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Easy Ice Cream Sensory Bin for Toddlers

Make this super fun ice cream sensory bin for toddlers during the summer time for your preschool ice cream theme! This ice cream sensory kit is the perfect summer sensory fun!  

Are you looking for a fun and engaging activity to stimulate your child’s senses? Tis ice cream shop sensory bin is perfect for pretend play and for an ice cream theme for preschool and toddlers.

This hands-on play experience combines the joy of ice cream with the benefits of sensory play, offering endless opportunities for exploration, creativity, and learning.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the benefits of an ice cream bin, and will provide you with all the information you need to create a captivating sensory experience for your little one for some ice cream fun!

ice cream sensory bin pin image

The Magic of an Ice Cream Sensory Bin

Imagine a world where your child can scoop up ice cream, create delicious combinations, and serve up imaginative treats without the mess of real ice cream.

That’s the magic of an Ice Cream Sensory Bin!

This sensory activity brings the joy and excitement of an ice cream parlor right into your home, providing hours of entertainment and educational benefits for your child.

Kids love eating ice cream, imagine how much fun they will have making their own pretend ice cream!

A sensory bin ice cream shop is perfect for toddlers and young preschoolers who love pretend play. It was a nice mix up from a regular shop for my little ones.

It is just as fun as a hot chocolate sensory bin we did during the wintertime!

ice cream shop sensory kit for toddlers all set up

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How to Make Ice Cream Sensory Bin

Here is how to make this super easy ice cream shop sensory kit:

Materials Needed

materials for ice cream shop sensory bin

Instructions

  1. Add the pom poms to the bottom of the bin.
  2. Set the cones and the scoops inside the bin.
  3. Add the pony beads to a cupcake liner and set inside the bin. Scatter some of the beads around the bin if desired.
  4. That’s it! Now your kids can get creative and enjoy this pretend play ice cream shop.
put together ice cream sensory bin

Ice Cream Activities for Preschool and Toddlers

Here are some toddler and preschool ice cream activities using this ice cream bin!

  • Set Up Shop: Create a shop theme and have your kids take your order for some ice cream. Get some pretend money and go through the entire process. While it is pretend play, it does help your child learn how it works in the real world!
  • Teach Colors: Have your toddlers sort out the colors and match the cone with the pom pom. This will teach them their colors and help them with sorting too.
  • Name That Scoop: Before serving you the ice cream, have your toddler come up with a fun new name for their creation. This will help them develop their language and be silly.
  • Counting: Ask for a certain amount of scoops to encourage your toddler to learn their numbers.
  • Imaginative Play: See what else your toddler comes up with! Let them go crazy and enjoy this fun learning experience.
child playing with ice cream kit

Ice Cream Sensory Kit Benefits

The ice cream sensory bin provides numerous play and learning opportunities for your child. Here are some benefits of engaging in this delightful sensory activity:

  • Sensory Exploration: Your child will have the chance to explore different textures, colors, and sensory experiences as they touch and manipulate the kinetic sand or colored rice.
  • Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, and transferring the “ice cream” and toppings will help develop your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  • Imaginative Play: Your child can take on the role of an ice cream parlor owner, serving up tasty creations and engaging in pretend play scenarios.
  • Math and Counting: Encourage your child to count the scoops, sort toppings by color or shape, and engage in basic math concepts as they create their ice cream masterpieces.
  • Language Development: Engage in conversations with your child about their ice cream creations, encouraging descriptive language, and expanding their vocabulary.
  • Social Skills: If playing with siblings or friends, the Ice Cream Sensory Bin can foster sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play.
  • Cognitive Skills: Your child will use their problem-solving skills to design unique ice cream combinations and experiment with different sensory elements.
  • Emotional Development: The sensory experience of the Ice Cream Sensory Bin can provide a calming and soothing effect, promoting emotional regulation and relaxation.
Yield: 1 Sensory Bin

Ice Cream Sensory Bin

put together ice cream sensory bin

Materials

  • sensory bin
  • plastic ice cream cones and scoops
  • pastel pom poms
  • small white pom poms
  • pony beads
  • cupcake liner

Instructions

    1. Add the pom poms to the bottom of the bin.
    2. Set the cones and the scoops inside the bin.
    3. Add the pony beads to a cupcake liner and set inside the bin. Scatter some of the beads around the bin if desired.
    4. That's it! It is ready for play!

Ice Cream Shop Sensory Bin FAQs

Can I use real ice cream in the sensory bin?

It’s best to avoid using real ice cream as it can quickly melt and create a messy situation. Instead, opt for materials like pom poms to replicate the ice cream. Playdough works well too!

Can I customize the toppings in the sensory bin?

Absolutely! You can customize the toppings in the sensory bin based on your child’s preferences and interests. Consider using small pom-poms, beads, sequins, or any other safe materials you have on hand.

What age group is good for this ice cream sensory bin?

While the Ice Cream Sensory Bin is particularly popular among younger children and toddlers, older children can also engage in imaginative play and enjoy the sensory experience.

Ice Cream Sensory Bin Wrap-Up

The Ice Cream Sensory Bin is a fantastic sensory play activity that combines the excitement of ice cream with the benefits of sensory exploration and imaginative play.

By engaging in this delightful experience, your child can develop fine motor skills, enhance their cognitive abilities, foster creativity, and have hours of fun.

So gather the materials, set up the sensory bin, and let your child’s imagination run wild in their very own ice cream parlor!

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