Arctic Animals Sensory Bin

Bring winter indoors with an Arctic Animals Sensory Bin, it’s such a great way for kids to explore the chilly world of the Arctic. Setting up this sensory bin lets the kids feel different textures, play with the animals, and imagine what life is like for animals in icy climates.

If you loved this activity, take a look at my list of more Arctic Animal Activities for Kids.

The different shapes and little details in this bin make it so exciting for kids; they’ll love finding each animal in its “icy” little home. It’s also a simple sensory play setup that brings some winter learning into the house.

They get to pretend they’re in the Arctic, spotting polar bears, seals, and other animals tucked away in the “snow,” and they’ll just light up with each new discovery.

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Fun Facts About Arctic Animals

Arctic animals have some of the coolest tricks and surprises to help them survive in their chilly homes. These animals are full of fascinating details that kids will love learning about. Take a look at some of them:

• Snowy owls – They fly super quietly because of their special feathers. This helps them sneak up on their food without making a sound.
• Reindeer – They are awesome swimmers with big hooves that help them paddle in water and walk on snow without sinking.
• Bearded seals – They can sing underwater to talk to each other and find friends. Sometimes, people can even hear their songs through the ice.

Recommended Polar Animal Books

Nothing brings the Arctic to life like books that are all about snowy animals. Books like these let kids meet polar bears, seals, and other amazing creatures from the cold. They add so much to our day as we read about animals they may never see up close.

Are You a Polar Bear?Hello, World! Arctic AnimalsI’m a Narwhal (Little Golden Book)Ten on the SledThe Emperor’s Egg: Read and WonderPolar Bear Island

 

Why is it important for kids to learn about arctic animals?

Learning about Arctic animals is such a great way to explore how creatures survive in the coldest places on Earth! Animals like polar bears and seals have special skills to keep warm and thrive in freezing temperatures. It’s so fascinating to see how each one is adapted to its environment.

I remember when my kids first learned about how Arctic animals stay warm. They were so amazed to find out that some animals have thick layers of fat or special fur to help them stay cozy.

Recommended Polar Animal Toys

Toys have a way of making playtime feel like an adventure to the North! They just add a whole new layer to learning as they let kids imagine life in the Arctic. I’ve noticed how much my kids pick up just by playing with them. Perfect for when you want them to keep learning!

MAGNA-TILES Arctic Animals 25-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The ORIGINAL Magnetic Building BrandCrayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Arctic Snow Explorer, Color & Wash Creative Toy, Gift for Kids, Age 3, 4, 5, 6Mudpuppy Arctic Life Search & Find PuzzleLearning Resources Sort & Seek Polar Animals, Toddler Activities, Educational Toy Set Color, Teaching Toys, 15 Pieces, Age 18 Months+ Gifts for Boys and Girls7 Pieces Polar Stuffed Animals SetThe Learning Journey My First Lift & Learn – Artic 7 Piece Tray Puzzle | Educational Puzzle for Toddlers Ages 2-5 | Fun Tray Puzzle for Boys & Girls | Award Winning Educational Toys

 

Benefits of sensory bins

Sensory bins are a great way for kids to engage with their senses while learning through hands-on play. They help develop fine motor skills as children scoop, pour, and explore different textures. These activities keep the kids entertained while also offering opportunities to learn about colors, shapes, and more.

Sensory bins also boost cognitive skills, helping kids understand cause and effect, problem-solving, and even sorting. So, try out the Arctic sensory bin that lets children explore Arctic creatures and cold-weather textures, making learning fun and interactive.

Recommended Winter Activity Kits

Winter activity kits are a wonderful way to keep kids engaged during the colder months. Packed with fun, hands-on activities, these kits encourage your kid’s creativity for learning through play. Whether it’s coloring or worksheets, they keep your kids learning while making the season even more enjoyable.

Arctic Animal Activity Supplies

Take a look at the supplies that you would need for this exciting sensory bin activity:

• Cotton Balls
• Blue and Clear Gem Stones
• White Beans (I used Great Northern Beans)
• Arctic Animals Toys/Figurines
• Great Northern Beans
• Sensory Tray or Plastic Bin

How to make a sensory bin

Setting up this plastic bin with my kids for some messy play was like bringing a little piece of winter right into our kitchen. LIt was the perfect time to gather everything together.

My kids were practically bouncing with excitement, ready to get started and help. They were already talking about where each animal might “live” in the bin, and we hadn’t even started yet. 

Those moments make these activities so fun—watching them use their imaginations before we’ve even laid it all out.

As we added the white beans as our fake snow, we talked about what it might feel like up north, and I could see their little faces lighting up with curiosity.

My kids enjoyed fluffing and arranging them like little snowbanks while my older one placed the gemstones, making “icy lakes,” in the bin. 

Together, they picked spots for each animal, giving them names and deciding which ones should stick together. We had a polar bear in a “cave,” a little family of seals, and even a seal perched on an icy “cliff.” They were so proud of their arctic world.

Watching them play with the finished bin was the best part. They took turns making little stories about the animals and engaging in small-world play, and I loved seeing how the sensory experience let their creativity shine.

Setting it up with them felt like such a joyful process, and their excitement carried through the whole time they played. With some adult supervision, it became a great idea for fostering their imagination and connection with one another. It was so worth the clean up.

More Arctic Animal Activities

There are plenty more fun ways to learn about Arctic animals through hands-on activities. From creating crafts to worksheets, these activities let your kids “experience” how animals live in their habitats. It’s a great way for kids to learn while having fun.

• Arctic Fox Worksheets
• Arctic Food Chain Worksheets
• Arctic Animals Addition Cards
• Arctic Animals STEM Activities
• Arctic Animals Color by Number by Crystal and Comp
• Polar Bear Cutting Activity Pages by Simple Everyday Mom

This sensory bin gives kids a way to learn about Arctic animals while exploring textures and winter themes. It’s a fantastic opportunity for sensory exploration during the winter season, making it much more fun as they discover polar bears, seals, and other animals. We will definitely try another one next time.

Start setting up your Arctic sensory bin today, and bring a little winter wonder home!