Create a fun, inexpensive, and safe sensory experience for your child with this DIY dinosaur-themed sensory bin. This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions and tips for a taste-safe option. This dinosaur small world is a wonderful tactile sensory experience and we make it even more sensory with the addition of chia seeds to create a swamplike environment that kids will love.
Sensory bins and sensory play is a great way to engage and entertain young children while also promoting sensory development and encouraging their fine motor skills. Follow this step by step guide to make a simple dinosaur sensory bin at home.
We know that sometimes it can be hard to ensure that kids keep everything out of their mouth (even with adult supervision) so this activity is taste-safe and perfect for toddlers to preschoolers to have a prehistoric adventure with.
Safety Warning: choking hazard – small parts. Please supervise young children when using this dino sensory bin
Chia Seed Dino Swamp Sensory Bin
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Supplies:
- 1⁄4 Cup Chia Seeds
- 1 1⁄2 Cup Water
- Medium bowl
- Green liquid food coloring
- Spoon
- 1⁄3 Cup Cornstarch or Cornflour
- Small/Medium sensory bin
- Plastic dinosaurs
- Scoops
- Tongs
- Tweezers
No products found.
How to Prepare Your Sensory Bin Filler
In a medium-sized bowl add the water and chia seeds, then stir.
Add a few drops of food coloring and stir to incorporate the food coloring into the water.
Place the chia seed mixture into the refrigerator for 3 hours to allow the seeds to swell.
Add cornstarch or cornflour to the chia seed mixture. Stir with a spoon to mix the cornstarch in, this thickens the remaining water creating a unique texture.
Add the chia seed goo to your sensory bin. We really love the ones you can get with a lid for easy storage (this can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days), but a deep plastic tray will suffice.
You don’t have to have specific sensory tools. Just add plastic dinosaurs, kitchen tongs, kitchen spoons, tweezers, and hands! Then let your little paleontologist free to have their own dinosaur adventure!
You can make it as simple or complex as you choose by adding more props as well as the dinosaur toys such as faux plants or even a volcano (make sure they are water resistant). Your child will have hours of imaginative play with this fun activity.
Adaptations:
If you want to create a more mud-like swamp then use cocoa powder. If you want to change the texture then try adding some water beads.