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Home » Holiday Fun » Halloween

Pumpkin Sensory Bin

Published: Oct 14, 2023 · Modified: Nov 14, 2023 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Instructions
Text that says pumpkin sensory bin. Below the text are small beans that have been dyed orange and cups with pumpkin faces on them.

This Pumpkin Sensory Bin is a fun activity for a pumpkin or Halloween theme. It is also a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to work on their fine motor skills. This sensory bin is so easy to put together and you can also switch the filler to any other your prefer!

Text that says pumpkin sensory bin. Below the text are small beans that have been dyed orange and cups with pumpkin faces on them.

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.

I am a huge fan of making sensory bins for my kids. They are a fun way to do different themed activities, celebrate changes in season or holidays, learn, work on fine motor skills, and use imaginative play skills.

A pumpkin themed sensory bin meant for toddlers and preschoolers. There are small beans that have been dyed orange and cups with pumpkin faces on them.

If you need even more Halloween themed sensory bins this Rainbow Spaghetti dyed orange and black is a fun idea for Halloween. My kids also really loved this Monster Sensory Bin.

Jump to:
  • 🧡 A note about sensory bins
  • 📝 The benefits of sensory play
  • 🎃 Supplies needed
  • ❔ What kind of sensory bin to use
  • 🖤 How to set up
  • ⭐ FAQ
  • Pumpkin Sensory Bin

🧡 A note about sensory bins

Please note that sensory bins should always be supervised by adults since they contain small parts that could be a choking hazard.

📝 The benefits of sensory play

Sensory bins are a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to work on their fine motor skills, use their imaginations, and explore different textures and colors. They are budget friendly and easy to make too.

🎃 Supplies needed

The supplies needed to make a pumpkin sensory bin.

For this sensory bin, you will need:

  • Small white beans: I used navy beans but you can use so many different fillers for this bin. You could use orange crinkle paper, colored rice, dyed pasta, pom poms, oats, or sand. If using beans do not use kidney beans as dried kidney beans are toxic.
  • Orange food coloring
  • Vinegar
  • Plastic storage bag: Such as Ziplock
  • Wax paper or parchment paper: To dry the beans on.
  • Clear cups
  • Permanent marker: For adults only. To draw the faces on the cups.
  • Scoops and toys
Sharpie Permanent Markers | Fine Point for Bold Details | Black Ink | 2 Marker Pens
Sharpie Permanent Markers | Fine Point for Bold…
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MagicWater Supply - 2 oz - Orange - Soft & Thin Crinkle Cut Paper Shred Filler great for Gift Wrapping, Basket Filling, Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Valentines Day, and other occasions
MagicWater Supply – 2 oz – Orange – Soft & Thin…
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Praisebank Orange Pom poms,300pcs,1inch/2.5cm, Pom Poms for Arts and Crafts, Pom Pom Balls in jar,Pom Pomsfor Crafts.
Praisebank Orange Pom poms,300pcs,1inch/2.5cm, Pom…
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Sale Wettarn 9 Pcs Sensory Bin Filler Fine Motor Skills Handy Scooper Set Sensory Bin Tools, Include 4 Scoops, 2 Tweezers, Scissors Clips, Plastic Forceps and Air Pump for Sorting Counting
Wettarn 9 Pcs Sensory Bin Filler Fine Motor Skills…
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Kaya 7 oz. Clear Plastic Cups for Party, (20 Pc) BPA Free Plastic Clear Cups, Premium Clear Disposable Cups & Plastic Wine Cups for Parties, Weddings & Everyday
Kaya 7 oz. Clear Plastic Cups for Party, (20 Pc)…
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Learning Resources Helping Hands Sensory Scoops - Fidget Sand Toys, Water Bin Play, Tool Set, Fine Motor Games, Toddler Daycare Essentials, Homeschool Preschool, Kinetic Creativity For Kids
Learning Resources Helping Hands Sensory Scoops -…
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❔ What kind of sensory bin to use

I prefer to use an extra large Tupperware container but you can also use a sensory table or large tray with a lid.

15Inch Portable Sensory Bin Play Tray with Lid,...
15Inch Portable Sensory Bin Play Tray with Lid,…
Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid | Sensory Bin...
Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid | Sensory…
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Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Container,...
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage…

🖤 How to set up

A collage with four images showing a step by step guide on how to make a pumpkin sensory bin.

Printable instructions are below.

Draw some fun pumpkin faces on your clear cups (image 1).

Measure out how many cups of beans (not kidney or white kidney beans) you’d like to use. Note that you can use other sensory bin filler, if desired (such as orange crinkle paper, rice, pasta, pom poms, etc).

In a large Ziplock bag, add one tablespoon of white vinegar per one cup of dried beans. Add the orange food coloring a little at a time until you get the desired color (image 2).

Seal and shake the bag well (image 3). Let sit for about five minutes before transferring to a wax or parchment paper lined baking sheet or container (image 4).

Let dry for several hours (I usually let mine dry overnight). You can test the beans’ dryness with a paper towel before adding to your sensory bin. If you live in a humid area, you may need to add additional dry time.

Add scoops, cups, and toys. Let your child enjoy!

⭐ FAQ

A pumpkin themed sensory bin meant for toddlers and preschoolers. There are small beans that have been dyed orange and cups with pumpkin faces on them.
What do you put in a Halloween sensory bin?

You can add a filler like dyed dried beans or orange crinkle paper. Add plastic cups with Jack O’ Lantern faces with scoops and toys.

What is the best bin for a sensory bin?

I prefer an extra large Tupperware container with a lid. This way you can easily store your sensory bin in a cabinet. It also makes it easier to rotate sensory bins.

What is the cheapest material for a sensory bin?

There are so many inexpensive fillers for sensory bins. You can use water, sand, dried pasta, rice, or crinkle paper.

Other fun Halloween ideas

  • Halloween Scavenger Hunt Printable
    Halloween Scavenger Hunt Printable
  • Halloween ghost craft
    Halloween Ghost Craft
  • Monster Sensory Bin
  • Text that says Halloween play dough mats with mock ups of the mats
    Free Halloween Play Dough Mats

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

A pumpkin themed sensory bin meant for toddlers and preschoolers. There are small beans that have been dyed orange and cups with pumpkin faces on them.

Pumpkin Sensory Bin

Audrey
This Pumpkin Sensory Bin is a fun activity for a pumpkin or Halloween theme. It is also a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to work on their fine motor skills. This sensory bin is so easy to put together and you can also switch the filler to any other your prefer!
5 from 3 votes
Print Activity Pin Activity
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Dry Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • sensory bin I used an extra large food storage container

Materials
 

  • small white beans not kidney
  • orange food coloring
  • white vinegar
  • permanent marker for adults only
  • clear cups
  • large plastic storage bag such as Ziplock
  • wax or parchment paper
  • scoops and toys

Instructions
 

  • Draw some fun pumpkin faces on your clear cups.
    clear cups, permanent marker
  • Measure out how many cups of beans (not kidney or white kidney beans) you'd like to use. Note that you can use other sensory bin filler, if desired (such as orange crinkle paper, rice, pasta, pom poms, etc).
    small white beans
  • In a large Ziplock bag, add one tablespoon of white vinegar per one cup of dried beans. Add the orange food coloring a little at a time until you get the desired color
    orange food coloring, white vinegar, large plastic storage bag
  • Seal and shake the bag well. Let sit for about five minutes before transferring to a wax or parchment paper lined baking sheet or container.
    wax or parchment paper
  • Let dry for several hours (I usually let mine dry overnight). You can test the beans' dryness with a paper towel before adding to your sensory bin. If you live in a humid area, you may need to add additional dry time.
  • Add scoops, cups, and toys. Let your child enjoy!
    scoops and toys

Notes

If using beans do not use kidney beans as dried kidney beans are toxic.
Adult supervision is always required for sensory bins.
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5 from 3 votes (3 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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