5 Sensory Bin Ideas for Preschoolers
Sensory bins are some of the simplest and most effective tools for helping preschoolers explore the world around them and nurture key developmental skills. They transform everyday plastic containers and household objects into creative building zones, archaeological dig sites, or little science labs.
From molding playdough to finding puzzle pieces, sensory bins offer a world of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Whether you’re a parent looking for an engaging rainy-day activity or a teacher setting up sensory bins for your class, this guide can help. We’ll break down what sensory bins are, explain why they’re so beneficial for growing kids, and share five fun sensory bin ideas for preschoolers.
What are sensory bins?
Sensory bins are containers filled with materials that engage one or more of a child’s senses, including sight, touch, sound, and smell. Sensory bins usually contain a specific material, like rice, sand, or water, with toys and other objects scattered throughout. They invite kids to reach in and safely squish, mold, dig, and discover.
Sensory bins are also incredibly versatile. They can be themed around children's interests, such as nature, science, and puzzle-building. And they’re the perfect tool for inspiring open-ended play. So parents and teachers can let children explore at their own pace and follow their instincts.
Benefits of sensory toys for preschoolers
Sensory play might look like just scooping, splashing, and squishing. But behind every molded piece of playdough and interconnected puzzle piece is an opportunity to learn important lessons and build fundamental skills.
Here’s a closer look at the biggest benefits of sensory bin activities for preschoolers.
- Develop fine motor skills: Scooping, stacking, pouring, molding, and connecting all strengthen those small muscles in preschoolers’ hands and fingers.
- Regulate emotions: Hands-on play can help toddlers self-regulate, enhance focus, and find calm even in stressful or overstimulating situations.
- Support cognitive growth: Give kids the freedom and independence to solve problems, explore early math concepts, and form patterns through tactile, sensory exploration.
- Boost creativity: Sensory bins are launch pads for creative discovery, showing preschoolers that everyday objects can become exciting builds and opportunities for storytelling and adventure.
How to set up sensory bins at home
The beauty of sensory bins is that they’re easy to set up almost anywhere. All you need are a few everyday objects, many of which you can find right at home.
Take these simple steps to kick off your kid’s next sensory adventure:
- Choose a container. Pick a plastic storage bin, a large bowl, or even a deep baking tray to start.
- Find a base material. Select an easily replenishable (and easy to clean up) base like dry rice, lentils, beans, kinetic sand, playdough, or marbles to fill your container.
- Add in fun objects. Bury and scatter objects throughout your base material, like small toys or puzzle pieces.
- Supplement with other tools. Add scoops, cups, tongs, funnels, and toy shovels to help kids dig around and explore their sensory bin.
- Set clear boundaries. Make sure sensory play is fun and safe for both you and your child by establishing some simple ground rules, like keeping materials on the table or placing a mat under the bin for easy cleanup.
Explore Plus-Plus sensory toys →
How to set up sensory bins in a daycare or classroom
On a busy day in the classroom, sensory bins can help toddlers focus on tactile tasks, collaborate to achieve common goals, and develop early learning skills—all while playing independently or together.
Whether you’re looking to spice up a science lesson or schedule a mid-day reset, use these tips to make sensory play a go-to activity for your classroom:
- Use sturdy bins. Make sure bins are easy to store, clean, and find (add labels to help) so you can repeat sensory play each day or week.
- Incorporate early learning goals. Help kids meet early learning standards by developing fine motor skills, boosting critical thinking, and encouraging creative expression.
- Customize to different interests. Set up themed sensory bins for different seasons, holidays, or lessons, like shapes, colors, and letters.
Visit the Plus-Plus Educator Hub for more activity ideas and helpful tips.
5 fun sensory bin ideas for toddlers
The only question now is: What will you put in your sensory bin? The options are nearly endless, since each bin can be customized to fit any season, stage of growth, and budding interest.
To get you started, here are five fun sensory bin activities designed to spark curiosity and unleash imagination through hands-on play.
1. Plus-Plus Puzzle-Building Sensory Bin 
Photo credit: Lucy @findthelittlemind
Invite kids to dig for Plus-Plus BIG pieces in a sensory bin of rice, lentils, or sand. They can then use the pieces they pull out to sort colors, build letters, stack numbers, or build any fun shapes they can dream up.
Key skills it develops: Fine motor skills, color recognition, counting, creative thinking, and early STEM concepts.
What you’ll need: Plus-Plus BIG (try BIG in a Tub!); dry materials like rice, lentils, or sand; scoops or small containers for sorting
2. Nature Exploration Sensory Bin
Bring outdoor exploration inside with this nature-inspired sensory bin. Use sand or dry soil as a base and sprinkle in natural materials like pinecones, smooth rocks, and acorns—and let kids start scavenging!
Key skills it develops: Fine motor skills, sensory discrimination, vocabulary, and descriptive language
What you’ll need: Dry base materials like sand or dry soil, small scoops or shovels, and natural materials
3. Playdough Press Sensory Bin
Photo credit: Lucy @findthelittlemind
Fill your bin with homemade or store-bought playdough, and start squishing and molding. Add rolling pins, cookie cutters, and textured items to the mix to see what kids create. You can use Plus-Plus BIG pieces, for example, to press fun patterns or shapes into the dough.
Key skills it develops: Hand strength, creativity, sensory awareness, hand-eye coordination, and emotional regulation
What you’ll need: Playdough, rolling or molding tools, Plus-Plus BIG pieces for stamping.
4. Water Play Sensory Bin
Photo credit: Lucy @findthelittlemind
You don’t need a pool or a pond to discover the magic of water and the sensation of splashing. Just fill a bin with a shallow layer of H20 so kids can experiment with pouring, floating objects, and other simple STEM ideas. Add cups, funnels, sponges, or floating toys like Plus-Plus BIG for even more fun.
Key skills it develops: Hand-eye coordination, early science concepts, and focus
What you’ll need: Water, cups, funnels, sponges, waterproof toys
5. Seashell Scavenger Hunt Sensory Bin
Photo credit: Lucy @findthelittlemind
Take a little sensory bin vacation with this beach-inspired activity for toddlers. Simply fill a bin with sand and add dazzling seashells or toy sea creatures to start your own coastal adventure. You can even sprinkle in pieces of Plus-Plus sea life sets and work with your preschooler to build their own pool of aquatic friends.
Key skills it develops: Imaginative play, fine motor skills, early science concepts, storytelling skills
What you’ll need: Play sand, seashells, beach-themed toys, buckets, scoops
Why Plus-Plus BIG is perfect for a preschool sensory bin
Make Plus-Plus the superstar of your sensory bin. Mix these kid-friendly pieces into sand, rice, or water for some fun exploration. Or just pop open a tub of Plus-Plus BIG to let toddlers start building, designing, color-matching, and storytelling—one piece at a time.
Want more of the scoop? Plus-Plus toys are perfect for sensory play because they’re:
- Available in a variety of colors: Choose from over 41 vibrant colors, including pastels, neons, and glittery pieces, to visually engage kids and help them learn.
- Built for small hands: Plus-Plus BIG are chunky and designed for little hands, so toddlers can comfortably grasp, stack, sort, and assemble pieces on their own.
- Easy to clean: Let kids get as messy as they want (within reason, of course)! Plus-Plus pieces are easy to rinse and wipe clean, even when they’re mixed with sand, putty, or playdough. You can also put them in a mesh bag and toss them in the dishwasher or washing machine. So you can quickly set up sensory bins again and again.
- Able to float: Preschoolers can use Plus-Plus to experiment with water, build floating platforms, and explore early science concepts through hands-on play.
- Perfect for pairing with soft materials: The smooth, solid texture of Plus-Plus makes for a fun contrast with soft or squishy sensory materials.
- Shaped for stamping: Press Plus-Plus pieces into playdough or soft materials, adding another layer of sensory feedback and creativity.
Ready to build a stimulating sensory bin for home playtime or classroom collaboration? Explore all Plus-Plus BIG toys.
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All photos in this article were used with permission. Credit: Lucy @findthelittlemind