Frozen Sand Sensory Bin for Kids
I originally discovered the wonders of this Frozen Sand Sensory Bin by complete accident. However, I am so glad I did because it’s been a blessing on those hot summer days when we need a way to cool down and have fun at the same time.
This is one of the best summer activities for kids that I’ve tried. In fact, I now make it year after year because my kids still love it. Learn how to make your own frozen sand sensory activity, and start playing with your toddlers and preschoolers.
Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times.
The Summer break can be tough on parents who aren’t used to having their kids home every day. If you’re trying to get ready for this Summer, then start with these Summer activities for kids. Or invest in the Summer Activity Pack, which is filled with educational ideas for young kids.
Table of Contents
Materials Needed
- Sand
- Water
- Waterproof sea animals
- A plastic tub
- Spoons, bowls and cups
- A large tub filled with water (optional)
Watch the Video
How to Make a Frozen Sand Sensory Bin
1. Fill a plastic tub with sand
One thing I love about this activity is that the kids can help you prepare the tub as well.
Get your little ones to do all the digging for you, they’ll have just as much fun helping out as they will playing with it afterwards.
2. Hide some toys inside the sand.
I like to use sea animals, because then when the sand has melted, our sensory bin turns into a small world ocean for my kids to play with.
But you can use any waterproof toys that you have on hand.
3. Fill the tub with water until all of the sand is wet.
You can swap these steps around as you like. You can always wet the sand first and then hide the toys inside. Or hide the toys as you go while you’re filling up the tub with sand. Experiment to see what works for you.
4. Freeze your wet sand overnight.
Place your sand-filled tub in a freezer and leave it overnight to get solid.
5. Tip the block of now frozen sand onto a cookie sheet.
This step isn’t essential. You can always just place the frozen sand in the middle of your sandbox instead.
I like to do it this way, because it makes it easier to combine the sand with the tub of water later on.
6. Fill a larger tub with water
This step is optional. I don’t like to waste water, so I prefer to have a tub of water ready to use instead of leaving the garden hose running.
Alternatively you don’t need to use any extra water at all. You can use the warmth of the sun and hands to melt the sand.
7. Balance the frozen sand on top of the large tub.
I use a very large under the bed storage box for this step. Fill it with water and then place the frozen sand above it.
You can balance the frozen sand on a few plastic cups to keep it elevated up and out of the water.
With this set up, the larger tub catches most of the water as it gets poured. Which you can then reuse as you keep playing.
8. Pour the water to melt the sand.
Scoop up a cupful of water and pour it over the frozen sand. This will melt the sand and you’ll be able to find the toys hiding inside.
I find that the sand melts at the perfect rate. It’s slow enough that the activity isn’t over in 5 minutes, but fast enough that the kids don’t get bored and quit before it’s over.
Summer Activity Pack
Educational printables for preschoolers and kindergarteners for this Summer.
Are you going to try this Frozen Sand Sensory Bin with your kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for summer, when you need a way to keep cool.
