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Fun Camping Sensory Bin for Toddlers

Learn how to make the best camping sensory bin for toddlers! Whether you want some campsite dramatic play or just a fun sensory play for preschool with a camping theme idea, this camping bin will sure to be a fan favorite for toddlers and preschoolers!

Are you planning on going camping soon with your family? If you have toddlers or young kids, it might be good to introduce the idea to them before heading out on this adventure.

One of our favorite ways to talk about new subjects with our toddlers is through sensory play! There are tons of fun camping activities for toddlers to enjoy, and one of them is a sensory bin.

Camping can be so much fun, but to a young mind, they might not fully comprehend what you are saying.

So, create this fun camping sensory bin! You’ll learn how to make your own, all the things you’ll need, plus, some fun ideas for additional camping activities toddlers will love too!

camping sensory bin pin image

Sensory Bin Benefits for Toddlers

Sensory play is a crucial aspect of a toddler’s development, offering a ton of benefits that go beyond just entertainment.

Incorporating sensory bins into your child’s playtime routine can have a positive impact on various aspects of their growth, including the following:

Sensory Stimulation: Sensory bins engage multiple senses simultaneously, including touch, sight, and sometimes even smell and hearing. This helps toddlers develop and refine their sensory processing skills.

Cognitive Development: Exploring different textures, shapes, and materials in a sensory bin fosters cognitive development. Toddlers learn to categorize, compare, and contrast as they interact with the various elements.

Fine Motor Skills: The hands-on nature of sensory play encourages the development of fine motor skills. Scooping, pouring, and manipulating objects within the bin help strengthen hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination.

Language Development: Sensory experiences provide opportunities for language development. As toddlers describe the sensations they feel and talk about the objects in the bin, they enhance their vocabulary and communication skills. This is so important for when you go camping for the first time to introduce words related to camping!

Emotional Regulation: Sensory play offers a calming and soothing effect, aiding in emotional regulation. The tactile experiences provided by the sensory bin can help toddlers self-soothe and manage their emotions more effectively. It is one of the top self regulation activities for toddlers.

Creativity and Imagination: A well-designed sensory bin sparks creativity and encourages imaginative play. Whether they’re pretending to camp in the wilderness or exploring a new world of camping, toddlers can express and develop their creativity.

Problem-Solving Skills: As toddlers encounter different materials and textures, they naturally engage in problem-solving. Figuring out how to scoop, pour, or fit objects into containers fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Concentration and Focus: Sensory play captures a toddler’s attention, promoting concentration and focus. The immersive experience encourages them to explore and engage with the materials for more extended periods, enhancing their ability to concentrate on tasks.

Preparation for Future Learning: The skills developed through sensory play lay a foundation for future learning. The sensory experiences provided by sensory bins contribute to a holistic approach to early childhood education.

Incorporating a camping-themed sensory bin into your toddler’s routine not only adds an element of fun but also maximizes the developmental benefits they gain from play.

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How to Make a Camping Sensory Bin

Here is how to make your own camping bin for toddlers:

Materials Needed

Instructions

Take 2 popsicle sticks and use double-sided tape to glue them, assembled into a tent frame. Repeat this step with another pair of popsicle sticks.

Take 3 more popsicle sticks and use the scissors to cut the rounded ends off of each one.

Tape the ends of the sticks that were trimmed to the bottom parts of the tent frames and to connect the frame.

Measure a rectangle-sized piece of construction paper to fit over the top of your tent as the roof.

Cut your card stock into a rectangle based on the measurements of the tent sides. We used a 12×12 card stock & cut it in half and then folded into 3 equal sides.

Cover your tent frame with the paper. Secure the attachment of the card stock with the popsicle sticks with the double-sided tape.

Cut triangular shapes with the different shades of green card stocks.

Connect 2 or 3 triangles together like trees.

Pour the sand on more than half of the bin

Decorate the other part of the bin with stones and pom poms to build a river or lake.

Let’s now place the tent on one side of the bin and bury the light in the sand, but make sure to let the bulb be visible on the surface for the campfire.

Cut an orange paper into a triangle. Crumple the bottom of the paper to form a fire shape. Add by the light.

Place the blocks as chairs around the campfire, then add the campers. Finally decorate the campsite with the trees!

Let your kid have fun and explore his/her mini camping bin!

For more fun, turn off the light and let the campfire be the only light for a bit; your kids will love it!

Other Fun Camping Sensory Activities

While the camping sensory bin forms the centerpiece of your toddler’s tactile adventure, you can expand the experience with additional camping-themed sensory activities.

These activities not only enhance the overall sensory play but also contribute to the imaginative and educational aspects of the camping theme.

Here are a few ideas:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a mini scavenger hunt by hiding small, safe objects representing nature within a designated play area. Toddlers can explore and find items like pinecones, leaves, or small animal figurines.

Texture Trail: Lay out different textures on a path, such as smooth fabric, rough sandpaper, or soft faux grass. Toddlers can walk barefoot or use their hands to experience the variety of sensations underfoot.

Campfire Cooking: Set up a pretend campfire with craft materials and encourage toddlers to “cook” using play dough or sensory-safe materials. This activity promotes imaginative play and fine motor skill development.

Star Gazing Sensory Bottles: Create sensory bottles filled with glitter, water, and small star-shaped confetti. These bottles can represent a night sky, and toddlers can shake them to simulate stars twinkling in the darkness.

Outdoor Sensory Play with Natural Elements: Take the sensory play outdoors by incorporating natural elements. Let toddlers feel the grass, play with soil, or experience the sensation of wind on their faces.

Storytelling with Props: Use camping-themed props like toy tents, camping gear, and animal figurines to tell stories. This activity not only engages the senses but also encourages language development and creativity.

DIY Binoculars Craft: Have a crafting session to create DIY binoculars using cardboard rolls and string. Toddlers can then use their binoculars for pretend bird-watching or exploring the “wilderness.”

Camping Shadow Play: Use a flashlight to create shadows on a tent or wall, simulating the experience of nocturnal animals or the shapes of trees in the moonlight. This activity adds a visual dimension to the sensory exploration.

Campsite Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course using cushions, blankets, and safe props. Toddlers can crawl under “logs,” jump over “rocks,” and navigate the course while experiencing different textures and movements.

Sensory Storytime: Read camping-themed books aloud while incorporating sensory elements. For example, use scented markers to represent the smell of the outdoors or encourage toddlers to touch relevant textures as you read.

These additional camping sensory activities not only complement the sensory bin but also provide a well-rounded, immersive experience for toddlers.

Adapt the activities based on your child’s age, preferences, and the available space, ensuring a delightful and educational camping adventure.

Camping Bin Wrap Up

Whether you have a camping theme for preschool or just want some unique ideas for preschool sensory tables, this camping bin is so much fun for toddlers and preschoolers.

Enjoy this camping sensory bin and other campsite activities for toddlers and enjoy this new adventure with your family!

Check out these other sensory bin ideas:

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