Garden Sensory Bin

This post is sponsored by PEBBLES™. All ideas and opinions are my own.

Am I the only one counting down the days until spring arrives? I enjoy slowing down during the cold winter months, but my kids, not so much. They want to stay busy and being cooped up in the house doesn’t help. I’m all for getting out of the house to get much needed fresh air, but when the temperature is well below freezing it’s just not happening.

My preschooler is a ball of energy and gets real antsy if she’s not able to get out to play. During the winter I like to give her options that keep her busy and learning while indoors. Today’s Garden Sensory Bin has become one of her favorite activities. This sensory bin is very easy to put together and can provide your little one with hours of entertainment. It also captures the senses through smell, sight and touch. A win-win in my mommy book.

Garden Sensory Bin

Materials

Small storage bin
Plastic fruits and vegetables
Toy shovel or spoon

Ingredients

1/2 cup of cornstarch
1/2 cup of baking soda
2 cups of Cocoa PEBBLES™ cereal crushed
5 tablespoons of water

Instructions

1. Place Cocoa PEBBLES™ in a plastic storage bag and crush with hands or rolling pin.
2. Combine baking soda, cornstarch, crushed Cocoa PEBBLES™ cereal in a bowl and stir.
3. Add water to mixture and mix with hands until it can hold a shape when pressed together.
4. Place cereal mixture in a small storage bin and add plastic fruits, vegetables and toy shovel. You can add other items such as cookie cutters or cups. Enjoy!

I know it’s tempting to handle the messy stuff for your younger kids, but allowing them to help with the process is part of the fun. I’ve learned to embrace the mess and give her the freedom to explore.

The texture is very similar to moon sand. It can be molded into different shapes when compressed, but it also falls apart very easily. Did I mention that it smells like chocolate?!

I know this will keep her busy on cold winter days and beyond. She even asked her older brother to join in on the fun.

How do you keep your little ones entertained during the winter months? I’d love to hear your ideas! For more winter fun and inspiration check out PEBBLES™ Cereal on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!