Ice and Water Sensory Bin

Who knew a big container full of water and ice could be so fun! This activity will keep your child busy for a loooong time. Now that the weather is getting nicer, and warmer you can take this activity outside to play in your back or front yard. This way you don’t have to worry about cleaning up water and ice that spills out here and there on the floor inside your home. You can also incorporate another tactile sensory input by removing your child’s shoes and allowing them to feel the grass under their feet while playing in their water bin. 

This activity is exposing your child to a new tactile sensation of cold, as well as getting wet with the water. It helps to desensitize them to various temperatures. It also incorporates bi-lateral hand use, various grasp patterns, and pretend play. 

Use various kitchen tools (spatulas, large spoons, cups, bowls, strainers etc.) to help your child engage and experience this activity. You can also put other toys inside the bin to help build their imagination while playing. You can add food coloring to the water to make it even more fun. 

Supplies:

-Ice

-Water

-Food coloring

-Various kitchen utensils (spoons, measuring cups, bowls, cups, tongs etc.)

-Large Plastic bin

Directions:

-Fill a large plastic container with water, add ice, blue food coloring, and any kitchen tools/utensils your child can use to fill, scoop, pour, dump etc. 

-Encourage your child to “pretend play” that they are somewhere cold, and use the kitchen tools to fill the various cups/bowls. 

-Allow your child to get wet, submerge their hands in the water, splash, etc.

This is supposed to be fun!

-You can also incorporate some toys like animals, cars, diggers etc.