How To Make A Colorful Kinetic Sand Mermaid Sensory Bin

Create this Mermaid Sensory Bin using colorful homemade kinetic sand, mini mermaids, and ocean-themed treasures! The perfect small world sensory play activity for kids who love to dig, scoop, and explore!

If you’re looking for a hands-on sensory adventure that brings the magic of mermaids and ocean fun to life, this Mermaid Sensory Bin is just what you need! It’s a fun and engaging activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids!

We use homemade kinetic sand as the base and ocean-themed items like mermaid figurines, wooden loose parts, sea gems, and shells to create an enchanting small world sensory play setup that inspires creativity and imaginative play!

Why This Mermaid Sensory Bin Is A Must-Try

If you’ve never made kinetic sand before, you’re in for a treat! It’s soft, fluffy, and silky to the touch, but still holds its shape when pressed. It’s perfect for little hands to dig, scoop, and build with.

To bring the underwater world to life, we added mini mermaids, pearls, gems, rocks, colorful wooden pieces, and sea-themed cookie cutters to create a magical ocean scene full of sparkle and wonder. These materials encourage your child to create their own mermaid cove filled with secret treasures and imaginative tales.

Kids will love pressing the cookie cutters into the sand, placing mermaids on rocky thrones, and diving into their very own under-the-sea adventure!

Plus, themed activities like this Mermaid Sensory Bin are perfect for Summer Sensory Play. They help kids engage with seasonal play, build special memories, and spark their creativity.

How To Create A Mermaid Sensory Bin

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of kinetic sand:

• 2 cups Play Sand (we used purple play sand but any color works!)
• 1 1/2 cups Cornstarch
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil

Extras for the mermaid sensory bin:

• Mini Mermaids
• Mermaid Cookie Cutters
• Wooden Loose Parts
• Pearls and Gems or any mermaid-themed toys and trinkets
• Rocks
• Silicone Cupcake Liners or Small Bowls
• Scoops and Funnel, Tongs and Tweezers, Spoons, or cookie cutters
• Sensory Bin (or any container big enough for your child to play in).

Kinetic Sand Instructions

If you’re worried about younger kids putting it in their mouths, you might want to try making our Taste-Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe which uses food-grade ingredients.

1. Mix Dry Indredients

Add 2.5 cups of fine play sand and 1.5 cups of cornstarch into a mixing bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute everything.

3. Add Oil

Slowly mix in the 1/2 cup oil.

3. Mix It All Together

Use your hands to knead the mixture until it’s fully combined and has a soft, moldable texture. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more oil. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more cornstarch.

4. Optional Extras

If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add a few drops of essential oils for a lovely scent or a sprinkle of glitter for some sparkle. Just make sure it’s safe for kids and won’t irritate sensitive skin.

How to Set Up Your Mermaid Sensory Bin

1. Fill the Bin

Start by adding your kinetic sand to your large container or sensory bin. Spread it out evenly across the base to create a soft, squishy sea floor your little mermaids can explore!

2. Add Mermaid Items

Next, place your mermaid-themed treasures into the sand. Add mini mermaids, pearls, gems, and rocks to bring your undersea world to life. We even added a tiny treasure chest with some gold coins for extra adventure!

3. Add Scoops and Tongs

To make the bin even more interactive, toss in some scoops, tongs, tweezers, and bowls to give your child even more ways to interact with the bin. These tools promote fine motor skills and imaginative play as they discover and collect their underwater findings. Cookie cutters in starfish or shell shapes are perfect for stamping designs into the sand.

4. Let Them Play

Now that your magical mermaid cove is ready, it’s time for some serious sensory fun! Sit back and watch your child dive into imaginative play creating mermaid stories, building castles, and discovering treasures hidden in the sand.

Creative Play Ideas For Your Mermaid Sensory Bin

You’ll be amazed by how long your child stays engaged in this sensory world! Here are a few fun ways to take the experience further:

1. Mermaid Storytime

Pair the bin with a mermaid-themed book like How to Catch a Mermaid or Pearl. Encourage your child to act out parts of the story or make up their own magical tales!

2. Treasure Hunt

Hide mini gems or pearl beads in the sand and challenge your child to find them using tongs or a scoop. It’s a fun way to develop fine motor skills while exploring and keeps the excitement going.

3. Build A Sand Castle

Build mermaid “castles” in the sand and decorate them with rocks, pearls, and wooden loose parts.

4. Free Play

Sometimes the best moments come from unstructured exploration. Unstructured exploration is calming and can help your child self-regulate after a busy day. Let your child’s imagination take the lead! Ask open-ended questions like “What’s your mermaid’s name?” or “What magical powers does she have?” to encourage storytelling and creativity.

Safety When Playing with Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are amazing, but it’s always good to keep a few safety tips in mind:

• Supervise younger kids. If you have toddlers or babies playing with the bin, always keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not putting any small objects in their mouths. Choking hazards are a real concern, so be mindful of the size of the objects you include.

• Watch out for sharp or fragile items. Avoid anything that could potentially break or shatter in the bin. Stick to soft or flexible items like plastic figures, pom-poms, and silicone or plastic scoops.

• Keep it clean. Sensory bins can get messy! Lay down a sheet or tablecloth underneath to catch any runaway sand or small pieces. This makes cleanup a breeze.

Why We Love This Mermaid Sensory Bin

This kinetic sand mermaid sensory bin is a favorite in our house! It’s easy to make and endlessly versatile for creative play. Plus, it’s an affordable way to bring a little extra fun to your Summer Sensory Activities.

So grab your ingredients, mix up a batch of kinetic sand, and let your little one splash into a world of mermaid make-believe! Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments. I’d love to see them!!