Looking for a fun, Halloween-themed sensory activity? Look no further!

This fun Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bin is perfect for kids of all ages. It’s a great way to get them excited about Halloween while also providing some educational benefits.

Your kids will love getting their hands on this bin of colorful pumpkin materials. They can explore the textures and sounds while developing their sensory skills. What a fun way to celebrate Halloween!

Find out how to make your own Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bin today!

For more Halloween activities, check my list of fun Halloween Activities for Kids.

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Where did jack-o-lanterns come from?

Ireland is considered the birthplace of Halloween, and the tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns dates back to the country’s ancient Celts.

In the days before electric lights, people would hollow out turnips or potatoes and carve scary faces into them. They would then place candles inside the lanterns and set them in their windows to ward off evil spirits.

The tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is thought to have originated with Irish immigrants who came to America in the 1800s. They found that pumpkins were much easier to carve than turnips, and the tradition soon caught on.

Today, carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is a beloved Halloween tradition in many parts of the world. For homeschoolers, learning about the history of this tradition can be a fun and educational activity.

If you loved this sensory bin idea, try this Halloween playdough for more spooky fun.

Recommended Jack-O-Lantern Books for Kids

Kids will love these not-so-spooky Jack-O-Lantern Books. Perfect for learning more about Halloween.

Ten Little Jack O Lanterns: A Magical Counting Storybook (1) (Magical Counting Storybooks)The Story of the Jack O’Lantern Jack O’ Lantern Plumply, Dumply Pumpkin J is for Jack-O’-Lantern: A Halloween Alphabet (Holiday)Pumpkin Jack

Do your kids love reading books but just don’t have the time to read them all yourself? Grab an Audible subscription to find amazing audiobooks that your kids can listen to on their own. You can get up to two free audiobooks when you sign up for the first time.

If audiobooks aren’t you’re thing, see what cool books you can find on Kindle and your kids will have a huge library ready at their fingertips.

Recommended Halloween Activity Kits

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Halloween

Kids will enjoy answering these worksheets including Halloween themed ten-frame and counting worksheets, tracing worksheets, addition and subtraction worksheets, counting charts, and more!

Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Halloween Kit

Your Lego lover kids will love this Halloween kit that includes lego pieces and printed instructions.

Build Your Own Jack O Lantern

Grab this Build Your Own Jack O Lantern kit for your little one this Halloween. They will enjoy decorating their own Jack O Lantern with paint, crayons, or markers.

More Halloween Activities

Halloween Preschool Printables

Add these fun and engaging activities for little ones to pair it perfectly with this sensory bin.

Halloween Lacing Cards

Have your kids practice their fine motor skills by creating your own lacing cards. Perfect for little growing hands and fingers.

No-fuss Monster Crafts for Kids

Monster lovers will rejoice at the number of cool monster crafts they can try from this list.

Thumbprint Skeleton Craft

A simple and easy craft any kid can do – perfect for Halloween.

11 Ooey, Gooey, and Gross Halloween Sensory Ideas by STEAMsational

So many amazing Halloween ideas, you can’t just pick one.

Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bin Supplies:

Sensory bin
Paper shred
Mini plastic Jack-o-lanterns
Felt Jack-o-lanterns
Mini Jack-o-lantern toys
Jack-o-lantern squishies
Black and orange straws
Other small toys
Small plastic Halloween bowl

OULII Mini Pumpkin Storage Box Case Plastic Container Holder Props Party Favors 12pcs Just Artifacts Halloween Premium Disposable Drinking Striped Paper Straws (100pcs, Black with Orange Stripes)3 Oz Bag wLAET Orange & Black Halloween Blend Gift Basket Shred, Crinkle Paper Filler Display Bedding

Directions:

1. Place the paper shred in the sensory bin.

2. Set the sensory items around the bin.

3. Invite kids to explore the contents of the bin, observing all of the different ways they use the contents of the bin for creativity!

Fun Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bin

This fun and easy Jack-O-Lantern sensory bin is perfect for a quick Halloween activity for kids!

Materials

Sensory bin
Paper shred
Mini plastic Jack-o-lanterns
Felt Jack-o-lanterns
Mini Jack-o-lantern toys
Jack-o-lantern squishies
Black and orange straws
Other small toys
Small plastic Halloween bowl

Instructions

Place the paper shred in the sensory bin.
Set the sensory items around the bin.
Invite kids to explore the contents of the bin, observing all of the different ways they use the contents of the bin for creativity!

This fun and easy Jack-O-Lantern sensory bin is perfect for a quick Halloween activity for kids! So what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies and let your kids enjoy!