This ocean sensory bin is one of our simple sensory activities that needs only 2 materials, and it’s good for hours of fun! Sensory play really doesn’t have to be overly complicated.
I put this bin together during one of my preschool’s summer camps, but it would work at any point in the year. It makes a great addition to the sensory center during an ocean theme, or just for fun during the summer.
The bin was partially inspired by how much the preschool campers had enjoyed our “walk the plank” activity. I’m sure you could combine the two bins, with the pirates walking the plank over a very crowded ocean.
Related: Shark Sensory Bottle
The amount of fun the children had with this activity just goes to show that sensory play does not have to be difficult or complicated! I also feel the need to point out that this appealed to kids of all ages! The 4 and 5-year old campers, the 6 and 8-year old camp assistants, and the 30-something teachers all got their hands into the bin.
Assembling Our Ocean Sensory Bin
My son (aka Engineer) helped me assemble the ocean sensory bin using clear and blue water beads to act as the water. We chose both clear and blue water beads simply because we didn’t have enough blue! Once the beads were hydrated, we poured them into a long plastic bin with a top.
Once we got to the preschool, Engineer helped me place a variety of small animals in with the water beads. He chose whales, sharks, baby ocean animals, as well as variety of other sea animals. It was an incredibly crowded ocean, but the children didn’t seem to mind one bit. Engineer and I had a nice discussion about the characteristics of sharks versus whales as he added the animals. It’s always nice to listen to his questions and see how much he’s learned through our adventures.
How the Kids Played with the Bin
The first day of camp, I gave the kiddos basic instructions regarding the ocean sensory bin. Please leave the water beads un-squished until the last day of camp, try to keep everything in the bin, and have fun with the ocean animals!
The children were engaged with this bin the entire week of camp! They told stories using the animals, sorted the animals, ran their hands through the water beads, and just enjoyed playing together.
On the last day of camp, we had a Splash Day. The children had been enjoying the ocean sensory bin so much that we decided to bring it outside with us. It’s always nice to have some simple play bins for the kids to use when they want a break from sprinklers and water balloons.
They ended up squishing the beads (after asking me, which was nice), climbing into the beads, and stomping them with their feet! This ended up being a full-body sensory experience for the kiddos!
For more ocean fun, I’d love for you to pop over to my ocean-themed Pinterest board! You can also check out how we bowled with coconuts, painted with coconuts, and made our own (edible) play sand!
Preschool Ocean Theme Lesson Plans
Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.
Grab the plans here >>> Preschool Classroom | Home Preschool
Sometimes the simple activities are the BEST!! Looks like everyone had tons of fun 😉
So true!! Sometimes I get so wrapped up in planning that I forget that. We all had a blast with it!!
I love water beads. You can do so much with them. Looks like everyone had some fun!
Oh, we all had way too much fun, Sarah! I agree, they can be used in a variety of activities. Engineer had a blast last summer with water bead science experiments.
This 40 something teacher wants to get her hands in that bin. So simple and so inviting.
Nice! I’m not the only teacher who likes playing with the water beads too!! 🙂 It always makes me happy when something “easy” is so well-loved by the kiddos. Thanks, Sandi!!
Oh that looks like fun! I know both my girls would enjoy it!
Thanks, Tracey!! 🙂
What a great idea to use those beads! I will have to try this once my baby is old enough to not put everything in his mouth! LOL!
Thanks, Rachel! Yes, there are too many small bits here for the tiny kiddos. But it’s a blast once they’re a little older! 🙂
Thanks for linking this fun post to Tuesday Tots. I’m featuring it this week on Learn with Play at home. 🙂
Wonderful, Debs, thank you! And thanks for hosting Tuesday Tots — great linkup!
aren’t these toxic? And are these the ones they use to decorate plants?
They are toxic and can be used for plants. Use your discretion on whether or not you feel your children are ready to use these. I used them with three years olds. As long you are sitting with them and watching them there should not be a problem. You can role model how to play with them and let the children know about the rules. It is a great sensory activity and feels so cool. Also do not dump them down your sink or toilet, it will clog. Put it in a bag and put them in the garbage.
Thank you, Stacey, for answering Cindy’s question. I agree — they really are an amazing sensory activity! 🙂
Well, it appears that Stacey already answered! Sorry my response was too slow. I agree with what she has to say — kiddos need to be supervised. Young children who put things in their mouths shouldn’t be playing with them. Blog Me Mom has a post about edible “water beads” for kids, and I’ve also heard good things about Crystal Soil’s biodegradable water beads. I usually just grab mine from the flower section of the local craft store, but I’m going to try Crystal Soil soon. Water beads are such a FUN and different sensory experience for the kids! In addition to playing with them, counting them, sorting them . . . many children just love placing their hands and arms in the beads and feeling them. 🙂
thanks all for the quick response!
🙂
Love the simplicity of this and the color combination is so appealing — featuring it in our Discover & Explore round-up this week. Thanks for linking up!
Thanks for the feature, Jacquie! I loved the color of the water beads, too, and the kiddos got SO much play time out of this bin!
Perfect timing! I just got my water beads in the mail today. I have some hydrating now with essential oil. 🙂 Now I want fishies to go with them, lol!
I want to make this for my nephew but wasn’t sure how much of the orbeez I should buy. What do you recommend?
Thanks
That’s great! I hope your nephew enjoys the ocean sensory bin. I’d start with at least one packet of blue water beads and one packet of white water beads. If you have a larger bin, then you can add more. 🙂
I love this and my son too. But what if a child eats the water beads? I want to use them for my pre school but I am afraid if the children eat them.
This activity is only for children who are no longer putting things in their mouths. It is very important that water beads are kept away from children who are still exploring the world with their mouths. Water beads are definitely not okay for kids to eat, ever! I’ve used them with the older preschool children, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable using them with babies or young toddlers.