This ocean sensory bin is absolutely the most beautiful water play activity. From magical swirls of color to open-ended props, it is truly the definition of hours of fun. Check out how easy this is to set up!
An ocean sensory bin is “o-fish-ally” the coolest
After introducing metallic water play last year (and it going viral several times for us + friends), we still can’t get enough.
This kind of activity is beautiful in photos but mesmerizing in person.
And the best part is that it is so easy! I mean, SO easy.
🌟 Related: A sparkly water table is the also-crazy-beautiful cousin of the metallic water table.
Why we love this ocean sensory bin
When kids play with a sensory bin, they’re engaged in layers upon layers of learning.
Activities where kids are playing and learning at the same time are the very best of all.
In this activity, kids are using:
- Social skills: sharing materials, playing with peers
- Literacy skills: naming ocean animals, narrating animal conversations
- Science skills: exploring cause and effect, exploring water
- Math skills: filling and emptying containers, comparing weight
- Imaginative skills: creating play scenarios, engaging in pretend play
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous, easy, educational activity for preschoolers?
🐳 Try some of these other fantastic water play activities, too:
- Metallic Water Witch Potions
- Upcycled Berry Basket Water Play
- Dried Marker Activity – DIY Water Table
- Ice Table Sensory Bin
What you’ll need
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- Shallow container of water
- Metallic paint – here, I used blue kids’ paint + silver kids’ paint, but we also love this set of colorful metallic paints
- Ocean animal toys – ours are old and discontinued, but if I needed to grab more, I would purchase this ocean animal set
- Pouring tools – ex: bowls, cups, spoons
💡 Teacher Tip: Don’t have metallic paint? That’s okay! You can still make blue water with a few drops of food coloring, liquid watercolors, or paint.
How to make an ocean sensory table
Fill a shallow container with water and add about two tablespoons of metallic paint (a little goes a long way, and you can always add more if needed).
Mix the colors using your hands, the toys, or a whisk.
Toss in your ocean animal toys and pouring tools, and you’re ready for epic ocean fun.
The most common question…does the colored water stain hands?
The amount of paint in water is so diluted that it does not stain hands.
We have done this activity over drop-cloths inside and cement outside and have never had any staining.
Make sure to use kids’ paint and to test a small area first if you are nervous.
Keep the excitement fresh
In our preschool classroom, we would have something like this set up for a few days in a row.
To keep kids engaged and excited, we make minor changes each day to keep it constantly feeling fresh and new.
- Ice cubes – toss in a few ice cubes for chilly fun
- Kitchen tools – raid your cabinets for fun kitchen tools for kids to explore, such as ladles, strainers, measuring cups, plastic pitchers, and tongs
- Change of scenery – if doing this indoors one day, try moving it outdoors the next
The ocean sensory bin is “shrimp-ly” amazing
Metallic water is truly gorgeous and will only take one time for you and your kids to be hooked.
We love making metallic water for witch potions at Halloween time, too.
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Any that can safely use the materials. Activities with water always require appropriate adult supervision.
Because the amount of paint is so diluted in water, it does not stain hands.
Absolutely! You can still make blue water with a few drops of food coloring, liquid watercolors, or paint.
