This sand and water ocean sensory bin is a simple beach in a tub. One side is sand, the other is blue ocean water full of sea animals.
It’s perfect for an ocean or beach unit and keeps kids busy for ages.
How to Make an Ocean Sensory Bin
Ocean Animal Studies Bundle
Get the printableLarge tub or sensory table
Play sand
Cool water and blue food coloring
Plastic ocean animals
Seashells and small pieces of driftwood
Scoops and tongs
Add the sand
Pour play sand on one side of the bin.
Color the water
Mix cool water with a couple drops of blue food coloring.
Pour slowly
Slowly pour the water into the other side so the sand doesn’t turn to mud.
Add the beach and sea
Put ocean animals in the water and shells and driftwood on the sand.
Play
Scoop, sort and act out ocean stories.
Safety note
Always stay close to young kids around water. Shells and small toys are choking hazards for little ones.
Questions to Ask While They Play
- Which animals live on the beach? Which live in the water?
- Can this animal breathe underwater?
- How many crabs can you find?
- Which animal is bigger or smaller?
- What does a sea turtle eat?
More ocean activities
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Build sea creatures with our ocean snap cube task box.
The ocean animal studies include
- Printable studies for ten ocean animals
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Ocean units
- Preschool through 2nd grade
- Science centers
Ocean Sensory Bin FAQ
Put play sand on one side of a bin, slowly pour blue water on the other and add sea animals and shells.
A couple drops of food coloring usually won’t stain hands, but wear play clothes.
Toddlers and up, with close supervision around water.
Sorting, counting, new vocabulary, sharing and fine motor skills.
More Ocean Activities
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We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
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