Shaving Cream Potions Sensory Activity

Whip up some enchanting shaving cream potions and watch your little ones dive into a world of colorful, sensory magic! This vibrant, hands-on activity is as fun as it is educational.

A child with a surprised expression pouring purple shaving cream from a cup into a large container, adding to the sensory play fun.

Colorful shaving cream potions are a sensory dream

One of the things we are most known for are our shaving cream potion stations.

In our in-person preschool, we set up shaving cream potions nearly every day of the year and it was always one of the most popular areas.

Preschoolers love mixing up their own magical concoctions and this activity is the perfect blend of imagination, sensory, social, and exciting play!

Two children smiling brightly as they play with colorful shaving cream in shallow containers, enjoying a sensory-rich outdoor activity.

The magic behind shaving cream potions for kids

Shaving cream potions are a sensory delight that offers endless opportunities for imaginative play.

This preschool shaving cream activity engages multiple senses, making it perfect for young learners eager to explore textures, colors, and the magic of mixing.

Plus, it’s an easy-to-set-up, low-cost way to entertain kids while sneaking in some early science and art skills.

Talk about a potion for success!

Try some of these other magical sensory activities for preschoolers:

An adult hand squeezing liquid watercolors onto a mound of white shaving cream in preparation for a sensory activity, with colorful cups and bowls nearby.

Materials

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Shallow plastic containers
Shaving cream – We buy ours usually from WalMart or the Dollar Tree, but this bulk set looks great
Liquid watercolors
Water
Bowls
Cups
Spoons

Overhead view of a table with shallow containers filled with colorful shaving cream, as children’s hands mix and stir the vibrant concoctions.

Directions

Fill each shallow plastic container with shaving cream.
Add a few drops of liquid watercolor to each container, using different colors for variety.
Set out bowls, cups, and spoons for the kids to use.
Let the kids scoop the colorful shaving cream into the bowls and cups, adding water to mix and create their own potions.
Encourage them to stir, mix, and play with their potions, exploring the textures and colors.

A split image showing a child in a blue shirt first holding a cup of purple shaving cream and then pouring it into a container, creating a fun sensory experience.

Shaving cream potions: Tips, tricks, and magic spells

Add some sparkle: Mix in some glitter or confetti to make the potions extra magical and sparkly!

Potion challenges: Give kids specific “potions” to create, like a “bubbly blue brew” or a “magical unicorn mix” to add an element of creative problem-solving.

Mix up scents: Add a few drops of child-safe essential oils like lavender or citrus to the shaving cream for a calming or energizing sensory experience.

Color exploration: Let kids experiment with mixing different liquid watercolors to discover new colors for their potions.

Freeze the fun: Pour some of the colorful shaving cream into ice cube trays and freeze them. Kids can mix the frozen cubes with warm water for a different sensory twist.

Layered potions: Encourage kids to layer different colors of shaving cream in clear cups or jars to create visually stunning potions.

Potion storytelling: Have the kids invent stories or magical powers for each potion they create, turning the activity into an imaginative storytelling session.