Make your own hot chocolate sensory bin for a cozy, playful winter activity! Perfect for kids to scoop, swirl, and create magical pretend play memories.
- Hot chocolate sensory bin for a winter treat
- Materials
- How to make a hot chocolate sensory bin
- One time Starbucks donated a bunch of cups to us for this activity
- Why sensory bins are perfect for winter
- Creative ways to enhance your hot chocolate sensory bin
- Cleanup tips for your hot cocoa sensory bin
- Other sensory bins to try
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hot chocolate sensory bin for a winter treat
I remember thinking in the moment, “This is one of the best sensory bins to ever exist.”
The energy was electric. The kids had the BEST TIME “making” hot chocolate and serving it to their friends.
All sensory bins have a layer of imaginative play to them, but this one goes above-and-beyond and definitely is both a sensory bin and a dramatic play activity.
Get ready to stir up some winter fun—pun intended!
Materials
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- Large, shallow container
- Warm water
- Brown and white kid-safe paint
- Plastic scoops, bowls, cups, and ladles
- Optional: Marshmallows
- Optional: Shaving cream for “whipped cream”
How to make a hot chocolate sensory bin
Start with a shallow container of warm (not hot) water, and let the magic begin.
Add brown and white kid-safe paint to mimic the look of real hot chocolate. (The white paint helps to make it look like real chocolate versus using brown paint alone.)
Include props like cups, scoops, bowls, and even shaving cream for a dollop of “whipped cream” on top.
For extra fun, toss in some marshmallows.
One time Starbucks donated a bunch of cups to us for this activity
One of my IG friends Katy (@prekwolfpack) did this with a bunch of Starbucks cups and I thought it was just the most genius idea.
So, one of our preschool moms went to Starbucks, explained what we were going to do with the kids, and asked if they’d be able to donate some cups to our school.
Not only did they say yes, but they also donated sleeves, lids, and drink stirrers.
Just a small reminder to ask for donations when you can as businesses often love being able to contribute to schools (especially when the donation is simple, easy, and inexpensive).
Why sensory bins are perfect for winter
Sensory bins are ideal for fun all year long, and the fun doesn’t have to stop in the Winter.
We did ours outside because we’re in California where Winters are generally mild, but if you’re in a colder place, it’s easy to just bring the fun indoors.
You could do this on a kitchen counter, over nonporous flooring, or on top of a waterproof tablecloth/blanket.
Winter sensory play offers more than just fun.
- Help kids burn off energy when they’re stuck indoors.
- Encourage exploration and problem-solving in a cozy environment.
- Support fine motor skills and tactile exploration.
- They’re budget-friendly and easily customizable for kids of all ages
Creative ways to enhance your hot chocolate sensory bin
To enhance your hot chocolate sensory bin, consider adding cinnamon sticks for a fun texture and a delightful scent.
You can also include pretend or toy spoons to encourage kids to “stir” their chocolate, adding an interactive element. (You know how much kids love stirring things!)
For an extra magical touch, experiment with different types of paint, such as glitter paint, to make the sensory experience even more captivating.
ALSO, while I haven’t done this myself, I can’t imagine why you couldn’t add in a little cocoa powder (not hot cocoa powder which is full of sugar and would get sticky). I think it would just add an extra layer of sensory play by smelling so, so good. Just thinking aloud here, and I’ll try it myself next time.
Cleanup tips for your hot cocoa sensory bin
- Use washable paints to avoid stains on clothes or hands.
- Lay down a plastic tablecloth for easy floor cleanup.
- Rinse props and bins right after play to keep them ready for the next adventure.
Other sensory bins to try
Mix up your easy sensory bins for kids with these ideas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with warm water—it’ll stay cozy for about 30 minutes. You can always refresh by adding more warm water as it cools. Just remember-not hot water.
Simply rinse with water—it’s quick and easy!
Kid-safe, washable paint works best. I would not use acrylic paint.
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