Kids driving you crazy while home from school for the summer?
Or maybe you just need new ideas for weekend/evening entertainment.
If you know me, you know that I try to keep my kids screen-free. In fact, they were screen-free until after 2 years old!
If you’re looking for more screen-free activities- check out my other screen-free ideas here!
Sensory bins are the way to go to keep kids entertained so you can do some quick errands around the house- and sensory bins are great learning activites for kids.
If you’re looking for other screen-free activites
Here are some quick and easy sensory bin ideas using products that you might already have in your house! No need to run to Amazon or Target (no judgement if you do- I love a good reason to shop)
Here are examples of some basic fillers:
- Rice (dyed or plain)
- Dry pasta
- Dried beans or lentils
- Cotton balls
- Kinetic sand
- Shredded paper
- Ice cubes
5-Minute DIY Sensory Bin Ideas
1. Dried Rice + Measuring Tools
- Fill a bin with dried rice. (you can be super cool and use food coloring to make the rice different colors)
- Toss in measuring cups, spoons, and/or funnels. I like to keep plastic silverware from eating out so my kids can use plastic spoons!
- Great for scooping, pouring, and a whole lot of toddler joy.
Quick tip: Dye rice with vinegar and food coloring, dry overnight, and store in gallon Ziplocs for easy reuse.
2. Ice Cube Rescue
- Dump a tray of ice cubes into a bin.
- Add little toys (animals, cars, letters).
- Grab some cooking tongs, spoons, etc and let your kids “rescue” the toys.
This is perfect for hot summer afternoons! If your kids are a little older, you can actually put mini-toys INSIDE of the ice cubes and have them try and melt/break the ice to “rescue” the toys.
3. Coffee Beans + Construction Vehicles
- Fill your bin with dry coffee beans.
- Add mini trucks or diggers.
- Let them “excavate” like tiny construction workers
I don’t know what it is about little boys and construction trucks- but my son LOVES the digger style trucks. This sensory bin is always a hit with my kids.
A bonus for this one is the smell! I LOVE the smell of a coffee bean .
4. Pom Pom Color Sorting
- Use cotton balls or pom poms.
- Add colored bowls or cups.
- Give your toddler tongs or a spoon and have them sort by color.
This is not only fun, but it builds fine motor skills AND helps with color recognition and sorting skills.
5. Dinosaur Dig
- Use dry pasta, oats, or sand as filler.
- Hide mini dinos or fossils.
- Let your toddler excavate with a paintbrush or spoon.
This is another one that almost every toddler I know is obsessed with….. dinosaurs!
Both my son and my daughter love to dig for dinos in sand. They also like to build mini mountains for the dinosaurs to stomp on.
Tips to Keep Sensory Play Simple and Mess-Free
- Lay down a towel or shower curtain underneath the bin.
- Use a muffin tin or ice cube tray for sorting activities.
- Set a timer for cleanup time- make it part of the activity!
I used to think that sensory bins were too much work for such little play- but boy was I wrong.
I think if you have a designated area where the kids can play, a towel, garbage bags underneath, plastic, sheets of paper… anything to protect the surface and floor (if you’re inside) then these sensory bins are totally doable.
These are also super fun to do outside! It doesn’t take a lot of space at all and it gives everyone a chance to get some fresh air.
Wrap-Up: Sensory Play Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need a Pinterest degree or a Michaels run to create sensory play magic. These DIY sensory bins for toddlers are simple, budget-friendly, and take literally 5 minutes to throw together.
Whether you’re prepping for independent play while you work, cook dinner, or hide in the bathroom for five peaceful minutes, sensory bins are a game-changer for moms.