37 Fantastic Winter Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids


Published: December 14, 2023 · Updated: December 23, 2023 by Sacha — This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure.

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 favorites and get ready for some winter fun!

Collage of 5 different winter sensory bin ideas.

Not only is sensory play a lot of fun for 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 favorites 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

Winter sensory bin with rice, wooden snowflakes and mini toy snowmen.
Image Credit: Simply Full of Delight

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

Hand holding up a ball of white oobleck with button eyes and an orange nose.
Image Credit: STEAM Powered Family

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. Moldable Cornstarch Snow Dough

Bin filled with fake snow, containing a snowman shaped from the fake snow.
Image Credit: Two Pink Peonies

Low on supplies? Combine two simple household ingredients to make this fun, moldable dough that can be used to create pretend snowballs and miniature snowmen.

Read the full tutorial: Moldable Cornstarch Snow Dough

4. Paper Pulp Snowman Sensory Bin

White paper pulp shaped like a snowman, with eyes and a nose.
Image Credit: Housing a Forest

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

Bin filled with crumpled white paper balls, with blue tape laid across the top of the bin in random locations.
Image Credit: Happy Toddler Playtime

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

Child's hands digging in white powder to reveal penguin erasers.
Image Credit: STEAMsational

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

Sensory bin filled with white rice, blue stones, and a toy polar bear and penguins.
Image Credit: Taming Little Monsters

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

Sensory bin containing rice and pasta that have been dyed blue.
Image Credit: Teaching Mama

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

Sensory bin containing a toy polar bear and white foam beads.
Image Credit: Living Life and Learning

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

Sensory bin with blue water, arctic animals and icebergs.
Image Credit: Little Ladoo

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

Children's hands playing in an arctic-themed sensory bin.
Image Credit: Kid Minds

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

Sensory bin containing blue water, arctic animal toys and white icebergs.
Image Credit: Taming Little Monsters

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

Child's hands cupping a beige powdery substance.
Image Credit: Fun at Home with Kids

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

Child's hand holding a fistful of white play snow.

Our kids love this 2-ingredient fake snow! Not only is it moldable 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

Bin filled with snow and Little People construction toys.
Image Credit: Happy Hooligans

…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

Bin filled with snow and Polly Pocket toys.
Image Credit: Housing a Forest

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

Children playing in a bin filled with snow and blue water beads.
Image Credit: Sara J Creations

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

Blue water beads and plastic snowflakes on top of a light table.
Image Credit: And Next Comes L

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

Bins filled with snow and miniature snowmen that have been painted.
Image Credit: Projects with Kids

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

Bins filled with white and coloured Instant Snow.
Image Credit: Buggy and Buddy

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

Shallow bin filled with fake snow, with the letter U traced in the snow.
Image Credit: From ABCs to ACTs

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

Child writing in a shallow dish filled with sparkly white powder.
Image Credit: The Imagination Tree

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

Balls of sparkly white powder on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: The Imagination Tree

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

Small doll covered in white powder.
Image Credit: Views from a Step Stool

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

Children's hands playing with a cookie cutter in a bin filled with white powder.
Image Credit: Little Bins for Little Hands

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

Toy train surrounded by white powder.
Image Credit: Play Trains

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 favorite activity a new, winter-themed spin!

Read the full tutorial: Snow Train Sensory Play

27. Winter Snowball Sensory Bin

Sensory bin filled with white beans and cotton balls.
Image Credit: Crafty Kids Play

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

Sensory bin filled with cotton balls and plastic snowflakes.
Image Credit: And Next Comes L

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

Bin filled with white cotton balls.
Image Credit: My Bored Toddler

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

Tray containing white powder, pinecones and pine needles.
Image Credit: Barley and Birch

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

Up-close image of white foam balls, iridescent snowflakes and cotton balls.
Image Credit: Mama Likes This

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

Bin filled with brown dried beans and cotton balls.
Image Credit: Simply Full of Delight

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

Bin of blue water next to a bin filled with ice cubes and plastic bears.
Image Credit: Days with Grey

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

Frozen disk of ice containing leaves, sticks and pinecones.
Image Credit: Learning and Exploring Through 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

Girl playing in a bin filled with water, ice and plastic toys.
Image Credit: Celebrating with Kids

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

Yellow bin filled with white powder, letters and construction toys.
Image Credit: The Mindful Toddler

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

Children playing in a bin filled with white foam and toy snowflakes.
Image Credit: Happy Toddler Playtime

Finally, this easy sensory bin idea with bubble foam snow is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Playing with soapy water is a favorite 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:

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