Looking for a great way to keep your toddler/preschooler busy during the Halloween season? How about creating an easy Halloween sensory bin for a fun Halloween activity for your little one? Keep reading to see how to create a Halloween sensory bin for some sensory fun.
Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year, especially for little ones who love to dress up and get into the festive spirit. One way you can get your kids involved in the Halloween fun is by creating a sensory bin just for them!
Sensory bins are great for encouraging exploration, imagination, and problem-solving skills in young children, and a Halloween-themed bin can be a fun and engaging way to introduce your kids to the holiday.
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to create a Halloween sensory bin for your little ones to enjoy and have so much fun with! We will even give you some mommy hacks when it comes down to managing your sensory bins for your themed sensory bins.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I will get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking the link, you will not pay a penny more than usual.
7 Helpful Mommy Tips and Tricks for Sensory Bins and Younger Kids
Okay, so sensory bins are amazing but let’s be real, Without proper setup and placement, it can get very messy. To prevent your little ones from making a huge mess, here are some tips and tricks to keep messes to a minimum:
1) Lay out a Trash Bag or Plastic tablecloth (from a dollar tree) as a placemat under the sensory bin: This will make clean-up easier and quicker. The trash bag will catch any spilled items and you can just pick it up and let the items slide back in the bin.
2) Either Pick a huge-size bin or place your normal-sized sensory bin in a long storage bin: This is a perfect tip, for the spilled items will be caught in a bigger bin that can be placed back inside the original container later.
3) Place the bin on a Sturdy Surface: This will help you keep the bin from spilling all over your floor. Additionally, make sure that the surface is low enough for your little one to be able to reach into the bin easily. (You can also opt-in for a sensory table instead of a bin).
4) Make sure to get a bin with a lid: This will help you make the storage containers reusable and easier to put away for storage when it’s time for clean up.
5) Label Your Sensory Bins: Labeling your sensory bins will make it easier to figure out which material goes in which bin, and this will also make it easier for your little ones to know where everything is.
6) Consider the Size of Your Materials: When picking materials for your sensory bins, try to keep them small enough so they don’t present a choking hazard. Also, be mindful that some materials might stain easily (e.g., food-based materials).
7) Buy Non-Toxic Materials: It is very important to use non-toxic elements in your sensory bin, so make sure to check the labels of all the materials you purchase. This will guarantee that your little one stays safe while exploring and learning with their Halloween Sensory Bin.
Step by Step on How to Create a Halloween Sensory Bin for Kids and Busy Toddler(s):
Step 1: Choose a Container
The first step in making a Halloween sensory bin is to find the perfect container. You can use any container that is safe for your child to play in, such as a plastic bin or a shallow cardboard box. If you are really in the Halloween spirit, you can use a plastic cauldron!
Consider using a black container to give it a spooky look! You can find plastic storage bins at the dollar store (Dollar Tree), Amazon, and Walmart!
I used a clear plastic container for Kaylynn’s fun sensory bin this Halloween season. Once you have your container, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Choose Your Sensory Materials
The next step is to choose the sensory materials you’ll use in your bin. You’ll want to include a variety of materials with different textures, Halloween colors, and sizes to keep your child engaged and interested.
For a Halloween-themed bin, you could include items like dried black beans, fake spider webs, plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, plastic snakes, orange and purple pom poms, and Halloween-shaped erasers. You can also add some spooky items like fake eyeballs or rubber cockroaches to achieve a spooky sensory bin look!
In the Halloween Sensory Bin, I created for Kaylynn, I added colorful spider rings, purple kinetic sand, and fangs, and instead of googly eyes, I opted for fake eyeballs.
Step 3: Fill Your Container
Once you have your sensory bin fillers, it’s time to start filling your container! You can layer different items on top of each other to create a multi-layered effect, or you can mix everything together for a more chaotic look.
Whether you use colored sand, orange rice, cloud dough, shaving cream, or fake spider web as your base, be sure to include enough to fill the container at least halfway, so your little one has plenty of things to explore.
Step 4: Add Some Tools and Halloween Toys
To give your child even more ways to play with the sensory bin, include some tools and toys to encourage exploration and imagination. You can include items like spoons, scoops, measuring cups, or even some miniature Halloween-themed figurines to encourage your child to make up stories and play pretend.
Step 5: Let the Fun Begin!
Once you’ve set up your Halloween sensory bin, it’s time to let the fun begin! Encourage your child to feel and explore the different textures, pick out their favorite items, and use the tools to play and experiment. You can also use the sensory bin as an opportunity to teach your child about Halloween and its traditions.
Last Thing You Need to Know About How to Make a Halloween Sensory Bin
Creating a Halloween sensory bin for your little one is a fun and easy way to introduce them to the holiday while encouraging their senses and imagination. With just a few simple steps, you can create a spooky and engaging sensory experience that your child will love exploring. So, gather your supplies, get creative, and get ready for some Halloween fun!
If you found our Halloween sensory bin ideas helpful, please share this blog post with your friends, and family, and on social media! Help another mom make the perfect sensory bin for their kids this year!
Happy Halloween!
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