🐖 Farm Sensory Bin for Toddlers and Preschoolers

The farm is such an incredible topic to teach kids. The farm animals, the crops, the equipment, there’s so much to learn and explore. Toddlers will love the animal noises they make, while preschoolers can be introduced to the idea of sustainable farming. No matter what age group you teach, this Farm Sensory Bin will always be a hit.

Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times. Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

More Farm Activities for Kids

If you are planning a farm week for your young children, then you’ll love these hands-on activities. Little learners will have so much fun learning about the different animals that old MacDonald looks after with these simple play ideas.

1. Farm Animal Shadow Matching Game (Free Printable)
2. Farm Lacing Cards (Free Printable)
3. Muddy Pig Art for Kids
4. Taste-Safe Muddy Farm Animals Sensory Bin
5. Rubber Duck Pond Sensory Bag
6. Chicken Life Cycle Sensory Bin

For more ideas, visit 35 Farm Activities for Kids.

Materials needed

1. 1-2 lbs of dried corn kernels
2. Farm animal figurines
3. Cups, spoons and bowls.
4. A large container

How to Make a Farm Sensory Bin

1. Pour the dried corn kernels into a plastic tub.

You don’t have to use corn for this sensory table idea. If you are trying to talk to the kids about sustainable farming, then using a food based filler may feel like a contradiction. If this sounds like you, then try replacing the corn with kinetic sand, mud, or even just regular sandbox sand. You can choose whichever filler you prefer when it comes to sensory play ideas.

Please remember that unpopped popcorn kernels are a choking hazard. So while this sensory play activity is taste safe, you still need to supervise your children at all times.

2. Make some fences

I tried a couple of different ways to make fences for this small world. I thought it would be a fun way for my kids to engage in some pretend play. The only thing I was missing was a toy tractor to drive around and help feed all of the animals.

1. Using building craft sticks.

This method works wonderfully. Not only is it a great way for your kids to do some building but it also helps to develop their fine motor skills at the same time. If you have building craft sticks on hand, then I recommend that you have a lot of them handy. My young kids had more fun building their own farm animal pens than anything else.

2. Using regular popsicle sticks and wooden clothespins.

This method works for longer fence lines and is an easy alternative if you don’t have any building craft sticks on hand. You can use sticky tape to attach the various sections together or just practice balancing them so they don’t fall down.

3. Place some farm animal toys into the tub. 

Now all your sensory bin needs is some farm life. Along with some cups, spoons and bowls for pouring and scooping. I love this farm animal set, because it has all the animals as well as some tractors and wagons that are big enough to carry the animals in.

4. Enjoy playing. 

This simple farm isn’t just fun, it’s also filled with plenty of learning. There are so many different things to talk about with the kids while they are playing.

If you have some fun farm books you can set those out at the same time for the children to compare the toy animals from the sensory bin and the pictures in the book. One of my favorite books is this Moo on the Farm Sound Book, when you press the buttons you can hear all of the different animal sounds.

While your children are pretending to be old McDonald, building their own farm scene, they are also engaging in imaginative play. While they’re pretending to be a little farmer they are learning social skills and language development. That’s a whole lot of impact for one small container of fun.