How To Make The Best Jello Ocean Sensory Bin

Create this Ocean Sensory Bin using Jello! Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids, this taste-safe, summer sensory activity is packed with hands-on play, creative ideas, and ocean magic!

Summer is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for fun, creative ways to keep your little ones cool and engaged during those long, sunny days.

Well, let me introduce you to the ultimate summer activity that combines messy play, sensory exploration, and loads of ocean fun. A Jello Ocean Sensory Bin!

Sensory bins are an amazing hands-on experience for kids of all ages, and trust me, they’ll be talking about this squishy, beachy bin long after the sea creatures are rescued and the Jello has been cleaned up!

Why Seasonal Activities Are Awesome

Ocean Sensory Activities have a special kind of magic, especially when kids can dive into a cool sensory experience. These activities let your kids soak in the summer vibes, create lasting memories, and explore imaginative play all from the comfort of home.

The best part? No sunscreen required!

How To Create The Best Jello Ocean Sensory Bin

What You’ll Need

Getting started with a Jello Ocean Sensory Bin is easy. I’ve linked what I used from Amazon, but don’t forget to check out the Target Dollar Spot or your local Dollar Store for ocean-themed toys and treasures. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• Knox Clear Gelatin Packets: We used clear gelatin with food coloring for this one. It works just as well as Jello and is less sticky! Regular Jello works great too! 2 boxes of blue raspberry Jello is also a fun, easy option.
• Mini Ocean Animal Toys: Think sea turtles, dolphins, starfish, whales, fish, treasure chest with coins, gems, or any ocean-themed trinkets you can find.
• Silicone Cupcake Liners, Mason Jars, or Small Bowls: Perfect for scooping, pouring, and creating “potions” with all their ocean treasures
• Scoops and Funnel, Tongs and Tweezers, or Mixing Spoons: These will not only help keep the mess slightly under control but also encourage fine motor skills. These sensory tools are my favorite!
• Sensory Bin (or any container big enough for your child to play in).

Take a look at our list of essential sensory bin supplies to have on hand, making it easy to set up multiple different sensory bins in seconds!

How To Set It Up

1. Prepare The Jello Mixture

The night before you plan to do the activity, prepare your Jello. If youre using boxed jello, just follow the instructions on the package (and skip Steps 2, 3 & 4). I used Knox unflavored gelatin for this one.

If you’re using unflavored gelatin, start with pouring 2 cup of cold water to a mixing bowl and sprinkle 8 packets Knox gelatin over the top. Let the gelatin dissolve in the liquid for a few minutes.

2. Prepare Your Boiling Water and Add Color

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. (If you want the Jello to be a bit firmer for easier digging, reduce the amount of water slightly). Add blue food coloring to the hot water for that clear ocean blue. The more drops, the deeper the sea!

4. Combine Gelatin and Hot Water

Pour the hot, colored water over the gelatin and cold water mixture. Whisk quickly to prevent any lumps. Keep stirring until everything is fully dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Add Ocean Toys

Transfer the liquid Jello mixture to a sensory bin or baking dish and drop in all your Ocean trinkets (make sure to wash the toys with warm, soapy water beforehand). Some toys will sink to the bottom while others float on top—perfect for a fun sensory dig! Let the Jello set overnight in the fridge, giving it plenty of time to firm up.

6. Add Scoops, Tweezers, Bowls, and Jars

Add in some scoops, tweezers, bowls, and jars to give the kids even more ways to play! They can scoop up the Jello and transfer the Ocean toys between containers, all while working on those fine motor skills in a fun and engaging way.

7. Time to Play!

When the kids gather around the bin, give them a few minutes to explore with their eyes first. Some children might be hesitant at first. The cold, squishy Jello might seem a little “yucky” to them. And that’s totally fine!

Let them ease into the sensory experience at their own pace. Give them tweezers to start picking out a fish or two, or encourage them to dip their fingers into the gooey mess to find those hidden treasures.

It didnt take long for my kiddos to dig in and get their hands messy.

Creative Play Ideas for Your Jello Ocean Sensory Bin

Once the kids have dived into the Ocean sensory bin, you can keep the fun going by encouraging some creative play! Here are a few simple ideas that will turn their squishy, summery sensory experience into even more imaginative adventures:

1. Rescue Mission

This is a great one for little adventurers! Bury the Ocean-themed trinkets deep inside the Jello and challenge the kids to go on a rescue mission to save the trapped sea creatures. Use tweezers, tongs, or scoops to “rescue” each toy from the sticky, gooey Jello.

2. Ocean Potion-Making

Let your kids pretend they’re marine scientists or underwater wizards making potions from the sea! Provide small containers, like bowls or jars, and encourage them to scoop up the Jello. Add a little water or glitter for extra “magic.” They can mix ingredients into their concoctions and make up spells to go along with it.

3. Sweet Treat Kitchen

Turn the sensory bin into a beachy treat-making station where the kids can “bake” different recipes like “jellyfish smoothies” or “sea turtle cupcakes.” Provide spoons, ladles, and jars or bowls so they can stir up different combinations of Jello and other Ocean toys. They can serve their ocean creations to you or each other!

Tips for Jello Ocean Sensory Bin Fun

Let them explore at their own pace

When introducing something messy like Jello, it’s important not to rush the kids into playing if they’re unsure at first. Some kids might feel a bit uncomfortable with the slimy texture, especially if they have sensory sensitivities or sensory processing disorder. Give them some time to get familiar with the bin and maybe even start with tools like scoops or tweezers before using their hands. Once they’re ready, they’ll be diving in and having a blast!

Add new toys gradually

As the kids start to lose interest, you can introduce new elements like a set of toy syringes, eye droppers, or scoops that they can use while digging through the bin. Trust me, this will revive their excitement and keep the fun going for longer. Plus, it allows them to shift gears in their play, keeping things fresh and engaging!

Embrace the mess

Okay, I won’t lie, this is going to get messy! But hey, that’s all part of the fun. The Jello might end up on their clothes, the floor, or even in their hair. And that’s okay! I always set our Jello bin up in a space where mess is welcome, like outside or on a large tray indoors. If you can, place a tablecloth or a play mat underneath to catch any spills.

Get Ready for A Splash Of Sensory Fun!

If you’re looking for a low-prep, high-fun summer activity that the kids will absolutely love, give a Jello Ocean Sensory Bin a try. Whether you’re setting it up for a beach-themed party, or just looking for a way to beat the heat at home, this squishy, ocean-filled sensory adventure is sure to be a hit.

So gather up your supplies, whip up some Jello, and let the ocean sensory bin fun begin. And don’t forget to let them get messy!