24 Sensory Bags for Engaging, Mess-Free Play

Have you heard of sensory bags? They’re a great way to get sensory play to the kiddos with a lot less mess. They’re also great for younger children who are still mouthing things. We’ve done quite a few at home and some in preschool, too! If you’re looking for some engaging sensory bag ideas, check out these fun ideas!

What’s so great about sensory bags?

As I mentioned above, they’re great for little ones who are still putting things in their mouths. In addition to that, sensory bags can encourage fine motor development and the sense of touch. They can be adapted to work on art, literacy, math, and more.

Ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

Nature sensory bag sun catcher | Hands On As We Grow

A rainbow of sensory bags | Teach Preschool

Baby-safe water bead play | Sugar Aunts

Ocean animal sensory bag | Craftulate

Googly eyes sensory bag | Hands-On: As We Grow

Jack-0-lantern squish bag | Fantastic Fun and Learning

Squishy snowman | Mama.Papa.Bubba

Making sensory bags for baby | Nothing if Not Intentional

Rainbow water bead bags | Meri Cherry

Starry sensory bag | NurtureStore

Lava lamp sensory bags | Growing a Jeweled Rose

Clear bean bags | Lines Across

Going on a Bear Hunt sensory bags | School Time Snippets

Mess free finger painting | Mama Smiles

Color mixing oobleck sensory bag | Inspiration Laboratories

Watermelon squish bag math | Fantastic Fun and Learning

Squish and seek sight words | Playdough to Plato

Sparkly sight word sensory bag | Childhood 101

Farm animal sensory bag | Adventures of Adam

Name recognition sensory bag | De tout et de rien [Everything and Nothing]

Bouncy ball sensory bag painting | House of Burke

Eye spy alphabet squish bag | Growing a Jeweled Rose

Gelatin squish bags | Stay at Home Educator

Color Sorting Sensory Bag | Hands On As We Grow

Which of those amazing ideas is your favorite? I’ll have to share some of the bags we’ve enjoyed soon!

More Sensory Activities to Check Out

Materials for Sensory Bags

There are so many great reasons to keep sensory bags on-hand in the classroom. They can give children sensory input, work as a calming tool, or help children stay quiet during nap/rest time. Now, with so many incredible sensory bag ideas listed above, you might need some material ideas to use as inspiration for your own sensory bags.

Here are some products that, I think, would be great to include in a sensory bag (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):

• Hand soap
• Translucent-colored shampoos
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby oil
• Shower gel
• Paint
• Sequins
• Beads
• Buttons
• Acrylic shapes
• Water beads
• Small toys
• Pompoms

Done-for-You Preschool Resources

Planning meaningful lessons for students week after week, all while balancing other teaching responsibilities and a personal life, can be a daunting task. That’s where Preschool Teacher 101 comes in to save you time!

Preschool Teacher 101 is excited to share with you some amazing lesson plans, activity packs, and much more! We offer a wide variety of themes that are frequently used in preschool classrooms, as well as some less common (but super interesting) themes. Click on the image below to learn more about our 5 senses lesson plans products!

Join The Pack from Preschool Teacher 101 today for exclusive access to our amazing products. And we even have three different membership options to suit your needs!