With the weather warming up, the kids have gotten interested in all the flowers growing outdoors. Inspired by our surroundings, I created a garden sensory bin for my kids to explore. It was easy to do and the kids got to get their hands dirty and a do a little Spring "planting" of their own. Read on to see how simple it is to create an outdoor sensory play experience. For more fun with sensory bins check out Simple Sensory Bin Ideas.
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Please be sure to supervise toddlers, preschoolers and young children when doing this sensory activity.
Why your kids will love this spring garden sensory bin
- Can practice planting
- Many kids have fun playing in dirt
- Can play again and again resulting in hours of imaginative play
Supplies you will need
- Soil
- foam Flowers (artificial or cut)
- Rocks
- Shovels
- Pots
- Plastic bin
How to make a planting sensory bin
I bought a bag of potting soil and dumped it in a bin. I added some rocks and artificial colorful flowers and gave the kids some shovels and pots.
I was curious to see how they would explore the soil in the sensory bin. One of my twins was loving the feeling of the soil on her hands as she poked holes to "plant" some flowers. She also had fun fishing out the rocks and counting them. I took this opportunity to also teach her about the different parts of a flower.
My youngest loved to dig and scoop the dirt with her shovel into a pot. She did this very carefully so she would not spill any dirt on the ground.
She worked diligently until she filled up the entire pot.
She then proceeded to "plant" some flowers in her pot. This activity really got my kids interested in planting a real garden.
The garden sensory bin was a hit and my kids had a blast! If you do this with your kids make sure you take time to stop and smell the flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Plastic bugs or critters would be a great addition, along with some fake leaves.
You can, but know that it probably won't last long. Using artificial flowers allows you to do this activity again and again.
How can kids learn in a hands-on way?
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Sadye says
Excellent post. I'm experiencing a few of these issues as
well..
SmithenWesson says
what kind of soil do you use? [we live in a big city, so no back yards]. I'm clueless when I get to Home Depot or Osh Hardware, what kind of soil?
Vicky says
Just an ordinary basic potting soil will work. It is usually the cheapest one they sell.
Barb says
I love this idea! How did you store your bin? Just with a lid and how long would you say it lasted? I have a lid for mine and I don't want it to get icky before I get rid of it.
Thank you!
Vicky says
Barb, I stored it with the cover on in the shade. It lasted a few weeks. Hope you have fun with it!