DIY Fun Outer Space Sensory Bin for Toddlers
Are you ready for an out-of-this-world sensory experience? Check out this super easy DIY outer space sensory bin for toddlers!
Enter the fascinating realm of space with a sensory bin that sparks curiosity and imagination. An outer space sensory bin is a captivating play activity designed to engage children in a hands-on exploration of the cosmos.
Imagine a miniature universe filled with sparkling stars, celestial bodies, and galaxies waiting to be explored. A space themed sensory bin is a sensory-rich play experience that transports children into a creative imaginative play to learn more about space adventures.
It provides a hands-on opportunity to engage with space-themed materials and stimulates their senses, fostering creativity, and igniting a passion for science. This sensory space activity is perfect for a space preschool theme for your little ones!
Learn all about the benefits of this sensory bin outer space themed as well as how to make your own, along with other space sensory bin ideas!
Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Benefits of Space Sensory Bins
Space sensory toys and bins offer numerous benefits for children’s development. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages of a space sensory tray for your toddlers:
- Sensory Exploration: Space sensory bins engage multiple senses, including touch, sight, and sound, allowing children to explore different textures, colors, and materials related to space.
- Imagination and Creativity: By immersing themselves in a space-themed environment, children can unleash their imagination and create imaginative stories, adventures, and scenarios. This is my favorite toddler space activities benefits for sure!
- Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating and grasping objects within the sensory bin enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.
- Language Development: Engaging in space-themed play prompts conversations, vocabulary expansion, and storytelling, fostering language development, which is why it is perfect for one of your preschool space activities!
- Scientific Inquiry: Space sensory bins introduce scientific concepts in a playful manner, encouraging children to ask questions, make observations, and develop an early interest in astronomy.
- Calming and Relaxation: Sensory play has a calming effect on children, helping them regulate emotions and reduce anxiety, all the while learning and having fun.
How to Make a Space Sensory Bin
If you want a space sensory bin for one of your outer space sensory activities for preschoolers, here is how to make this style!
Materials for Space Sensory Play
- Large sensory tray
- Space toys
- Black aquarium pebbles (any black base would work, black dyed rice, chickpeas etc.)
Instructions
- Fill up the tray with the black pebbles.
- Then, add in the figurines.
- That’s it! Now your bin is ready for play!
Outer Space Activities and Play Ideas for Toddlers
Here are some outer space preschool activities you can do with this sensory bin!
Alien Rescue Mission
Create a scenario where the aliens’ spaceship has crashed, and they need help to return home. Provide small alien figures, a spaceship, and tools like tweezers or tongs (like these) for “rescue missions.” Encourage children to use their fine motor skills to rescue the aliens and transport them back to their spaceship.
Planet Sorting
Include miniature models or pictures of different planets in your sensory bin. Invite children to sort the planets based on their attributes, such as size, color, or distance from the sun. This activity promotes cognitive skills and introduces basic scientific concepts.
Moon Sand Exploration
Add moon sand or kinetic sand to your sensory bin to mimic the texture of lunar soil. Children can mold shapes, build craters, and experiment with different tools to create their own lunar landscape. This tactile activity stimulates sensory development and imaginative play. This would be a fun moon sensory bin idea!
Constellation Search
Provide glow-in-the-dark stars and constellation cards in your sensory bin. Encourage children to recreate constellations or create their own by arranging the stars on a dark surface. This activity promotes spatial awareness and introduces children to the wonders of the night sky.
Rocket Launch
Use the rockets included in this sensory bin and teach your kids about rockets and landing on the moon. Children can take turns launching the rocket into the “space” (sensory bin) and observe its trajectory. This activity sparks curiosity about space exploration and encourages scientific thinking.
Sensory Space Writing
Instead of adding in the toys, just keep the black sand or black rice inside your space sensory tray. Provide children with a writing tool, such as a stick or their finger, and encourage them to draw or write words or symbols in the sand. This activity combines sensory input with literacy skills and will improve their future writing and fine motor skills.
Storytelling and Puppet Play
Include space-themed storybooks, puppets, or figurines related to astronauts, space missions, or aliens. Encourage children to use these props to create their own space adventures and narrate imaginative stories. This activity enhances language development and fosters creativity.
Cosmic Sensory Bottle
Create a sensory bottle by filling a clear plastic bottle with water, glitter, small star-shaped confetti, and a drop of food coloring. Secure the lid tightly. Children can shake the bottle to observe the mesmerizing “galaxy” inside. This activity promotes visual stimulation and relaxation.
You can also add in some of the space toys too!
Check out other fun sensory bottle ideas:
- Calming Sensory Bottle
- Sensory Bottle with Hair Gel
- Unicorn Sensory Bottle
- I Spy Sensory Bottle
- Pom Pom Sensory Bottle
- 4th of July Sensory Bottle
- Butterfly Sensory Bottle
- Magnetic Sensory Bottle
- DIY Rain Stick Shakers
- Summer Sensory Bottle
- Easter Sensory Bottle
- Fall Sensory Bottle
- Winter Find-And-See Sensory Bottle
- Calming Sensory Bottle
Educational Importance of Space Sensory Bins
Space sensory bins provide a wealth of educational opportunities for children, even young toddlers. Here are some key areas of learning that can be enhanced through space-themed sensory play:
- Science and Astronomy: Children develop an early understanding of astronomical concepts, such as planets, stars, galaxies, and the solar system. They learn and gain a basic understanding of space exploration.
- Language and Communication: Engaging in imaginative play and storytelling promotes language development, vocabulary expansion, and communication skills. Children express their thoughts, ideas, and experiences related to space.
- Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating the sensory materials in the bin, such as picking up small objects or pouring sand, improves fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and will help them in their future writing.
- Cognitive Development: Sorting, categorizing, and classifying are all related to this sensory bin!
Space Sensory Bin FAQs
What age group is suitable for space sensory bins?
Outer space sensory bins can be enjoyed by children of various age groups. However, they are particularly suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, usually ranging from 2 to 6 years old. The activities and materials can be adjusted based on the child’s developmental stage and interests.
Can I use everyday household items for my space sensory bin?
Absolutely! Space sensory bins can be created using everyday household items. You can use materials like rice, beans, sand, or even recycled materials like cardboard tubes, bottle caps, or tin foil to represent different elements. Your toddlers can create their own rocket space with cardboard too! Get creative and explore what you have at hand.
How can I incorporate learning into space sensory play?
Space sensory play naturally incorporates learning opportunities. Encourage children to observe and discuss the characteristics of the materials, ask open-ended questions, and explore scientific concepts. Introduce new vocabulary related to space, encourage storytelling, and provide books or resources to further their knowledge.
Are space sensory bins only for home use?
Not at all! Space sensory bins can be enjoyed in various settings, including schools, daycare centers, or community spaces. They can be a valuable addition to educational curricula, science centers, or themed events. Adapt the activities and materials based on the specific context and age group.
Outer Space Sensory Bin
Materials
- Large sensory tray
- Space toys
- Black aquarium pebbles
Instructions
- Fill up the tray with the black pebbles.
- Then, add in the figurines.
- That’s it! Now your bin is ready for play!
Notes
Any black base would work, black dyed rice, chickpeas etc.
Outer Space Sensory Bin Wrap Up
Remember, outer space sensory bins are meant to be fun, engaging, and educational. Tailor the activities and materials to suit the developmental needs and interests of the children, and watch them embark on a cosmic journey of imagination and discovery.
Use this as one of your activities about space for preschoolers and toddlers and enjoy as they play, learn, and have fun!
Check out these winter sensory bins or rainbow sensory bin for more ideas!
