15 Easy Summer Sensory Bins for Toddlers Who Need Something to Do

Summer’s here, and with it comes the ultimate parenting question: How do I keep my toddler from climbing the curtains while we melt in the heat? The answer: Summer Sensory Bins. They’re cheap, cheerful, screen-free, and educational.

Sensory bins aren’t just fun—they build fine motor skills, spark creativity, boost language, and they are my absolute go to when I need a bit of time to clean the dishes. 🌊

👉 Not sure where to start? Check out this beginner’s guide to sensory bins first.

💦 Water-Themed Summer Sensory Bins

I have a whole post on >> WATER SENSORY PLAY IDEAS YOU MUST-TRY<< here. Let’s go into some of my favorite sensory bins!

1. Classic Water Sensory Bin

All you need is a shallow bin, water, cups, ladles, and some measuring spoons. Toddlers will pour, splash, and giggle their way to fine motor magic. You can add color and turn this into a color mixing station.

2. Foam Play Bin

Whisk a bit of baby soap with water and watch it turn into fluffy foam. This is hands down my favorite sensory bin. Super low mess. Add scoops, toy cars, or plastic animals for endless bubbly fun. I used a bottle to shake up some foam, when I was on holidays and had no mixer at hand.

3. Ice & Water Discovery Bin

Freeze small toys in ice cubes and let your toddler excavate them with warm water, spoons, or spray bottles. It’s summer STEM disguised as play.

4. Dandelion Nature Bin

Inspired by our outdoor flower nature soup, fill a bin with water, dandelions, flower petals, and kitchen scoops. It’s amazing because if you cut the stems they curl.

5. Sponge & Rose Water Bin

Drop in soft sponges, cut roses or petals, and a splash of water. Toddlers love the squeezing action and gentle scents of this Rose Sensory Bin — bonus points for calming afternoon vibes.

👉 Want more ideas like this? Explore our full guide to water sensory play.

🐚 Ocean & Beach-Inspired Bins

6. Ocean Sensory Bin

Use blue water beads or dyed water and toss in sea creatures, shells, and scoops. Your toddler will be mesmerized by the wobbly water feel.
>> Want more ocean magic? See our Arctic Ocean bin.

7. Beach Bin

Kinetic sand + mini umbrellas + sea shells = the perfect indoor beach. Add in a tiny rake and shovel, and you’ve got mini vacay vibes.

8. Taste-Safe Ocean Bin

Use blue jello or water with Cheerios and edible fish-shaped snacks. Perfect for younger toddlers still in the “everything in my mouth” phase.

9. Mermaid Bin

Add glitter, shimmering blue water beads, tiny dolls, and shell scoops for a magical, sparkly oceanic fantasy. It’s basically spa day meets toddler chaos.

10. Sea Foam Sensory Bin

Whisk dish soap, water, and a few drops of food coloring into a bubbly, frothy sea foam delight. Add ocean animals or scoops, and watch your toddler let the animals “swim”.

11. Jello Ocean Bin (Taste-Safe)

Blue gelatin, edible toys, and a few floating cereal “corals” make for a safe and squishy ocean adventure. It’s messy, yes, is it super healthy, nope, but I am sure it’ll keep your toddler busy.

☀️ Outdoor & Summer Vibes Sensory Bins

12. Camping Bin

Toss in twigs, mini tents, toy firewood, and tiny marshmallows. Great for storytelling, pretend play, and channeling all that summer camp energy. I also hope it’ll be a great way to introduce my son to camping before we go.

13. Nature Treasure Hunt Bin

Fill a bin with water, then drop in pinecones, leaves, flowers, and stones your toddler helped collect. Stir in a bit of dirt if you’re brave (or just pop it in the garden!).

14. Infant Summer Bin

Use cold water, soft cloths, edible fruit slices, and plastic rings. Sensory play doesn’t get gentler or more refreshing than this.

15. Coin Wash Bin

Grab a bin of soapy water, old coins, and a toothbrush. Your toddler can “clean the treasure” while building coordination and focus. It’s weirdly satisfying.

16. Stone Wash Station

Ok. Does your toddler like collecting stones like mine? I mean we have a lot by now. Collect smooth stones and let your toddler scrub them in a water bin with bubbles and a brush. I am sure your toddler will love it just like mine. Extra fun if the stones are really dirty and pretty underneath. Very zen.

🌈 Rainbow & Color Explosion Sensory Bins

17. Rainbow Rice Bin

Ok many love this so I will mention it. I don’t really want to waste that much rice. I did a rice bin before and he was jsut too young. Dye rice in rainbow colors and let your child scoop, mix, and pour using funnels and cups. Add pom-poms or little figurines for bonus play.

18. Taste-Safe Color Bin

Mix yogurt with food coloring and add puffs, berries, or crackers for edible sensory play. It’s messy, it’s fun, and your toddler will try to lick everything.

19. Rainbow Spaghetti Bin 🍝

Something I actually consider. I mean maybe he eats them colored? Cook spaghetti, dye it in bright colors, and toss with a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Kids love the slimy texture, and it’s a great intro to sensory play for picky eaters or curious little chefs.

Bonus Summer Sensory Bins

14. Arctic Ocean Bin (Cool-Down Star!)

Cool water, frozen “icebergs,” polar animals, and blue-dyed water create a chilly sensory escape. Your toddler will love it—and you’ll love how refreshing it feels to watch. 👉 Full DIY here: Arctic Ocean Sensory Bin

16. Citrus Splash Bin 🍋

Squeeze some lemon and orange slices into a bin of cool water, and toss in measuring spoons or citrus peel curls for extra texture. It’s zesty, refreshing, and smells like summer-in-a-bin — perfect for hot days and cranky moods.

17. Bubble Wrap Pop Bin

Line the bottom of your bin with big bubble wrap, throw in some light toys, and let your toddler stomp or press the bubbles. It’s the ultimate pop-pop-pop therapy and a sneaky way to get out some wiggles.

19. Mud Kitchen Bin 🪵

A few cups of dirt, water, old muffin tins, spoons, and leaves = instant muddy cafe chaos. Toddlers adore mixing “soup” and “cakes,” and you’ll adore how long this keeps them entertained (outside, is better).

20. Toy Wash Bin 🧽

Squirt baby shampoo into a bin and toss in plastic animals or trucks for the ultimate “car wash.” Add a second bin with clean water for rinsing, and boom: sensory play and clean toys.

>> RELATED: DANDELION FLOWER SOUP BIN.