Looking for easy winter activities for your toddler or preschooler? These simple winter sensory bin ideas are a great way to keep kids busy and learning throughout the entire winter season. Pick your favourites and get ready for some winter fun!
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Not only is sensory play alot of funfor kids, but it also has a variety of benefits, such as supporting language development, helping to build nerve connections in the brain, and encouraging exploration and experimentation.
And if your child enjoys sensory play, they’ll love these winter-themed sensory bin ideas filled with fun, wintery items like pretend snow, arctic animals and fluffy cotton balls.
That is why I’ve rounded up the cutest winter-themed sensory bins and sensory table ideas I could find, and shared all of my favourites below in one handy guide.
These sensory bins are perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and I’ve listed enough to keep your little ones busy all winter long. There are so many fun ideas below that you’re sure to find the perfect activity for your child!
Related: 39 Must-Try Valentine’s Day Sensory Play Activities
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1. Snowman Sensory Bin
This adorable snowman sensory bin features a variety of different materials that are sure to spark your children’s imagination! Grab some rice, cotton balls and other winter-themed props and use them to set up this activity for your child.
Read the full tutorial: Snowman Sensory Bin
2. Melting Snowman Oobleck
Does your child love oobleck? If so, they’ll love this simple winter-themed activity. Use oobleck to build a snowman, and then watch as it melts when you stop applying pressure. So fun!
Read the full tutorial: Melting Snowman Oobleck
3. Mouldable Cornstarch Snow Dough
Low on supplies? Combine two simple household ingredients to make this fun, mouldable dough that can be used to create pretend snowballs and miniature snowmen.
Read the full tutorial: Mouldable Cornstarch Snow Dough
4. Paper Pulp Snowman Sensory Bin
And if you have some shredded paper lying around that you’re not sure what to do with, why not use it to create this easy paper pulp snowman sensory bin? My toddler would love this!
Read the full tutorial: Paper Pulp Snowman Sensory Bin
5. Snowball Rescue Sensory Bin
This snowball rescue sensory bin is super simple to set up, but so much fun to play with! If you have young children at home, this activity would be a great way to help them practice their fine motor skills.
Read the full tutorial: Snowball Rescue Sensory Bin
6. Hide-and-Seek Penguin Sensory Bin
This simple winter-themed sensory bin is not just fun for kids to play with—it also has a learning component that makes it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to count!
Read the full tutorial: Hide-and-Seek Penguin Sensory Bin
7. Polar Animal Rice Sensory Bin
Sometimes, the simplest activities are also the best. This polar animal sensory bin with white rice and glass gems would be lots of fun for toddlers who enjoy scooping and pouring.
Read the full tutorial: Polar Animal Rice Sensory Bin
8. Winter Rice & Pasta Sensory Bin
Or, if you’re feeling fancy, check out this simple sensory bin idea featuring rice and pasta that has been dyed silver and blue—so fun, and great for practicing fine motor skills!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Rice & Pasta Sensory Bin
9. Polar Bear Sensory Bin
Does your child love polar bears? This DIY winter sensory bin features a variety of different textures that would be lots of fun for kids to play with. I love the contrast between the white foam beads and the blue pom-poms!
Read the full tutorial: Polar Bear Sensory Bin
10. Arctic Habitat Sensory Bin
If your child loves arctic animals and small world play, you’ll definitely want to give this arctic habitat sensory bin a try! This activity is a great opportunity to incorporate the winter theme into your child’s play while teaching them about different animals and their habitats.
Read the full tutorial: Arctic Habitat Sensory Bin
11. Taste-Safe Arctic Sensory Bin
Or, if your child loves arctic animals, but still has a tendency to put everything in their mouth, they would probably love this taste-safe arctic animal sensory bin made with potato flakes!
Read the full tutorial: Taste-Safe Arctic Sensory Bin
12. Taste-Safe Iceberg Sensory Bin
Do you have a young baby or toddler at home? This homemade sensory bin features taste-safe icebergs that your kids will love breaking apart… and that won’t harm them if they happen to sneak a taste. Such a great idea!
Read the full tutorial: Taste-Safe Iceberg Sensory Bin
13. Edible Pretend Snow
This edible snow is also perfect for babies and toddlers who still put everything in their mouths, and you’ll only need one simple ingredient to make it! There are lots of easy ways to make fake snow, but this one has to be the simplest I’ve seen.
Read the full tutorial: Edible Pretend Snow
14. Frozen Baking Soda Snow
Our kids love this 2-ingredient fake snow! Not only is it mouldable like real snow, but it also feels COLD to the touch, which makes it feel just like the real thing. This one is perfect for when there isn’t any real snow on the ground.
Read the full tutorial: Frozen Baking Soda Snow
15. Real Snow Sensory Bin
…But if there IS real snow on the ground, why not bring it indoors to play?! This super simple sensory bin with real snow is perfect for days when it’s too cold to play outdoors.
Read the full tutorial: Real Snow Sensory Bin
16. Polly Pocket Snow Fort
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, this Polly Pocket snow fort is another great way to create a winter sensory bin using real snow. My girls would have a blast with this!
Read the full tutorial: Polly Pocket Snow Fort
17. Snow & Water Bead Sensory Bin
If you have water beads at home that you’re not sure what to do with, try mixing them with real snow from outdoors to make a winter-themed sensory bin. So fun!
(Note: Water beads should only be used under careful supervision and are not appropriate for young children who still like to put everything in their mouths.)
Read the full tutorial: Snow & Water Bead Sensory Bin
18. Winter Light Table Sensory Bin
Or, if you have a light table at home, add some water beads and snowflakes and use them to do some scientific exploration!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Light Table Sensory Bin
19. Snow Painting Sensory Bin
If your child loves to play with snow, and also loves to paint… why not combine those two interests into a single activity? This snow painting sensory bin is lots of fun, and super simple to set up!
Read the full tutorial: Snow Painting Sensory Bin
20. Insta-Snow STEM & Sensory Play
No real snow outside? No need to worry. You can use instant snow to set up this simple STEM-based sensory play activity for your kids.
Read the full tutorial: Insta-Snow STEM & Sensory Play
21. Winter Snow Sensory Writing Tray
And if you’re looking for something else to do with that bag of instant snow you bought, why not use it to help your child practice their writing (or pre-writing) skills in a fun, hands-on way?
Read the full tutorial: Winter Snow Sensory Writing Tray
22. Sparkly Snow Sensory Writing Tray
No instant snow? No problem. This sparkly snow writing tray is made using simple household items that you probably already have at home!
Read the full tutorial: Sparkly Snow Sensory Writing Tray
23. Sparkly Snow Dough
If your child is a fan of playing with pretend snow, you can also try this recipe for sparkly fake snow that holds its shape when pressed together. So cool!
Read the full tutorial: Sparkly Snow Dough
24. Winter Moon Sand
Have you ever made moon sand? If so, you’ll know that its consistency can be really similar to play snow. And if you bake the flour in the oven before you use it to make moon sand, you can even make this activity taste-safe!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Moon Sand
25. 3-Ingredient Fake Snow
Can’t get enough of sensory snow? Thankfully, there are lots of different ways to make pretend snow using materials that you already have at home. This recipe calls for just 3 simple ingredients, and it would make an excellent winter sensory bin filler.
Read the full tutorial: 3-Ingredient Fake Snow
26. Snow Train Sensory Play
Sensory bins don’t have to be complicated, and there are lots of different items you can use to set them up. This simple winter-themed sensory bin is perfect for kids who love trains, and it is a great way to give your child’s favourite activity a new, winter-themed spin!
Read the full tutorial: Snow Train Sensory Play
27. Winter Snowball Sensory Bin
If you have cotton balls cluttering up your bathroom cabinet and you’re looking for something fun to do with them, use them to make this super simple winter snowball sensory bin for your kids!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Snowball Sensory Bin
28. Winter Fine Motor Sensory Bin
One of the (many) benefits of sensory play is the fact that it helps kids practice their fine motor skills. And this winter fine motor bin with cotton balls is the perfect way to do just that!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Fine Motor Sensory Bin
29. Winter Cotton Ball Sensory Bin
If you’re low on supplies and looking for activities that you can set up using simple household items, this cotton ball sensory bin is a great option! And best of all, you’ll only need a few minutes to set it up.
Read the full tutorial: Winter Cotton Ball Sensory Bin
30. Mini Winter Sensory Garden Tray
Or, if your child loves the outdoors, grab some pinecones and pine leaves and use them to make this cute, nature-inspired winter sensory tray for your kids!
Read the full tutorial: Mini Winter Sensory Garden Tray
31. Sparkly Foam Bead Sensory Bin
Does your child love anything that sparkles? This sparkly winter sensory bin with foam beads, cotton balls, glitter pom-poms and iridescent snowflakes has such a cool winter wonderland feel, and it’s super easy to set up!
Read the full tutorial: Sparkly Foam Bead Sensory Bin
32. Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin
You can’t have winter without hot chocolate… so why not make this fun hot chocolate sensory bin for your child to play with when it’s too cold to play outside?
Read the full tutorial: Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin
33. Ice Skating Bear Sensory Bin
If your child loves playing with snow, why not extend the fun by adding ice to the mix? This easy ice skating bear sensory bin is perfect for winter, but you can make it during any season!
Read the full tutorial: Ice Skating Bear Sensory Bin
34. Winter Ice Play
I’m not sure whether this winter ice ring counts as a sensory “bin”, but it definitely encourages sensory exploration, and I love that it’s made using real pinecones and leaves from outdoors. Such a fun way to get kids excited about exploring nature!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Ice Play
35. Iceberg Sensory Bin
Or, if you’re looking for something low-prep that won’t require you to go outdoors, check out this super simple iceberg sensory bin for toddlers. My kids love playing with water and ice!
Read the full tutorial: Iceberg Sensory Bin
36. Winter Construction Sensory Bin
Does your child love to play with construction toys? If so, they’ll definitely enjoy this winter-themed construction sensory bin. And you probably already have everything you need to set it up at home!
Read the full tutorial: Winter Construction Sensory Bin
37. Bubble Snow Foam Sensory Bin
Finally, this easy sensory bin idea with bubble foam snow is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Playing with soapy water is a favourite in our house, so we’ll definitely have to try this one!
Read the full tutorial: Bubble Snow Foam Sensory Bin
Related Winter Sensory Play Ideas
Looking for more ways to have a fun winter at home with your kids? Check out these articles:
- Melted Snowman Sensory Bag
- Frozen-Inspired Winter Sensory Bottle
- Easy Erupting Snow Volcano
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in sensory play and activities for toddlers and preschoolers, I can provide you with information on all the concepts used in this article. Sensory play is not only a lot of fun for kids, but it also has numerous benefits, such as supporting language development, building nerve connections in the brain, and encouraging exploration and experimentation. Winter-themed sensory bins are a great way to engage children in sensory play during the winter season.
Snowman Sensory Bin
The snowman sensory bin is an adorable activity that sparks children's imagination. It typically involves using materials like rice, cotton balls, and other winter-themed props to create a sensory experience for your child.
Melting Snowman Oobleck
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid that can be both a liquid and a solid. The melting snowman oobleck activity involves using oobleck to build a snowman and observing it melt when pressure is applied.
Mouldable Cornstarch Snow Dough
Mouldable cornstarch snow dough is a simple and fun sensory material that can be used to create pretend snowballs and miniature snowmen. It usually requires only two household ingredients: cornstarch and water.
Paper Pulp Snowman Sensory Bin
The paper pulp snowman sensory bin is a creative way to repurpose shredded paper. It involves using shredded paper to create a snowman-themed sensory bin for toddlers to explore and play with.
Snowball Rescue Sensory Bin
The snowball rescue sensory bin is a simple yet engaging activity that helps children practice their fine motor skills. It typically involves setting up a sensory bin with materials like cotton balls and tongs, allowing children to "rescue" the snowballs using their fine motor skills.
Hide-and-Seek Penguin Sensory Bin
The hide-and-seek penguin sensory bin combines play and learning. It usually involves setting up a sensory bin with materials like rice or shredded paper, hiding small penguin figurines, and encouraging children to find and count the penguins.
Polar Animal Rice Sensory Bin
The polar animal rice sensory bin is a simple sensory activity that incorporates the theme of arctic animals. It involves using white rice and glass gems to create a sensory bin where children can engage in scooping and pouring activities.
Polar Bear Sensory Bin
The polar bear sensory bin is a DIY winter-themed sensory activity that features different textures and materials. It typically includes foam beads and pom-poms to represent polar bears and snow, providing a tactile and imaginative play experience for children.
Arctic Habitat Sensory Bin
The arctic habitat sensory bin is an educational sensory activity that introduces children to different animals and their habitats. It involves setting up a sensory bin with materials like fake snow, arctic animal figurines, and small world play props.
Taste-Safe Arctic Sensory Bin
The taste-safe arctic sensory bin is a sensory activity suitable for young children who still put objects in their mouths. It is typically made with potato flakes and incorporates arctic animal figurines for children to explore and play with.
Taste-Safe Iceberg Sensory Bin
The taste-safe iceberg sensory bin is a sensory activity designed for babies and toddlers. It involves using taste-safe icebergs made from simple ingredients and encourages children to explore and break apart the icebergs.
Edible Pretend Snow
Edible pretend snow is a sensory material that is safe for babies and toddlers who still put things in their mouths. It usually requires just one simple ingredient and provides a tactile and sensory experience for young children.
Frozen Baking Soda Snow
Frozen baking soda snow is a sensory material that mimics the texture and feel of real snow. It is made using baking soda and water and can be molded and shaped like real snow.
Real Snow Sensory Bin
The real snow sensory bin is a simple activity that brings the outdoors inside. It involves bringing real snow indoors and providing children with a sensory experience using the natural element.
Polly Pocket Snow Fort
The Polly Pocket snow fort is a creative sensory bin activity that incorporates the use of real snow. It involves building a snow fort and using Polly Pocket dolls or other small figures for imaginative play.
Winter Light Table Sensory Bin
The winter light table sensory bin combines sensory play with scientific exploration. It usually involves adding water beads and snowflakes to a light table, providing a visually stimulating and hands-on experience.
Snow Painting Sensory Bin
Snow painting sensory bin combines the fun of playing with snow and painting. It typically involves using snow as a canvas and allowing children to use colored water or paint to create artwork.
Winter Snow Sensory Writing Tray
The winter snow sensory writing tray is a hands-on activity that helps children practice their writing or pre-writing skills. It usually involves using instant snow as a sensory material and encouraging children to trace letters or shapes in the snow.
Sparkly Snow Sensory Writing Tray
The sparkly snow sensory writing tray is a creative alternative to the winter snow sensory writing tray. It typically involves using simple household items like salt and glitter to create a sparkly sensory material for writing or drawing.
Sparkly Snow Dough
Sparkly snow dough is a sensory material that combines the fun of playing with pretend snow and the sparkle of glitter. It can be molded and shaped, providing a tactile and imaginative play experience for children.
Winter Moon Sand
Winter moon sand is a sensory material that has a texture similar to play snow. It typically involves combining flour with other ingredients to create a moldable and taste-safe sensory material.
3-Ingredient Fake Snow
3-ingredient fake snow is a sensory material that can be made using common household ingredients. It typically involves mixing baking soda, shaving cream, and glitter to create a soft and moldable substance.
Snow Train Sensory Play
Snow train sensory play is a simple winter-themed sensory bin activity that incorporates toy trains. It usually involves setting up a sensory bin with materials like fake snow and toy trains for children to explore and play with.
Winter Snowball Sensory Bin
The winter snowball sensory bin is a fun and easy sensory activity that uses cotton balls to create a snowball-themed sensory experience. Children can engage in imaginative play and sensory exploration with this activity.
Winter Fine Motor Sensory Bin
The winter fine motor sensory bin is an activity that helps children develop their fine motor skills. It typically involves using cotton balls or other small objects for children to practice their fine motor skills through scooping, pouring, and manipulating the materials.
Winter Cotton Ball Sensory Bin
The winter cotton ball sensory bin is a simple sensory activity that uses cotton balls as the main sensory material. It is easy to set up and provides children with a tactile and sensory experience.
Mini Winter Sensory Garden Tray
The mini winter sensory garden tray is a nature-inspired sensory activity that incorporates natural elements like pinecones and pine leaves. It provides children with a sensory experience that encourages exploration and creativity.
Sparkly Foam Bead Sensory Bin
The sparkly foam bead sensory bin is a visually stimulating sensory activity that uses foam beads, cotton balls, glitter pom-poms, and iridescent snowflakes. It provides children with a sensory experience reminiscent of a winter wonderland.
Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin
The hot chocolate sensory bin is a fun and cozy sensory activity that incorporates the theme of hot chocolate. It typically involves setting up a sensory bin with materials like instant hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and cups for children to engage in imaginative play.
Ice Skating Bear Sensory Bin
The ice skating bear sensory bin is a winter-themed sensory activity that combines play with ice and snow. It typically involves setting up a sensory bin with ice, fake snow, and toy bears for children to explore and play with.
Winter Ice Play
Winter ice play is a sensory exploration activity that involves using real pinecones and leaves frozen in ice. It encourages children to explore and discover nature in a hands-on and sensory way.
Iceberg Sensory Bin
The iceberg sensory bin is a simple sensory activity that incorporates ice and water. It typically involves setting up a sensory bin with ice cubes or icebergs for children to explore and play with.
Winter Construction Sensory Bin
The winter construction sensory bin combines sensory play with construction toys. It typically involves setting up a sensory bin with construction-themed materials like blocks and trucks, providing children with a winter-themed construction play experience.
Bubble Snow Foam Sensory Bin
The bubble snow foam sensory bin is a sensory activity that uses soapy water to create a foam-like snow texture. It is a simple and engaging activity that provides children with a tactile and sensory experience.
These winter-themed sensory bins and activities are perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. They provide opportunities for sensory exploration, fine motor skill development, imaginative play, and learning about winter themes and concepts. With a wide range of options available, you're sure to find the perfect activity to keep your little ones busy and engaged throughout the winter season.
