Ocean Sensory Bin Activity for Kids
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 LifeThe Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach (My First I Can Read)The Rainbow FishCommotion in the OceanStella : The Shark Who Loves Treasure (Ocean Tales Children’s Books)
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 separatelyCRA-Z-Sand 3LB Bag of Amazing Beach Sand with Surprise Sand Tool, Shape, Mold and Slice It, Fun Sensory Toy for Ages 4 and upSafari 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 OunceNorpro , 10KitchenAid KO004OHOBA Gourmet Nylon Slotted Spoon, One Size, Black
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.
Ocean Sensory Bin Activity for Kids
This Ocean Sensory Bin Activity for kids is a fun and easy way to explore sea creatures and their habitat through hands-on learning.
Materials
- 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)
Instructions
- In a separate container, dissolve a couple of tablespoons of coarse salt in water, and add a few drops of blue food coloring to give your sensory bin a fun tint.
- In your large bin, add a layer of play sand.
- Next, add seashells, as they will make your sensory bin more like an ocean creatures' natural habitat. Consider adding coral and a few blue pebbles.
- Slowly pour your pretend ocean water into the bin.
- Add some ocean animal toys to the bin, and place some outside for kids to play with later.
- Lastly, prepare some tongs, slotted spoons, strainers, a magnifying glass, and droppers to place on the side of your ocean sensory bin. These items are optional because kids can always (and are encouraged to) use their hands.
- Your ocean-themed sensory bin is now ready!
Notes
Make sure you will not add too much food coloring because we want everything to be visible during playtime.
Recommended Products
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Take time to create your own ocean sensory bin when you can’t go to the beach. You can enjoy it at home or bring it anywhere.
Another great book is “Somewhere in the Ocean” by Jennifer Ward. The narrative introduces ocean animals, their habitats and their group names through soothing poetry and colorful illustrations.
Thanks!