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    Home » Recipes » Crafts & Activities

    How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins

    Published: Oct 13, 2021 · Modified: Oct 13, 2021 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Making colored rice for sensory bins is so easy! Your child will love all the colors and have a blast playing with it.

    How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins

    Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or sign up for a service at no extra cost to you.

    As a mom of two toddlers, I’m always on the look out for easy ways to keep them entertained without screen time. Sensory bins have been my go-to lately.

    Sensory bin with purple, blue, and dark pink dyed rice with a spoon, letter, and measuring cup.

    We had a lot of fun doing kinetic sand but I thought it was time to switch up our bins with some colored rice. I never knew how easy it was to dye rice and my kids were thrilled with it. The colors also look great all mixed together.

    Supplies needed

    supplies needed to dye rice for sensory bins

    To make colored rice, you will need:

    • Rice: You’ll need white rice. One cup per color you want to make.
    • Food coloring: You’ll need regular food coloring, not gel food coloring.
    • Vinegar: You’ll need one tablespoon of white vinegar.

    How to dye rice

    There are printable instructions further down in this post!

    To dye rice, you will need to measure out one cup of rice. I put mine in a dark colored bowl so the food coloring would not stain it (I did find it just washed out of the bowl, but I like to err on the side of caution).

    Next, add one tablespoon of vinegar. Add the food coloring (I used about 10 drops) and stir well.

    Let the mixture dry for 2 to 3 hours then it will be good to play with. Mine took about 2 ½ hours to dry but I live in a very humid climate.

    Fun ideas

    Dye your rice red and green for Christmas or pink for Valentine’s Day themed sensory bins. You could also use your child’s favorite colors.

    Use the rice to practice writing numbers or letters with your fingers.

    Dying rice brown or black is great for construction themed sensory bins.

    We used these measuring cups that actually represent the measurements. I think they are really cool for learning.

    If you have any other fun ideas, please share them in the comments below!

    Other fun crafts and activities

    • How to make color changing play dough
    • Free busy binder printables
    • How to make unbreakable bubbles
    • How to make snow dough
    sensory bin with dyed rice with a large scoop, toy, and measuring cup in it
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    How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins

    Making colored rice for sensory bins is so easy! Your child will love all the colors and have a blast playing with it.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Drying Time2 hrs
    Total Time2 hrs 5 mins
    Course: Just for fun
    Cuisine: Just for fun
    Keyword: How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins
    Yield: 1 cup
    Author: Audrey
    Cost: $2

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowls

    Materials

    • 1 cup white rice
    • food coloring
    • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

    Instructions

    • To dye rice, you will need to measure out one cup of rice. I put mine in a dark colored bowl so the food coloring would not stain it (I did find it just washed out of the bowl, but I like to err on the side of caution).
    • Next, add one tablespoon of vinegar. Add the food coloring (I used about 10 drops) and stir well.
    • Let the mixture dry for 2 to 3 hours then it will be good to play with. Mine took about 2 ½ hours to dry but I live in a very humid climate.
    • Repeat to do multiple colors in separate bowls.

    Video

    https://www.twopinkpeonies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vid-for-sensory-rice.mp4

    Don’t forget to share this post or save it for later with Pinterest!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Danielle

      October 16, 2021 at 1:22 am

      Definitely using this for my daughter and her sensory bins!

      Reply
    2. Forever My Little Moon

      October 19, 2021 at 6:01 pm

      I need to try doing this, look so easy and fun for kids!

      Reply
    3. Pemberley and Pine

      October 20, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      I love sensory bins. I have two kids with sensory issues, and I love new sensory ideas. ❤️

      Reply
    4. Julie

      October 21, 2021 at 8:27 am

      So fun! Do you find that the rice stains hands or clothes?

      Reply
      • Two Pink Peonies

        October 21, 2021 at 5:59 pm

        Once it is dry it will not stain, you can test it with a paper towel to make sure it is dry.

        Reply

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    About Me

    Image with picture of owner of Two Pink Peonies with text that says Hi I'm Audrey

    I’m a mom and blogger, I understand how hard it can be to figure out what to cook all the time! My mission is to help you create delicious recipes, especially copycat recipes at home. I also have fun printables and crafts to help entertain your kids.

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