Heard about sensory bins but aren’t quite sure what they are? Essentially, a sensory bin is a shallow container that you fill with materials that stimulate a toddler's senses and create a hands-on experience. They’re designed to ignite imagination and learning through tactile exploration.
Sensory play is important for early childhood development, as it enhances cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. With a wide array of textures and elements, sensory bins provide a dynamic platform for interactive, experiential sensory learning.
What You Will Need to Make a Sensory Bin
There are numerous possibilities when creating sensory bins, as they can contain a variety of items with different colors, shapes, and textures. It’s also fun to create theme-based bins around holidays, seasons, or your child’s interests (such as dinosaurs or trains).
To get started, some basic items you’ll need to create a sensory bin for toddlers include:
Creating a sensory bin is an open canvas, allowing everyday items to be used in unique ways. The versatility of materials and the opportunity for creativity means that sensory bins can be tailored to match any theme.
Fun Fall Sensory Bin Ideas
Whether you’re just getting started creating sensory bins or need some inspiration for creating a new one, check out some fun fall-themed sensory bin ideas below.
1.Pumpkin Sensory Bin
To set it up, you'll need a large plastic tub, dried black beans or orange lentils, plastic mini pumpkins, small scoops, and containers for transferring items back and forth.
2.Fall Colors Sensory Bin
Use dried colored pasta in various autumn hues (red, orange, yellow) as the base. Add droppers and colored water to encourage color mixing and fine motor skill development.Consider adding seasonal items like small decorative pumpkins or acorns for a multi-sensory experience. You can also introduce tools for scooping and sorting, enhancing the learning aspect and prolonging engagement.
3.Farmyard Sensory Bin
Create a mini farm scene with small plastic or wooden farm animals, hay, and sensory-friendly “dirt” made from cloud dough. This allows kids to engage in imaginative play while exploring different textures.4.Halloween Themed Sensory Bin
For the main filler, use orange dyed rice. You can make this by pouring 1-2 cups of rice into a large plastic Ziploc bag and adding 5-10 drops of orange food dye and a tablespoon of vinegar. Seal it tight, shake, then pour on a baking tray to dry.After adding the fully dried colored rice, toss in a mix of Halloween goodies you have on hand or from your local dollar store. Skeletons, spider rings, plastic eyeballs, and cauldrons are some fun add-ins. As with any bin, just be sure to get age-appropriate items for safety.
Finally, provide some scoops, tongs, measuring cups, funnels, and bowls for scooping and pouring to encourage fine motor skill development, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.
5.Thanksgiving Themed Sensory Bin
For a Thanksgiving themed base, you can use dry corn kernels, regular popcorn, dry beans, or split peas. Non-food sensory bin fillers can include shredded paper, feathers, fake leaves, or real leaves from outside. Then, add Thanksgiving and fall items such as:- Fabric scraps
- Acorns
- Gourds
- Decorations
- Turkey figures
- Wheat sprigs
- Pinecones
Explore KidKraft's collection of toys to find the perfect additions to your sensory bin creations. Shop activity tables to find the perfect space to place sensory bins or provide additional types of sensory play activities for your kids.