This Easter sensory bin is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Kids will have a blast digging and scooping!
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My two kids absolutely love sensory bins. I know what you’re thinking, but those will make a huge mess. Don’t worry, I’ll also give you some tips for containing the mess.
Sensory bins are great for fine motor skills, imaginative play, as well as exploring and having fun. My kids are entertained by their bins for at least 20 to 30 minutes every time. That’s a long time for a toddler
What type of container to use
I use extra large tupperware containers for our sensory bins. You can also buy heavy duty bins for sensory play on Amazon.
Fun toys and tools for your sensory bin
- Cookie cutters: Make sure if you are using metal that the edges are not sharp. I usually prefer plastic cookie cutters for this reason.
- Measuring cups and scoops: My kids love the measuring cups that actually represent the sizes. They are really cool.
- Fine motor skills tools: These are great to use in any sensory bin.
- Easter eggs: We used bunny shaped and regular ones since this is an Easter sensory bin
Supplies needed to make this sensory bin
- Fun scoops and toys (what we used and some other ideas are above)
- Rice (plain white rice, unprepared)
- Food coloring (I used neon food dye)
- Vinegar
How to dye the rice
For our bin, I used neon food coloring. I dyed the rice in our sensory bin pink and then added a cup of white rice. I also did a small batch of purple and used a cross shaped cookie cutter to contain it so it made a cross. I recommend using plastic cookie cutters if possible because the metal ones can be sharp!
To dye rice, you will need to measure out one cup of rice per color you want to make. I put mine in a dark colored bowl so the food coloring would not stain it (it did wash out but I like to be careful).
Next, add one tablespoon of vinegar. Add the food coloring (I used about 6 drops of pink and 8 of the purple, you can always add more so start off lighter than you think) and mix well.
Lay the rice out on a parchment paper or aluminum foil lined sheet and the rice dry for 2 to 3 hours. If you live in an humid area, you may need to add more drying time.
You can test that its dry with a paper towel before playing with it. Once the rice is dry it should not stain your hands.
How to contain the mess
I like to either set a large vinyl tablecloth down that we use for sensory bins and art or use our bins outside. If we use our bins outside, we usually do them on the porch then I use a large broom to sweep up any mess.
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