21 Amazing Sensory Bins for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Sensory bins are perhaps the one activity that I can set up for my three year old that she is guaranteed to play with for hours and sometimes days.

They are amazing for building and using language, fine motor skills, math and just about any learning goal you have in mind for your toddlers and preschoolers.

Below is an incredible list of our favorite sensory bin ideas!

Also check out 20 Pom Pom Sensory Activities for fun sensory play ideas using pom poms!

Setting Up a Sensory Bin

Setting up a sensory bin can feel daunting at first especially if you aren’t prepared.

But by following a few simple steps and establishing clear ground rules you and your toddler or preschooler can enjoy hours of fun together (you sipping your much needed coffee and them having fun with sensory play).

Here is a list of your Basic Supplies:

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Tips for Saving Sensory Bin Fillers

Use large ziplock bags to store sensory bin fillers such as coloured rice or split green peas.
Buy your supplies in bulk or at the dollar store to save.

Basic Sensory Bin Rules

When it comes to letting your toddler or preschooler play in a sensory bin it’s better to find a balance between letting them play and being prepared for a little mess and setting firm rules.

To achieve that balance I like to tape down a large plastic table cloth underneath the sensory bin and play area.

That way when wayward rice fly out of the bin you don’t panic because cleaning it up is as simple as picking up the plastic table cloth and tossing it.