Summer Sensory Bins Your Kids Will Love

Looking for easy and engaging summer activities for your little ones? I don’t know about you, but with both of my girls home all summer, I’m always on the lookout for more fun, screen-free activities to help our day run smoothly.

Sensory bins are the perfect way to keep kids learning and playing all summer long. Whether you’re a mom looking for a fun afternoon activity or a teacher planning seasonal centers, these summer-themed sensory bins are full of creative, playful ideas you’ll love!

Below, I’ve rounded up 16 of the best summer sensory bin ideas from fellow moms, teachers, and bloggers. You’ll find everything from ocean-themed bins to bubbly soap play—and even a taste-safe car wash! Read to the end and I’ll tell you which one I’m most excited to try—and then you can tell me which one you’re going to try first!

But first—are you new to sensory play?

Grab my free Beginner’s Guide to Sensory Play—perfect for moms, teachers, or anyone looking to keep kids learning and having fun.
You’ll get simple tips, supply suggestions, and easy activity ideas to get started today!

👉 Just drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!

Garden & Nature Sensory Bins

These nature-inspired bins are perfect for outdoor play or bringing a bit of the garden inside. They’re full of bugs, plants, and earthy textures kids will love.

• Garden Sensory Play for Kids – The Crafty Christian Mom
  
• Bugs Sensory Bin – Crafty Kids Play
  

Ocean & Beach-Themed Sensory Bins

Bring the beach to your backyard with these ocean-inspired sensory bins. Think seashells, sand, sea creatures, and lots of splashy fun!

• Ocean Sensory Bin – Living Life and Learning
  
• Seaside Sensory Bin – The Chaos and the Clutter
  
• Ocean Sensory Bin – Natural Beach Living
  
• Ocean Play Dough Bin – Teaching Autism
  
• Under the Sea Activities – Natural Beach Living
  
• Letter Matching Seashell Sensory Bin – Natural Beach Living
  

Lemonade-Themed Sensory Bins

These bins look good enough to drink! Lemonade themes bring in bright colors, pretend play, and lots of summer charm.

• Lemonade Sensory Bin – Two Pink Peonies
  
• Lemonade Sensory Bin for Toddlers – The Mindful Toddler
  

Water & Soap-Based Sensory Play

Keep things clean(ish) and cool with water-based bins! Perfect for hot days, these ideas involve soap foam, sponge fun, boats, and even an edible car wash.

• Blue Boat Toddler Learning Activity – Two Pink Peonies
  
• Soap Foam Sensory Bin – In the Kids’ Kitchen
  
• Edible Car Wash Sensory Bin – Teaching Autism
  
• Sponge Sensory Bin – Mommy Evolution
  

Unique & Creative Summer Bins

These sensory bins offer a fresh twist on summer play—from Jell-O letters to bright, colorful textures and materials that scream summer fun.

• Jell-O Alphabet Play – In the Kids’ Kitchen
  
• Summer Sensory Bin – Mommy Evolution
  

Okay, you made it to the end!  One of my favorite things about writing a roundup post like this is all of the AMAZING ideas that I get so excited to try.  I can’t WAIT to try the edible car wash with my girls!  And the letter matching seashell bin is genius—what a fun way to practice letter recognition with my kindergartener (maybe even right on the beach)!  Finally, the ocean play dough bin that uses play dough as a BASE—mind blown!

Now I want to hear from you!  Which bin are you most excited to try with your little ones?  Shoot me a message on Instagram or comment below and let me know!