). Click HERE for the step by step instructions.

Supplies (mix and match based on setup):

  • Marine animal figurines

  • Waterproof sensory sand (can be used with or without water)

  • Blue food coloring (if using water)

  • Water (optional)

  • Blue Jello (taste-safe version)

  • Crushed Cheerios (taste-safe sand)

  • Scoops, spoons, and cups for exploring

Color Matching Sensory Bin

Turn sensory play into a fun color-learning activity! In this bin, kids scoop and transfer pom-poms into a muffin tin with color-matching dot stickers, helping with fine motor skills and color recognition.

 

Supplies:

color matching sensory bin
lemonade sensory bin in foldable sensory table by 7 days of play

Lemonade Sensory Bin Idea

This lemonade sensory bin is a bright and cheerful activity that’s perfect for summer—or for when you just want to bring a little sunshine indoors! Kids can scoop, pour, and mix their own pretend lemonade using yellow-dyed rice, cups, scoops, and pretend fruit, all while building fine motor skills and engaging their senses.

Supplies:

Dinosaur Swamp

Ready to take dino play to the next level? This DIY chia slime dinosaur swamp is a squishy, stretchy sensory bin that feels like a prehistoric swamp—and it’s super easy to make at home. Kids will love stomping their dinosaur figures through the slime and exploring all the ooey-gooey textures!

Supplies:

chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world
spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

Spaghetti Sensory Bin Idea

This colorful spaghetti sensory bin is a squishy, slippery, and totally irresistible way for kids to explore texture! You can dye the noodles in different colors, toss them into the bin, and let your child squish, squeeze, and mix for a wildly fun sensory experience that’s also taste-safe.

Click HERE for the step by step recipe.

Taste-Safe Foam Sensory Bin Idea

This taste-safe foam sensory bin is bubbly, fluffy fun for kids of all ages—especially toddlers who still like to explore with their mouths! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this foam is safe, easy to whip up, and perfect for scooping, swirling, and imaginative sensory play.

Click HERE for the step by step recipe.

washing hands after handling chickens
Discover the magic of color mixing for kids using Oobleck. This is a great hands on way to discover primary and secondary colors!

Color Mixing Sensory Bin Idea

This color mixing sensory bin is a vibrant way to introduce early science concepts through hands-on play! Using colored water, droppers, and clear containers, kids can explore how primary colors combine to make new ones—turning sensory fun into a mini science experiment.

Click HERE to read more about how I set this up.

Shaving Cream Cones Sensory Bin Idea

This shaving cream cones sensory bin is a whipped and wonderful way to spark imaginative play! Kids can pretend they’re running their own ice cream shop while building fine motor skills as they scoop, swirl, and sprinkle colorful “ice cream” into toy cones.

Supplies:

 

shaving cream activity sensory play for kids
how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

Taste-Safe Mud Oobleck Sensory Bin Idea

This taste-safe mud sensory bin uses oobleck to create a gooey, muddy mess that’s actually safe for little ones to explore! It’s the perfect setup for digging, scooping, and messy play—without any worry if your toddler decides to sneak a taste.

Supplies:

Toddler-Friendly Slime Sensory Bin Idea

This slime sensory bin for toddlers is stretchy, squishy fun made with safe, taste-friendly ingredients—perfect for little ones who love to explore textures! It’s easy to make, soothing to play with, and a great way to introduce slime without the worry of harsh chemicals.

Click HERE for the step by step recipe.

slime for toddlers
cocoa playdough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box

Cocoa Playdough Sensory Bin Idea

This cocoa playdough sensory bin smells just like chocolate and adds an extra layer of sensory fun to classic playdough time! It’s soft, easy to mold, and made with taste-safe ingredients—perfect for rolling, squishing, and pretend baking play.

Click HERE for the step by step recipe.

DIY Snow Sensory Bin Idea

This DIY snow sensory bin brings all the frosty fun indoors—no cold weather required! With just a couple of simple ingredients, you can create a cool, crumbly snow-like texture that’s perfect for scooping, molding, and pretend winter play.

Click HERE to explore 4 different DIY snow recipes.

slime for toddlers
taste safe sensory play

More Taste-Safe Sensory Bin Ideas for Little Ones

If you’re looking for sensory bin ideas that are safe for toddlers and little ones who love to taste everything, I’ve got you covered! I rounded up 12 of our favorite taste-safe sensory play activities that are perfect for curious kiddos. From edible mud to safe “sand,” these activities are great for younger kids or anyone exploring sensory play with a side of peace of mind.

👉 Click HERE to check out all 12 taste-safe sensory play ideas!

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory bins aren’t just fun—they’re packed with developmental benefits! They help:

  • Build fine motor skills through scooping, grasping, and transferring objects.

  • Encourage imaginative play and creative thinking.

  • Strengthen problem-solving skills as kids explore different textures and materials.

  • Support language development, especially when playing with themes like kitchens, construction sites, or ocean life.

By using a sensory bin, kids can learn through play while staying engaged for hours. Try these ideas, mix and match materials, and create your own unique sensory experiences!

    chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world
    chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world

    The Benefits of Sensory Play

    Sensory bins aren’t just fun—they’re packed with developmental benefits! They help:

    • Build fine motor skills through scooping, grasping, and transferring objects.

    • Encourage imaginative play and creative thinking.

    • Strengthen problem-solving skills as kids explore different textures and materials.

    • Support language development, especially when playing with themes like kitchens, construction sites, or ocean life.

    By using a sensory bin, kids can learn through play while staying engaged for hours. Try these ideas, mix and match materials, and create your own unique sensory experiences!

    What’s Next?

    Best Learning Toys for Kids

    Best Learning Toys for Kids

    Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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    Flower Activity for Preschoolers with Free Printable!

    Flower Activity for Preschoolers with Free Printable!

    Flower Activity for Preschoolers with Free Printable!

    flower activity spring blooming flower experiment fine motor skills

    This flower activity is a fun way to learn about how flowers bloom while also strengthening fine motor skills while using a spray bottle! Keep reading to get the free printable.

    A Twist on the Traditional Blooming Flower Activity!

    The classic blooming flower experiment typically involves placing flowers in a dish of water, observing them slowly open over time. However, our new approach offers a unique twist where kids can strengthen even more skills!

    First off, I like to set it up vertically, which helps to promote gross motor skills. Additionally, what sets this flower activity apart is the use of a spray water bottle, perfect for fine motor skill strengthening! As kids stand, their bodies will cross the midline as they spray the flowers from one side to the other, enhancing coordination and cognitive abilities.

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Skills:
    Ages: 
    Prep Time:

    Strengthening Fine Motor Skills with Spray Bottles in This Flower Activity!

    Spray bottles aren’t just for watering real plants—they’re fantastic tools for refining fine motor skills in children. These skills involve coordinating small hand and finger muscles, crucial for tasks like writing and drawing. Here’s how spray bottles aid in this development:

    1. Grip and Hand Strength: Squeezing the trigger of a spray bottle strengthens hand muscles and improves grip, essential for precise tasks.

    2. Finger Coordination: Manipulating the trigger requires intricate finger movements, refining control and coordination.

    3. Bilateral Coordination: Using a spray bottle encourages coordination between both hands, vital for activities like cutting and tying shoelaces.

    4. Sensory Stimulation: The tactile feedback and sensory experience of spraying water engage multiple senses, fostering learning and motor development.

    Incorporating spray bottles into activities, like our blooming paper flower activity, adds fun while honing essential motor skills in children.

    Strengthening Fine Motor Skills with Spray Bottles in This Flower Activity!

    Spray bottles aren’t just for watering real plants—they’re fantastic tools for refining fine motor skills in children. These skills involve coordinating small hand and finger muscles, crucial for tasks like writing and drawing. Here’s how spray bottles aid in this development:

    1. Grip and Hand Strength: Squeezing the trigger of a spray bottle strengthens hand muscles and improves grip, essential for precise tasks.

    2. Finger Coordination: Manipulating the trigger requires intricate finger movements, refining control and coordination.

    3. Bilateral Coordination: Using a spray bottle encourages coordination between both hands, vital for activities like cutting and tying shoelaces.

    4. Sensory Stimulation: The tactile feedback and sensory experience of spraying water engage multiple senses, fostering learning and motor development.

    Incorporating spray bottles into activities, like our blooming paper flower activity, adds fun while honing essential motor skills in children.

    blooming paper flower free printable

    Download and Print the Blooming Paper Flower Activity

    We’ve made it easy for you to get started with our blooming paper flower experiment by providing a free printable stem template. Simply click here to download it and keep on reading below for step-by-step directions on how to set up the experiment and watch the magic unfold as you spray water and see the flowers bloom!

    Choosing the Right Spray Bottle

    When selecting a spray bottle for this flower activity, it’s essential to choose one that is easy for little hands to use. Some spray bottles may be challenging for young children to operate, leading to frustration and difficulty in participating fully. To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, opt for a spray bottle with a trigger that is easy to squeeze and requires minimal effort to release the water. Click here to see the spray bottle set my two year old is able to use confidently.

    Materials

    Step-by-Step Instructions 

    Step 1

    Download and print the template.

    Step 2

    Laminate the cover sheet for added durability.

    Step 3

    Cut out the flowers and fold the petals into the center of the flower.

     

    Step 4

    Attach the flowers to the stems using double sided tape. 

    Step 5

    Fill a spray bottle up with water and encourage children to spray water onto the paper flowers and observe as they slowly open and “bloom” before your eyes!

    Step 1

    Download and print the template.

    Step 2

    Laminate the cover sheet for added durability.

    Step 3

    Cut out the flowers and fold the petals into the center of the flower.

    Step 4

    Attach the flowers to the stems using double sided tape. 

    Step 5

    Fill a spray bottle up with water and encourage children to spray water onto the paper flowers and observe as they slowly open and “bloom” before your eyes!

     

    What is the Classic Blooming Flowers Experiment?

    If you enjoyed the blooming paper flower activity using the spray bottle method, consider exploring the traditional method as well. We have a different printable you can use for it – click HERE! Traditionally, paper flowers are placed in a dish of water, where they slowly open over time—a fun process to observe and learn from. This is a great option for children who may not be ready to use spray bottles yet and yet the activity still provides a hands-on experience for young learners to engage with the concept of blooming flowers. Whether you prefer the interactive spray bottle method or the traditional approach, there’s plenty of fun to be had with our blooming paper flower experiments!

    The Science Behind The Blooming Flower Experiments!

    The blooming paper flower experiment offers a fascinating glimpse into the science of osmosis and capillary action. 

    blooming paper flowers experiment

    As the paper flowers absorb water from the spray bottle, they undergo a process similar to that of real flowers drawing water through their stems. This absorption causes the paper fibers to swell and unfold, resulting in the mesmerizing blooming effect observed during the experiment. It’s a hands-on way for children to explore concepts of hydration and plant biology while having fun with art and creativity!

    blooming paper flowers experiment

    What is the Classic Blooming Flowers Experiment?

    If you enjoyed the blooming paper flower activity using the spray bottle method, consider exploring the traditional method as well. We have a different printable you can use for it – click HERE! Traditionally, paper flowers are placed in a dish of water, where they slowly open over time—a fun process to observe and learn from. This is a great option for children who may not be ready to use spray bottles yet and yet the activity still provides a hands-on experience for young learners to engage with the concept of blooming flowers. Whether you prefer the interactive spray bottle method or the traditional approach, there’s plenty of fun to be had with our blooming paper flower experiments!

    The Science Behind The Blooming Flower Experiments!

    The blooming paper flower experiment offers a fascinating glimpse into the science of osmosis and capillary action. As the paper flowers absorb water from the spray bottle, they undergo a process similar to that of real flowers drawing water through their stems. This absorption causes the paper fibers to swell and unfold, resulting in the mesmerizing blooming effect observed during the experiment. It’s a hands-on way for children to explore concepts of hydration and plant biology while having fun with art and creativity!

    More Ways to Explore Plants!

    Below you’ll find some of our top picks for gardening toys for kids!

    nature earth activity day month gift toy

    Regrow Science Kit

    SHOP NOW
    nature earth activity day month gift toy

    Window Growing Kit

    SHOP NOW
    nature earth activity day month gift toy

    Gardening Set

    SHOP NOW
    nature earth activity day month gift toy

    Paint and Plant Kit

    SHOP NOW

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    Best Learning Toys for Kids

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    Blooming Paper Flower Experiment

    Blooming Paper Flower Experiment

    Blooming Paper Flower Experiment

    blooming paper flowers experiment

    This blooming paper flower activity is magical! Kids can enjoy crafting their own flowers, or cutting out our printable flowers while working on their scissor skills! Fold in the petals before dropping them down on a shallow plate of water, and get ready for your kiddos to be amazed! Watching the paper flowers bloom in the water is truly magical!

    Blooming Paper Flowers for All Ages

    This fun activity can be enjoyed by kids of all ages (adults too!). It is such a fun science experiment where kids will learn all about absorption! Even toddlers will enjoy placing the paper down onto the water to see the vibrant colors inside! It is a great way to develop language skills while strengthening color recognition.

    Read on to get the printable flowers and for more color recognition activities, visit our full list of easy to set-up ideas!

    Skills:
    Ages: 
    Prep Time:

    How to Set Up This Blooming Paper Flower Activity

     

    In this video, you can see how we put together this magical activity! We used our printable flowers for a quick set up too. All of the vibrant colors magically opening in water is such a fun sensory experience! Kids will have the best reactions!

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

    How to Set Up This Blooming Paper Flower Activity

    In this video, you can see how we put together this magical activity! We used our printable flowers for a quick set up too. All of the vibrant colors magically opening in water is such a fun sensory experience! Kids will have the best reactions!

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

    blooming paper flower free printable

    Download the Blooming Paper Flower Printable

    We know grown ups are busy, so we created a printable so you can easily set up this activity! These flowers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but they will all magically open when placed in water!

    Make sure that you don’t miss out on our Dot the Rainbow and our Color Mixing Bundle for more ways to explore vibrant colors!

    For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

    Materials

    • Shallow Dish
    • Water

    Step-by-Step Instructions 

    Step 1

    Print out our printable blooming paper flowers. We have the Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank printer – we love it because it is budget-friendly and super efficient with color with it’s refillable tanks!

    Step 2

    Cut out the flowers.

    Step 3

    Fold the petals into the center of the flower.

    Step 4

    Place the folded paper on a shallow plate of water and enjoy the magic as the flowers bloom! Be sure to experiment with different types of papers and make predictions about how fast it will absorb the water to open the flower!

    Step 1

    Print out our printable blooming paper flowers. We have the Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank printer – we love it because it is budget-friendly and super efficient with color with it’s refillable tanks!

    Step 2

    Cut out the flowers.

    Step 3

    Fold the petals into the center of the flower.

    Step 4

    Place the folded paper on a shallow plate of water and enjoy the magic as the flowers bloom! Be sure to experiment with different types of papers and make predictions about how fast it will absorb the water to open the flower!

    Educational Benefits of this Blooming Paper Flower Activity

    This is such a fun STEM project! It certainly looks like magic, but this is all about absorption. As the fibers in the paper absorb water, it expands and opens up! You can experiment with different types of paper thickness, noting that some papers open up slower or quicker depending on how easily it is able to absorb the water.

    Younger children can also learn something too! They will be able to practice their understanding of color recognition while working on language development. Ask them what colors are being revealed, or have them repeat the names of the colors.

    blooming paper flowers experiment
    blooming paper flowers experiment

    Educational Benefits of this Blooming Paper Flower Activity

    This is such a fun STEM project! It certainly looks like magic, but this is all about absorption. As the fibers in the paper absorb water, it expands and opens up! You can experiment with different types of paper thickness, noting that some papers open up slower or quicker depending on how easily it is able to absorb the water.

    Younger children can also learn something too! They will be able to practice their understanding of color recognition while working on language development. Ask them what colors are being revealed, or have them repeat the names of the colors.

    Top Toys to Learn Colors

    Here are my top picks for toys you can buy to learn colors!

    Wooden Peg Dolls

    These wooden peg dolls are beautifully made, vibrant, and multi-cultural! 

    These are what we used in our activity!

    SHOP NOW

    Color Sorting Rainbow

    This hand-crafted wooden color sorting rainbow is so beautifully made, and great for fine motor in addition to color recognition!

    SHOP NOW

    Count and Color Match Houses

    This fun set includes 5 houses and 15 counting people. A great way to learn colors and count, while sparking imaginative play!

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    Stack and Sort

    This fun puzzle is all about shape and color recognition. Stacking the pieces through the peg is great for fine motor skill development too!

    SHOP NOW

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    How to Decorate Easter Eggs with Rice and Food Coloring

    How to Decorate Easter Eggs with Rice and Food Coloring

    How to Decorate Easter Eggs with Rice and Food Coloring

    how to decorate eggs with rice and food coloring and create sensory play rice

    Decorating Easter eggs is a timeless tradition, but have you ever tried it with rice and food coloring? It’s simple, mess-free, and yields stunning results.

    How to Decorate Easter Eggs with This Hassle Free Method!

    Traditional methods of Easter egg decorating often involve messy dyes and intricate designs. However, the rice and food coloring method offers a simple yet effective alternative. By shaking hard-boiled eggs inside sealable containers filled with rice and food coloring, you can achieve beautifully marbled and vibrant eggs with minimal effort. This technique eliminates the need for dipping or painting eggs individually, making it perfect for both children and adults alike. Plus, the added bonus of creating rainbow rice for sensory play adds another layer of enjoyment to the Easter egg decorating experience. 

    Skills: Arts and Crafts, Sensory Play

    Ages: 3+ 

    Prep Time: 15 min

    Watch How to Decorate Easter Eggs with Rice and Food Coloring

    Watch as we cover eggs in various colors by shaking them inside containers filled with food coloring and rice. The result? Beautifully colored eggs and an array of containers of sensory rice ready for play!

    For a comprehensive guide for all things related to Easter including more activity ideas, gift suggestions, as well as Spring-related play ideas visit this LINK.

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

     

    Watch How to Decorate Easter Eggs with Rice and Food Coloring

    Watch as we cover eggs in various colors by shaking them inside containers filled with food coloring and rice. The result? Beautifully colored eggs and an array of containers of sensory rice ready for play!

    For a comprehensive guide for all things related to Easter including more activity ideas, gift suggestions, as well as Spring-related play ideas visit this LINK.

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

     

    how to decorate eggs with rice and food coloring and create sensory play rice

    Tips for Decorating Easter Eggs with Rice and Food Coloring

    Color Mixing Simplified: Experiment with different food coloring combinations for vibrant and unique egg designs. Try mixing primary colors to create a diverse palette of shades.

    Optimal Coverage Ratio: Adjust the amount of rice and food coloring in containers to control the intensity of color on your eggs. Remember, less rice and more coloring yield bolder results.

    Thorough Shaking Technique: Ensure uniform egg coverage by shaking containers vigorously. This distributes the coloring and rice evenly, resulting in beautifully marbled eggs.

    Layering for Depth: Experiment with layering different colors to add depth to your eggs. Start with a base color and add layers of contrasting or complementary hues for a striking finish.

      Materials

      • Sealable containers (such as jars or plastic containers)
      • Gloves (optional, to keep hands clean)
      • Paper towels or drying rack (for drying the eggs after decorating)
      • Hard-boiled eggs
      • Food coloring (liquid or gel-based)
      • White rice (uncooked)
      • Sealable containers (such as jars or plastic containers)
      • Gloves (optional, to keep hands clean)
      • Paper towels or drying rack (for drying the eggs after decorating)

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      Prepare your hard-boiled eggs.

      Step 2

      Fill sealable containers with rice and add a few drops of food coloring.

      Step 3

      Place eggs in the containers and shake gently until fully coated.

      Step 4

      Remove eggs and let them dry and enjoy your beautifully decorated Easter eggs!

      Step 5

      Spread the colored rice out on a tray or in a shallow container, and let your child explore its texture and vibrant colors. You can also add small toys or tools for imaginative play, or use the rice to create writing trays for practicing letters and shapes. Store any leftover colored rice in an airtight container for future sensory play sessions.

      Step 1

      Prepare your hard-boiled eggs.

      Step 2

      Fill sealable containers with rice and add a few drops of food coloring.

      Step 3

      Place eggs in the containers and shake gently until fully coated.

      Step 4

      Remove eggs and let them dry and enjoy your beautifully decorated Easter eggs!

      Step 5

      Spread the colored rice out on a tray or in a shallow container, and let your child explore its texture and vibrant colors. You can also add small toys or tools for imaginative play, or use the rice to create writing trays for practicing letters and shapes. Store any leftover colored rice in an airtight container for future sensory play sessions.

      Beyond Decorating Easter Eggs with This Method!

      One of the standout benefits of decorating Easter eggs with rice and food coloring is the opportunity to create vibrant sensory play rice as a fun byproduct. Sensory rice, with its colorful and textured nature, offers numerous developmental benefits for children.

      Through tactile stimulation, it aids in fine motor skills development and hand-eye coordination. Moreover, it encourages creativity and imaginative play, serving as a versatile medium for various scenarios. Additionally, the calming and relaxing nature of sensory rice promotes stress reduction and relaxation. Lastly, engaging with sensory rice aids in sensory integration, facilitating the processing of sensory information and fostering self-regulation.

      rainbow rice sensory play tray
      rainbow rice sensory play tray

      Beyond Decorating Easter Eggs with This Method!

      One of the standout benefits of decorating Easter eggs with rice and food coloring is the opportunity to create vibrant sensory play rice as a fun byproduct. Sensory rice, with its colorful and textured nature, offers numerous developmental benefits for children.

      Through tactile stimulation, it aids in fine motor skills development and hand-eye coordination. Moreover, it encourages creativity and imaginative play, serving as a versatile medium for various scenarios. Additionally, the calming and relaxing nature of sensory rice promotes stress reduction and relaxation. Lastly, engaging with sensory rice aids in sensory integration, facilitating the processing of sensory information and fostering self-regulation.

      More Easter Themed Activities!

      Explore some more of our favorite Easter themed activities and printables!

      feed the bunny activity for toddlers fine motor skills

      Feed the Bunny Activity!

      CHECK IT OUT!
      easter egg activity eggmazing egg decorator mess free decorating

      Hatch the Egg Printable!

      CHECK IT OUT!
      This free printable is a fun, hands on way to do math problems! Use clothing pins as bunny ears to solve the equations whether addition, subtraction, multiplication or division!

      Bunny Math – Learn Addition Printable!

      CHECK IT OUT!
      easter and spring themed worksheets printables

      20+ Easter Printable Activities!

      CHECK IT OUT!

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      Simple Slime Recipe – Ooey Gooey Egg Inspired

      Simple Slime Recipe – Ooey Gooey Egg Inspired

      Simple Slime Recipe – Ooey Gooey Egg Inspired

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      This simple slime recipe looks just like an egg! Not only is it taste-safe, but it also makes for a fun egg-making pretend play set up! Read on to find out just how easy this slime recipe is to make and how kids of all ages can enjoy it!

      Sensory Play to Inspire Your Little Chef

      My kids are always asking to help in the kitchen, but there are some things that I just don’t know if they’re quite ready to do. Egg cracking is one of those things! This simple slime recipe is a fun way to teach kiddos how to crack and handle eggs before helping with the real stuff! The fact that the recipe is taste-safe (aka not made with borax, glue, or boric acid), allows even the youngest kids to enjoy and explore! I love seeing the imaginative play that unfolds, as they begin cracking each egg into a pan to cook and serve!

       

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      Egg Slime – A Simple Slime Recipe for All Ages

      Here’s a video showing you how you can easily mix up this simple slime recipe. I made this egg slime, no glue recipe, with just three ingredients! Continue to watch to see how kids of all ages will love learning how to crack eggs, finding the homemade egg slime right inside, and using it to dish up a imaginative meal!

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      Egg Slime – A Simple Slime Recipe for All Ages

      Here’s a video showing you how you can easily mix up this simple slime recipe. I made this egg slime, no glue recipe, with just three ingredients! Continue to watch to see how kids of all ages will love learning how to crack eggs, finding the homemade egg slime right inside, and using it to dish up a imaginative meal!

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      How to Make This Simple Slime Recipe

      Making slime is so simple with this DIY recipe. Bonus points for using taste safe ingredients that babies and toddlers can safely handle! Traditional slime has boric acid and sodium borate, which should not be ingested or put in the mouth – this recipe has none of that bad stuff! If you’re hoping to teach kids the best way to crack eggs with a fun sensory twist, they’ll have a lot of fun with this unique egg slime activity.

      Plus, it’s a great way to use toy eggs, even if it isn’t Easter! And remember to do it during the Easter Holidays too along with our printable bundle of over 20 Easter and Spring Themed Activities. This bundle includes worksheets for practicing early childhood education skills, including alphabet recognition, number recognition, tracing, writing, coloring, counting, shapes, patterning, and so much more!

       

      Materials

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      For the Egg Whites: Mix 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder and 2 cups of water in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

      Step 2

      For the Egg Yolks: Mix 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder, 1 cup of water, and yellow food coloring in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

       

      Step 3

      Assemble the Eggs: Separate a piece of the clear slime and add a small ball of the yellow slime to the center to resemble an egg. Then, close them up in plastic eggs for your kiddos to discover!

      Step 4

      Provide a skillet or pan and other cooking tools for your kiddo to explore with the egg slime.

      Step 1

      For the Egg Whites: Mix 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder and 2 cups of water in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

      Step 2

      For the Egg Yolks: Mix 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder, 1 cup of water, and yellow food coloring in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

      Step 3

      Assemble the Eggs: Separate a piece of the clear slime and add a small ball of the yellow slime to the center to resemble an egg. Then, close them up in plastic eggs for your kiddos to discover!

      Step 4

      Provide a skillet or pan and other cooking tools for your kiddo to explore with the egg slime.

      Educational Benefits for this fun Egg Slime Activity

      Sensory Play. Did you know that sensory play has been said to create new nerve connections in the brain?! Yes, there is so much educational value in allowing your kiddo to experience sensory play. Sensory play is often long-lasting with a ton of engagement – even with young kids who have typically short attention spans. Plus, it provides opportunities for kids to play independently.

      Additionaly, by making this activity taste-safe it allows even the youngest of kids to learn how to play with sensory bases. Taste-safe does not mean it is intended to be eaten, but it is safe if it is ingested. In other words, you do not want to encourage your toddler to eat the egg slime, but rather, if a child was to put it in their mouth and even consume it, this is the perfect opportunity to explain verbally that slime is not for the mouth and is not food. This is how they will learn to safely play with sensory bases of all types in the future!

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      Fine Motor Skills. Fine motor skills are so important! Slime itself allows kiddos to engage the small muscles in their hand and fingers. Think: stretching, pulling, smooshing. But you can extend that fine motor strengthening further by providing tools like whisks, spoons, and bowls where kids will also be able to practice some important practice life skills like pouring, transferring, and scooping! 

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      Educational Benefits for this fun Egg Slime Activity

      Sensory Play. Did you know that sensory play has been said to create new nerve connections in the brain?! Yes, there is so much educational value in allowing your kiddo to experience sensory play. Sensory play is often long-lasting with a ton of engagement – even with young kids who have typically short attention spans. Plus, it provides opportunities for kids to play independently.

      Additionaly, by making this activity taste-safe it allows even the youngest of kids to learn how to play with sensory bases. Taste-safe does not mean it is intended to be eaten, but it is safe if it is ingested. In other words, you do not want to encourage your toddler to eat the egg slime, but rather, if a child was to put it in their mouth and even consume it, this is the perfect opportunity to explain verbally that slime is not for the mouth and is not food. This is how they will learn to safely play with sensory bases of all types in the future!

      Fine Motor Skills. Fine motor skills are so important! Slime itself allows kiddos to engage the small muscles in their hand and fingers. Think: stretching, pulling, smooshing. But you can extend that fine motor strengthening further by providing tools like whisks, spoons, and bowls where kids will also be able to practice some important practice life skills like pouring, transferring, and scooping!

      More Sensory Bases to Explore

      Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases.

      sensory sand play for kids

      Sensory Sand

      Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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      mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

      Modelling Dough

      This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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      play dough wild dough sensory

      Premium Play Dough

      This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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      slime kit sensory play for kids

      The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

      This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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      Best Learning Toys for Kids

      Best Learning Toys for Kids

      Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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      Counting Numbers for Kids – Count the Petals

      Counting Numbers for Kids – Count the Petals

      Counting Numbers for Kids: Count the Petals

       

      Have some Spring-themed early math fun with this DIY game of “Count the Petals.”  This is such a great way to learn counting numbers for kids!

      Paper Flowers That Teach Early Math

      This fun and easy-to-make game of counting petals on a flower brings the color and spirit of Spring inside while teaching kids early math. 

      To play, kids count the petals on the paper flowers and “plant” each one in the pot with the corresponding number. 

      All you need to create this project are some basic craft supplies and glue. If you are in need of craft supplies, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Arts and Crafts Supply List.

      Plus, we made things extra easy for busy grown ups with a free printable version of this counting numbers with kids activity. Read on to get it!

      Skills: Early Math

      Ages: 2 Years +

      Prep Time: 20 Minutes

      How to Make and Play This Counting Numbers for Kids Game!

      This counting numbers for kids game is a fun way to explore early math, using the digits one through eight. Watch the video to first see how to make this game yourself, and then watch to see how a child will engage with this DIY game. 

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      How to Make and Play This Counting Numbers for Kids Game!

      This counting numbers for kids game is a fun way to explore early math, using the digits one through eight. Watch the video to first see how to make this game yourself, and then watch to see how a child will engage with this DIY game. 

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      counting-activity-for-kids-spring-themed-count-the-petals-on-a-flower-materials

      A Spring-Themed Way to do Counting with Kids and More!

      One of the  great things about this game is that you can adapt it to your child’s age and abilities.

      For the very young, it is a perfect way to introduce basic counting and number recognition.  

      Older kids can help make the game, cutting out shapes (with safe scissors, of course), and work on fine motor skills. Or, have some creative fun and draw some faces on those flowers.

      This is also a great way to talk about the anatomy of a flower, weather or the four seasons.

      Bonus: you can use the pots and soil to plant some easy-to-grow seeds!

      Materials 

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      Use a knife to cut circles in your cardboard box, making sure your cups will fit in them. 

      Step 2

      Assign a number to each cup. I used removable dot stickers, but you could also write the number on top of the cardboard for a permanent set up.

      Step 3

      Fill your planters up with a sensory material. We used potting soil, but you could use sand, rocks, rice, etc.

      Step 4

      For a final cute touch, use glue to secure a “Count the Petals” sign on your box!

      Step 1

      Use a knife to cut circles in your cardboard box, making sure your cups will fit in them.

      Step 2

      Assign a number to each cup. I used removable dot stickers, but you could also write the number on top of the cardboard for a permanent set up.

      Step 3

      Fill your planters up with a sensory material. We used potting soil, but you could use sand, rocks, rice, etc.

      Step 4

      For a final cute touch, use glue to secure a “Count the Petals” sign on your box!

      counting-activity-for-kids-spring-themed-count-the-petals-on-a-flower-printable

      Free Printable of This Count the Petals Game

      Don’t have time to create this DIY game? No problem! I wanted to make things extra easy for busy grown ups by providing a FREE printable version of this activity!

      Just print the pages, cut out the flowers and match the blooms to the corresponding flower pot!

      And if you like this, don’t miss our free Number Parking Lot printable and Count the Pizza Topping printable! Counting numbers for kids can be tricky, but this is a fun way to do it!

      For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

      The Educational Benefits of The Count the Petals Game

      This educational counting for kids game with flower petals isn’t just a fun and pretty activity, it familiarizes your child with basic math concepts, too. 

      The first, is rote counting, or counting numbers in sequential order. Depending on your child’s age, you can help with this or not.

      Next, is one-to-one correspondence, the idea that every item counted gets a number.

      The game can also develop subitizing, or the ability to recognize how many items are in a small set, such as instantly recognizing a group of four.

      For little ones, ask them what number comes next as they play; for older kids, you could work in some basic addition.

      counting-activity-for-kids-spring-themed-count-the-petals-on-a-flower

      Sticking the flowers into the individual pots will also help develop fine motor skills, too.

      For more ways to explore early math be sure to visit our comprehensive list of activities!

      counting-activity-for-kids-spring-themed-count-the-petals-on-a-flower

      This educational counting for kids game with flower petals isn’t just a fun and pretty activity, it familiarizes your child with basic math concepts, too. 

      The first, is rote counting, or counting numbers in sequential order. Depending on your child’s age, you can help with this or not.

      Next, is one-to-one correspondence, the idea that every item counted gets a number.

      The game can also develop subitizing, or the ability to recognize how many items are in a small set, such as instantly recognizing a group of four.

      For little ones, ask them what number comes next as they play; for older kids, you could work in some basic addition.

      Store-Bought Early Math Games

      Here are my top picks for the best early math games you can buy!

      counting board wooden resources

      Wooden Number Puzzle 

      If you want something really simple, this is perfect! It’s a puzzle made of wooden numbers.

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      counting game with cupcake puzzle

      Pom Pom Counting Cupcakes 

      This activity uses soft pom poms and wooden cupcakes for early counting. It strengthens fine motor skills too.

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      counting toy for young kids

      Math Shapes Puzzle 

      This wooden puzzle lets your toddler match both the number with the correct amount of shapes.

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      count the chocolate chip cookie game

      Count the Cookies

      This count the cookie chips game is a fun way to learn numbers! The game comes with a cute cookie jar too!

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      Hand-Eye Coordination Game – Hatch the Egg

      Hand-Eye Coordination Game – Hatch the Egg

      Hand-Eye Coordination Game – Hatch the Egg

      hand eye coordination game for toddlers hatch the egg chick

      This hand-eye coordination game is a fun way for toddlers to strengthen this oh so important gross motor skill!

      Setting it up is simple with our free printable baby chick! Read on to get it!

      A Fun Hand-Eye Coordination Game for Toddlers 

      Hand-eye coordination is all about the hands and eyes working together. It’s the process by which hands accurately coordinate with information processed by the vision system. This is a skill that is developed during the early years and instrumental for completion of simple daily tasks like pouring a glass of water to more advanced actions in playing sports.

      For another hand-eye coordination coordination game, don’t miss our DIY Fishing Game for Toddlers!

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      Watch How to Set Up and Play This Hand-Eye Coordination Game!

      Here’s a quick video showing how easy it is to set up this hand-eye coordination game! Using a toy hammer to crack the eggs is such a fun sensory experience! Plus, it is a fun game to play during Spring time! 

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      Watch How to Set Up and Play This Hand-Eye Coordination Game!

      Here’s a quick video showing how easy it is to set up this hand-eye coordination game! Using a toy hammer to crack the eggs is such a fun sensory experience! Plus, it is a fun game to play during Spring time! 

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      hatch the egg hand eye coordination printable activity worksheet for toddlers

      Get the Free Printable Baby Chick!

      The prep work and set-up could not be easier! You don’t have to spend a lot of time buying lots of supplies either. And since we know grown ups are busy, grab our Hatch the Egg printable so you don’t have to draw one!

      For more activities you can easily print, including our bundle of +20 Easter-Themed Activities, visit our Printable Shop.

      To santize egg shells, rinse them under water, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 250F for 20 minutes.

      Read on for the step by step instructions and the educational benefits of this hand-eye coordination game for toddlers!

      Materials

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      Download and cut out our free printable baby chick.

      Step 2

      Place a white paper plate underneath to form the “egg.”

      Step 3

      Place santized eggs inside a plastic bag and place on top of the white paper plate. Alternatively, use plastic wrap on top and secure it with tape.

       

      Step 4

      For extra security, tape the plate and plastic bag down.

      Step 5

      Provide a toy hammer and task your toddler to help the chick hatch by cracking the eggs!

      Step 1

      Download and cut out our free printable baby chick.

      Step 2

      Place a white paper plate underneath to form the “egg.”

      Step 3

      Place santized eggs inside a plastic bag and place on top of the white paper plate. Alternatively, use plastic wrap on top and secure it with tape.

      Step 4

      For extra security, tape the plate and plastic bag down.

      Step 5

      Provide a toy hammer and task your toddler to help the chick hatch by cracking the eggs!

      easter and spring themed worksheets printables

      More Easter and Spring-Themed Activities!

      For more Easter and Spring-Themed activities you have to check out our +20 Easter and Spring-Themed Printables! It includes over 20 activities for practicing early childhood education skills, including alphabet recognition, number recognition, comparisons, tracing, writing, coloring, counting, color recognition, shapes, patterning, and so much more.

      We aim to create fun hands on printables for every season and holiday, like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day to name a few!

      Educational Benefits of this Hand-Eye Coordination Game!

      This activity is such a fun hand-eye coordination game. Hand-eye coordination is so important in our daily lives, from pouring a cup of water, to reading and writing, to catching a ball.

      In this game, hand-eye coordination is being strengthened as the eyes register where the eggshells are located and where to place the hammer down to make impact. Through the course of this game, movements can become more refined and accurate.

      This activity is also a fun way to talk about the life cycle of a chicken! Explain how a chicken begins as an embryo in an egg, then becomes a hatchling, followed by a chick, and finally an adult chicken!

      hand eye coordination game for toddlers hatch the egg chick
      hand eye coordination game for toddlers hatch the egg chick

      Educational Benefits of the Hatch the Egg Activity

      This activity is such a fun hand-eye coordination game. Hand-eye coordination is so important in our daily lives, from pouring a cup of water, to reading and writing, to catching a ball.

      In this game, hand-eye coordination is being strengthened as the eyes register where the eggshells are located and where to place the hammer down to make impact. Through the course of this game, movements can become more refined and accurate.

      This activity is also a fun way to talk about the life cycle of a chicken! Explain how a chicken begins as an embryo in an egg, then becomes a hatchling, followed by a chick, and finally an adult chicken!

      More Hand-Eye Coordination Games For Toddlers

      Hand-eye coordination spans from big actions to small actions, here are a few ways kiddos can continue to strengthen this skill while playing!

      basketball hoop for hand-eye coordination game

      Basketball Hoop

      This indoor and outdoor basketball hoop adjusts to six heights from 2.5 to 4 feet. Great for motor skills!

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      wooden shape threading for hand-eye coordination game

      Wooden Threading

      These chunky wooden shapes are great for little hands to thread. It includes 8 differently shaped beads and a stylus with a thread.

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      peg toy for hand-eye coordination game

      Pounding Toy

      This classic pounding toy includes a wooden mallet. Great for strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

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      velcro baseball and mitt for hand-eye coordination game

      Velcro Balls and Mitts

      This velcro set of mitts and balls is great for young kids just learning how to throw and catch balls!

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      Best Learning Toys for Kids

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      Colorful Rainbow Craft

      Colorful Rainbow Craft

      Colorful Rainbow Craft 

      Here’s a fun rainbow craft that will brighten your day! Perfect for preschool, toddlers, and beyond!

      Read on to find out what materials you’ll need, how easy this is to set up, and the benefits of sensory-based crafts!

      What’s better than making beautiful artwork out of everyday items? Cardboard and cotton balls are such a fun canvas that you can easily make!

      Plus, using liquid watercolors and a dropper to paint the cotton balls allows the art process to slow down. A child will be able to concentrate on each color of the rainbow, and beautifully soak in the colors just like the cotton balls!

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      Watch the video to see the rainbow craft in action!

      This is a wonderfully hands on experience from start to finish. Children can first enjoy the process of building the shape of a rainbow with cotton balls, using glue to place one layer down at a time. Almost appearing like a big cloud, children will be excited to fill those cotton balls up with colors!

      Using droppers to apply the colors to the cotton balls provides an added fine motor skill experience.  It is truly not only a perfect rainbow craft for preschool, but also a great at-home activity!

      Watch the video to see the rainbow craft in action!

      This is a wonderfully hands on experience from start to finish. Children can first enjoy the process of building the shape of a rainbow with cotton balls, using glue to place one layer down at a time. Almost appearing like a big cloud, children will be excited to fill those cotton balls up with colors!

      Using droppers to apply the colors to the cotton balls provides an added fine motor skill experience.  It is truly not only a perfect rainbow craft for preschool, but also a great at-home activity!

      Materials 

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      Brush a layer of Mod Podge (or glue if you don’t have any) over the entire piece of cardboard.

      Step 2

      Stick the cotton balls onto the glue in a rainbow shape. (The extra glue on the sides will dry and provide a water-resistant area for wiping any excess water color that might miss the cotton ball!)

       

      Step 3

      Now make those cotton balls vibrant! Use a dropper and liquid watercolor or a paintbrush with paints and explore how the cotton balls absorb color!

      Step 1

      Brush a layer of Mod Podge (or glue if you don’t have any) over the entire piece of cardboard.

      Step 2

      Stick the cotton balls onto the glue in a rainbow shape. (The extra glue on the sides will dry and provide a water-resistant area for wiping any excess water color that might miss the cotton ball!)

      Step 3

      Now make those cotton balls vibrant! Use a dropper and liquid watercolor or a paintbrush with paints and explore how the cotton balls absorb color!

      Benefits of sensory based crafts

      The benefits of sensory based activities are so amazing! From hand-eye coordination, to fine motor skills, and has been said to even build nerve connection in the brain.

      And did I mention how calming sensory play can be? Sensory play is so immersive and long lasting! I find that my children engage in sensory activities for much longer than other types of activities! Definitely not your 5 minutes and done type of set up!

      Combine sensory play with a craft and the results are truly amazing! The tactile nature of cotton balls, using liquid watercolors and the droppers allows for a unique experience with a colorful keepsake to be proud of!

      Free Printable Dot the Rainbow Activity

      Want an extra easy way to craft the rainbow? Head on over to my printable shop and download this free Dot the Rainbow activity!

      Use a dot marker, cotton swab, cotton ball, or other art tool to complete the rainbow! This fun and free printable is a great activity for color recognition and fine motor skills!

      This is just one of many more free printables for you and your little ones to enjoy!

      Looking for pre-assembled rainbow crafts and kits?

      Here are my top picks for rainbow crafts and kits you can buy!

      Rainbow Craft Supply Kit

      This craft supply kit comes with over 300 vibrant pieces, plus it comes with a rainbow-shaped storage case!

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      6 DIY Rainbow Crafts

      This fun kit comes with 6 unique DIY colorful arts and crafts projects! No additional supplies needed! 

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      Rainbow Weaving Kit

      This is a vibrant way to craft while working on patterning skills! It comes with 8 plywood shapes and 144 strips!

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      Rainbow Wall Hanging Kit

      This DIY rainbow wall hanging kit is not only a great craft, but also an fun way to make beautiful home decor!

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      Color Mixing Green – Make the Leaf Activity

      Color Mixing Green – Make the Leaf Activity

      Color Mixing Green – Make the Leaf Activity

      color mixing green activity blue and yellow colors make

      This color mixing green activity is a fun way to explore how primary colors make a secondary color.

      Best part for the grown ups? It is a mess free! I’ll show you how easy it is to set up this simple project that teaches children the basics of primary and secondary colors!

      Explore What Color Blue and Yellow Create, and More! 

      For the super color mixing fan, we have an awesome (and FREE) printable that allows kids to explore colors, mixing, shades, and tints! Keep reading to get it!

      This activity is super adaptable. Celebrating Easter? Combine yellow and red to make a carrot! Is it Valentine’s Day? Combine white and red to make a pink heart! Is Spring in the air? Combine blue and red to make a purple flower. The options are endless!

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      How to Make This Color Mixing Green Leaf Activity

      This is quick to set up from materials you likely already have at home!  You don’t need any special art skills either – it’s so easy! Such a visual way to understand color mixing green.

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      How to Make This Color Mixing Green Leaf Activity

      This is quick to set up from materials you likely already have at home!  You don’t need any special art skills either – it’s so easy! Such a visual way to understand color mixing green.

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      What Are Primary and Secondary Colors?

      The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. When primary colors combine, they create secondary colors. To make orange – combine yellow and red. To make purple – combine blue and red. And finally, to make green – combine yellow and blue!

      Understanding primary and secondary colors is half the fun! Next comes the concept of shades and tints. When black is added to a color it becomes a darker shade. When white is added to a color it becomes a lighter tint!

      We love this color mixing green leaf activity because it provides a real life object to better understand colors and how they combine to resemble something tangible!

      Materials 

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      On a piece of cardboard, trace the outline of a leaf and then use a sharp knife to cut out the shape.

      Step 2

      To remove the white label on the plastic bag all you need to do is rub it off with an alcohol swab or a cotton swab soaked in nail polish.

      Step 3

      Put the yellow and blue paints inside separate parts of the bag to avoid mixing.

      Step 4

      Close the bag while removing the air bubbles.

      Step 5

      Tape the top of the bag to ensure it doesn’t leak.

      Step 6

      Tape the plastic bag down to the table and then tape the cardboard down to the table as well (to avoid it moving around while your child is mixing the colors).

      Step 1

      On a piece of cardboard, trace the outline of a heart and then use a sharp knife to cut out the shape.

      Step 2

      To remove the white label on the plastic bag all you need to do is rub it off with an alcohol swab or a cotton swab soaked in nail polish.

      Step 3

      Put the red and white paints inside separate parts of the bag to avoid mixing.

      Step 4

      Close the bag while removing the air bubbles.

      Step 5

      Tape the top of the bag to ensure it doesn’t leak.

      Step 6

      Tape the plastic bag down to the table and then tape the cardboard down to the table as well (to avoid it moving around while your child is mixing the colors).

      FREE Printable Activity for Exploring Color Mixing

      If your kiddo asking questions like – yellow and blue make what color? You can’t miss our printable Hands on Color Mixing Activities. This printable set has 5 unique activities for exploring color mixing!

      Enjoy coloring and distinguishing each of the colors in the rainbow! Then, learn all about what happens when primary colors mix to form secondary colors. Next, learn about shades (making colors darker) and tints (making colors lighter). And finally, go over all those concepts in a final round up review!

      FREE Printable Activity for Exploring Color Mixing

      If your kiddo asking questions like – red and white make what color? You can’t miss our printable Hands on Color Mixing Activities. This printable set has 5 unique activities for exploring color mixing!

      Enjoy coloring and distinguishing each of the colors in the rainbow! Then, learn all about what happens when primary colors mix to form secondary colors. Next, learn about shades (making colors darker) and tints (making colors lighter). And finally, go over all those concepts in a final round up review!

      St. Patrick’s Day Printable Activities

      If you are learning about color mixing green during St. Patrick’s Day (like we did, hence the clover and shamrock!), don’t miss our St. Patrick’s Day printable activities.

      It includes 20 activities for practicing early childhood education skills, including alphabet recognition, number recognition, comparisons, tracing, writing, coloring, counting, color recognition, shapes, patterning, and so much more.

      The trim the leprechaun’s beard activity was one of my kid’s favorites!

      Store-Bought Color Mixing Toys

      Here are my top picks for store-bought items that teach color mixing for kids!

      Color Mixing Glasses

      Layer colored lenses in the plastic glasses to see different shades of colors all around you!

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      Steve Spangler Science Color Fizzers

      This set of 100 tablets comes in primary colors. You can mix the colored water to create different colors.

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      Splash of Color Kit

      This great kit includes a mini mixing tray, color mixing tablets, and pipettes for creating an amazing splash of colors!

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      Watercolor Set

      This set includes paint, brushes, and paper. Watercolors are a classic way to watch colors mix and create new shades.

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      How to Make Cocoa Playdough – Soft, Chocolate-Scented Fun!

      How to Make Cocoa Playdough – Soft, Chocolate-Scented Fun!

      How to Make Cocoa Playdough – Soft, Chocolate-Scented Fun!

      cocoa play dough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box

      Make homemade cocoa playdough for a soft, chocolate-scented sensory play experience! Easy recipe + fun chocolate box setup for kids.

      What is Cocoa Playdough?

      Cocoa playdough is a homemade, chocolate-scented sensory dough that’s soft, moldable, and perfect for kids to explore. Unlike real chocolate, it’s completely mess-free but still has that rich, cozy cocoa aroma that makes playtime extra fun. This easy DIY recipe is perfect for Valentine’s Day, a baking-themed play setup, or just a creative afternoon activity. I’ve paired it with a recycled chocolate box, heart-shaped cookie cutters, and fun playdough tools like a rolling pin and slicer to create an engaging sensory play invitation. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make cocoa playdough and set up an inviting play space your kids will love!

      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

      Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

      Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

      Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

      Want to see how easy it is to make cocoa playdough at home? Watch the video below, where I walk you through the simple steps to mix up this soft, chocolate-scented dough and set up a fun sensory play invitation using a recycled chocolate box, heart cookie cutters, and the 7 Days of Play sensory table!

       

      Watch How to Make Cocoa Playdough!

      Want to see how easy it is to make cocoa playdough at home? Watch the video below, where I walk you through the simple steps to mix up this soft, chocolate-scented dough and set up a fun sensory play invitation using a recycled chocolate box, heart cookie cutters, and the 7 Days of Play sensory table!

      Sensory table for sensory bins foldable

      Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

      Incorporating this foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

      BUY IT HERE!
      cocoa play dough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box

      Materials

      How to Make Cocoa Playdough (Step-by-Step)

      Step 1
      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.
      Step 2
      Stir in the vegetable oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
      Step 3
      Slowly add the boiling water a little at a time, stirring constantly with a spoon.
      Step 4
      Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, knead in a few drops of water.
        Step 5

        Place the cocoa playdough in a recycled chocolate box with heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other fun playdough tools.

        How to Store Cocoa Playdough

        To keep your cocoa playdough soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If possible, press out excess air before sealing to prevent drying out. Properly stored, the playdough should last 2-3 weeks. If it starts to feel dry, knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness. Always check for signs of mold or spoilage before reuse, especially if little hands have been playing with it frequently!

          Step 1
          In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.
          Step 2
          Stir in the vegetable oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
          Step 3
          Slowly add the boiling water a little at a time, stirring constantly with a spoon.
          Step 4
          Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, knead in a few drops of water.
          Step 5

          Place the cocoa playdough in a recycled chocolate box with heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other fun playdough tools.

          How to Store Cocoa Playdough

          To keep your cocoa playdough soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If possible, press out excess air before sealing to prevent drying out. Properly stored, the playdough should last 2-3 weeks. If it starts to feel dry, knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness. Always check for signs of mold or spoilage before reuse, especially if little hands have been playing with it frequently!

           

          Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

          Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

          Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

            cocoa play dough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box
            cocoa play dough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box

            Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

            Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

            Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

            More Sensory Bin Ideas to Explore

            Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!

            ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

            Ocean Animals and Beach Bin

            READ MORE
            diy sensory sand play taste safe toddler baby

            Taste Safe Sand

            READ MORE
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            Taste Safe Foam

            READ MORE
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            Taste Safe Mud

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            Taste Safe Slime

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            Colorful Cherrios

            READ MORE
            spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

            Spaghetti Cutting

            READ MORE
            lemonade sensory bin in foldable sensory table by 7 days of play

            Lemonade Sensory Bin

            READ MORE
            Discover the magic of color mixing for kids using Oobleck. This is a great hands on way to discover primary and secondary colors!

            Color Mixing with Oobleck

            READ MORE
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            Rainbow Ice Cream Bin

            READ MORE
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            Pumpkin Soup Bin

            READ MORE
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            Fizzy Cubes

            READ MORE

            More Sensory Bases to Explore

            Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!

            sensory sand play for kids

            Sensory Sand

            SHOP NOW
            mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

            Modelling Dough

            SHOP NOW
            rainbow rice for sensory play

            Rainbow Rice

            SHOP NOW
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            Slime & Putty Kit

            SHOP NOW

            What’s Next?

            Best Learning Toys for Kids

            Best Learning Toys for Kids

            Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

            read more
            Chia Slime Recipe: How to Make Taste-Safe, Squishy Sensory Play Fun

            Chia Slime Recipe: How to Make Taste-Safe, Squishy Sensory Play Fun

            Chia Slime Recipe: How to Make Taste-Safe, Squishy Sensory Play Fun

            chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world

            Make a fun, taste-safe chia slime recipe for kids! This squishy, mess-free sensory play idea is easy to make and great for hands-on learning.

            What is Chia Slime?

            Looking for a fun and squishy sensory play idea that’s easy to make and taste-safe for kids? Say hello to chia slime!This gooey, stretchy, and naturally textured slime is perfect for little hands to explore. Made with simple ingredients like chia seeds and water, it’s a safe and non-toxic alternative to traditional slimes. Because chia seeds are edible, this slime is a great option for younger kids who might still be in the phase of exploring with their mouths. Whether your child loves messy play or you’re looking for a hands-on activity to boost their fine motor skills, this chia slime recipe is a must-try. Plus, the best part? It’s easy to clean up and provides endless hours of fun!

            All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

            Chia Slime Benefits for Kids

            Want to see chia slime in action? Watch this quick video where I walk you through how to make chia slime step by step and set it up in our 7 Days of Play sensory table! You’ll see just how simple it is to create this taste-safe, sensory-friendly slime, plus some fun ways to play with it.

            Why chia slime? Unlike regular slime that uses glue and borax, chia slime is completely taste-safe—making it a great option for toddlers and younger kids!

            Playing with chia slime isn’t just fun—it’s also an educational and sensory-rich experience for kids! This taste-safe slime helps develop fine motor skills as little hands squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the gooey texture. It also supports tactile exploration, giving children a chance to experience different textures and resistance, which is great for sensory development. Plus, sensory play has been shown to promote focus, creativity, and early STEM skills as kids experiment with cause and effect—like noticing how chia slime changes when stretched or mixed with other materials. Whether you’re using it for messy play, calming sensory activities, or early childhood learning, chia slime is a fantastic way to keep little hands engaged while fostering hands-on discovery!

            Chia Slime Benefits for Kids

            Want to see chia slime in action? Watch this quick video where I walk you through how to make chia slime step by step and set it up in our 7 Days of Play sensory table! You’ll see just how simple it is to create this taste-safe, sensory-friendly slime, plus some fun ways to play with it.

            Why chia slime? Unlike regular slime that uses glue and borax, chia slime is completely taste-safe—making it a great option for toddlers and younger kids!

            Playing with chia slime isn’t just fun—it’s also an educational and sensory-rich experience for kids! This taste-safe slime helps develop fine motor skills as little hands squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the gooey texture. It also supports tactile exploration, giving children a chance to experience different textures and resistance, which is great for sensory development. Plus, sensory play has been shown to promote focus, creativity, and early STEM skills as kids experiment with cause and effect—like noticing how chia slime changes when stretched or mixed with other materials. Whether you’re using it for messy play, calming sensory activities, or early childhood learning, chia slime is a fantastic way to keep little hands engaged while fostering hands-on discovery!

            Sensory table for sensory bins foldable

            Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

            Incorporating this foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

            BUY IT HERE!

            Materials

            • Optional: Food coloring for fun colors
            • Scoops and Bowls
            • Figurines and other Loose Parts (pictured are dinosaurs, rocks, and leaves, but keep reading for 5 more small world set ups you can combine with chia slime!

            How to Make Chia Slime (Step-by-Step)

            Step 1: Hydrate Chia Seeds
            • In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with water.
            • Stir well and let them sit for 4-6 hours or overnight until they become a thick, gel-like consistency.
            Step 2: Add Cornstarch
            • Start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch to the hydrated chia gel.
            • Mix with a spoon or hands. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more cornstarch until you reach a slime-like consistency
            Step 3: Customize Texture
            • If it feels too dry, add a little water.
            • If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.
            Step 4: Play & Store
            • Knead and stretch the slime for sensory fun!
            • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it dries out, mix in a little water to refresh it.

            Step 1: Hydrate Chia Seeds
            • In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with water.
            • Stir well and let them sit for 4-6 hours or overnight until they become a thick, gel-like consistency.
            Step 2: Add Cornstarch
            • Start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch to the hydrated chia gel.
            • Mix with a spoon or hands. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more cornstarch until you reach a slime-like consistency
            Step 3: Customize Texture
            • If it feels too dry, add a little water.
            • If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.
            Step 4: Play & Store
            • Knead and stretch the slime for sensory fun!
            • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it dries out, mix in a little water to refresh it.

            6 Chia Slime Small World Play Setups

            Dinosaur World 🦖

            • Dinosaur Figurines
            • Small dinosaur eggs (use marbles or beads)
            • Fossil or bone figurines for an excavation play idea
            • Leaves and Rocks

            Under the Sea Theme 🌊

            • Small sea creatures (octopus, fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish)
            • Mini mermaid or diver figurines
            • Tiny shells or coral pieces
            • Boat or submarine toys

            Swamp Adventure 🐊

            • Frogs, turtles, alligators, and snakes
            • Small explorer figurines (like a jungle adventurer)
            • Dragonflies or butterflies
            • Mini trees, grass, or logs for added realism

            Outer Space Galaxy 🌌

            • Astronaut mini-figures
            • Mini alien figures
            • Rocket ship and UFO toys
            • Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets

            chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world

            Bug and Garden Theme 🐛

                • Butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars
                • Mini gnomes or fairies for a magical garden touch
                • Mushroom or flower figurines
                • Tiny gardening tools (plastic shovels, watering cans)

            Monster or Fantasy Slime 🧌

                • Mini monster figures (squishy monsters, little trolls)
                • Tiny wizard, knight, or dragon figurines
                • Crystal or gem stones for magical play
                • Glow-in-the-dark eyeballs or spooky elements

            chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world

            6 Chia Slime Small World Play Setups

            Dinosaur World 🦖

            • Dinosaur Figurines
            • Small dinosaur eggs (use marbles or beads)
            • Fossil or bone figurines for an excavation play idea
            • Leaves and Rocks

            Under the Sea Theme 🌊

            • Small sea creatures (octopus, fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish)
            • Mini mermaid or diver figurines
            • Tiny shells or coral pieces
            • Boat or submarine toys

            Swamp Adventure 🐊

            • Frogs, turtles, alligators, and snakes
            • Small explorer figurines (like a jungle adventurer)
            • Dragonflies or butterflies
            • Mini trees, grass, or logs for added realism

            Outer Space Galaxy 🌌

            • Astronaut mini-figures
            • Mini alien figures
            • Rocket ship and UFO toys
            • Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets

            Bug and Garden Theme 🐛

            • Butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars
            • Mini gnomes or fairies for a magical garden touch
            • Mushroom or flower figurines
            • Tiny gardening tools (plastic shovels, watering cans)

            Monster or Fantasy Slime 🧌

            • Mini monster figures (squishy monsters, little trolls)
            • Tiny wizard, knight, or dragon figurines
            • Crystal or gem stones for magical play
            • Glow-in-the-dark eyeballs or spooky elements

              More Sensory Bin Ideas to Explore

              Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!

              ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

              Ocean Animals and Beach Bin

              READ MORE
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              Taste Safe Sand

              READ MORE
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              Taste Safe Foam

              READ MORE
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              Taste Safe Mud

              READ MORE
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              Taste Safe Slime

              READ MORE
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              Colorful Cherrios

              READ MORE
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              Spaghetti Cutting

              READ MORE
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              Lemonade Sensory Bin

              READ MORE
              Discover the magic of color mixing for kids using Oobleck. This is a great hands on way to discover primary and secondary colors!

              Color Mixing with Oobleck

              READ MORE
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              Rainbow Ice Cream Bin

              READ MORE
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              Pumpkin Soup Bin

              READ MORE
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              Fizzy Cubes

              READ MORE

              More Sensory Bases to Explore

              Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!

              sensory sand play for kids

              Sensory Sand

              SHOP NOW
              mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

              Modelling Dough

              SHOP NOW
              rainbow rice for sensory play

              Rainbow Rice

              SHOP NOW
              slime kit sensory play for kids

              Slime & Putty Kit

              SHOP NOW

              What’s Next?

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

              read more

              Red and White Make What Color: Mix the Heart

              Red and White Make What Color: Mix the Heart

              Red and White Make What Color? Mix the Heart

              This mix the heart activity is a perfect way to answer the question: red and white make what color?

              Best part for the grown ups? It is a mess free way to explore color mixing! I’ll show you how easy it is to set up this simple project that teaches children the basics of blending colors!

              Explore, Red and White Make What Color, and More! 

              Plus, for the super color mixing fan, we have an awesome (and FREE) printable that allows kids to explore colors, mixing, shades, and tints! Keep reading to get it!

              This activity is super adaptable. Celebrating Easter? Make a carrot! Is Spring in the air? Combine blue and red to make a purple flower. The options are endless!

              All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

              Skills:
              Ages: 
              Prep Time:

              Watch the Video to Answer the Question – Red and White Make What Color?

              Your child is going to really enjoy this activity! If your kiddo is asking questions about color mixing, like red and white make what color, then this is something fun to create together!

              This is quick to set up from materials you likely already have at home!  You don’t need any special art skills either – it’s so easy!

              Watch the Video to Answer the Question – Red and White Make What Color?

              Your child is going to really enjoy this activity! If your kiddo is asking questions about color mixing, like red and white make what color, then this is something fun to create together!

              This is quick to set up from materials you likely already have at home!  You don’t need any special art skills either – it’s so easy!

              What Are Shades and Tints?

              In addition to asking the question – red and white make what color? –  this activity is a great opportunity to discuss what shades and tints are.

              First off, let’s make sure your kiddos have a basic understanding of primary and secondary colors. Primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. Secondary colors are created after mixing primary colors together. They are green, orange, and purple.

              Understanding shades and tints takes color mixing to the next level! Shades are when black is added to a color to give it a darker tone. And you can change the tint of a color by adding white to make it a lighter tone.

              By adding white to the color red, you are making the tint lighter to become pink!

              Materials 

              Step-by-Step Instructions 

              Step 1

              On a piece of cardboard, trace the outline of a heart and then use a sharp knife to cut out the shape.

              Step 2

              Remove the white label on the plastic bag all you need to do is rub it off with an alcohol swab or a cotton swab soaked in nail polish.

              Step 3

              Put the red and white paints inside separate parts of the bag to avoid mixing.

              Step 4

              Close the bag while removing the air bubbles.

              Step 5

              Tape the top of the bag to ensure it doesn’t leak.

              Step 6

              Tape the plastic bag down to the table and then tape the cardboard down to the table as well (to avoid it moving around while your child is mixing the colors).

              Step 1

              On a piece of cardboard, trace the outline of a heart and then use a sharp knife to cut out the shape.

              Step 2

              Remove the white label on the plastic bag all you need to do is rub it off with an alcohol swab or a cotton swab soaked in nail polish.

              Step 3

              Put the red and white paints inside separate parts of the bag to avoid mixing.

              Step 4

              Close the bag while removing the air bubbles.

              Step 5

              Tape the top of the bag to ensure it doesn’t leak.

              Step 6

              Tape the plastic bag down to the table and then tape the cardboard down to the table as well (to avoid it moving around while your child is mixing the colors).

              Printable Activity for Exploring Color Mixing

              If your kiddo asking questions like – red and white make what color? You can’t miss our printable Hands on Color Mixing Activities. This printable set has 5 unique activities for exploring color mixing!

              Enjoy coloring and distinguishing each of the colors in the rainbow! Then, learn all about what happens when primary colors mix to form secondary colors. Next, learn about shades (making colors darker) and tints (making colors lighter). And finally, go over all those concepts in a final round up review!

              Printable Activity for Exploring Color Mixing

              If your kiddo asking questions like – red and white make what color? You can’t miss our printable Hands on Color Mixing Activities. This printable set has 5 unique activities for exploring color mixing!

              Enjoy coloring and distinguishing each of the colors in the rainbow! Then, learn all about what happens when primary colors mix to form secondary colors. Next, learn about shades (making colors darker) and tints (making colors lighter). And finally, go over all those concepts in a final round up review!

              Store-Bought Color Mixing Toys

              Here are my top picks for store-bought items that teach color mixing for kids!

              Color Mixing Glasses

              Layer colored lenses in the plastic glasses to see different shades of colors all around you!

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              Steve Spangler Science Color Fizzers

              This set of 100 tablets comes in primary colors. You can mix the colored water to create different colors.

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              Splash of Color Kit

              This great kit includes a mini mixing tray, color mixing tablets, and pipettes for creating an amazing splash of colors!

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              Watercolor Set

              This set includes paint, brushes, and paper. Watercolors are a classic way to watch colors mix and create new shades.

              SHOP NOW

              What’s Next?

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

              read more

              Scented Play Dough – How to Make Rose Swirls

              Scented Play Dough – How to Make Rose Swirls

              Scented Play Dough – How to Make Rose Swirls 

              scented play dough rose valentine's day kid activity school gift

              This rose scented play dough recipe smells divine! It is a fun activity to do around Valentine’s Day. Keep on reading to find out how we make it!

              Give A Scented Play Dough Gift!  

              After you make this scented play dough, you may want to give it to all your friends (like we did!). Put the play dough into a small jar and pair it with a heart-shaped cookie cutter and rolling pin and you’ve got the most adorable Valentine’s gift for kids!

              This play dough recipe is sensory-packed! Not only is including a scent amazing, but the swirls are so easy to make and fun to look at. Once kids begin to play with the dough, it also becomes a lesson on color mixing – what color does white and red make when combined?!

              All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

              Skills:
              Ages: 
              Prep Time:

              How to Make Swirl Rose Scented Play Dough!

              Watch the video to see how easy it is to make this play dough recipe! You’ll see that my son (age 3 years old at the time) enjoyed doing most of the steps on his own!

              Grown ups, of course, will need to mix in the boiling water. And, depending on a child’s age, it may be preferred for a grown up to create the layers and cut the dough into swirly sections!

              How to Make Swirl Rose Scented Play Dough!

              Watch the video to see how easy it is to make this play dough recipe! You’ll see that my son (age 3 years old at the time) enjoyed doing most of the steps on his own!

              Grown ups, of course, will need to mix in the boiling water. And, depending on a child’s age, it may be preferred for a grown up to create the layers and cut the dough into swirly sections!

              Easy to Make Play Dough – Tips and Tricks!

              Mix while hot, but use caution! 

              I wear gloves and mix the *very hot* play dough by hand to make sure that the dough is kneaded thoroughly, which spreads the heat, dissolving the granules to make a smooth texture. Don’t have your kiddos do this part!

              Why is my batch too sticky?

              Too much water was added! If too sticky add a little more flour.

              Why is my batch too dry?

              Not enough water was added! If too dry add a little more water.

              Do I need to add oil?

              The coconut oil gives the dough a super silky texture. You could also use glycerine. Alternatively, other vegetable oil will work too, but I’ve found that coconut oil makes it super silky!

              What is cream of tartar, and do I need it?

              The cream of tartar is a preservative and it makes the play dough have a longer shelf life. You can omit it, but the dough will not last as long!

              scented play dough rose valentine's day kid activity school gift

              How can I store and how long does it last?

              Play dough can last up to 6 months if stored in a sealed container. We like using 4oz jars as pictured below. But with all things that kid’s touch, there is risk of germs entering once touched, so always be sure to look for mold – seen as black dots. If black dots form, it’s time to throw out!

              Materials

              Step-by-Step Instructions 

              Step 1

              Mix together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

              Step 2

              Add the rose extract and coconut oil.

              Step 3

              Add food coloring into the 3/4 cup of water.

              Step 4

              Boil the water. (In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.)

              Step 5

              Mix the water into the flour mixture, transferring to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

               

              Step 6

              Repeat above recipe except skip the food coloring to make plain white play dough.

              Step 7

              Roll out 2 layers of white and 2 layers of red.

              Step 8

              Stack the layers on top of each other in red, white, red, white order.

              Step 9

              Use the rolling pin to flatten all the layers together a little more.

              Step 10

              From bottom to top, roll the play dough into a roll to desired thickness.

              Step 11

              Cut into individual portions and enjoy!

              Step 1

              Mix together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

              Step 2

              Add the rose extract and coconut oil.

              Step 3

              Add food coloring into the 3/4 cup of water.

              Step 4

              Boil the water. (In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.)

              Step 5

              Mix the water into the flour mixture, transferring to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

              Step 6

              Repeat above recipe except skip the food coloring to make plain white play dough.

              Step 7

              Roll out 2 layers of white and 2 layers of red.

              Step 8

              Stack the layers on top of each other in red, white, red, white order.

              Step 9

              Use the rolling pin to flatten all the layers together a little more.

              Step 10

              From bottom to top, roll the play dough into a roll to desired thickness.

              Step 11

              Cut into individual portions and enjoy!

              The Importance of Playing with Play Dough

              Playing with play dough in general is such a sensory rich experience. The tactile experience provides wonderful hand strengthening opportunities. Rolling, squeezing, twisting, pulling, and more — all of these actions are great for fine motor skills.

              When you add a scent into play dough, it takes the sensory experience to the next level. This recipe had rose extract, but you could incorporate lots of different types of scents. Lavender, for example, would be a great way option for a calming, soothing recipe!

              For more sensory play activities visit our comprehensive list!

              scented play dough rose valentine's day kid activity school gift
              scented play dough rose valentine's day kid activity school gift

              The Importance of Playing with Play Dough

              Playing with play dough in general is such a sensory rich experience. The tactile experience provides wonderful hand strengthening opportunities. Rolling, squeezing, twisting, pulling, and more — all of these actions are great for fine motor skills.

              When you add a scent into play dough, it takes the sensory experience to the next level. This recipe had rose extract, but you could incorporate lots of different types of scents. Lavender, for example, would be a great way option for a calming, soothing recipe!

              For more sensory play activities visit our comprehensive list!

               

              More Sensory Bases to Explore

              Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy!

              sensory sand play for kids

              Sensory Sand

              Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

              SHOP NOW
              mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

              Modelling Dough

              This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

              SHOP NOW
              play dough wild dough sensory

              Premium Play Dough

              This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

              SHOP NOW
              slime kit sensory play for kids

              The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

              This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

              SHOP NOW

              What’s Next?

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

              read more
              Snowman Sensory Bag: A Fun Winter Activity for Kids

              Snowman Sensory Bag: A Fun Winter Activity for Kids

              Snowman Sensory Bag: A Fun Winter Activity for Kids

              snowman sensory bag

              Create a snowman sensory bag using cotton balls, gel, and a plastic bag. A fun winter activity for toddlers to boost fine motor skills!

              Snowman Sensory Bag Activity to Build Fine Motor Skills

              Winter is the perfect time for creative indoor activities, and a snowman sensory bag is a fantastic way to keep toddlers and young kids engaged while helping them develop fine motor skills. This mess-free activity uses simple household supplies to create a fun and interactive experience. Kids will love “building” their own snowman by pushing cotton balls into place, all while strengthening their hand-eye coordination. It’s easy to set up, endlessly entertaining, and perfect for those chilly days indoors. Let’s get started on making your very own snowman sensory bag!

              All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

              Benefits of a Snowman Sensory Bag Activity

              A snowman sensory bag isn’t just a fun winter craft—it’s a fantastic tool for helping toddlers and young kids develop essential skills. The act of pushing the cotton balls into the snowman outline encourages fine motor skill development, which is crucial for tasks like writing, drawing, and even buttoning clothes. By engaging in this hands-on activity, kids also build hand-eye coordination and strengthen the small muscles in their fingers and hands. These foundational skills are vital for everyday tasks and set the stage for future milestones.

              Beyond the physical benefits, sensory play is excellent for cognitive and emotional growth. Activities like the snowman sensory bag spark creativity and problem-solving as kids figure out how to move the cotton balls into place. It’s also calming and helps with focus, making it a great option for moments when your little one needs to wind down. Plus, with its winter theme, this activity is a festive way to embrace the season while offering meaningful playtime. It’s a win-win for both kids and parents!

              Benefits of a Snowman Sensory Bag Activity

              A snowman sensory bag isn’t just a fun winter craft—it’s a fantastic tool for helping toddlers and young kids develop essential skills. The act of pushing the cotton balls into the snowman outline encourages fine motor skill development, which is crucial for tasks like writing, drawing, and even buttoning clothes. By engaging in this hands-on activity, kids also build hand-eye coordination and strengthen the small muscles in their fingers and hands. These foundational skills are vital for everyday tasks and set the stage for future milestones.

              Beyond the physical benefits, sensory play is excellent for cognitive and emotional growth. Activities like the snowman sensory bag spark creativity and problem-solving as kids figure out how to move the cotton balls into place. It’s also calming and helps with focus, making it a great option for moments when your little one needs to wind down. Plus, with its winter theme, this activity is a festive way to embrace the season while offering meaningful playtime. It’s a win-win for both kids and parents!

              snowman sensory bag

              Materials

              Step-by-Step Instructions 

              Step 1

              Prepare the Bag: Use an alcohol swab or a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to remove any branding or labels from the front of the plastic bag. Let it dry completely.

              Step 2

              Draw the Snowman: With a black permanent marker, draw the outline of a snowman on the front of the bag. Add details like eyes, buttons, and a scarf, then use an orange marker to draw the carrot nose. Let the marker dry for a few minutes to avoid smudging.

              Step 3

              Add the Hair Gel and Cotton Balls: Open the bag and pour a generous amount of clear hair gel inside. Add a handful of cotton balls (adjust based on the size of your snowman outline).

               

              Step 4

              Seal the Bag: Press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag tightly. For extra security, you can tape the seal with clear packing tape to prevent leaks during play.

              Step 5

              Play and Build the Snowman: Lay the bag flat on a table or surface and invite your child to push the cotton balls into the snowman outline using their fingers. Encourage them to fill in all the spaces to “build” the snowman. When done, wipe the outside of the bag if needed and store it for future play. The sensory bag can be reused multiple times!

              Step 1

              Prepare the Bag: Use an alcohol swab or a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to remove any branding or labels from the front of the plastic bag. Let it dry completely.

              Step 2

              Draw the Snowman: With a black permanent marker, draw the outline of a snowman on the front of the bag. Add details like eyes, buttons, and a scarf, then use an orange marker to draw the carrot nose. Let the marker dry for a few minutes to avoid smudging.

              Step 3

              Add the Hair Gel and Cotton Balls: Open the bag and pour a generous amount of clear hair gel inside. Add a handful of cotton balls (adjust based on the size of your snowman outline).

              Step 4

              Seal the Bag: Press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag tightly. For extra security, you can tape the seal with clear packing tape to prevent leaks during play.

              Step 5

              Play and Build the Snowman: Lay the bag flat on a table or surface and invite your child to push the cotton balls into the snowman outline using their fingers. Encourage them to fill in all the spaces to “build” the snowman. When done, wipe the outside of the bag if needed and store it for future play. The sensory bag can be reused multiple times!

              Christmas Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

              And guess what? We’ve got Christmas printables to make your holiday season magical! Explore our Christmas Printables Bundle featuring activities like shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice —just to name a few skills! With these versatile printables, you can enjoy festive crafting and learning while creating unforgettable holiday memories. 

              GET THE PRINTABLE
              halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills
              halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

              Christmas Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

              And guess what? We’ve got Christmas printables to make your holiday season magical! Explore our Christmas Printables Bundle featuring activities like shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice —just to name a few skills! With these versatile printables, you can enjoy festive crafting and learning while creating unforgettable holiday memories. 

              GET THE PRINTABLE

              More Fun Christmas Crafts and Activities to Explore

              Looking for even more ways to make the season magical? Check out these fun and festive Christmas activities that the whole family will love!

              christmas craft ideas

              +50 Christmas Craft Ideas

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              Christmas breakfast ideas

              24 Easy and Fun Christmas Breakfast Ideas

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              christmas movie night

              Christmas Movie Night

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              q-tip skeleton craft cotton swabs sensory play dough

              How to Make Fake Snow

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              What’s Next?

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Best Learning Toys for Kids

              Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

              read more

              12 Taste Safe Sensory Play Ideas Kids Will Love (and You’ll Love Too!)

              12 Taste Safe Sensory Play Ideas Kids Will Love (and You’ll Love Too!)

              12 Taste Safe Sensory Play Ideas Kids Will Love (and You’ll Love Too!)

              taste safe sensory play

              Explore taste-safe sensory play recipes that are fun, safe, and spark creativity in kids. Perfect for messy play without the worry!

              Taste-Safe Sensory Play Ideas for Fun, Safe Exploration!

              Looking for a creative way to keep your kids entertained that’s both fun and worry-free? Taste-safe sensory play is the perfect answer! Whether it’s squishing, scooping, or pouring, these hands-on activities let kids explore textures and colors in a completely safe way. Plus, they’re easy to set up using ingredients you probably already have at home. Get ready to dive into a world of messy, imaginative fun with ideas your little ones will love!

              As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

              12 Fun and Creative Taste-Safe Sensory Play Recipes

              Ready to ignite your child’s senses? These taste-safe sensory play recipes are easy to make, engaging, and totally safe for little explorers!

              diy sensory sand play taste safe toddler baby

              TASTE-SAFE SENSORY SAND

              Crumbly and moldable, this taste-safe sand is made with simple pantry ingredients for endless digging fun.

              RECIPE HERE!
              how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

              TASTE SAFE MUD

              A gooey, chocolatey mixture that looks messy but is completely edible and perfect for pretend play.

              RECIPE HERE!
              chocolate play dough

              TASTE SAFE FOAM

              Fluffy and bubbly, this taste-safe foam adds a sensory twist to any playtime activity.

                RECIPE HERE!
                slime for toddlers

                TASTE SAFE SLIME

                Stretchy and squishy, this taste-safe slime is made out of natural ingredients, perfect for curious little hands and mouths.

                RECIPE HERE!
                edible play dough pudding mix

                12 TASTE-SAFE PLAY DOUGH RECIPES

                Soft, colorful, and easy to shape, these recipes are so taste-safe, they are actually edible!

                RECIPE HERE!
                oobleck science experiment with corn starch and water

                COLORFUL OOBLECK

                A magical mix that shifts between solid and liquid, offering endless sensory exploration for kids.

                RECIPE HERE!
                spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

                RAINBOW SENSORY SPAGHETTI

                Vibrant and slippery, this colorful spaghetti is a sensory delight kids can squish, swirl, and even nibble on.

                RECIPE HERE!
                ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

                TASTE-SAFE OCEAN

                Create a sensory beach scene with wiggly blue jello as water and ground cereal as the sandy shore—fun and edible!

                RECIPE HERE!
                taste safe recipe paint

                TASTE-SAFE PAINT

                Blend plain yogurt with food coloring to create vibrant, taste-safe finger paints.

                taste safe cloud dough recipe

                CLOUD DOUGH 

                Mix 2 cups of pre-heated flour with 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until it forms a soft, moldable texture

                taste safe snow recipe

                TASTE SAFE SNOW

                Mix 3 cups of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of vegetable oil to make soft, fluffy snow.

                  taste safe water beads tapioca

                  TASTE SAFE WATER BEADS

                  Cook tapioca pearls according to the package, rinse with cold water, and place them in a bin for colorful sensory play.

                  figurines

                  Figurine Sets to Elevate Sensory Play!

                  Pairing figurines with sensory play takes the fun to a whole new level by encouraging imaginative storytelling and role-playing. One of our top recommendations is Schleich figures. These high-quality, realistic toys are incredibly durable and come in a wide variety of themes, from farm animals and dinosaurs to safari creatures and mythical beasts. Their lifelike details spark creativity and help kids create entire worlds within their sensory bins, whether it’s a jungle adventure, a farmyard scene, or a magical fairy tale. Schleich figures are built to last, making them a worthwhile investment for countless sensory play sessions.

                   

                  CHECK THEM OUT!

                  Figurine Sets to Elevate Sensory Play!

                  Pairing figurines with sensory play takes the fun to a whole new level by encouraging imaginative storytelling and role-playing. One of our top recommendations is Schleich figures. These high-quality, realistic toys are incredibly durable and come in a wide variety of themes, from farm animals and dinosaurs to safari creatures and mythical beasts. Their lifelike details spark creativity and help kids create entire worlds within their sensory bins, whether it’s a jungle adventure, a farmyard scene, or a magical fairy tale. Schleich figures are built to last, making them a worthwhile investment for countless sensory play sessions.

                  CHECK THEM OUT!
                  figurines

                  What’s Next?

                  Best Learning Toys for Kids

                  Best Learning Toys for Kids

                  Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

                  read more

                  84 Fun and Easy Halloween Crafts and Activities for Kids in 2024

                  84 Fun and Easy Halloween Crafts and Activities for Kids in 2024

                  84 Fun and Easy Halloween Crafts and Activities for Kids

                  halloween crafts and activities

                  Get into the spooky spirit with these 84 Halloween crafts and activities for kids! Easy and fun ideas to make Halloween extra special.

                  Get Crafty with These 84 Fun Halloween Crafts and Activities

                  Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with your kids! Whether you’re looking for spooky crafts to decorate your home or fun activities to keep the little ones entertained, we’ve got you covered.

                  From easy DIY Halloween crafts to interactive games, these ideas will bring out the festive spirit while giving your family some crafty fun. So, grab your glue sticks and googly eyes, and let’s dive into 84 Halloween crafts and activities that will make this season unforgettable!

                  Your Ultimate List of Halloween Craft and Activity Ideas

                  From creepy crafts to playful activities, here’s a list of Halloween ideas that are easy, fun, and perfect for celebrating the season!

                  spider craft zip tie race

                  Racing Spider Crafts

                  Click below for the step by step instructions for creating these simple spider crafts with zip tie legs!

                  READ MORE!
                  halloween sensory bin jack o lantern orange rice dye

                  Halloween Themed Sensory Bin

                  Click below for the step by step instructions for creating this fun Halloween themed sensory play bin for toddlers.

                   

                  READ MORE!
                  monster craft disposable glove cup blow up

                  Blow Up Monster Craft

                  Click below for the step by step instructions for creating this monster craft using a disposable glove and paper cup.

                    READ MORE!
                    halloween sensory bag color mixing science pumpkin red and yellow make orange

                    Pumpkin Color Mix Sensory Bag

                    Click below for the step by step instructions for creating a pumpkin sensory bag where kids can learn what color red and yellow make!

                    READ MORE!
                    Get Crafty this Halloween with Printable Halloween Crafts! Transform bat, spider web, and pumpkin printables into tactile masterpieces. Use hot glue to trace the lines, creating ridges that guide kids' watercoloring for a spooktacular artistic adventure.

                    Hot Glue Halloween Arts & Crafts

                    Click below for the step by step instructions and free templates for creating these fun arts and crafts!

                    READ MORE!
                    q-tip skeleton craft cotton swabs sensory play dough

                    Skeleton Play Dough

                    Click below for the step by step instructions for creating black play dough and using it with cotton swabs to make skeletons!

                    READ MORE!
                    shapes craft monster learn about shapes

                    Shape Monster Craft

                    Click below for the step by step instructions for creating these simple monster crafts to help kids learn all about shapes! 

                      READ MORE!
                      skeleton printable puzzle using cotton swabs sensory bag

                      Skeleton Sensory Bag

                      Click below for the step by step instructions for creating a sensory bag activity all about building a skeleton with cotton swabs!

                      READ MORE!
                      spider handprint craft

                      Paper Plate Spiders

                      Click below for the step by step instructions for creating handprint spiders inside a paper plate and threading yarn to make a web!

                      READ MORE!
                      make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

                      12 Halloween Color By Number

                      Click the link below to get the printable set of 12 color by number activities including simple number recognition, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division!

                      GET THE PRINTABLE!
                      shrinky dink handprint ghost craft

                      Handprint Ghost Keychain

                      Click below for the step by step instructions for creating mini handprint keychain keepsakes!

                        READ MORE!
                        halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

                        Halloween Printable Bundle

                        Click below to get the link to this fun bundle of Halloween themed activities!

                        GET THE PRINTABLE!
                        pumpkin craft idea paper plate jack o lantern halloween

                        Paper Plate Pumpkin Mask

                        Create a fun pumpkin mask by painting a paper plate orange and adding a jack-o’-lantern face, complete with a stick for holding.

                        pumpkin patch handprint craft

                        Handprint Pumpkin Keepsakes

                        Capture the season with this adorable craft by painting your child’s handprints inside a pumpkin outline for a unique and personal keepsake.

                         

                        fall handprint craft wreath

                        Nature Collage Pumpkin Craft

                        Cut out a pumpkin shape from cardboard and fill it with natural elements like leaves, twigs, and berries, then glue them down for a textured fall-themed decoration.

                          halloween pumpkin rock stone jack o lanterns

                          Pumpkin Painted Rocks

                          For this pumpkin craft idea, paint smooth rocks with orange and black jack-o’-lantern faces for a simple and charming fall decoration.

                          20 Halloween Themed Coloring Pages - Printable

                          20 Halloween Coloring Pages

                          Click the link below to get the printable set of 20 fun Halloween coloring sheets!

                          GET THE PRINTABLE!
                          make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

                          Pumpkin Soup Oobleck

                          Click the link below to get the step by step instructions on how to make pumpkin themed oobleck!

                          READ MORE!
                          diy ghost decorations for halloween

                          DIY Ghost

                          Click the link below to get the step by step instructions for making this budget-friendly ghost that you can hang up like a lantern outside!

                            READ MORE!
                            jelly sensory play spooky halloween fine motor skills bugs brain zombie with oobleck

                            Jello Zombie Brain

                            Click the link below to get the step by step instructions for make a zombie brain with gelatin filled with bugs for kids to dissect!

                            READ MORE!
                            squirrel handprint craft

                            Pumpkin Seed Counting Game

                            Cut out pumpkin shapes from orange paper, write numbers on each, and glue the corresponding number of pumpkin seeds to create a fun counting activity for kids.

                              thanksgiving activity for toddlers turkey feathers

                              Pasta Pumpkin Craft

                              Arrange colorful pasta shapes on a pumpkin outline and glue them down to create a textured, fun fall craft using pantry staples.

                              paper plate pumpkin craft halloween

                              Paper Plate Pumpkin Face Craft

                              Transform a paper plate into a fun pumpkin face using construction paper for the features and a green stem.

                              pumpkin craft idea with seeds halloween

                              Pumpkin Seed Mosaic Craft

                              Glue dyed pumpkin seeds onto a pumpkin template to create a colorful and tactile mosaic.

                              GET FREE TEMPLATE!
                              paper plate black cat halloween craft

                              Black Cat Paper Plate Craft

                              Kids can create a cute black cat by painting a paper plate and adding construction paper ears, whiskers, and googly eyes.

                              witches caludron halloween craft

                              Witch’s Brew Paper Plate Craft

                              Make a bubbling witch’s cauldron by cutting out paper circles and attaching them to a painted paper plate cauldron with a witch’s hat.

                              acorn monsters halloween craft

                              Monster Acorns

                              Paint acorns in bright colors and glue on googly eyes and paper features to create silly monster acorns.

                              ghost paper plate handprints halloween craft

                              Paper Plate Ghost

                              Create a friendly ghost by painting a paper plate white, attaching paper handprints, and drawing a spooky face.

                              halloween activity for toddler pumpkin shape sorter learning play craft

                              DIY Halloween Pumpkin Shape Sorter

                              Click here to learn more about how you can craft this DIY shape sorter toy!

                              READ MORE!
                              pumpkin jack o lantern light craft idea

                              Pumpkin Lantern Mason Jar

                              For this pumpkin craft idea, wrap a mason jar in orange fabric, add a jack-o’-lantern face, and place a tea light inside for a cozy fall lantern.

                              GET FREE TEMPLATE!
                              paper tube pumpkin halloween craft

                              Paper Tube Pumpkin Characters

                              Use recycled paper tubes to make adorable pumpkin characters by decorating them with orange paper, jack-o’-lantern faces, and green stems.

                              pumpkin popsicle stick craft

                              Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Craft

                              Use painted popsicle sticks to create a smiling pumpkin face, complete with googly eyes and a felt stem for a fun and easy fall craft.

                              pinecone monsters halloween craft

                              Pinecone Monsters

                              Transform pinecones into colorful monsters by painting them, adding googly eyes, and gluing on foam horns and teeth.

                              popsicle stick haunted house halloween craft

                              Popsicle Stick Haunted House

                              Use popsicle sticks to build and paint a haunted house, then decorate it with bats and ghosts for a spooky effect.

                              sponge frankenstein halloween craft

                              Frankenstein Sponge Craft

                              Turn an ordinary sponge into Frankenstein by gluing on googly eyes, black felt hair, and stitches made from paper or markers.

                              popsicle stick spider web halloween craft

                              Spider Web Craft

                              Make spider webs using popsicle sticks and yarn, then add a small spider made from felt or buttons for a creepy touch.

                              pumpkin craft idea collage with crumpled paper

                              Crumpled Paper Pumpkin Collage

                              Use crumpled tissue paper in orange and green to fill in a pumpkin outline, creating a textured collage craft.

                              GET FREE TEMPLATE!
                              pumpkin craft idea paper plate photo frame

                              Paper Plate Pumpkin Photo Frame

                              Paint a paper plate orange, cut out the center, and decorate it as a pumpkin frame to showcase your favorite fall photo.

                              pumpkin activities growing pumpkin seeds in a pumpkin making a pumpkin flower pot growing plants in a pumpkin

                              Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

                              Click below to get the full instructions on how to create this too!

                              READ MORE!
                              pumpkin jack o lantern sun catcher craft idea halloween

                              Pumpkin Suncatcher Craft

                              Create vibrant pumpkin suncatchers by layering colorful tissue paper pieces onto a sticky paper, then hang them in the window to catch the autumn light.

                              paper tube monsters halloween craft

                              Toilet Paper Roll Monsters

                              Kids can decorate toilet paper rolls with paint, googly eyes, and paper features to create a variety of fun monsters.

                              ghost jar lantern halloween craft

                              Mummy Mason Jar Lanterns

                              Wrap mason jars with gauze, glue on googly eyes, and place a tealight inside for spooky glowing mummy lanterns.

                              monster party bags halloween craft

                              Monster Party Favor Bags

                              Transform plain paper bags into colorful monsters using construction paper, googly eyes, and glue for fun party favor bags.

                              ghost cotton ball halloween craft

                              Cotton Ball Ghost Craft
                              Create a fluffy ghost by gluing cotton balls onto black paper and adding paper cutout eyes and mouth for a simple ghost craft.

                              pumpkin craft with beads and string

                              Pumpkin Thread and Beads Craft

                              Weave orange thread through a paper pumpkin outline and add beads for a textured fall craft.

                              pumpkin craft idea party favor bag halloween

                              Pumpkin Goodie Bag Craft

                              Make a festive pumpkin-themed goodie bag by decorating a paper bag with a jack-o’-lantern face and a pop-up black cat.

                              pumpkin craft idea handprint halloween

                              Pumpkin Handprint Art

                              For this pumpkin craft idea, Use orange and black paint to turn a handprint into a jack-o’-lantern, complete with a leafy stem for a personal fall touch.

                              pumpkin craft idea acorn halloween

                              Acorn Pumpkin Decorations

                              Transform acorns into adorable pumpkin miniatures by painting them orange and black with jack-o’-lantern faces.

                              monster handprint halloween craft

                              Monster Handprint Craft

                              Trace handprints onto colorful paper and decorate them with googly eyes, sharp teeth, and fun patterns to make monster hands.

                              milk carton haunted house halloween craft

                              Milk Carton Haunted House

                              Paint an empty milk carton black and cut out windows and doors to make a spooky haunted house decoration.

                              paper tube bats halloween craft

                              Toilet Paper Roll Bats

                              Paint toilet paper rolls black, add wings and eyes, and string them up as cute hanging bat decorations.

                              button skeleton halloween craft

                              Button Skeleton Skull

                              Use buttons of different sizes and colors to decorate a paper skull, creating a fun and textured skeleton craft.

                              monster rocks halloween craft

                              Monster Painted Rocks

                              Paint smooth rocks with bright colors, then add googly eyes and silly features to create your own unique monster rocks.

                              pumpkin stress ball

                              Pumpkin Stress Ball

                              Fill an orange balloon with rice, tie it off, and add a jack-o’-lantern face for a fun and squishy pumpkin-themed stress ball.

                              apple print pumpkin craft halloween

                              Apple-Stamped Pumpkin Prints

                              Use halved apples dipped in orange paint to stamp pumpkin shapes on paper, then decorate each with a unique jack-o’-lantern face.

                              pumpkin paper craft idea

                              Paper Square Pumpkin Collage

                              Cut small orange squares of paper and glue them onto a pumpkin-shaped base for a textured and cheerful fall craft.

                              pipe cleaner spider halloween craft

                              Pipe Cleaner Spider Craft

                              Bend black pipe cleaners to form spider legs and glue them to a foam ball, then add googly eyes for a creepy-crawly spider.

                              bat mask halloween craft

                              Bat Paper Plate Mask

                              Cut out bat wings, ears, and a mask from black paper, glue them to a painted paper plate, and add a stick to create a bat mask.

                              black cat scribble art halloween

                              Scribble Black Cat Art

                              Use black chalk to scribble a cat’s body, then add construction paper ears, eyes, and whiskers for a fun and messy black cat craft.

                              q tip skeleton arm halloween craft

                              Q-tip Skeleton Hand

                              Arrange and glue Q-tips on black paper to form a skeleton hand for a simple yet spooky skeleton craft.

                              pumpkin craft idea handprint

                              Pumpkin Handprint Art

                              Paint a large pumpkin on paper and add a white handprint in the center for a sweet and personal autumn keepsake.

                              pumpkin bead craft

                              Beaded Pumpkin Ornament

                              String orange beads onto wire and shape into interlocking rings to create a charming pumpkin ornament perfect for fall decor.

                              paper tube mummy halloween craft

                              Toilet Paper Roll Mummy

                              Wrap a toilet paper roll in strips of cloth, glue on googly eyes, and create an adorable mini mummy decoration.

                              shrinky dink handprint pumpkin craft

                              Pumpkin Shrinky Dink Handprint Keychain

                              Click below for the the step by step directions on how to make shrinky dink handprints!

                                READ MORE!
                                popsicle stick bat halloween craft

                                Popsicle Stick Bat

                                Glue black-painted popsicle sticks together, add googly eyes, and create wings for a bat craft that’s perfect for Halloween.

                                ghost gift bag halloween craft

                                Ghost Party Favor Bag

                                Draw a simple ghost face on a plain paper bag for a spooky and cute party favor or treat bag.

                                handprint black cat halloween craft

                                Handprint Bat Craft

                                Trace your hands onto black paper, cut them out as wings, and glue them to a bat-shaped body for a handprint bat craft.

                                black cat paper tube halloween craft

                                Toilet Paper Roll Black Cats

                                Wrap toilet paper rolls in black paper, add googly eyes, whiskers, and ears for a cute black cat family.

                                fill the pumpkin with buttons craft idea

                                Button Pumpkin Craft

                                Glue assorted orange buttons onto a paper pumpkin cutout for a charming and tactile pumpkin decoration.

                                GET FREE TEMPLATE!
                                pumpkin craft idea halloween paper cup

                                Pumpkin Paper Cups Craft

                                For this pumpkin craft idea, decorate orange paper cups with pumpkin faces and add a leaf on top to create festive table decorations.

                                paper plate spider halloween craft

                                Paper Plate Spider Craft

                                Use black pipe cleaners for legs and googly eyes to create a friendly spider from a paper plate, perfect for Halloween door decor.

                                pumpkin craft idea trace the lines with beads

                                Beaded Pumpkin Outline Craft

                                Trace a pumpkin shape on paper and glue orange beads around the outline for a simple and fun fall project.

                                GET FREE TEMPLATE!
                                halloween party favor plant pot idea

                                Pumpkin Candy Pot Craft

                                Transform a small terracotta pot into a pumpkin-themed candy holder by painting on a jack-o’-lantern face, perfect for treats!

                                pumpkin craft ideas game

                                Poke-a-Pumpkin Game

                                Create a fun interactive game by filling cups with treats, covering them with orange tissue paper, and attaching them to a large pumpkin-shaped board for kids to poke and reveal surprises.

                                Get Crafty this Halloween with Printable Halloween Crafts! Transform bat, spider web, and pumpkin printables into tactile masterpieces. Use hot glue to trace the lines, creating ridges that guide kids' watercoloring for a spooktacular artistic adventure.

                                Yarn-Wrapped Pumpkin Craft

                                Wrap orange yarn around a small paper plate, securing the ends to form a cute pumpkin, and add a black paper stem for a simple yet textured craft.

                                pumpkin craft ideas apple print

                                Apple Stamped Pumpkin Art

                                Use a halved apple as a stamp, dip it in orange paint, and press it onto paper to create charming pumpkin shapes, then decorate with leaves and stems.

                                popsicle stick halloween art and craft

                                Halloween Themed Popsicle Stick Crafts

                                Glue popsicle sticks together, paint them as monsters, witches, and cats, then add googly eyes for a cute and spooky monster wall display.

                                pine cone bat halloween craft

                                Pinecone Bat Craft

                                Glue black paper wings and ears to a pinecone, and add googly eyes to create an adorable bat.

                                clothespin bat halloween craft

                                Clothespin Bat Craft

                                Paint clothespins black, attach paper wings, and create a mini bat that opens and closes with a fun wing-flapping effect.

                                q tip skeleton halloween craft

                                Q-tip Skeleton Craft

                                Arrange Q-tips on black paper to create a full skeleton and add a paper skull for a fun and simple skeleton craft.

                                pumpkin craft ideas photo frame

                                Photo Frame Pumpkin Craft

                                Create a layered paper pumpkin, leaving space in the center for a child’s photo, then decorate it with green paper leaves and display it as a personalized fall keepsake.

                                bubble wrap pumpkin craft

                                Bubble Wrap Pumpkin Craft

                                Paint a piece of bubble wrap orange, cut it into a pumpkin shape, and attach a green paper stem and leaves for textured, fun pumpkin craft ideas.

                                fall leaf pumpkin craft

                                Fall Leaf Pumpkin Craft

                                Glue real or faux autumn leaves onto a cardboard pumpkin cutout, creating a rustic, nature-inspired pumpkin decoration perfect for fall.

                                cardboard pumpkin craft

                                Cardboard Pumpkin Craft

                                Cut a pumpkin shape out of cardboard, paint it orange, and add green paper leaves and a black jack-o’-lantern face for a simple, eco-friendly fall decoration.

                                halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

                                Free Printable Pumpkin Templates for Your Pumpkin Craft Project

                                Enhance your pumpkin crafting experience with our free printable pumpkin templates! Whether you’re working on one of the 40 pumpkin craft ideas shared in this post or creating your own masterpiece, these templates are here to help. Some templates pair perfectly with the specific craft ideas, making it easy to follow along and create festive, seasonal art. Simply download, print, and start crafting with your little ones today!

                                 

                                FREE PRINTABLE

                                Halloween Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

                                Want more Halloween fun? Check out my free Halloween activity bundle, packed with festive printables and ideas to keep the spooky season exciting for your little ones. Explore our exclusive Halloween Printables Bundle with activities that include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few! With our versatile printables, you’ll have a blast decorating and crafting your way to an enchanting Halloween. So, check out all our offerings and let’s make this Halloween unforgettable for the whole family!

                                GET THE PRINTABLE
                                halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills
                                easy pumpkin decorating ideas kids

                                44 Easy Pumpkin Decorating Ideas to do with Your Kids!

                                If you’re enjoying these Halloween craft and activity ideas ideas, we also have pumpkin decorating inspiration for you! In my list of 44 Easy Pumpkin Decorating ideas, you’ll find projects perfect for decorating and carving pumpkins with kids! Pumpkin decorating with kids is one of the best ways to get into the fall spirit, but carving can be messy and a little tricky for little hands. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 44 Easy Pumpkin Decorating Ideas that are totally do-able and that both you and your kids will enjoy.

                                Check out the full list here and get ready to explore even more creative ideas this season!

                                READ MORE!
                                September Activities Checklist - Printable

                                Keep the Spooky Fun Going with More Activities to do in October!

                                There is so much Fall-themed and spooky fun to have in October. October is the perfect month to enjoy some quality time with your family and embrace the thrills of Halloween. To help you make the most of this season, we’ve put together a free printable activity checklist filled with exciting fall-themed activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From pumpkin bowling to creating DIY Halloween costumes and making caramel apples, explore all the 20 fun activities to do in October!

                                FREE PRINTABLE

                                Keep the Spooky Fun Going with More Activities to do in October!

                                There is so much Fall-themed and spooky fun to have in October. October is the perfect month to enjoy some quality time with your family and embrace the thrills of Halloween. To help you make the most of this season, we’ve put together a free printable activity checklist filled with exciting fall-themed activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From pumpkin bowling to creating DIY Halloween costumes and making caramel apples, explore all the 20 fun activities to do in October!

                                FREE PRINTABLE
                                thanksgiving activity for toddlers turkey feathers
                                fall leaf handprint art craft

                                Looking for More? 52 Fall Craft Idea: Apples, Scarecrows, Leaves, and More 

                                If you’re enjoying these pumpkin craft ideas, I’ve got even more seasonal inspiration for you! In my list of 52 fall craft ideas, you’ll find projects perfect for embracing everything we love about autumn. From apple-themed crafts to charming scarecrows and colorful fall leaves, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. These easy and festive projects are ideal for bringing cozy fall vibes into your home, whether you’re decorating or keeping the kids busy on a chilly afternoon.

                                Check out the full list here and get ready to dive into even more creative ideas this season!

                                READ MORE!

                                What’s Next?

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

                                read more

                                How to Make a Pumpkin-Themed Halloween Sensory Bin

                                How to Make a Pumpkin-Themed Halloween Sensory Bin

                                How to Make a Pumpkin-Themed Halloween Sensory Bin

                                halloween sensory bin jack o lantern orange rice dye

                                Create a fun Halloween sensory bin with orange rice and jack-o-lantern faces. Perfect for toddlers to work on fine motor skills while playing!

                                Scoop, Pour, and Play: The Perfect Halloween Sensory Bin for Toddlers

                                Looking for a fun and educational activity for your toddler this Halloween? A Halloween sensory bin is the perfect way to engage little hands and minds in a creative, festive way.

                                This sensory bin combines dyed orange rice and jack-o-lantern containers, encouraging toddlers to scoop, pour, and create their own little pumpkins. It’s a playful way to work on fine motor skills, while also letting kids dive into some spooky seasonal fun!

                                All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                The Benefits of Sensory Play

                                Sensory bins are more than just a fun activity—they help toddlers develop key skills.

                                When little ones practice scooping and pouring, they are working on fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving.

                                This Halloween sensory bin also helps introduce basic math concepts like volume and encourages creative play.

                                Plus, it’s a low-mess activity that offers a festive, hands-on experience for the Halloween season!

                                The Benefits of Sensory Play

                                Sensory bins are more than just a fun activity—they help toddlers develop key skills.

                                When little ones practice scooping and pouring, they are working on fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving.

                                This Halloween sensory bin also helps introduce basic math concepts like volume and encourages creative play.

                                Plus, it’s a low-mess activity that offers a festive, hands-on experience for the Halloween season!

                                halloween sensory bin jack o lantern orange rice dye

                                Materials

                                Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                Step 1

                                Dye the rice: Place your rice in a large zip-top bag. Add a few drops of orange food coloring and a teaspoon of vinegar (or hand sanitizer). Seal the bag and shake until all the rice is evenly coated. Spread the rice out on a tray or baking sheet to dry for about 1–2 hours.

                                Step 2

                                Prepare the containers: While the rice is drying, use a permanent marker to draw fun jack-o-lantern faces on clear containers of various sizes.

                                 

                                Step 3

                                Set up the sensory bin: Once the rice is dry, pour it into a large bin or tray. Arrange the containers and provide your child with scoops, spoons, or small cups for scooping and pouring.

                                Step 4

                                Play: Encourage your toddler to scoop the orange rice and fill the containers, watching as they “transform” into little pumpkins with each scoop.

                                Step 1

                                Dye the rice: Place your rice in a large zip-top bag. Add a few drops of orange food coloring and a teaspoon of vinegar (or hand sanitizer). Seal the bag and shake until all the rice is evenly coated. Spread the rice out on a tray or baking sheet to dry for about 1–2 hours.

                                Step 2

                                Prepare the containers: While the rice is drying, use a permanent marker to draw fun jack-o-lantern faces on clear containers of various sizes.

                                Step 3

                                Set up the sensory bin: Once the rice is dry, pour it into a large bin or tray. Arrange the containers and provide your child with scoops, spoons, or small cups for scooping and pouring.

                                Step 4

                                Play: Encourage your toddler to scoop the orange rice and fill the containers, watching as they “transform” into little pumpkins with each scoop.

                                Halloween Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

                                Want more Halloween fun? Check out my free Halloween activity bundle, packed with festive printables and ideas to keep the spooky season exciting for your little ones. Explore our exclusive Halloween Printables Bundle with activities that include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few! With our versatile printables, you’ll have a blast decorating and crafting your way to an enchanting Halloween. So, check out all our offerings and let’s make this Halloween unforgettable for the whole family!

                                GET THE PRINTABLE
                                halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills
                                halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

                                Halloween Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

                                Want more Halloween fun? Check out my free Halloween activity bundle, packed with festive printables and ideas to keep the spooky season exciting for your little ones. Explore our exclusive Halloween Printables Bundle with activities that include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few! With our versatile printables, you’ll have a blast decorating and crafting your way to an enchanting Halloween. So, check out all our offerings and let’s make this Halloween unforgettable for the whole family!

                                GET THE PRINTABLE

                                More Fun Halloween Crafts and Activities to Explore

                                Looking for more ways to keep the Halloween fun going? Check out these creative activities like pumpkin crafts, a count-the-monster-eyes printable, Q-tip skeleton play dough fun, and a spooky hot glue craft idea!

                                Get Crafty this Halloween with Printable Halloween Crafts! Transform bat, spider web, and pumpkin printables into tactile masterpieces. Use hot glue to trace the lines, creating ridges that guide kids' watercoloring for a spooktacular artistic adventure.

                                Hot Glue Halloween Crafts

                                READ MORE
                                pumpkin craft ideas

                                40 Pumpkin Craft Ideas

                                READ MORE
                                arts and crafts kit sand art

                                Count the Monster Eyes Printable Activity

                                GET THE PRINTABLE
                                q-tip skeleton craft cotton swabs sensory play dough

                                Q-Tip Skeleton Play Dough

                                READ MORE

                                What’s Next?

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

                                read more

                                Hands-On Halloween Sensory Bag: Craft, Play, and Color-Mixing Fun

                                Hands-On Halloween Sensory Bag: Craft, Play, and Color-Mixing Fun

                                Hands-On Halloween Sensory Bag: Craft, Play, and Color-Mixing Fun

                                halloween sensory bag color mixing science pumpkin red and yellow make orange

                                Create a fun and easy pumpkin-themed Halloween sensory bag! Mix colors, enjoy sensory play, and explore color science. Perfect for Halloween!

                                Halloween Sensory Bag: Simple Pumpkin Craft with Science Twist

                                Looking for a Halloween activity that’s fun, crafty, and a bit educational? This pumpkin-themed Halloween sensory bag is just what you need! Kids will love the magic of watching yellow and red paint combine to make orange, all while exploring sensory textures and creating their very own pumpkin masterpiece. It’s the perfect mix of science, craft, and sensory play for the spooky season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween playdate or just looking for a fun weekend project, this sensory bag will keep little hands busy and engaged. Let’s dive into how to make your very own Halloween sensory bag that’s both fun and easy!

                                Hands on Learning: Educational Benefits of a Halloween Sensory Bag

                                This pumpkin-themed Halloween sensory bag offers more than just spooky fun—it’s an opportunity for kids to explore early science concepts like color mixing and cause-and-effect. As they squish and swirl the paint inside the bag, children see firsthand how yellow and red combine to create orange, helping to build a foundational understanding of color theory. This hands-on experience not only makes learning fun but also reinforces these basic scientific principles in an engaging, memorable way.

                                In addition to science, this activity supports sensory development and fine motor skills. The act of squeezing and pressing the bag strengthens hand muscles, which are essential for fine motor control, while the sensory input from the paint helps children explore different textures and sensations. This multi-sensory approach is perfect for tactile learners and offers a calming, focused activity that’s beneficial for both playtime and learning.

                                All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                Hands on Learning: Educational Benefits of a Halloween Sensory Bag

                                This pumpkin-themed Halloween sensory bag offers more than just spooky fun—it’s an opportunity for kids to explore early science concepts like color mixing and cause-and-effect. As they squish and swirl the paint inside the bag, children see firsthand how yellow and red combine to create orange, helping to build a foundational understanding of color theory. This hands-on experience not only makes learning fun but also reinforces these basic scientific principles in an engaging, memorable way.

                                In addition to science, this activity supports sensory development and fine motor skills. The act of squeezing and pressing the bag strengthens hand muscles, which are essential for fine motor control, while the sensory input from the paint helps children explore different textures and sensations. This multi-sensory approach is perfect for tactile learners and offers a calming, focused activity that’s beneficial for both playtime and learning.

                                All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                halloween sensory bag color mixing science pumpkin red and yellow make orange

                                Materials

                                Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                Step 1

                                Take a piece of cardboard and cut out a pumpkin-shaped hole in the center. Make sure the hole is large enough for the plastic bag to fit through and leave space for a pumpkin stem at the top. Draw the stem on the cardboard above the cutout.

                                Step 2

                                Remove the white label on the plastic bag using nail polish remover. Inside the bag, add a generous amount of yellow paint on one side and red paint on the other. Keep the colors separate for now. Seal the bag tightly, and for extra security, you can reinforce the seal with clear tape.

                                Step 3

                                Using a black permanent marker, draw a jack-o’-lantern face on the outside of the bag. This will make the sensory bag look like a pumpkin once it’s placed inside the cardboard cutout.

                                 

                                Step 4

                                Place the cardboard frame on top of the plastic bag and use painter’s tape to secure it to a table or flat surface. This keeps the frame from moving around while your child plays and mixes the paint.

                                Step 5

                                Encourage your child to press and squish the bag, watching as the yellow and red paint mix together to form orange. They’ll see their “pumpkin” come to life as they mix the colors inside the jack-o’-lantern face. While your child plays, engage them in conversation about what’s happening. Ask questions like, “What do you think will happen when we mix the colors?” or “What other colors might we make if we added more?” Once your child is done playing, you can leave the cardboard frame taped to the table as a Halloween decoration or store the sensory bag for more squishy fun later.

                                Step 1

                                Take a piece of cardboard and cut out a pumpkin-shaped hole in the center. Make sure the hole is large enough for the plastic bag to fit through and leave space for a pumpkin stem at the top. Draw the stem on the cardboard above the cutout.

                                Step 2

                                Remove the white label on the plastic bag using nail polish remover. Inside the bag, add a generous amount of yellow paint on one side and red paint on the other. Keep the colors separate for now. Seal the bag tightly, and for extra security, you can reinforce the seal with clear tape.

                                Step 3

                                Using a black permanent marker, draw a jack-o’-lantern face on the outside of the bag. This will make the sensory bag look like a pumpkin once it’s placed inside the cardboard cutout.

                                Step 4

                                Place the cardboard frame on top of the plastic bag and use painter’s tape to secure it to a table or flat surface. This keeps the frame from moving around while your child plays and mixes the paint.

                                Step 5

                                Encourage your child to press and squish the bag, watching as the yellow and red paint mix together to form orange. They’ll see their “pumpkin” come to life as they mix the colors inside the jack-o’-lantern face. While your child plays, engage them in conversation about what’s happening. Ask questions like, “What do you think will happen when we mix the colors?” or “What other colors might we make if we added more?” Once your child is done playing, you can leave the cardboard frame taped to the table as a Halloween decoration or store the sensory bag for more squishy fun later.

                                Halloween Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

                                And guess what? We’ve got more Halloween printables up our sleeve to make your spooky season even more special. Explore our exclusive Halloween Printables Bundle with activities that include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few! With our versatile printables, you’ll have a blast decorating and crafting your way to an enchanting Halloween. So, check out all our offerings and let’s make this Halloween unforgettable for the whole family!

                                GET THE PRINTABLE
                                halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills
                                halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

                                Halloween Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

                                And guess what? We’ve got more Halloween printables up our sleeve to make your spooky season even more special. Explore our exclusive Halloween Printables Bundle with activities that include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few! With our versatile printables, you’ll have a blast decorating and crafting your way to an enchanting Halloween. So, check out all our offerings and let’s make this Halloween unforgettable for the whole family!

                                GET THE PRINTABLE

                                More Fun Halloween Crafts and Activities to Explore

                                Looking for more ways to keep the Halloween fun going? Check out these creative activities like pumpkin crafts, a count-the-monster-eyes printable, Q-tip skeleton play dough fun, and a spooky hot glue craft idea!

                                Get Crafty this Halloween with Printable Halloween Crafts! Transform bat, spider web, and pumpkin printables into tactile masterpieces. Use hot glue to trace the lines, creating ridges that guide kids' watercoloring for a spooktacular artistic adventure.

                                Hot Glue Halloween Crafts

                                READ MORE
                                pumpkin craft ideas

                                40 Pumpkin Craft Ideas

                                READ MORE
                                arts and crafts kit sand art

                                Count the Monster Eyes Printable Activity

                                GET THE PRINTABLE
                                q-tip skeleton craft cotton swabs sensory play dough

                                Q-Tip Skeleton Play Dough

                                READ MORE

                                What’s Next?

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

                                read more

                                How to Make Salt Paintings for Kids

                                How to Make Salt Paintings for Kids

                                How to Make Salt Paintings for Kids

                                salt painting for kids

                                Salt paintings for kids are fun and easy! With a few supplies, create beautiful textured art using our templates or your own designs.

                                Transform Glue and Salt into Art: Salt Paintings for Kids

                                Salt paintings for kids are a fun and creative way to make art with just a few simple supplies. By combining glue, salt, and watercolors, children can create beautiful, textured art that’s both easy and engaging. It’s especially cool to see the watercolor spread through the salt, creating mesmerizing visual effects. Whether they prefer freehand designs or want to use our printable designs for more precise patterns, this activity offers endless possibilities. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to seal their masterpieces to prevent flaking and keep them looking great. Let’s explore the colorful world of salt paintings and inspire your kids’ artistic skills!

                                All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                Why Salt Paintings for Kids Are More Than Just Fun

                                Salt paintings for kids offer a range of benefits beyond just creating beautiful art. This activity combines art, fine motor skills, sensory play, and even science too, making it both fun and educational.

                                As children draw with glue and sprinkle salt, they develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The tactile sensation of the salt and the vibrant colors of the watercolors provide a rich sensory experience that can be both calming and stimulating.

                                Plus, this project encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing kids to explore their artistic abilities in a fun, hands-on way.

                                And there’s a fascinating science aspect to it as well, which we’ll delve into more deeply towards the end of the post.

                                Why Salt Paintings for Kids Are More Than Just Fun

                                Salt paintings for kids offer a range of benefits beyond just creating beautiful art. This activity combines art, fine motor skills, sensory play, and even science too, making it both fun and educational.

                                As children draw with glue and sprinkle salt, they develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The tactile sensation of the salt and the vibrant colors of the watercolors provide a rich sensory experience that can be both calming and stimulating.

                                Plus, this project encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing kids to explore their artistic abilities in a fun, hands-on way.

                                And there’s a fascinating science aspect to it as well, which we’ll delve into more deeply towards the end of the post.

                                Use these sheets for coloring, or create textured art by applying glue and a sensory base of your choice (like sand or salt).

                                Freehand vs. Template Designs for Salt Paintings

                                When it comes to creating salt paintings, both freehand and template designs offer unique advantages. Freehand drawing with glue allows kids to explore their creativity and experiment with their own patterns, making each piece a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This approach fosters imagination and gives children the freedom to express themselves in any way they choose. On the other hand, using our template designs can make the process easier and more precise. Our templates include a variety of seasonal and non-seasonal designs too, providing options for all occasions. Whether kids are creating spontaneous designs or following a template, both methods enhance their artistic skills and provide for a super engaging experience.

                                DOWNLOAD HERE

                                Materials

                                salt painting for kids
                                salt painting for kids

                                Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                Step 1

                                Use white glue to draw your design directly onto the cardstock or watercolor paper. For precise designs, use the printable templates to trace a design.

                                Step 2

                                While the glue is still wet, sprinkle table salt evenly over the glue. Shake off any excess salt to avoid clumping.

                                Step 3

                                Using a brush, gently apply watercolors to the salt. Watch as the colors spread and interact with the salt, creating vibrant, textured effects.

                                Step 4

                                Allow the artwork to dry completely. This can take several hours depending on the amount of glue and paint used.

                                Step 5

                                Once dry, seal the artwork with a clear spray sealer or a thin layer of clear glue to prevent the salt from flaking off. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.

                                Step 1

                                Use white glue to draw your design directly onto the cardstock or watercolor paper. For precise designs, use the printable templates to trace a design.

                                Step 2

                                While the glue is still wet, sprinkle table salt evenly over the glue. Shake off any excess salt to avoid clumping.

                                Step 3

                                Using a brush, gently apply watercolors to the salt. Watch as the colors spread and interact with the salt, creating vibrant, textured effects.

                                Step 4

                                Allow the artwork to dry completely. This can take several hours depending on the amount of glue and paint used.

                                Step 5

                                Once dry, seal the artwork with a clear spray sealer or a thin layer of clear glue to prevent the salt from flaking off. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.

                                Exploring the Science Behind Salt Paintings for Kids

                                Salt paintings for kids aren’t just an artistic activity; they’re a fantastic way to introduce basic scientific concepts. When children watch the watercolor spread through the salt, they observe capillary action in action—this is the same process that helps plants draw water from the soil up through their stems. As the watercolors travel along the salt, kids can see how liquid moves through porous materials. Additionally, this project offers a hands-on lesson in absorption and crystallization. Kids learn that salt absorbs water, causing the vibrant colors to move and blend in fascinating ways. This blend of art and science encourages curiosity and a deeper understanding of how the world works, making learning both fun and visually captivating. 

                                salt painting for kids

                                 

                                salt painting for kids

                                Exploring the Science Behind Salt Paintings for Kids

                                Salt paintings for kids aren’t just an artistic activity; they’re a fantastic way to introduce basic scientific concepts. When children watch the watercolor spread through the salt, they observe capillary action in action—this is the same process that helps plants draw water from the soil up through their stems. As the watercolors travel along the salt, kids can see how liquid moves through porous materials. Additionally, this project offers a hands-on lesson in absorption and crystallization. Kids learn that salt absorbs water, causing the vibrant colors to move and blend in fascinating ways. This blend of art and science encourages curiosity and a deeper understanding of how the world works, making learning both fun and visually captivating. 

                                Fun Arts and Crafts Kits and Supplies!

                                For even more creative fun, here are some fantastic arts and crafts kits and supplies that will keep your kids engaged and inspired.

                                cool art supplies magic water elf fairy kit

                                Water Creatures Kit

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                                magic marbling art kit

                                Marbling Art Kit

                                SHOP NOW
                                cool art supplies refillable paint washable palette

                                Refillable Paint Palette 

                                SHOP NOW
                                cool art supplies color changing markers

                                Color Changing Markers

                                SHOP NOW
                                glow in the dark paint sticks

                                Glow in the Dark Paint Sticks: a cool art supply used as face/body paint that you can also use on paper!

                                SHOP NOW
                                cool art supplies mess free paint palette

                                Mess Free Paint Palette

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                                cool art supplies spin art kit

                                Spin Art Kit

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                                cool art supplies moon lamp kit

                                Moon Lamp Kit

                                SHOP NOW

                                What’s Next?

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

                                read more

                                DIY Lemonade Sensory Bin: A Fun ‘L is for Lemonade’ Activity

                                DIY Lemonade Sensory Bin: A Fun ‘L is for Lemonade’ Activity

                                DIY Lemonade Sensory Bin: A Fun ‘L is for Lemonade” Activity

                                lemonade sensory bin in foldable sensory table by 7 days of play

                                How to make a lemonade sensory bin for kids. This ‘L is for Lemonade’ activity promotes imaginative play and letter learning!

                                Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Lemonade Sensory Bin

                                When it comes to nurturing kids’ development through interactive play, few activities match the appeal and educational benefits of a well-crafted sensory experience like this lemonade sensory bin. This setup cleverly blends the refreshing concept of lemonade with sensory play essentials, such as vibrant yellow rice, artificial citrus pieces, and imaginative ice props. It’s not just about fun; this activity engages children’s senses deeply while subtly reinforcing letter recognition—making it an ideal “L is for Lemon or Lemonade” activity. Keep reading to find the step by step instructions and links to materials we used!

                                All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                The Impact of a Lemonade Sensory Bin on Child Development

                                Sensory play is crucial for children’s development, and this lemonade sensory bin offers a perfect blend of fun and learning through sensory exploration.

                                This type of play stimulates multiple senses—touching, seeing, and even smelling—as children interact with materials like the dyed yellow rice, artificial citrus pieces, and pretend ice.

                                These interactions help enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they scoop, pour, and manipulate the items in the bin. Moreover, sensory play fosters cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving and imaginative thinking. In the context of the lemonade sensory bin, kids not only engage in creative play but also learn about colors, textures, and shapes related to the theme of lemonade.

                                This hands-on approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also reinforces letter recognition, tying into the “L is for Lemon or Lemonade” educational aspect. 

                                The Impact of a Lemonade Sensory Bin on Child Development

                                Sensory play is crucial for children’s development, and this lemonade sensory bin offers a perfect blend of fun and learning through sensory exploration.

                                This type of play stimulates multiple senses—touching, seeing, and even smelling—as children interact with materials like the dyed yellow rice, artificial citrus pieces, and pretend ice.

                                These interactions help enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they scoop, pour, and manipulate the items in the bin. Moreover, sensory play fosters cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving and imaginative thinking. In the context of the lemonade sensory bin, kids not only engage in creative play but also learn about colors, textures, and shapes related to the theme of lemonade.

                                This hands-on approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also reinforces letter recognition, tying into the “L is for Lemon or Lemonade” educational aspect. 

                                Sensory table for sensory bins foldable

                                Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

                                Incorporating our foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

                                BUY IT HERE!

                                Materials

                                Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                Prepare the Dyed Rice
                                • Pour uncooked rice into a large sealed container.
                                • Add a few squirts of hand sanitizer (to assist drying)
                                  • Add several drops of yellow food coloring.
                                  • Close the container and shake vigorously until the rice is evenly coated with color.
                                  • Spread the rice out in a thin layer and let dry for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the coloring is fully set and dry to the touch.
                                  Set Up the Sensory Bin
                                  • Pour the dyed yellow rice into the big bin with the scoops.
                                  • Arrange the artificial ice, lemon and lime wedges in a small bin.
                                  • Place the cups and colorful straws in another small bin.
                                  Incorporating “L is for…” into the Activity

                                  To incorporate “L is for…” into this activity, encourage children to identify and interact with items in the sensory bin that start with the letter “L,” such as lemon, lime, and lemonade! You can also include the letter L itself as a manipulative inside the bin of rice to be discovered too.

                                  Prepare the Dyed Rice
                                  • Pour uncooked rice into a large sealed container.
                                  • Add a few squirts of hand sanitizer (to assist drying)
                                    • Add several drops of yellow food coloring.
                                    • Close the container and shake vigorously until the rice is evenly coated with color.
                                    • Spread the rice out in a thin layer and let dry for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the coloring is fully set and dry to the touch.
                                    Set Up the Sensory Bin
                                    • Pour the dyed yellow rice into the big bin with the scoops.
                                    • Arrange the artificial ice, lemon and lime wedges in a small bin.
                                    • Place the cups and colorful straws in another small bin.
                                    Incorporating “L is for…” into the Activity

                                    To incorporate “L is for…” into this activity, encourage children to identify and interact with items in the sensory bin that start with the letter “L,” such as lemon, lime, and lemonade! You can also include the letter L itself as a manipulative inside the bin of rice to be discovered too.

                                    Storage Tips for Your Lemonade Sensory Bin

                                    After your sensory play session with the lemonade sensory bin, follow these steps to tidy up and prepare for future adventures:

                                    1. Gather Items: Collect all materials used, including dyed yellow rice, artificial lemon and lime wedges, artificial ice cubes, plastic cups, scoops, and straws.

                                    2. Store Dyed Rice: Transfer the dyed yellow rice into an airtight container to maintain its freshness and color for future use.

                                    3. Clean Artificial Props: Wash the artificial lemon and lime slices, ice cubes, cups, scoops, and straws with mild soap and water. Ensure they are thoroughly dried before storing to prevent mold.

                                    4. Proper Storage: Store all cleaned items in a cool, dry place to preserve their condition until the next playtime.

                                    lemonade sensory bin in foldable sensory table by 7 days of play
                                    lemonade sensory bin in foldable sensory table by 7 days of play

                                    Storage Tips for Your Lemonade Sensory Bin

                                    After your sensory play session with the lemonade sensory bin, follow these steps to tidy up and prepare for future adventures:

                                    1. Gather Items: Collect all materials used, including dyed yellow rice, artificial lemon and lime wedges, artificial ice cubes, plastic cups, scoops, and straws.

                                    2. Store Dyed Rice: Transfer the dyed yellow rice into an airtight container to maintain its freshness and color for future use.

                                    3. Clean Artificial Props: Wash the artificial lemon and lime slices, ice cubes, cups, scoops, and straws with mild soap and water. Ensure they are thoroughly dried before storing to prevent mold.

                                    4. Proper Storage: Store all cleaned items in a cool, dry place to preserve their condition until the next playtime.

                                    More Sensory Bin Ideas to Explore

                                    Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!

                                    ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

                                    Ocean Animals and Beach Bin

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                                    Fall Sensory Bin

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                                    Discover the magic of color mixing for kids using Oobleck. This is a great hands on way to discover primary and secondary colors!

                                    Color Mixing with Oobleck

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                                    Pumpkin Soup Bin

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                                    More Sensory Bases to Explore

                                    Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!

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                                    Sensory Sand

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                                    Modelling Dough

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                                    Rainbow Rice

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                                    What’s Next?

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                                    Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                    Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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                                    Magnetic Slime Recipe, Awesome & Easy Science Project

                                    Magnetic Slime Recipe, Awesome & Easy Science Project

                                    Magnetic Slime Recipe Awesome and Easy Science Activity

                                    magnetic slime recipe science project for kids

                                    This magnetic slime recipe is the coolest! It is the best excuse to play with slime while learning about what scientific magnetic forces are! The way the slime seemingly “swallows up” the magnet is creepy and cool at the same time – like a black blob coming to life! Keep on reading to learn how easy it is to make!

                                    Where Science Meets Slime

                                    Science and slime go hand and hand. Even when you make a standard slime recipe, there is so much scientific learning going on! Kids can gather a set of ingredients and see how they react with each other to activate a slimy matter you can play with.

                                    This magnetic slime recipe takes it to the next level by adding iron into the mix so that it can interact with a powerful magnet. This will have the kids dive in and be curious to learn more about the science behind magnetic forces.

                                     

                                    Skills:
                                    Ages: 
                                    Prep Time:

                                    Watch How to Make This Magnetic Slime Recipe

                                    Making magnetic slime is so easy! It takes all of a few minutes to mix together, but will result in a tremendous amount of engaged playful learning. Trust me, you’ll be hearing lots of giggles as the black blob-like slime “eats up” the magnet over and over again.

                                    It is so much fun to experiment with how the slime and the magnet interact – hold the magnet from above to see the slime climb up, or hold it to the side to see the slime slither towards it! 

                                    Watch How to Make This Magnetic Slime Recipe

                                    Making magnetic slime is so easy! It takes all of a few minutes to mix together, but will result in a tremendous amount of engaged playful learning. Trust me, you’ll be hearing lots of giggles as the black blob-like slime “swallows up” the magnet over and over again.

                                    It is so much fun to experiment with how the slime and the magnet interact – hold the magnet from above to see the slime climb up, or hold it to the side to see the slime slither towards it! 

                                    magnetic slime recipe science project for kids

                                    Tips on Safely Making This Magnetic Slime Recipe

                                    Black Iron Oxide. This iron powder is what makes the slime magnetic. You’ll want to make sure the grown ups are the only ones who handle the mixing of the powder into the slime to avoid any accidental inhalation or spilling of the bag, because that will result in a big mess! 

                                    Neodymium Magnet. A normal magnet will not be strong enough for this experiment. Instead, you’ll have to get a Neodymium Magnet. Keep in mind that since these magnets are very strong they can be dangerous if there are other strong magnets around your activity space. Be sure to test the environment before conducting the experiment with the kids. Wear gloves and eyewear if there is any uncertainty. What you want to avoid is the magnet attaching to another strong magnet with such force that it shatters.  This can easily happen if you have 2 Neodymium Magnets next to each other.

                                    This activity must be supervised, and the slime is not safe for consumption. Magnets should never be put in the mouth. Wash hands thoroughly after engaging with any kind of slime activity. All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                    Materials

                                    Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                    Step 1

                                    Combine glue with water.

                                    Step 2

                                    Add iron oxide powder (to be done by Adults Only!)


                                    Step 3

                                    Add liquid starch.

                                    Step 4

                                    Stir until combined. Now the magnetic slime recipe is ready for experimentation, so grab your ultra-powerful magnet and enjoy!

                                    Step 1

                                    Combine glue with water.

                                    Step 2

                                    Add iron oxide powder (to be done by Adults Only!)

                                    Step 3

                                    Add liquid starch.

                                    Step 4

                                    Stir until combined. Now this magnetic slime recipe is ready for experimentation, so grab your ultra-powerful magnet and enjoy!

                                    The Science Behind Magnetic Slime Recipe

                                    It goes without saying that this magnetic slime recipe is such a fun way to learn about magnets and magnetic forces! First off, it’s important to know that magnets are all around us – from simply holding up pictures on your refrigerator, to helping cabinets firmly shut, and they are also inside complex devices like phone and computers.

                                    Magnets produce a magnetic field, which is a force that attracts other materials that contain iron. Adding iron to slime allows the slime to become magnetized when you hold it close to a strong neodymium magnet.  

                                    egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

                                    For more fun science experiments, check out our comprehensive list!

                                    egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

                                    The Science Behind Magnetic Slime Recipe

                                    It goes without saying that this magnetic slime recipe is such a fun way to learn about magnets and magnetic forces! First off, it’s important to know that magnets are all around us – from simply holding up pictures on your refrigerator, to helping cabinets firmly shut, and they are also inside complex devices like phone and computers.

                                    Magnets produce a magnetic field, which is a force that attracts other materials that contain iron. Adding iron to slime allows the slime to become magnetized when you hold it close to a strong neodymium magnet.  

                                    For more fun science experiments, check out our comprehensive list!

                                    More Sensory Bases to Explore

                                    Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases.

                                    sensory sand play for kids

                                    Sensory Sand

                                    Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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                                    Modelling Dough

                                    This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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                                    Premium Play Dough

                                    This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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                                    The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

                                    This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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                                    Ocean Sensory Bin: How to Bring the Beach to Your Home

                                    Ocean Sensory Bin: How to Bring the Beach to Your Home

                                    Ocean Sensory Bin: How to Bring the Beach to Your Home

                                    ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

                                    Create a taste-safe ocean sensory bin for kids. Bring the beach home with fun, hands-on activities and marine creatures.

                                    Bring the Beach Home: A Fun and Safe Ocean Sensory Bin

                                    Ready to bring the beach to your home? This taste-safe ocean sensory bin is perfect for toddlers and kids who love to explore and get hands-on. Using blue Jello as the ocean and blended Cheerios as the sand, this setup is not only fun but also safe if they decide to taste-test. Toss in some marine creatures and provide tools like a spoon, ladle, and tongs, and your little one is in for some serious sensory play.

                                    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                    Exploring Taste-Safe Play

                                    Taste-safe play activities are not only fun but also provide a safe environment for toddlers to explore and learn through sensory experiences. In general, taste-safe materials like Jello and blended Cheerios allow children to freely engage with textures and colors without concern. Our ocean sensory bin takes this concept further by incorporating these edible elements to mimic the sea and sand, respectively. The only thing not edible are the marine creatures – though you could grab some of those shark gummies instead of the figurines! 

                                    Exploring Taste-Safe Play

                                    Taste-safe play activities are not only fun but also provide a safe environment for toddlers to explore and learn through sensory experiences. In general, taste-safe materials like Jello and blended Cheerios allow children to freely engage with textures and colors without concern. Our ocean sensory bin takes this concept further by incorporating these edible elements to mimic the sea and sand, respectively. The only thing not edible are the marine creatures – though you could grab some of those shark gummies instead of the figurines! 

                                    ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

                                    Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

                                    Incorporating our foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like our ocean sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

                                    BUY IT HERE!

                                    Materials

                                    Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                    Prepare the Jello
                                    • Follow the instructions on the box (e.g., ours required 2 cups of warm water to dissolve the powder, then add 2 cups of cold water).
                                    • Place marine animal toys or figurines into the Jello. Position them towards the back of the sensory bin where the Jello layer will be deeper to create an underwater effect.
                                    • Place the prepared Jello mixture in the fridge at an incline to set (this took approximately 4 hours for us).

                                    Prepare the Sand

                                    • Blend Cheerios until they resemble a fine powder to create the sand texture.
                                    • Spread the blended Cheerios in the front part of the sensory bin to create the beach area.
                                    • Provide tools such as a spoon, ladle, tongs, and a bin of water to facilitate exploration and interaction with the sensory bin. 
                                    Prepare the Jello
                                    • Follow the instructions on the box (e.g., ours required 2 cups of warm water to dissolve the powder, then add 2 cups of cold water).
                                    • Place marine animal toys or figurines into the Jello. Position them towards the back of the sensory bin where the Jello layer will be deeper to create an underwater effect.
                                    • Place the prepared Jello mixture in the fridge at an incline to set (this took approximately 4 hours for us).
                                    Prepare the Sand
                                    • Blend Cheerios until they resemble a fine powder to create the sand texture.
                                    • Spread the blended Cheerios in the front part of the sensory bin to create the beach area.
                                    • Provide tools such as a spoon, ladle, tongs, and a bin of water to facilitate exploration and interaction with the sensory bin. 

                                    Educational Insights: The Impact of an Ocean Sensory Bin on Early Learning

                                    Engaging with an ocean sensory bin offers a host of educational benefits for toddlers. This activity enhances fine motor skills as children use spoons, ladles, and tongs to pick up marine creatures, promoting hand-eye coordination and precision. It also encourages imaginative play, as toddlers create stories and scenarios with the ocean animals, fostering creativity and language development. Additionally, the sensory experience of different textures, such as the smooth Jello and gritty Cheerios, helps with sensory processing and cognitive development.

                                    ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers
                                    ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

                                    Educational Insights: The Impact of an Ocean Sensory Bin on Early Learning

                                    Engaging with an ocean sensory bin offers a host of educational benefits for toddlers. This activity enhances fine motor skills as children use spoons, ladles, and tongs to pick up marine creatures, promoting hand-eye coordination and precision. It also encourages imaginative play, as toddlers create stories and scenarios with the ocean animals, fostering creativity and language development. Additionally, the sensory experience of different textures, such as the smooth Jello and gritty Cheerios, helps with sensory processing and cognitive development.

                                    More Taste Safe Play Recipes to Explore

                                    Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!

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                                    Fall Sensory Bin

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                                    More Sensory Bases to Explore

                                    Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!

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                                    Sensory Sand

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                                    Modelling Dough

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                                    How to Dye Pasta Bright Colors for Sensory Play

                                    How to Dye Pasta Bright Colors for Sensory Play

                                    How to Dye Pasta Bright Colors for Sensory Play

                                    Learn how to safely dye pasta so your kids can play with it in lots of sensory activities. This is a non-toxic recipe. 

                                    There are so many fun and educational things you can do with dyed pasta. They make the perfect base for sensory play for your kids. When you see brightly-colored pasta in non-edible activities, this is how I made it!

                                    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                    Skills:
                                    Ages: 
                                    Prep Time:
                                    how to dye pasta with liquid watercolor

                                    Dyed Pasta For Sensory Play 

                                    When you are trying to think of things to use for sensory play, pasta is one of the best things. It’s cheap – you can usually find it on sale at the grocery store. Plus, it’s the perfect size for little hands to grip and learn how to pinch and maneuver. 

                                    All the beautiful colors will captivate their imagination and encourage them to engage in artistic play too. They can match colors, create a rainbow, and create patterns. 

                                    This recipe for dyeing pasta for sensory play is the basis for so many activities that you can do later on.  

                                    Watch the Video to See the Color Mixing Carrot in Action!

                                    How To Dye Pasta 

                                    Making your own dyed pasta doesn’t require any special skills.  Visual learners, this one is for you! This really short video shows you exactly how to dye pasta. It’s such a simple tutorial that after you do it once, you’ll be hooked and wonder why it took you so long to go for it! The hardest part? Waiting for it to dry overnight, you’ll want to dig right in! 

                                    How To Dye Pasta 

                                    Making your own dyed pasta doesn’t require any special skills.  Visual learners, this one is for you! This really short video shows you exactly how to dye pasta. It’s such a simple tutorial that after you do it once, you’ll be hooked and wonder why it took you so long to go for it!

                                    The hardest part? Waiting for it to dry overnight, you’ll want to dig right in! 

                                    Materials 

                                    Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                    Step 1

                                    Split up a 1 pound box of pasta (about 1/2 cup each). 

                                    Step 2

                                    In a reusable container add 1 tsp white vinegar and 1 tbsp liquid water color. 

                                    Step 3

                                    Repeat for each color.

                                    Step 4

                                    On a baking sheet with wax paper, spread the pasta in a thin layer. 

                                    Step 5

                                    After an hour of drying separate any pieces that may have stuck together.

                                    Step 6

                                    Allow to dry for several more hours or overnight. 

                                     

                                    Step 1

                                    Split up a 1 pound box of pasta (about 1/2 cup each).  

                                    Step 2

                                    In a reusable container add 1 tsp white vinegar and 1 tbsp liquid water color.

                                    Step 3

                                    Repeat for each color. 

                                    Step 4

                                    On a baking sheet with wax paper, spread the pasta in a thin layer.

                                    Step 5

                                    After an hour of drying separate any pieces that may have stuck together.

                                    Step 6

                                    Allow to dry for several more hours or overnight.  

                                    Endless Sensory Fun with Our Activity Table!

                                    Check out our awesome foldable sensory table – it’s perfect for all kinds of sensory play!  It comes with foldable bins and double-sided lids (whiteboard and chalkboard!). It is such a hit! It’s great for all types of sensory play. Try using kinetic sand, play dough, or even shaving cream for different textures and sensations. Our sensory table makes it super easy to set up and pack away, so you can have fun anywhere, anytime!

                                    SHOP NOW
                                    Sensory table for sensory bins foldable
                                    Sensory table for sensory bins foldable

                                    Endless Sensory Fun with Our Activity Table!

                                    Check out our awesome foldable sensory table – it’s perfect for all kinds of sensory play!  It comes with foldable bins and double-sided lids (whiteboard and chalkboard!). It is such a hit! It’s great for all types of sensory play. Try using kinetic sand, play dough, or even shaving cream for different textures and sensations. Our sensory table makes it super easy to set up and pack away, so you can have fun anywhere, anytime!

                                    SHOP NOW

                                    Activities Using Dyed Pasta

                                    There are so many different sensory play activities you can do with the pasta after it dries. Make rainbow art with the pasta or make your own DIY jewelry. You can even fill a tub with the colorful pasta and let them have a fun time digging in!

                                    Make a Colorful Craft

                                    how to dye pasta activities with dyed pasta

                                    Fill Up the Bottle Activity (great for fine motor skills!)

                                    how to dye pasta activities with dyed pasta

                                    Rainbow Pasta Necklaces

                                    spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

                                    Cut the Cooked Spaghetti! (Note this is not dry pasta!)

                                    Other Fun Sensory Bases to Explore!

                                    Here are my top picks for other sensory bases that can be used in sensory bins!

                                    SENSORY SAND

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                                    Spaghetti Sensory Play and How to Make Colorful Pasta

                                    Spaghetti Sensory Play and How to Make Colorful Pasta

                                    Spaghetti Sensory Play and How to Make Colorful Pasta

                                    spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

                                    This spaghetti sensory play activity features cutting colorful pasta to improve  fine motor skills. Bonus points for being taste-safe!

                                    Engage Your Child’s Senses with Spaghetti Sensory Play

                                    Making colorful spaghetti for sensory play is super easy to set up and offers tons of developmental benefits. Sensory play is so important for kids, and this activity combines visual stimulation, touch exploration, and fine motor practice—all in one! By adding colorful spaghetti to your child’s playtime, you’re giving them a chance to explore different textures and colors while also practicing cutting with kid-safe scissors. We used Starter Scissors, which are designed for toddlers with their plastic blades, easy-grip handles, and spring-action design, making them perfect for even the youngest users. In this post, we’ll show you how to create this colorful and tactile adventure for your little ones, share tips for success, and highlight the many benefits of spaghetti sensory play.

                                    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                    Sensory Play and Fine Motor Skills, Why are they important?

                                    Sensory play is fantastic for helping kids develop their senses of touch, sight, and even smell. When children dive into a bin of colorful spaghetti, they’re not just having fun—they’re learning! The different colors of the spaghetti stimulate their visual senses, making them more aware of colors and patterns. The texture of the spaghetti, whether it’s slimy, squishy, or dry, gives them a rich tactile experience, helping them understand and differentiate between various textures. Plus, the slight smell of the cooked spaghetti adds another layer to the sensory experience, engaging their sense of smell and making the activity more immersive.

                                    Spaghetti sensory play isn’t just about sensory development; it’s also a great way to boost fine motor skills. Giving kids kid-safe scissors to cut the spaghetti is an excellent exercise for their little hands. Cutting the spaghetti strands helps improve their hand-eye coordination and precision. It requires them to use the small muscles in their hands and fingers, which is crucial for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and tying shoelaces. Plus, the satisfaction of successfully cutting through the spaghetti boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep practicing and refining their skills.

                                    Sensory Play and Fine Motor Skills, Why are they important?

                                    Sensory play is fantastic for helping kids develop their senses of touch, sight, and even smell. When children dive into a bin of colorful spaghetti, they’re not just having fun—they’re learning! The different colors of the spaghetti stimulate their visual senses, making them more aware of colors and patterns. The texture of the spaghetti, whether it’s slimy, squishy, or dry, gives them a rich tactile experience, helping them understand and differentiate between various textures. Plus, the slight smell of the cooked spaghetti adds another layer to the sensory experience, engaging their sense of smell and making the activity more immersive.

                                    Spaghetti sensory play isn’t just about sensory development; it’s also a great way to boost fine motor skills. Giving kids kid-safe scissors to cut the spaghetti is an excellent exercise for their little hands. Cutting the spaghetti strands helps improve their hand-eye coordination and precision. It requires them to use the small muscles in their hands and fingers, which is crucial for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and tying shoelaces. Plus, the satisfaction of successfully cutting through the spaghetti boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep practicing and refining their skills.

                                    spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

                                    Spaghetti Sensory Play: Tips for Success

                                    Safety First: Always supervise your child during sensory play, especially when they’re using scissors. Make sure the scissors are child-safe and appropriate for their age. Keeping a close eye on them will ensure they use the tools safely and correctly.

                                    Alternative Tools: If you’re not comfortable with scissors or want to mix things up, consider offering alternative tools. Tongs are great for practicing grasping and hand strength, while plastic knives can be used to “cut” the spaghetti in a safe manner. These tools also provide different sensory experiences and motor skill challenges.

                                    Cleaning Up: To make cleanup easier, lay down a large plastic mat or an old sheet under the play area to catch any stray spaghetti. After playtime, gather the mat or sheet and shake it out outside. You can also use a handheld vacuum for any small bits that escape. Additionally, encourage your child to help with cleanup by placing the tools and remaining spaghetti back into the bin, teaching responsibility and tidiness.

                                    Materials

                                    • Water for rinsing
                                    • Paper towels or a drying rack
                                    • Kid-appropriate scissors, like these for toddlers or these for preschoolers

                                    Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                    Step 1

                                    Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s cooked to an al dente texture so it’s firm enough for play.

                                    Step 2

                                    Divide the cooked spaghetti into several portions, depending on how many colors you want to create.Place each portion into a separate sealed container. Add about 5 drops of food coloring to each container. Seal the containers and shake them well until the color is evenly distributed throughout the spaghetti.

                                    Step 3

                                    Rinse the colored spaghetti under cold water to remove any excess dye. Lay the spaghetti out on paper towels or a drying rack to dry. This helps to prevent the colors from transferring onto little hands during play.

                                     

                                    Step 4

                                    Once the spaghetti is dry, place it into a bin or sensory table. Add kid-appropriate scissors to the bin. Ensure the scissors are safe for children and appropriate for their age and skill level.

                                    Step 5

                                    Invite your child to explore the colorful spaghetti. Encourage them to touch, feel, and even smell the different colors and textures. Show them how to use the scissors to cut the spaghetti, enhancing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

                                    Step 1

                                    Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s cooked to an al dente texture so it’s firm enough for play.

                                    Step 2

                                    Divide the cooked spaghetti into several portions, depending on how many colors you want to create.Place each portion into a separate sealed container. Add about 5 drops of food coloring to each container. Seal the containers and shake them well until the color is evenly distributed throughout the spaghetti.

                                    Step 3

                                    Rinse the colored spaghetti under cold water to remove any excess dye. Lay the spaghetti out on paper towels or a drying rack to dry. This helps to prevent the colors from transferring onto little hands during play.

                                    Step 4

                                    Once the spaghetti is dry, place it into a bin or sensory table. Add kid-appropriate scissors to the bin. Ensure the scissors are safe for children and appropriate for their age and skill level.

                                    Step 5

                                    Invite your child to explore the colorful spaghetti. Encourage them to touch, feel, and even smell the different colors and textures. Show them how to use the scissors to cut the spaghetti, enhancing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

                                    Perfect Scissors for Little Hands

                                    For our spaghetti sensory play, we used Starter Scissors, which are perfect for toddlers. These scissors have plastic blades and a straight, easy-grip handle without loops, making them super safe and simple for little hands to use. They’re great for kids 2 and up, whether they’re right- or left-handed, and the minimal opening angle ensures they can open and close the blades comfortably. Plus, the spring-action design helps kids focus on the cutting motion, making them ideal for beginners. We love that they’re durable and come with a lifetime warranty, making them a reliable choice for introducing your child to arts and crafts.

                                    toddler scissors
                                    toddler scissors

                                    Perfect Scissors for Little Hands

                                    For our spaghetti sensory play, we used Starter Scissors, which are perfect for toddlers. These scissors have plastic blades and a straight, easy-grip handle without loops, making them super safe and simple for little hands to use. They’re great for kids 2 and up, whether they’re right- or left-handed, and the minimal opening angle ensures they can open and close the blades comfortably. Plus, the spring-action design helps kids focus on the cutting motion, making them ideal for beginners. We love that they’re durable and come with a lifetime warranty, making them a reliable choice for introducing your child to arts and crafts.

                                    More Taste Safe Play Recipes to Explore

                                    Don’t stop at this spaghetti sensory play recipe. Explore more ways your toddler can play safely with sensory bases!

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                                    Explore 12 Cutting Activities for Kids!

                                     Need more scissor skill activity suggestions? This list of cutting activities involve hands-on scissoring tasks, creative crafting, and imaginative play with printable resources, all aimed at enhancing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and creativity in kids.

                                    cutting activity printable

                                    Cut the Pattern Printable!

                                    Download Here!
                                    Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath! Check out the printable version!

                                    DIY Reveal the Rainbow Activity!

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                                    Printable version of Reveal the Rainbow and Other Scenes!

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                                    Printable Version of Haircut Activity!

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                                    Snacktivity: Cut the Spaghetti!

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                                    Printable Sports Themed Cutting

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                                    Cutting with Cars Printable!

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                                    Free the Cars Activity!

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                                    Slime for Toddlers – How to Make Taste Safe Slime

                                    Slime for Toddlers – How to Make Taste Safe Slime

                                    Slime for Toddlers – How to Make Taste Safe Slime

                                    slime for toddlers

                                    Discover a safe and fun slime for toddlers. Read to get the recipe – it’s perfect for exploring textures without harmful chemicals!

                                    Safe and Easy-to-Make Slime for Toddlers

                                    Creating slime for toddlers has never been easier or safer! This simple recipe uses psyllium husk, a natural ingredient that gives the slime its perfect, slimy texture.

                                    Sensory play is crucial for children’s development, enhancing their fine motor skills, creativity, and cognitive growth. With this non-toxic, taste-safe slime, parents can rest easy knowing their kids are playing with a chemical-free, safe substance. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved!

                                    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                    Skills: Sensory Play

                                    Ages: 12 Months +

                                    Prep Time: 10 minutes

                                    The Evolution of Slime

                                    Slime has been a popular children’s toy since the 1970s when it was first introduced by Mattel. Originally made from guar gum, the fascination with its gooey, stretchy properties quickly caught on. Over the years, commercial slimes have included various additives and chemicals to enhance their texture and color. However, concerns about the safety of these ingredients, especially for young children, have led to a rise in DIY slime recipes. By using natural ingredients like psyllium husk, parents can now create a safe, non-toxic version of this beloved toy, ensuring toddlers can enjoy the sensory benefits of slime without exposure to harmful substances.

                                    Use Natural Food Dyes When Possible

                                    Opting for natural food dyes instead of artificial ones when making slime is a healthier choice for toddlers. Natural dyes, derived from fruits, vegetables, and spices, eliminate the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and potential allergens found in synthetic colors. They also offer a fun way to introduce kids to the vibrant hues of nature, making the slime not only safe but also an educational tool for learning about natural sources of color. By using natural food dyes, parents can ensure that their children’s sensory play is both safe and enriching.

                                     

                                    The Evolution of Slime

                                    Slime has been a popular children’s toy since the 1970s when it was first introduced by Mattel. Originally made from guar gum, the fascination with its gooey, stretchy properties quickly caught on. Over the years, commercial slimes have included various additives and chemicals to enhance their texture and color. However, concerns about the safety of these ingredients, especially for young children, have led to a rise in DIY slime recipes. By using natural ingredients like psyllium husk, parents can now create a safe, non-toxic version of this beloved toy, ensuring toddlers can enjoy the sensory benefits of slime without exposure to harmful substances.

                                    Use Natural Food Dyes When Possible

                                    Opting for natural food dyes instead of artificial ones when making slime is a healthier choice for toddlers. Natural dyes, derived from fruits, vegetables, and spices, eliminate the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and potential allergens found in synthetic colors. They also offer a fun way to introduce kids to the vibrant hues of nature, making the slime not only safe but also an educational tool for learning about natural sources of color. By using natural food dyes, parents can ensure that their children’s sensory play is both safe and enriching.

                                     

                                    slime for toddlers

                                    What is Psyllium Husk and How Does It Work?

                                    Psyllium husk is a natural fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. Known for its high soluble fiber content, psyllium husk is often used as a dietary supplement to support digestive health. When mixed with water, psyllium husk forms a gel-like substance, giving it a slimy texture that makes it perfect for making slime for toddlers! 

                                    The texture of psyllium husk slime is similar to traditional slime—stretchy, squishy, and fun to play with. However, it has a unique, slightly grainy feel compared to the smooth consistency of commercial slimes. This difference is due to the fibrous nature of psyllium husk, which also makes it safer for sensory play.

                                    While psyllium husk slime is taste-safe, meaning it’s not harmful if accidentally ingested, it is not meant to be eaten. The slime is non-toxic, but consuming large amounts of psyllium husk can lead to tummy issues. Therefore, it’s important not to encourage your child to eat the slime and to remind them it is only for play.

                                    Materials

                                    Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                    Step 1

                                    Mix all three ingredients in a bowl in a big microwave-safe bowl.

                                    Step 2

                                    Microwave for 5 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

                                    Step 1

                                    Mix all three ingredients in a bowl in a big microwave-safe bowl.

                                    Step 2

                                    Microwave for 5 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

                                    The Educational Benefits of Taste Safe Slime for Toddlers

                                    Playing with taste-safe slime made from psyllium husk offers numerous educational benefits for toddlers. Engaging in slime play enhances fine motor skills as children squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the slime. This tactile activity also stimulates sensory development, helping kids learn about textures and viscosity through hands-on exploration. Additionally, playing with slime encourages creativity and imaginative play, as children can create shapes, patterns, and even stories with their slimy creations. Furthermore, such sensory play can improve focus and concentration, offering a calming, therapeutic experience. By using a safe, non-toxic slime recipe, parents can confidently support their children’s developmental growth through playful learning.

                                    slime for toddlers
                                    slime for toddlers

                                    The Educational Benefits of Taste Safe Slime for Toddlers

                                    Playing with taste-safe slime made from psyllium husk offers numerous educational benefits for toddlers. Engaging in slime play enhances fine motor skills as children squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the slime. This tactile activity also stimulates sensory development, helping kids learn about textures and viscosity through hands-on exploration. Additionally, playing with slime encourages creativity and imaginative play, as children can create shapes, patterns, and even stories with their slimy creations. Furthermore, such sensory play can improve focus and concentration, offering a calming, therapeutic experience. By using a safe, non-toxic slime recipe, parents can confidently support their children’s developmental growth through playful learning.

                                    More Taste Safe Play Recipes to Explore

                                    Don’t stop at this slime for toddlers recipe. Explore more ways your toddler can play safely with sensory bases!

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                                    Dinosaur Play Dough Kit – How to Assemble with Easy Recipe

                                    Dinosaur Play Dough Kit – How to Assemble with Easy Recipe

                                    Dinosaur Play Dough Kit – How to Assemble with Easy Recipe

                                    dinosaur play dough kit

                                    This is how you can make a dinosaur play dough kit for sensory and imaginative play, perfect for on-the-go fun or rainy days!

                                    Why You Should Make a Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

                                    Making your own dinosaur play dough kit has tons of benefits for both parents and kids. For starters, you can tailor the kit to your child’s tastes, picking their favorite dinosaur figurines, play dough colors, and adding cool extras like rocks, branches, and moss. This personal touch makes playtime more exciting and engaging. Plus, putting the kit together can be a fun, hands-on activity that teaches kids about different dinosaurs and sparks their creativity. It’s also a great way to make sure everything is safe and non-toxic. On top of all that, a DIY kit is usually cheaper than store-bought ones and can be easily updated or expanded, keeping the imaginative play going strong.

                                    This activity must be supervised. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                    Skills: Sensory Play, Fine Motor

                                    Ages: 2+ 

                                    Prep Time: 20 minutes

                                    Store Bought versus Homemade Play Dough 

                                    When it comes to choosing between store-bought and homemade play dough, there’s really no wrong option—it all depends on what works best for you and your family. Store-bought play dough is convenient and ready to use right out of the package, which is great for busy parents. However, homemade play dough can be just as fun and offers the added benefit of customization and knowing exactly what’s in it. If you decide to go the homemade route, be sure to check out my post where I provide step-by-step directions to make your own play dough easily and safely at home.

                                    Store Bought versus Homemade Play Dough 

                                    When it comes to choosing between store-bought and homemade play dough, there’s really no wrong option—it all depends on what works best for you and your family. Store-bought play dough is convenient and ready to use right out of the package, which is great for busy parents. However, homemade play dough can be just as fun and offers the added benefit of customization and knowing exactly what’s in it. If you decide to go the homemade route, be sure to check out my post where I provide step-by-step directions to make your own play dough easily and safely at home.

                                    dinosaur play dough kit for gift travel rainy day play

                                    How to Assemble A Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

                                    Putting together this dinosaur play dough kit is simple and fun! Here’s a list of materials you should consider including:

                                    The Benefits of This Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

                                    There are so many benefits of playing with kits like this dinosaur play dough kit. Play dough is an essential tool for childhood development, offering numerous benefits across fine motor skills, sensory experiences, and imaginative play. Manipulating play dough helps strengthen little hands and fingers, improving fine motor skills that are crucial for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes. The tactile experience of squishing, rolling, and shaping the dough provides rich sensory input, enhancing a child’s awareness and coordination. Additionally, play dough sparks creativity and imaginative play, as kids create endless shapes, characters, and scenes, fostering storytelling and problem-solving abilities. This versatile medium is not just fun but also a powerful way to support holistic development in children.

                                    dinosaur play dough kit for gift travel rainy day play
                                    dinosaur play dough kit for gift travel rainy day play

                                    The Benefits of This Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

                                    There are so many benefits of playing with kits like this dinosaur play dough kit. Play dough is an essential tool for childhood development, offering numerous benefits across fine motor skills, sensory experiences, and imaginative play. Manipulating play dough helps strengthen little hands and fingers, improving fine motor skills that are crucial for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes. The tactile experience of squishing, rolling, and shaping the dough provides rich sensory input, enhancing a child’s awareness and coordination. Additionally, play dough sparks creativity and imaginative play, as kids create endless shapes, characters, and scenes, fostering storytelling and problem-solving abilities. This versatile medium is not just fun but also a powerful way to support holistic development in children.

                                    More Play Dough Kits to Explore

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                                    How to Make Mud for Play – Taste Safe Oobleck

                                    How to Make Mud for Play – Taste Safe Oobleck

                                    How to Make Mud for Play – Taste Safe Oobleck

                                    how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

                                    This taste-safe recipe is a fun sensory play activity for young kids. Keep reading to learn more about how to make mud for play using 3 simple ingredients!

                                    How to Make Mud That’s Safe For Young Kids!

                                    Did you know that real mud is actually a wonderful sensory base for kids? But not everyone is comfortable with their kiddos playing with it! Rest assure, there is an easy way to make a play mud that is safe for kids and will give them all the added benefits of sensory play! All you need to do is mix a few ingredients into a bowl, the kids can even help to make it too – it’s that easy!

                                    And if you are looking for some great insect figurines, these are the ones we love: Set of Small Insects and Set of Big Insects

                                      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                       

                                      Skills:
                                      Ages: 
                                      Prep Time:

                                      How to Make Mud Version of Oobleck!

                                      Have you ever made oobleck? If it’s new to you, read our article Oobleck Experiment – Everything You Need to Know! The consistency of oobleck is the coolest – it is both a liquid and a solid depending on how you are holding it! It is known as a non-Newtonian matter.

                                      The only difference between the regular version and the mud version is adding either cocoa powder or brown food coloring. Adding cocoa powder is a fun addition because it adds the sense of smell to this sensory set up!  

                                      How to Make Mud Version of Oobleck!

                                      Have you ever made oobleck? If it’s new to you, read our article Oobleck Experiment – Everything You Need to Know! The consistency of oobleck is the coolest – it is both a liquid and a solid depending on how you are holding it! It is known as a non-Newtonian matter.

                                      The only difference between the regular version and the mud version is adding either cocoa powder or brown food coloring. Adding cocoa powder is a fun addition because it adds the sense of smell to this sensory set up!  

                                      how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

                                      Tips on How to Make Mud for Play

                                      Taste Safe Does Not Mean Edible!  Taste-safe is not synonymous with edible. It’s the opposite. Taste-Safe is all about providing a sensory base for young kids to safely use and learn these materials are not to be put in the mouth or consumed. If a child does get some in their mouth, a grown up will know that it is safe and not toxic. Muddy oobleck smells particularly delicious if used with cocoa powder, but I can promise you that it doesn’t taste good at all! 

                                      Have a Bin of Water Nearby. Oobleck will stick to hands! To extend the play time, have a bucket of water nearby so kids can reset their hands and keep on playing!

                                      Add Washable Toys. Touching and exploring the oobleck is exciting in itself, but it’s also fun and great for fine motor skills to stick and pull objects out of the mud, and even wash off! The set up is so adaptable we’ve included cars, farm animals, dinosaurs, and bugs to name a few!

                                      Materials

                                      Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                      Step 1

                                      Mix together the corn starch and cocoa powder.

                                      Step 2

                                      Add the water in slowly. You may find that you need less or more than 1/2 cup of water.

                                      The consistency should be a solid when squeezed in your fist, but when you relax your hand it will turn into a liquid. Add more water if too dry, add more corn starch if too liquidy.

                                      Step 3

                                      Grab some washable toys, tools, and a bucket of water for kiddos to clean off their hands!

                                      Step 1

                                      Mix together the corn starch and cocoa powder.

                                      Step 2

                                      Add the water in slowly. You may find that you need less or more than 1/2 cup of water. The consistency you want is hard enough to make the oobleck turn into a solid when squeezed in your fist, but when you relax your hand it will turn into a liquid. Add more water if too dry, add more corn starch if too liquidy.

                                      Step 3

                                      Grab some washable toys, tools, and a bucket of water for kiddos to clean off their hands!

                                      The Educational Benefits of Making and Playing with Oobleck

                                      Yes, even creative messy play can be educational for your kids! Making oobleck is a fun science experiment, sensory experience, and allows for great opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills!

                                      Did you know that sensory play can cause the brain to make new connections and grow? This is one of the many reasons I love sensory play! Add some cups and spoons and this will also help your child strengthen their fine motor skills.

                                      Muddy oobleck is particularly fun because it has such a wonderful smell component allowing 4 out of the 5 senses to be engaged!

                                      how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

                                      Don’t miss our recipe on how you can make oobleck in every color of the rainbow!

                                      how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

                                      The Educational Benefits of Making and Playing with Oobleck

                                      Yes, even creative messy play can be educational for your kids! Making oobleck is a fun science experiment, sensory experience, and allows for great opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills!

                                      Did you know that sensory play can cause the brain to make new connections and grow? This is one of the many reasons I love sensory play! Add some cups and spoons and this will also help your child strengthen their fine motor skills.

                                      Muddy oobleck is particularly fun because it has such a wonderful smell component allowing 4 out of the 5 senses to be engaged!

                                      Don’t miss our recipe on how you can make oobleck in every color of the rainbow!

                                      More Taste Safe Play Recipes to Explore

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                                      Sensory Sand

                                      Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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                                      Modelling Dough

                                      This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

                                      SHOP NOW
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                                      Premium Play Dough

                                      This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

                                      SHOP NOW
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                                      The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

                                      This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

                                      SHOP NOW

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                                      Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                      Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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                                      Popsicle Paint – How to Make This Fun, Frozen Art Tool!

                                      Popsicle Paint – How to Make This Fun, Frozen Art Tool!

                                      Popsicle Paint – How to Make This Fun, Frozen Art Tool!

                                      popsicle paint recipe frozen paint arts and crafts activity

                                      Experience the fun of popsicle paint! Chill out and create icy masterpieces. Keep reading to learn how to make your own frozen art!

                                      Making Art with a Frozen Twist Using Popsicle Paint

                                      Welcome to a super creative activity where art meets ice! Discover the innovative world of frozen paint popsicles—a captivating activity that’s not only perfect for beating the summer heat but can also be enjoyed year-round. These paint popsicles offer a unique way for kids to explore colors, experiment with a new art medium, and unleash their creativity in a fun and engaging manner. So, whether it’s a scorching summer day or a cozy winter afternoon, dive into the realm of frozen paint popsicles and let your imagination soar!

                                      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                      Skills: Sensory Play

                                      Ages: 2+

                                      Prep Time: 10 minutes 

                                      Why Frozen Popsicle Paint is a Must-Try Activity!

                                      Painting with popsicles is not just a creative endeavor; it’s a multifaceted learning experience that engages children on multiple levels. As they paint with their popsicles, they’re not just creating art—they’re refining their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

                                      The sensory exploration aspect adds another dimension to their artistic journey, as they feel the cool touch of the frozen paint and observe how colors blend and mix together. This tactile experience stimulates their senses and fosters a deeper understanding of texture and temperature.

                                      Moreover, painting with popsicles encourages creative expression, empowering children to unleash their imaginations and express themselves through colorful creations. Whether they’re painting whimsical patterns, abstract designs, or realistic landscapes, each brushstroke represents a unique expression of their inner world. 

                                      Overall, painting with popsicles is not just about making art; it’s about nurturing a wide range of developmental skills in a fun and engaging way.

                                      Why Frozen Popsicle Paint is a Must-Try Activity!

                                      Painting with popsicles is not just a creative endeavor; it’s a multifaceted learning experience that engages children on multiple levels. As they paint with their popsicles, they’re not just creating art—they’re refining their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

                                      The sensory exploration aspect adds another dimension to their artistic journey, as they feel the cool touch of the frozen paint and observe how colors blend and mix together. This tactile experience stimulates their senses and fosters a deeper understanding of texture and temperature.

                                      Moreover, painting with popsicles encourages creative expression, empowering children to unleash their imaginations and express themselves through colorful creations. Whether they’re painting whimsical patterns, abstract designs, or realistic landscapes, each brushstroke represents a unique expression of their inner world. 

                                      Overall, painting with popsicles is not just about making art; it’s about nurturing a wide range of developmental skills in a fun and engaging way.

                                      popsicle paint recipe frozen paint arts and crafts activity

                                      Medicine Dispenser Hack

                                      Let’s talk about a nifty trick to jazz up your frozen paint popsicles: the trusty medicine syringe!

                                      This little tool is a game-changer, letting you layer paint colors in your popsicle molds like a pro. Say goodbye to messy sides and hello to perfectly layered rainbow goodness—the syringe ensures each color goes exactly where it’s supposed to.

                                      Keep in mind that if you go the rainbow route, it will take a little longer to create your popsicle paint. To save time, use one or a two-color pattern.

                                       

                                      Materials

                                      Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                      Step 1

                                      Pour each color of washable tempera paint into separate containers for easy access.

                                      Step 2

                                      Using the medicine syringe, draw up one color of paint at a time.

                                      Step 3

                                      Carefully inject the paint into the popsicle mold, layering each color to create your desired design.

                                      Step 4

                                      Once the mold is filled, insert a popsicle stick into each compartment.

                                      Step 5

                                      Place the molds in the freezer and allow them to freeze overnight.

                                      Step 6

                                      When ready to enjoy, remove the popsicles from the molds and let them thaw slightly before painting. Get creative and paint away on paper or any other suitable surface, using the colorful popsicles as your medium!

                                      Step 1

                                      Pour each color of washable tempera paint into separate containers for easy access.

                                      Step 2

                                      Using the medicine syringe, draw up one color of paint at a time.

                                      Step 3

                                      Carefully inject the paint into the popsicle mold, layering each color to create your desired design.

                                      Step 4

                                      Once the mold is filled, insert a popsicle stick into each compartment.

                                      Step 5

                                      Place the molds in the freezer and allow them to freeze overnight.

                                      Step 6

                                      When ready to enjoy, remove the popsicles from the molds and let them thaw slightly before painting. Get creative and paint away on paper or any other suitable surface, using the colorful popsicles as your medium!

                                       

                                      Tips for Making the Most of Frozen Popsicle Paint

                                      Patience Pays Off: When removing the popsicles from the molds, allow them to thaw slightly before attempting to pull them out. This prevents any mishaps and ensures your frozen creations stay intact.

                                      Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and patterns. Try swirling the colors together for a marbled effect or layering them in unique ways to create mesmerizing designs.

                                      Cleanup Made Easy: To avoid a messy cleanup, place a silicone mat or newspaper underneath your workspace to catch any drips or spills. This makes for a quick and hassle-free cleanup once you’re done creating.

                                      popsicle paint recipe frozen paint arts and crafts activity
                                      popsicle paint recipe frozen paint arts and crafts activity

                                      Tips for Making the Most of Frozen Popsicle Paint

                                      Patience Pays Off: When removing the popsicles from the molds, allow them to thaw slightly before attempting to pull them out. This prevents any mishaps and ensures your frozen creations stay intact.

                                      Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and patterns. Try swirling the colors together for a marbled effect or layering them in unique ways to create mesmerizing designs.

                                      Cleanup Made Easy: To avoid a messy cleanup, place a silicone mat or newspaper underneath your workspace to catch any drips or spills. This makes for a quick and hassle-free cleanup once you’re done creating.

                                      More DIY Recipes for Play!

                                      Expand your DIY repertoire with these exciting recipes for playtime fun! From homemade playdough to sensory sand, get ready to unleash creativity and imagination with these simple yet engaging projects.

                                      easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook

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                                      What’s Next?

                                      Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                      Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                      Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

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                                      Homemade Bubble Solution – Extra Strong Bubble Recipe

                                      Homemade Bubble Solution – Extra Strong Bubble Recipe

                                      Homemade Bubble Solution – Extra Strong Bubble Recipe

                                      homemade bubble solution

                                      Want to make your own super strong homemade bubble solution? We’ve got you! Check out this easy bubble recipe that you can whip up in minutes!

                                      Homemade Bubble Solution Made Simple!

                                      Are you tired of running out of bubbles too soon or finding store-bought solutions just don’t cut it? Say hello to a solution that’s as easy to make as it is effective! In this post, we’re sharing a simple recipe for homemade bubble solution that packs a punch without breaking the bank. With common household items, you can whip up a batch of bubbles that are not only super strong but also provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. So, why settle for mediocre bubbles when you can create a bubbling wonderland right in your own backyard? Let’s get started on this bubble-filled adventure!

                                      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                      Skills: Sensory Play

                                      Ages: 2+

                                      Prep Time: 10 minutes 

                                      Watch How to Make This Homemade Bubble Solution

                                      Watch to see how easy it is to make a homemade bubble solution! The step by step recipe, is below, but when it comes to making your own homemade bubbles, a few tips can make all the difference in creating a memorable bubble experience.

                                      First and foremost, use distilled water to ensure clarity and longevity in your bubbles.

                                      Additionally, glycerin is the secret ingredient for enhancing bubble strength and resilience, so don’t skimp on this component. Glycerin also makes homemade play dough super silky and smooth, so there will be multiple uses for it!

                                      Experiment with different dish soaps to find one that produces the best bubbles, opting for formulas that are gentle and free of additives like moisturizers or scents.

                                      Lastly, adding a touch of sugar to your mixture can help extend bubble life, providing hours of fun for little ones. With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting bubbles that are as impressive as they are enjoyable!

                                      Watch How to Make This Homemade Bubble Solution

                                      Watch to see how easy it is to make a homemade bubble solution! The step by step recipe, is below, but when it comes to making your own homemade bubbles, a few tips can make all the difference in creating a memorable bubble experience.

                                      First and foremost, use distilled water to ensure clarity and longevity in your bubbles.

                                      Additionally, glycerin is the secret ingredient for enhancing bubble strength and resilience, so don’t skimp on this component. Glycerin also makes homemade play dough super silky and smooth, so there will be multiple uses for it!

                                      Experiment with different dish soaps to find one that produces the best bubbles, opting for formulas that are gentle and free of additives like moisturizers or scents.

                                      Lastly, adding a touch of sugar to your mixture can help extend bubble life, providing hours of fun for little ones. With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting bubbles that are as impressive as they are enjoyable!

                                      homemade bubble solution

                                      Homemade Bubble Solution Refill Station

                                      Transforming an old detergent container into a DIY bubble refill station is a game-changer for endless bubble fun!

                                      Simply wash out the container thoroughly, removing any residue, and pour in your homemade bubble solution. The wide spout of the container makes refilling bubble wands a breeze, and its sturdy design ensures no spills or messes during playtime.

                                      For younger kids who might find it challenging to use the detergent dispenser, instead try using a beverage-type container with a handy dispenser that easily goes up and down.  

                                      Materials

                                      • Distilled Water
                                      • Dish Soap (Opt for a dish soap that is gentle and doesn’t produce too many suds. Brands like Dawn or Joy are often recommended)
                                      • Glycerin (Optional: helps strengthen bubbles)
                                      • Sugar (Optional: also helps strengthen bubbles)
                                      • Storage Container (like reusing an old detergent container!)
                                      • Distilled Water
                                      • Dish Soap (Opt for a dish soap that is gentle and doesn’t produce too many suds. Brands like Dawn or Joy are often recommended)
                                      • Glycerin (Optional: helps strengthen bubbles)
                                      • Sugar (Optional: also helps strengthen bubbles)
                                      • Storage Container (like reusing an old detergent container!)

                                      Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                      Step 1

                                      Mix together 6 cups of distilled water, 1 cup of dish soap, 1/3 cup of glycerin, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. 

                                      Step 2

                                      Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour or even overnight. This allows the ingredients to meld together and for any excess foam to dissipate. 

                                      Step 3

                                      Adjusting: If the bubbles aren’t strong enough, try adding more dish soap or glycerin to the mixture. If they’re too weak, you can dilute the solution with a bit more water. The way you blow the bubbles can also affect their strength. Blow slowly and steadily, avoiding quick, forceful bursts of air.

                                      Step 1

                                      Mix together 6 cups of distilled water, 1 cup of dish soap, 1/3 cup of glycerin, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. 

                                      Step 2

                                      Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour or even overnight. This allows the ingredients to meld together and for any excess foam to dissipate. 

                                      Step 3

                                      Adjusting: If the bubbles aren’t strong enough, try adding more dish soap or glycerin to the mixture. If they’re too weak, you can dilute the solution with a bit more water. The way you blow the bubbles can also affect their strength. Blow slowly and steadily, avoiding quick, forceful bursts of air.

                                      Beyond the Bubbles: Enriching Benefits of Bubble Play for Kids

                                      Aside from the sheer joy of watching bubbles dance through the air, blowing bubbles offers a multitude of additional benefits for kid activities. Not only does it encourage outdoor play and physical activity, but it also stimulates hand-eye coordination as children chase and pop the bubbles. Blowing bubbles can also be a calming and therapeutic activity, helping kids relax and unwind during stressful or anxious moments.  Additionally, it provides a sensory experience, with the shimmering colors and delicate textures of the bubbles captivating their attention. Overall, blowing bubbles is more than just a simple pastime—it’s a gateway to learning, exploration, and fun!

                                      homemade bubble solution
                                      homemade bubble solution

                                      Beyond the Bubbles: Enriching Benefits of Bubble Play for Kids

                                      Aside from the sheer joy of watching bubbles dance through the air, blowing bubbles offers a multitude of additional benefits for kid activities. Not only does it encourage outdoor play and physical activity, but it also stimulates hand-eye coordination as children chase and pop the bubbles. Blowing bubbles can also be a calming and therapeutic activity, helping kids relax and unwind during stressful or anxious moments.  Additionally, it provides a sensory experience, with the shimmering colors and delicate textures of the bubbles captivating their attention. Overall, blowing bubbles is more than just a simple pastime—it’s a gateway to learning, exploration, and fun!

                                      More DIY Recipes for Play!

                                      Expand your DIY repertoire with these exciting recipes for playtime fun! From homemade playdough to sensory sand, get ready to unleash creativity and imagination with these simple yet engaging projects.

                                      easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook

                                      Homemade Play Dough

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                                      Number Learning Game – Pop and Learn the Numbers!

                                      Number Learning Game – Pop and Learn the Numbers!

                                      Number Learning Game – Pop and Learn the Numbers!

                                      number learning game with balloons for number recognition in preschoolers and toddlers

                                      This number learning game is a playful way to work on number recognition while having some popping fun! It’s a great activity for toddlers and preschoolers who are beginning to learn numbers 1 through 10.

                                      Balloon Bonanza: A Fun-Filled Number Learning Game for Kids!

                                      This game is such a hit with the kiddos! First off, it’s a fantastic hands-on approach to learning number recognition. Instead of staring at flashcards or worksheets, children get to physically interact with the numbers, reinforcing their understanding in a dynamic way.

                                      Plus, the element of surprise with each dice roll keeps them on their toes, fostering excitement and engagement. And let’s not forget the joy of popping balloons – it’s a sensory experience that adds an extra layer of fun to the learning process. Talk about turning education into so much FUN!

                                      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                      Skills: Math

                                      Ages: 2+

                                      Prep Time: 15 minutes 

                                      Watch How to Play This Number Learning Game!

                                      Watch to see how to play the game. Children roll a foam dice and pop the balloon corresponding to the number rolled, reinforcing number recognition skills in a fun and interactive way.

                                      This number learning game goes beyond traditional teaching methods by providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience that benefits children in numerous ways. From enhancing cognitive skills to fostering social interaction and boosting confidence, it’s a win-win for both kids and caregivers alike!

                                      Watch How to Play This Number Learning Game!

                                      Watch to see how to play the game. Children roll a foam dice and pop the balloon corresponding to the number rolled, reinforcing number recognition skills in a fun and interactive way.

                                      This number learning game goes beyond traditional teaching methods by providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience that benefits children in numerous ways. From enhancing cognitive skills to fostering social interaction and boosting confidence, it’s a win-win for both kids and caregivers alike!

                                      number learning game with balloons for number recognition in preschoolers and toddlers

                                      Tips for Making This Number Learning Game

                                      The best part? You don’t need a degree in crafting to set this up! Here are some tips to making the most of this DIY activity!

                                      Use Large, Clear Numbers: Ensure that the numbers written on the balloons are large and clear enough for children to easily identify. Bold colors and simple fonts work best for visibility.

                                      Provide Adequate Space: Set up the game in a spacious area where children have plenty of room to roll the dice and move around comfortably without bumping into obstacles.

                                      Supervise Younger Children: While popping balloons can be a blast, it’s essential to supervise younger children to ensure they handle the balloons safely and avoid any potential choking hazards.

                                      Encourage Counting Aloud: Encourage children to count aloud as they pop each balloon, reinforcing numerical sequencing and counting skills in addition to number recognition.

                                      Customize Difficulty Level: Adjust the difficulty level of the game by adding more balloons with higher numbers for older children or focusing on single-digit numbers for younger ones.

                                      Celebrate Success: Celebrate each successful pop with cheers and applause to boost children’s confidence and keep them motivated throughout the game.

                                       

                                      Materials

                                      Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                      Step 1

                                      On a piece of cardboard, draw a picture of a kid holding a bunch of strings (do your best, it doesn’t need to look perfect!).

                                      Step 2

                                      Blow up the balloons and write numbers on them.

                                      Step 3

                                      Attach the balloons to the cardboard with a strong double sided tape.

                                      Step 4

                                      To play the game, Have the first player roll the foam dice. Encourage them to count the dots on the dice and identify the number rolled. Once the number is identified, instruct the player to find the balloon with the matching number and pop it. You can use the tip of a pen like we did! Continue taking turns rolling the dice and popping balloons until all the balloons have been popped. Encourage children to count aloud as they pop each balloon to reinforce numerical sequencing.

                                      Step 1

                                      On a piece of cardboard, draw a picture of a kid holding a bunch of strings (do your best, it doesn’t need to look perfect!).

                                      Step 2

                                      Blow up the balloons and write numbers on them.

                                      Step 3

                                      Attach the balloons to the cardboard with a strong double sided tape.

                                      Step 4

                                      To play the game, Have the first player roll the foam dice. Encourage them to count the dots on the dice and identify the number rolled. Once the number is identified, instruct the player to find the balloon with the matching number and pop it. You can use the tip of a pen like we did! Continue taking turns rolling the dice and popping balloons until all the balloons have been popped. Encourage children to count aloud as they pop each balloon to reinforce numerical sequencing.

                                      The Best Printable for 1-10 Number Learning!

                                      If you are looking for more ways to teach your kiddo numbers, you have to try this bundle of activities all about numbers one through ten! Tap HERE to check it out!

                                      The activities in this bundle are carefully crafted to be easy to read and understand, making them accessible for kids of different ages and skill levels. The bundle includes a wide range of activities, such as tracing and writing numbers, matching ordinal numbers to building floors, counting puzzle pieces, coloring by code, counting instruments and writing corresponding numbers, and circling the correct answers while counting fingers.

                                      This printable bundle is designed to make learning numbers a fun and interactive experience for kids!

                                       

                                      1-10 Numbers Bundle - Printable for Kids
                                      1-10 Numbers Bundle - Printable for Kids

                                      The Best Printable for 1-10 Number Learning!

                                      If you are looking for more ways to teach your kiddo numbers, you have to try this bundle of activities all about numbers one through ten! Tap HERE to check it out!

                                      The activities in this bundle are carefully crafted to be easy to read and understand, making them accessible for kids of different ages and skill levels. The bundle includes a wide range of activities, such as tracing and writing numbers, matching ordinal numbers to building floors, counting puzzle pieces, coloring by code, counting instruments and writing corresponding numbers, and circling the correct answers while counting fingers.

                                      This printable bundle is designed to make learning numbers a fun and interactive experience for kids!

                                       

                                      More Fun-Filled Number Activities for Little Learners!

                                      While the balloon number game is a surefire hit, why stop there? Let’s dive deeper into the world of numbers with these four fantastic activities that will captivate young minds and make learning numbers a delightful adventure.

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                                      Unlock the fun of Counting to 5 with our engaging number recognition activity! Explore numbers 1 through 5 as little ones match hairbands to each finger of a playful cardboard hand, making learning a hands-on adventure.

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                                      How to Make Kids Bath Paint – Colorful Clean Fun

                                      How to Make Kids Bath Paint – Colorful Clean Fun

                                      How to Make Kids Bath Paint – Colorful Clean Fun

                                      kids bath paint recipe

                                      Are you looking for a way to make bath time fun? Making your own kids bath paint is the perfect way to get them clean while letting them channel their inner Picasso during bath time! 

                                      Getting Creative with Homemade Kids Bath Paint

                                      Who says bath time is just for getting clean? It’s also the perfect canvas for creativity! Imagine little hands painting rainbows and underwater scenes right on the bathtub walls.

                                      With washable soap paint, not only can kids tap into their inner artists, but cleanup is a breeze—it’s literally soap, after all! So, let’s dive into the colorful world of bath time art and discover how to make bath paint that’s as safe as it is fun with our easy recipe!

                                      All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

                                      Skills: Art, Sensory Play

                                      Ages: 2+

                                      Prep Time: 10 minutes

                                      The Benefits of Playing with Kids Bath Paint

                                      Painting during bath time offers a range of benefits for children:

                                      Creativity and Expression: Bath time painting provides a unique opportunity for children to express their creativity in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. They can explore their imagination and create colorful masterpieces using kids bath paint made out of soap.

                                      Sensory Stimulation: Painting in the bath engages multiple senses, including sight, touch, and even smell. The sensation of the paint on their fingers, the vibrant colors, and the scent of the soap can all enhance sensory stimulation, contributing to a richer sensory experience for the child.

                                      Fine Motor Skills Development: Holding a paintbrush or using fingers to apply paint helps to develop fine motor skills in children. These activities strengthen hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination, which are crucial for tasks like writing, drawing, and other activities requiring precision.

                                      Overall, bath time painting offers a holistic learning experience that promotes creativity, sensory development, and emotional well-being in children, all while making bath time a fun and enjoyable part of their routine.

                                      The Benefits of Playing with Kids Bath Paint

                                      Painting during bath time offers a range of benefits for children:

                                      Creativity and Expression: Bath time painting provides a unique opportunity for children to express their creativity in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. They can explore their imagination and create colorful masterpieces using kids bath paint made out of soap.

                                      Sensory Stimulation: Painting in the bath engages multiple senses, including sight, touch, and even smell. The sensation of the paint on their fingers, the vibrant colors, and the scent of the soap can all enhance sensory stimulation, contributing to a richer sensory experience for the child.

                                      Fine Motor Skills Development: Holding a paintbrush or using fingers to apply paint helps to develop fine motor skills in children. These activities strengthen hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination, which are crucial for tasks like writing, drawing, and other activities requiring precision.

                                      Overall, bath time painting offers a holistic learning experience that promotes creativity, sensory development, and emotional well-being in children, all while making bath time a fun and enjoyable part of their routine.

                                      kids bath paint recipe

                                      Tips for Making Kids Bath Paint 

                                       Tear-Free, Kid-Safe Paint: Opt for tear-free bath soap to ensure the paint is gentle and safe for children’s delicate skin. Look for soap specifically formulated for kids, preferably hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals.

                                      Use Washable Liquid Watercolor: Choose washable liquid watercolor instead of food coloring to avoid potential staining, especially on grout and other bathroom surfaces. Liquid watercolor provides vibrant colors that are easy to clean up, ensuring a mess-free bath time experience.Choose a

                                      Pleasantly Scented Soap: Select a bath soap with a pleasant fragrance to enhance the sensory experience during bath time painting. A soap with a subtle, kid-friendly scent can add an extra element of enjoyment to the activity, making bath time more enjoyable for children.

                                      Materials

                                      Step-by-Step Instructions 

                                      Step 1

                                      In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of tear-free bath soap with 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Stir well until the corn starch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

                                      Step 2

                                      Slowly add diluted washable liquid watercolor to the soap mixture, a few drops at a time, until you achieve the desired color intensity. Stir thoroughly after each addition to ensure even color distribution. Repeat this steps 1 and 2 for each color you’d like to create.

                                       

                                      Step 3

                                      With the paint ready to go, invite your little ones to unleash their creativity during bath time! Encourage them to paint on the bathtub walls, create colorful designs, and explore their imagination in a safe and enjoyable environment. (Try to avoid the grout if possible!)

                                      Step 4

                                      After bath time fun is over, simply rinse away the paint with water. The tear-free bath soap base ensures easy cleanup, leaving the bathtub clean and ready for the next adventure.

                                      Step 1

                                      In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of tear-free bath soap with 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Stir well until the corn starch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

                                      Step 2

                                      Slowly add diluted washable liquid watercolor to the soap mixture, a few drops at a time, until you achieve the desired color intensity. Stir thoroughly after each addition to ensure even color distribution. Repeat this steps 1 and 2 for each color you’d like to create.

                                      Step 3

                                      With the paint ready to go, invite your little ones to unleash their creativity during bath time! Encourage them to paint on the bathtub walls, create colorful designs, and explore their imagination in a safe and enjoyable environment. (Try to avoid the grout if possible!)

                                      Step 4

                                      After bath time fun is over, simply rinse away the paint with water. The tear-free bath soap base ensures easy cleanup, leaving the bathtub clean and ready for the next adventure.

                                      Even More Fun: Explore The Best Bath Toys for Kids!

                                      If you’re looking for more ways to make bath time a blast for your little ones, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to bath toys for kids HERE!

                                      From bath slime and crayons to interactive games and toys, our guide is packed with fun and creative ideas to keep kids entertained while they splash and play.

                                      Whether you’re seeking sensory experiences or exciting games, our guide has something for every child to enjoy during bath time.

                                      best bath toys for kids guide by 7 days of play
                                      best bath toys for kids guide by 7 days of play

                                      Even More Fun: Explore The Best Bath Toys for Kids!

                                      If you’re looking for more ways to make bath time a blast for your little ones, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to bath toys for kids HERE!

                                      From bath slime and crayons to interactive games and toys, our guide is packed with fun and creative ideas to keep kids entertained while they splash and play.

                                      Whether you’re seeking sensory experiences or exciting games, our guide has something for every child to enjoy during bath time.

                                      More Bath Art and Sensory Play Supplies!

                                      Here are some more fun bath art and sensory play supplies for little ones to explore while they wash up!

                                      bath crayons

                                      Bath Crayons

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                                      bath slime

                                      Slime Soap

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                                      bath toy paint sticks

                                      Bath Paint Sticks

                                      SHOP NOW
                                      best bath toys for kids foam

                                      Foam Soap

                                      SHOP NOW

                                      What’s Next?

                                      Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                      Best Learning Toys for Kids

                                      Looking for the best learning toys for kids? We’ve got you covered with this list of educational gifts that kids will love and learn from!

                                      read more

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