If you have snow, try this color in the sensory bin! It is a fun way for preschoolers (and big kids!) to strengthen fine motor grip and discover new color combinations. You only need freshly fallen snow, droppers, and a few drops of food coloring. Eeek! I couldn’t wait to get this winter sensory bin for you to try with your child at home.
RELATED: Sensory play has been our jam since 2017. I have my favorite sensory bins in one place for you to revisit.

Wait, is this real snow?
Yep! Snow is such a great sensory bin filler. It is cold to the touch and quickly melts with warm water. The best part? You can head outside and scoop some yourself minutes before inviting your child over to play.
As your child plays, they also sneak in some pretty big learning skills. (Gah, this is the part that has me swooning over learning through play.)
What is my child learning?
The droppers help children with future pencil grip as they squeeze the balloon to fill the pipe with water. Mixing colors encourages children to discover new color combinations. And the sensory bin allows children to slow down, calm their emotions, and sort through what’s on their minds.
It is easy to get “lost” in a sensory bin.
RELATED: Curious why sensory play helps child development? Learn why sensory play is important here.
Supplies
If you do not have these droppers, you MUST. I first purchased these when the boys were 2.5, and they used them constantly. The droppers are one of my favorite fine motor toys for kids, and I recommend them to parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
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You will need:
- Snow
- Water
Droppers
Use these droppers for sensory play, in the bathtub, and color mixing.
Food Coloring
The food coloring is less likely to stain since it is so diluted with the water in the container you are mixing it into.
Sensory Bin
I like to use this under-the-bed storage container from Target.
Color the Snow Sensory Bin Directions
Setting up this winter sensory bin is super easy. As a former teacher and busy mom of three boys, I know how important it is to have quick and easy ideas.
- Scoop snow from outside and add to the bin.
- Add water to two midsized containers.
- Drop five squirts of food coloring into the water containers. Stir it. You can do more or less depending on how bright you’d like the color.
- Place the droppers into the snow.
- Invite your child to come and explore color mixing.
PRO TIP: I use an indoor bike mat to protect my floors or carpet from messy sensory play. I did not use one with this activity, but I highly recommend it. It keeps the floor clean, provides a border for the kids to play, and is soft enough to sit on.
Can I use fake snow?
You can! However, my full disclosure review on fake snow is that we tried it, and I did not enjoy it. I purchased a packet from Lakeshore. However, I found this recipe for making fake snow from Make Life Lovely, and I am willing to try and give fake snow a second chance.
Another alternative is to use cotton balls as snow! Cotton balls absorb the water and display the colors as they are mixed.
Love a winter theme activity? Try these!
Here are a few more winter theme activities for kids I know you will enjoy. Leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed this one!
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