This week, I put together a Winter Iceberg Sensory Bin for my son, and it turned out to be a fun, simple way to introduce him to Arctic animals while having fun with ice. It was quick to set up and kept him entertained, making it a win for both of us.
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I filled my play tray with water to create the bin and added some blue food coloring. I used the triangle-shaped sections of my Inspire My Play Tray for the icebergs, filling them with water and freezing them overnight. Once the icebergs were ready, I added them to the bin along with some Arctic animal figurines, like polar bears and seals.
JJ was immediately drawn to the cold icebergs and enjoyed pushing them around in the water. He also had a lot of fun picking them up.
He also played with the animals, placing them on the ice and watching them slide off as the ice melted. It was a great way for him to experience different textures and temperatures.
I decided to set out a book that had a section about Arctic animals. We paused during play to read about the animals and we matched a few to the book. It was a nice way to combine sensory play with a little learning.
This activity is simple but versatile. For older kids, you could extend it by talking about how ice melts, experimenting with adding salt to the icebergs, or even creating a small Arctic-themed story with the animals.
If you’re looking for a low-prep sensory activity with a winter theme, this one is worth trying. It’s a fun way to explore new concepts while keeping your little one engaged.