Space-Themed Sensory Bin Using DIY Kinetic Sand

Create this Space-Themed Sensory Bin using homemade kinetic sand, planets, mini astronauts, and space-themed treasures! The perfect small world sensory play activity for kids who love to dig, explore, and blast off to space!

If you’re looking for a hands-on sensory adventure that brings the magic of the cosmos right into your playroom, this Space-Themed 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 space-themed items like wooden planets, sparkly gems, moon rocks, and space cookie cutters to create an exciting small world sensory setup that sparks creativity and imaginative play!

Why This Space-Themed 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 mold into craters or rocket launch pads.

To make this sensory galaxy feel truly cosmic, we added wooden planets, space cookie cutters, shiny gems, and natural rocks that look like miniature asteroids. These materials inspire your child to create their own little solar system and dive into imaginative planetary adventures.

Kids will love exploring textures as they journey through their own pretend universe!

How To Create The Best Space-Themed Sensory Bin

What You’ll Need

You could buy Kinetic Sand or make your own (it’s so easy!). 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. Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of Kinetic Sand:

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

Extras for the sensory bin:

• Wooden Planets and Figurines
• Mini Astronauts (these astronaut erasers are so cute!)
• Space-Themed Cookie Cutters (rocket ships, stars, moons)
• Wooden Loose Parts, Rocks, Gems, or other space-themed trinkets
• Silicone Cupcake Liners or Small Bowls
• Scoops and Funnel, Tongs and Tweezers, Spoons
• Sensory Bin (or any container big enough for your child to play in)

Kinetic Sand Instructions

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 Space-Themed Sensory Bin

1. Fill the Bin

Start by adding your homemade kinetic sand to your large container or sensory bin. Spread it out evenly across the base to create a soft, moldable surface. This is your outer space landscape!

2. Add Space-Themed Items

Next, place your space-themed treasures into the sand. Add in your wooden planets, space cookie cutters, and sparkly gems. Scatter in some rocks for moons and asteroids. Arrange items to look like orbiting planets or alien terrain.

3. Add Scoops and Tongs

To make your space-themed sensory 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 development as kids scoop, dig, and create their own galaxy.

4. Let Them Play

Now that your mini universe is ready, it’s time for some serious sensory fun! Sit back and watch as your little astronaut and gets lost in their very own world.

Creative Play Ideas For Your Space-Themed Sensory Bin

You’ll be amazed by how long your child stays engaged in this sensory world! Once they blast off into space play the play possibilities are endless. Here are a few fun ideas:

1. Space Storytime

Pair the bin with a space-themed book like Pete the Cat: Out of This World, Roaring Rockets, or My First Book Of Planets. After reading, encourage your child to recreate scenes or invent their own interstellar stories.

2. Treasure Hunt

Hide small gems or mini toys in the kinetic sand and have your child dig them out using tweezers, scoops, or tongs. It’s a simple game that boosts fine motor skills and keeps the excitement going.

3. 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 explore freely, ask questions like “What planet are you on?” or “Can you find alien life?” to spark curiosity and expand imaginative play.

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 Space-Themed Sensory Bin

This DIY kinetic sand space-themed sensory bin is a hit for kids of all ages. 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 explorer reach for the stars! Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments. I’d love to see them!