Looking for a fun water sensory play activity? Toddlers and preschoolers will love this zoo animal sensory bin, washing off all the muddy animals. It's so simple to set up and kids will get lost in imaginative play! Follow the step by step directions below to setup your own washing muddy animals sensory bin.
Looking for more sensory bin ideas?
Try out this bug sensory bin, frog pond sensory bin, and this dinosaur themed sensory bin. Check out our taste safe sensory play too!
Water sensory play is one of our favourite activities for toddlers. There are so many benefits to sensory play and this activity takes it to another level. Not only are they exploring their environment, practicing fine motor skills, and so much more - they're being introduced to life skills as well.
With this zoo animal sensory bin, they are washing off dirty animals. This means they're being introduced to cleaning habits and it closely resembles washing off dishes. Even before they are old enough to do so, they are starting to practice without even realising it!
You might also like some of our other messy play ideas.
Ready to get started with this fun water sensory play activity? Scroll down below for step by step directions to set up your washing muddy zoo animals sensory bin.
Related Post: Tape Rescue (rescue the animals)
Washing Zoo Animals Sensory Play Activity for Toddlers
Zoo animal sensory bin - supplies:
- 2-3 sensory bins or a sensory table (we used this one)
- Small zoo animal toys
- Water
- Soap
- Sponges
- Optional extras: soap foam, paintbrushes, toothbrush etc
How to setup your washing animal water sensory play
STEP 1: Gather your supplies
Before you get started, gather up all your supplies. For sensory bins, you can use a few bins to place in front of your child or or you can utilise a sensory table. We have the FLISAT Children's Table from IKEA and love it. You can also order this sensory table on Amazon.
STEP 2: Set up your play area
Once you have all your supplies, start setting up your play area for your toddler! Since this activity utilises mud, you might want to set this sensory bin up outside.
Fill the first bin with mud and water, the second with soapy water, and use the third for storing the sponges. Then, add the small zoo animal toys to the muddy water. You may also opt to include things like paintbrushes, a toothbrush, etc for them to use to wash off the animals. Adding soap foam into the mix is a lot of fun too.
STEP 3: Invite your child to play
After getting everything set up, invite your child to play! Watch as they grab the muddy animals to wash them off with sponges. Sit back and watch them explore and get immersed in play.
Watch them strengthen their hand muscles as they squeeze the sponges and use their imaginations as they make up narratives. Follow their lead and see where their play takes them.
Toddlers will LOVE this water sensory play activity as they make their dirty animals clean again!
As it is so easy to set up you may find yourself returning to this zoo animal sensory bin time and time again for them to practice those cleaning skills! We hope you have lots of fun with washing muddy animals.
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