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Home » Kids Activities and Printables » Sensory Bins

How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins

Published: Oct 13, 2021 · Modified: Nov 17, 2023 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Instructions

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

rice that has been dyed yellow, orange, red, blue, and green

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.

rice that has been dyed yellow, orange, red, blue, and green with toys and scoops

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.

Jump to:
  • ⭐ A note about this activity
  • ⭐ Why you’ll love this sensory bin
  • ⭐ Supplies needed
  • ⭐ How to dye rice (step by step guide)
  • ⭐ Fun ideas for sensory bins
  • ⭐ What if my rice won’t dry?
  • ⭐ How to store
  • ⭐ Tips
  • ⭐ Sensory Bin FAQs
  • How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins

⭐ A note about this activity

This activity is meant for children who no longer put things in their mouths. This is not taste safe and parental supervision is required at all times.

⭐ Why you’ll love this sensory bin

A rainbow rice sensory bin (or any other color you want) is a super easy and budget friendly activity to set up for your child. You can use toys, scoops, and measuring cups that you already have.

The rice will last for a year or more if you keep it clean and dry so your child can play again and again.

Kids will have so much fun exploring, developing their fine motor skills, and using their imaginations.

⭐ 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. I used a rainbow set from Amazon.
  • Vinegar: You’ll need one tablespoon of white vinegar.
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⭐ How to dye rice (step by step guide)

step by step guide on 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 used a large plastic storage bag.

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

Spread out to dry. I used a tupperware container that had been lined with wax paper.

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 for sensory bins

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.

Add some fun pom poms, toys, or plastic cookie cutters for more fun.

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

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⭐ What if my rice won’t dry?

If your rice hasn’t dried, you can either let it air dry longer. You may have accidentally put too much vinegar in it. Give it another day to dry. If you live in a very humid environment it may also take longer to dry.

⭐ How to store

Once dry, store your sensory bin rice in an airtight container. It will be good to use for a year or longer.

I used an extra large tupperware container to store ours.

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⭐ Tips

rice that has been dyed yellow, orange, red, blue, and green
  • Set wax paper or parchment paper down when drying the rice. This will help prevent the food coloring from staining your tray.
  • Use a paper towel to test if the rice is dry. If it comes off clean then your rice is ready to be played with.
  • Let the rice dry completely before letting your child play with it. This is a great activity to prep the night before so it has plenty of time to dry. Let the rice dry overnight.

⭐ Sensory Bin FAQs

Will the rice stain hands?

No, once the rice is dry it will not stain hands. Test dryness with a paper towel before letting your child use it.

How do you dye rice for sensory bins?

Mix one cup of dry white rice with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Add food coloring then mix or shake in a plastic storage bag. Lay out to dry on parchment or wax paper lined trays.

Does food coloring work on rice?

Yes, food coloring works on rice if you also use vinegar.

How do you dye rice without vinegar?

You can substitute rubbing alcohol for the vinegar. The alcohol smell will dissipate once it dries.

Other fun sensory activities:

  • a colored pasta sensory bins with scoops and cookie cutters
    How to Dye Pasta For Sensory Bins
  • Monster Sensory Bin
  • spaghetti noodles that have been dyed rainbow colors
    How to Dye Spaghetti (Make Rainbow Spaghetti)
  • bean sensory bin with toys and scoops
    Bean Sensory Bin
  • A lemonade sensory bin (rice dyed yellow with toy lemon slices, ice cubes and wooden scoops).
    Lemonade Sensory Bin
  • snow dough in a sensory bin there's a snowman and a cookie cutter
    Snow Dough

If you tried this Colored Rice Sensory Bin or any other activity or recipe on my site, please leave a ⭐ rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I would love to hear from you!

rice dyed rainbow colors

How to Make Colored Rice for Sensory Bins

Audrey
Making colored rice for sensory bins is so easy! Your child will love all the colors and have a blast playing with it.
5 from 4 votes
Print Activity Pin Activity
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Drying Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • Plastic storage bags
  • Tray

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 used plastic storage bags but you can also use any bowls that you don't mind staining.
  • Next, add one tablespoon of vinegar. Add the food coloring (I used about 10 drops) and stir well.
  • Spread out on a tray to dry. I used a tupperware container lined with wax paper.
  • Let the mixture dry for 2 to 3 hours then it will be good to play with. Mine took about 3 hours to dry but I live in a very humid climate.
  • Repeat to do multiple colors in separate bowls.

Video

Notes

This activity is meant for children who no longer put things in their mouths. This is not taste safe and parental supervision is required at all times.
 
Store in a tupperware container or large plastic food storage bag. The rice will last a year or longer if kept clean or dry.
 
Make sure the rice is completely dry before letting your child play with it.
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Comments

  1. myworldtheirway says

    November 30, 2022 at 1:35 pm

    This is such a wonderful activity for little kids.

    Reply
  2. Dana says

    November 30, 2022 at 9:31 am

    I have never tried coloring rice for sensory play. I have to try this for my 4-year-old daughter!

    Reply
  3. Catia says

    November 29, 2022 at 7:43 pm

    I can’t wait to try this with some of my daughters sensory bins!

    Reply
  4. Julie says

    October 21, 2021 at 8:27 am

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

    Reply
    • Two Pink Peonies says

      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
  5. Pemberley and Pine says

    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
  6. Forever My Little Moon says

    October 19, 2021 at 6:01 pm

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

    Reply
  7. Danielle says

    October 16, 2021 at 1:22 am

    Definitely using this for my daughter and her sensory bins!

    Reply
5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Audrey in a red dress holding her young son

Hi, I'm Audrey!

I’m a busy mom who loves to cook, bake, and craft with her kids. Here, you will find tons of recipes like easy weeknight dinners, copycat recipes, cookies, as well as lots of fun craft ideas for kids.

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