The Best Sensory Bin Fillers for Kids (65+ Ideas to Try)
Sensory bin fillers are the foundation of sensory play. The right filler gives kids something to scoop, pour, touch, sort, and explore while supporting fine motor skills, creativity, and focus.
Below are 65+ sensory bin filler ideas, organized by type, with helpful notes to make choosing the right filler easier.
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Sensory bin fillers are the foundation of sensory play. The right filler gives kids something to scoop, pour, touch, sort, and explore while supporting fine motor skills, creativity, and focus.
Below are 65+ sensory bin filler ideas, organized by type, with helpful notes to make choosing the right filler easier.
Dry Sensory Bin Fillers
Rice
Easy to scoop and pour and works for almost any theme.
Dyed rice
Adds visual interest and is great for color sorting or seasonal bins.
Brown rice
Offers a slightly different texture than white rice.
Jasmine rice
Lightweight and smooth, ideal for fine motor play.
Basmati rice
Long grains make scooping and transferring easier for beginners.
Bowtie Pasta
We use this in our creepy crawly sensory bin to mimic spiders.
Dyed pasta
Bright colors help with sorting and pattern activities.
Small macaroni
Great for pouring and filling containers.
Penne pasta
Works well for scooping and stacking.
Orzo
Feels similar to rice but adds variety.
Oats
Soft texture that works well for toddlers.
Rolled oats
Lightweight and easy to clean.
Steel cut oats
Adds a rougher texture for sensory contrast.
Beans
Heavier filler that makes satisfying sounds when poured.
Lentils
Small size supports precision scooping.
Chickpeas
Large enough for toddlers and easy to pick up.
Split peas
Good for fine motor practice and sorting.
Corn kernels
Firm texture and bright color.
Popped popcorn
Lightweight and fun for sensory exploration.
Birdseed mix
Offers multiple textures in one bin.
Edible Sensory Bin Fillers
Cheerios
Taste safe and easy for toddlers.
Puff cereal
Dissolves easily in the mouth for safer exploration.
Dry cereal loops
Good for stacking and stringing activities.
Graham cracker crumbs
Works well for digging and pouring.
Crushed crackers
Soft texture that mimics sand.
Dry oatmeal cereal
Gentle texture and easy cleanup.
Cooked pasta
Soft and squishy for sensory exploration.
Cooked rice
Sticky texture adds a different sensory experience.
Dry breadcrumbs
Fine texture that supports scooping skills.
Shredded coconut
Smells and feels unique but should be supervised.
Natural Sensory Bin Fillers
Sand
Classic sensory material for digging and pouring.
Dirt
Great for outdoor sensory play and nature themes.
Soil
Fine texture works well for scooping.
Pebbles
Smooth stones add weight and sound.
Smooth stones
Calming to touch and visually appealing.
Shells
Ideal for beach or ocean themed bins.
Pinecones
Introduce texture and size variety.
Acorns
Natural and easy to sort by size.
Leaves
Seasonal filler that changes throughout the year.
Twigs
Encourage building and arranging.
Soft and Textured Sensory Bin Fillers
Pom poms
Lightweight and colorful for sorting.
Felt balls
Soft texture that feels calming.
Cotton balls
Easy to grab and gentle for toddlers.
Fabric scraps
Introduce different textures and patterns.
Yarn pieces
Good for pulling, wrapping, and threading.
Shredded paper
Simple filler made from recycled materials.
Tissue paper
Adds color and crinkly texture.
Felt squares
Flat shapes work well for stacking.
Foam shapes
Soft and lightweight for quiet play.
Craft feathers
Light texture that responds to movement.
Messy and Moldable Sensory Bin Fillers
Play dough
Excellent for squeezing and shaping.
Homemade play dough
Customizable with scents and colors.
Slime
Stretchy texture that many kids enjoy.
Cloud dough
Soft and crumbly with minimal mess.
Kinetic sand
Molds easily and holds shape.
Modeling compound
Firm texture for sculpting.
Cornstarch dough
Smooth and silky when handled slowly.
Shaving cream
Light and foamy for sensory exploration.
Mud
Natural and engaging for outdoor play.
Wet sand
Great for packing and shaping.
Water and Gel Sensory Bin Fillers
Water
Supports pouring, floating, and scooping.
Ice cubes
Introduce temperature and melting.
Crushed ice
Adds sound and texture variation.
Water beads
Only for older children with supervision.
Gel beads
Soft and squishy texture for tactile input.
Calming Sensory Bin Fillers
Aquarium gravel
Smooth texture and soothing sound.
Glass stones
Heavy and visually calming.
Mixed rice and beans
Combines textures in one bin.
Lavender scented rice
Provides gentle sensory input through smell.
Unscented kinetic sand
Supports slow, repetitive movements.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sensory Bin Filler
When choosing sensory bin fillers, consider:
- Your child’s age and safety needs
- Whether the filler should be taste safe
- How easy it is to clean and store
- Whether it can be reused
A small selection of fillers can be rotated and reused in many ways.
Sensory bin fillers do not need to be complicated or expensive. With a variety of textures, sizes, and materials, sensory bins can stay engaging while supporting learning and development.
Choosing the right filler helps sensory play feel fun, manageable, and meaningful for kids.
