Pom-Pom Water Table Sensory Activity

Bring color and fun to water play with a pom-pom water table activity! Perfect for preschoolers, this activity is a joyful mix of sensory exploration and learning.

Table of Contents:

1. It’s pom-pom water table time
2. Make a splash with a pom-pom sensory bin
3. Materials
4. Directions
5. Clean-up is a breeze (don’t throw away the pom-poms!)
6. Pom-pom water table tips and tricks for extra fun
7. Dive into learning What kids soak up from this activity
8. Float, sink, and explore with a pom-pom water table
9. Frequently Asked Questions

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It’s pom-pom water table time

Pom-poms aren’t just for arts and crafts anymore!

Years ago, I learned how to make a pom-pom water table from my sweet friend Susie of Busy Toddler and I have never looked back.

Pom-poms are simply too cute to only be used for art.

Instead, we can use them for loads of sensory fun and play (and trust me that once you try this, you’ll definitely come back for more!).

Make a splash with a pom-pom sensory bin

This pom-pom water table activity is a fantastic way to combine sensory exploration with early learning.

The vibrant colors and varying textures of the pom-poms keep kids engaged, while the water adds an extra element of fun.

It’s the perfect activity to have in your back pocket with you need a quick, easy, possibly free activity for hours of fun and play.

Try some of our other FAVORITE water table activities:

• Fresh Flower Sensory Table
• Dried Marker Water Table
• Upcycled Berry Basket Water Table
• Water Table Small Worlds

Materials

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• Pom-poms – this is the exact set we used and it’s a 1000/10 (it includes various colors, sizes, and even sparkly poms!)
• Shallow plastic container or water table
• Water
• Colander – optional
• Small towel – optional
• Loose parts – optional (ex: bowls, cups, spoons, ladles, etc.)

Directions

Fill a shallow plastic container or water table with water.

Provide the kids with an assortment of colorful pom-poms.

Let the kids pour the pom-poms into the water, observing how they float, sink, or move around.

Encourage the children to play, explore, and chat as they interact with the pom-poms in the water.

Clean-up is a breeze (don’t throw away the pom-poms!)

Remove the pom-poms from the water either with your hands or with a colander.

Squeeze the water out of the pom-poms.

Next, lay them on a towel or on a water-safe surface and let them dry out completely.

On this day, we laid them back out on the table in the (very) hot sun and they were dry within hours.

Once completely dry, store as usual and use for more fun and art.

Pom-pom water table tips and tricks for extra fun

Add variety: Mix in different sizes and shapes of pom-poms to see how they behave in the water—some may float while others sink!

Color sort: Encourage the kids to group the pom-poms by color in the water, turning it into a fun and educational game.

Add tools: Provide spoons, strainers, or cups so the kids can scoop, stir, and pour the pom-poms for added sensory play.

Mix in a theme: Turn the activity into a themed adventure, like an “underwater treasure hunt” where the pom-poms are the treasures.

Safety first: Always supervise water play to ensure the kids are safe and having fun.

Dive into learning: What kids soak up from this activity

It’s a simple activity to prep, but it’s loaded with educational fun and learning.

When kids are playing with the pom-pom water table, they are practicing and learning:

• Sensory exploration: Engaging with different textures and temperatures.
• Color recognition: Identifying and sorting colors in a playful way.
• Fine motor skills: Strengthening little hands and fingers through pouring and picking up pom-poms.
• Scientific curiosity: Exploring concepts like buoyancy, floating, sinking, and water absorption.
• Social interaction: Playing and communicating with peers during the activity.

Float, sink, and explore with a pom-pom water table

This pom-pom water table activity is a delightful way to mix learning with play.

Grab your pom-poms and dive into a world of colorful water fun!

Frequently Asked Questions