If you have a unicorn lover at home, then they’ll love this Unicorn Sensory Bin. This simple sensory activity has so many different ways to play and is packed full of learning opportunities for kids.
Learn how to make your own and start learning through play today.
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.
Table of Contents
Materials Needed
- Pink rainbow rice
- A large tub
- Unicorn figurines
- Craft flowers (optional)
- Toy butterflies (optional)
- Sensory bin tools (cups, bowls, spoons, etc)
How to Make a Unicon Sensory Bin
1. Fill the tub with pink rainbow rice.
You can make your own rainbow rice using this taste-safe rainbow rice recipe. It’s really easy to make and will last you for years.
2. Add in the unicorn toys.
If you have a unicorn fan at home then you’ll probably already have some of your own toys already at home. But you can also buy similar items online or at your local toy shop.
3. Add in some flowers and butterflies
Adding in these two items is completely optional. However I love having more than one type of prop in my sensory bins, because it allows me to do a whole lot of different math activities with my kids while they play. You can read more about these below in the different ways to play section.
4. Gather your sensory bin tools and enjoy playing
You don’t need any fancy sensory bin tools. Regular cups, spoons and bowls are all you need. I also included a heart mold in this idea because my daughter saw it and wanted to play with it.
If you want an easy clean up tip for your sensory play, then put a blanket or a table cloth underneath the tub. The blanket will catch any sensory filler that spills on the floor. Then, when you’re finished playing, all you need to do is gather up the corners and pour the filler back into the plastic tub.
Different Ways to Play
1. Scoop and Pour
Use the cups and spoons to move the rice from one container to another. This is a great way to help young children develop their fine motor skills while they play.
2. Counting
Use the unicorns to practice counting from 1 – 10 or 20. This is also a great way to help kids practice one-to-one correspondence, which is an essential math concept for small children to learn.
3. Sort by type
Sort the themed toys and group them into like objects (unicorn, flowers and butterflies).
4. Sort by Color
Sort the items into color groups. This is a great way to help kids learn color recognition.
5. Making Patterns
Use the different items to learn patterns. We tried simple AB and ABB patterns with our flowers and butterflies. However, you can make the patterns more difficult if your kids need an extra challenge.
6. Dramatic Play
You can either use the materials to make small worlds. Like we did here where we “fed” the unicorns.
Or you can use the cups and filler to open up your own shop. Selling “smoothies” is also a fun way to teach your kids about money and maybe even do some simple adding and subtracting with them.
7. Bury your feet and hands
Finally, just have fun burying your feet and hands in the sensory bin filler. My little girl loves to bury her feet, it seems to have a calming effect on her when we play.
More Sensory Ideas to Try
There are so many wonderful sensory play ideas for kids to try. If you want more inspiration, then take a look at these other easy options.
- Mermaid Sensory Bin
- Volcano Sensory Bin
- Muddy Farm Animals Sensory Bin
- Wet Paper Sensory Activity
- Hot and Cold Sensory Play for Babies
For more ideas, take a look at all of our amazing Sensory Activities for Kids.
Are you going to try this Unicorn Sensory Bin with your kids? Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.
