Ice Cream Sensory Bag - Taming Little Monsters

Can you put the sprinkles onto the ice cream cone? This Ice Cream Sensory Bag is so simple to make, but is packed with heaps of fun learning. This sensory bag is perfect for a Summer or ice cream themed lesson plan.

If you want to make your Summer themed lessons a breeze, then check out the Summer Activity Pack. It’s filled with math and literacy centers, fine motor activities and arts and crafts templates. All of which are aligned with preschool learning standards. Check it out today.

Ice cream sensory bag for kids. A fun summer themed sensory activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Great for developing fine motor skills.

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 commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

More Summer Themed Sensory Activities to try

Have some fun with these sensory play ideas this summer. Toddlers and preschoolers will love playing with these fun sensory activity ideas.

For more ideas, check out these 25 Summer Sensory Activities.

Materials Needed

A large ziplock bag
The free ice cream cone printable
Hair gel
5 Colored straws or small pom poms
Laminating machine and laminating sheets

How to make an Ice Cream Sensory Bag

Step 1. Download and print the ice cream cone pdf.

You can grab your copy of this free printable for kids below. Just click the blue button at the bottom of the post to access this digital download.

If you’re doing an ice cream themed lesson plan with your toddlers and preschoolers, take a look at these other 25 Ice Cream Activities for Kids. There are 25 different ways to teach children essential early skills through play.

2. Laminate the ice cream picture.

This is optional. It all depends on how you like to assemble your sensory bags. I like to laminate the picture and place it inside the sensory bag with the other ingredients. That way, it’s easier to pack the sensory bag away and bring out another day. It also means I can wash and reuse the ice cream picture for other activities. I’ve used the same printable to make an ice cream sweep activity too.

However, you can always tape the picture (unlaminated) down to the table instead, and then tape the sensory bag on top of it.

3. Cut your colored straws into small pieces.

I used straws to mimic the look of sprinkles. However, you can also use small pom poms or small pieces of pipe cleaner instead. Use whatever works for you and what you already have on hand.

4. Place the straws, ice cream picture and hair gel into your large ziplock bag.

Make sure that the hair gel and the straws are in front of the picture before closing off the bag. Then try to squeeze as much air as you can out of the bag before you seal it shut.

Now that everything is ready, you can play. Move the “sprinkles” from around the bag to cover the top of the ice cream cone.

Moving the gel and straws is a wonderful way for kids to feel different materials, without worrying about getting messy. All of that pushing and and sliding is also a great way to strengthen fine motor skills.

You can also substitute the hair gel with plain water. The straws will still be able to move around, but they won’t necessarily stay where you want them to be.

I used water for this bag because I didn’t have any hair gel available. The kids still loved playing with it and were more interested in watching the straws float around instead of moving them to any specific area of the picture.

Are you going to make this Ice Cream Sensory Bag for your kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.