Take a look at this fun ocean sensory bin that kids will love! The little ones (and most of the time) the big kids love to get their hands in anything sensory-related, especially sensory bins.

If you have an ocean lover, they will love these ocean activities for kids.

I find sensory bins enjoyable to put together and they really have a lot to offer in the way of learning. Of course, most importantly they are just super fun to play in!

For your youngest learners, they get a lesson in the world in a small safe environment – exploring the senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and sometimes even taste.

It can be used as a basis for science projects, studying cause and effect, measurement, volume, and so much more.

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What are the benefits of ocean sensory play?

Ocean sensory play is awesome for kids! It helps them learn through touch, sight, and sometimes even sound. Playing with things like sand, water, and toy sea animals can boost their creativity and imagination. Plus, it’s a cool way for them to understand more about ocean life and habitats.

Sensory play also helps little ones develop motor skills as they scoop, pour, and move objects around. Best of all, it’s a super fun way to play and learn at the same time!

Recommended Ocean Books

These books tie in perfectly with the ocean unit and the sensory bin. They will enrich their learning.

Hello, World! Ocean Life The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach (My First I Can Read)The Rainbow Fish Commotion in the Ocean Stella : The Shark Who Loves Treasure (Ocean Tales Children’s Books)

a photo of ocean sensory bin for kids showing the arrangement of ocean-themed supplies before pouring water.

Ocean Sensory Bin Supplies

large shallow bin
water
play sand
coarse salt
seashells
plastic ocean animals
blue food coloring (optional)
slotted spoons (optional)
tongs (optional)
small strainers (optional)
magnifying glass (optional)
droppers (optional)

For this sensory bin, I put together a fun simple one to use along with an ocean study theme.

You will need to grab a large shallow bin, anything larger than a shoe box will work but the bigger the better on this one!

Next, some play sand, seashells, and plastic ocean animals. One of our favorite small world play/sensory bin toys are Toobs like this Ocean Toob one, they come in a lot of different themes and can be used in a lot of ways.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Food Storage Box/Tote for Restaurant/Kitchen/Cafeteria, 2 Gallon, Clear (FG330700CLR) Lid sold separately CRA-Z-Sand 3LB Bag of Amazing Beach Sand with Surprise Sand Tool, Shape, Mold and Slice It, Fun Sensory Toy for Ages 4 and up Safari Ltd. Endangered Marine Species TOOB – Figures of Whales, Marine Iguana, Galapagos Penguin, Sea Lion, Spotted Eagle Ray, Sawfish, Hammerhead and Turtles – Toys for Boys, Girls & Kids Ages 3+365 by Whole Foods Market, Sea Salt Coarse, 24.7 Ounce Norpro , 10 KitchenAid KO004OHOBA Gourmet Nylon Slotted Spoon, One Size, Black

a photo of ocean sensory bin while pouring water.

How to Make an Ocean Sensory Bin

I decided to dissolve a couple of tablespoons of coarse salt in the water so they could sample the ocean’s saltiness. I also added a few drops of blue food coloring, this is optional but it gives the water a little fun tint. Let’s start putting it all together…

Start with a shallow layer of play sand, you can pick this up at home improvement stores but I have also scored small bags at the dollar store as well.

Next, add your seashells, if you don’t have any on hand you can purchase a bag on Amazon, they are a great investment for an ocean study. We use them as manipulatives, we use them to identify shell types, and obviously in sensory play.

Well, and we also decided to throw in a few blue glass pebbles to add to the color of our sensory bin. We had a couple of shark teeth and a real piece of coral to add to ours and they were a hit!

Then add your sea creatures, and place some in the bin and some outside of it to allow your child to explore, play, and rearrange.

Finally, you can add some items like slotted spoons, tongs, small strainers, a magnifying glass for closer study, and droppers. This really gives your child a chance to make it more interactive and fun for them.

More Ocean Activities

Ocean Activities for Preschoolers
Octopus Yarn Craft
Jellyfish Activities for Preschoolers
Mermaid Slime Recipe
Ocean Books for Kids
Rainbow Fish Paper Plate Craft
Ocean Activities for Kindergarten
Ocean Pollution For Kids Sensory Bin Idea by Simple Everyday Mom
Ocean-Themed Skittles Candy Science Experiment by Homeschool Preschool

Ways To Extend the Ocean Sensory Bin Activity

For younger children add a handful of magnetic plastic letters and ask them to find items that begin with those letters- O is for ocean, f is for fish, s is for sand, etc…

Whenever you feel brave enough to attempt a messy sensory bin I recommend taking it outside or putting it on a cheap shower curtain liner to keep the mess contained and clean up easy.