Monster Sensory Bin {super easy to make & tons of fun!} (2024)

This monster sensory bin is so much fun for preschoolers! They can create their own monsters with rice, pompoms, and googly eyes. There is also a different taste safe idea included as an option!

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This monster sensory bin has been one my kids’ favorite sensory bins yet. My son asked if I could make a new sensory bin every week and I’ve been trying my best to. My kids love scooping and exploring with our sensory bins.

This monster sensory bin is so much fun. Kids will love the vibrant colors and fun monsters. Please note this monster sensory bin is meant for older children (3+) who no longer put things in their mouths. If you have a younger child, I also have a taste safe option below that is different but still a ton of fun.

Supplies needed

To make this sensory bin, you will need:

• Rice: I used just plan white rice.
• Food coloring: I used neon food coloring.
• Vinegar: To dye the rice.
• Googly eyes: For the filler.
• Pompoms: For the filler.
• Clear plastic cups: To design your monsters on.
• Permanent marker (for adults only): To draw the monsters on the cups.

Some of our other favorites for sensory bins are measuring cups, scoops, and cookie cutters!

How to dye rice

For our bin, I used neon food coloring. I picked vibrant colors for the monsters including neon green, orange, and blue.

To dye rice, you will need to measure out one cup of rice per color you want to make. I put mine in a dark colored bowl so the food coloring would not stain it (it did wash out but I like to be cautious).

Next, add one tablespoon of vinegar. Add the food coloring (I used about 8 to 10 drops) and mix well.

Lay the rice out on a parchment paper or aluminum foil lined sheet and the rice dry for 2 to 3 hours. If you live in an humid area, you may need to add more drying time.

You can test that its dry with a paper towel before playing with it. Once it is dry is should not dye your hands.

Option to make this taste safe

If you have a younger child who still puts things in their mouth you could swap the filler for cooked pasta like this taste safe rainbow spaghetti and only use the cooked pasta and monster cups.

How to contain the mess

I like to either set a large vinyl tablecloth down that we use for sensory bins and art or use our bins outside. If we use our bins outside, we usually do them on the porch then I use a large broom to sweep up any mess.

Other fun sensory bins: