- Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin.
- Isn’t making a rainbow rice sensory bin complicated?
- Turns out, I did, because it’s THAT EASY.
- Here’s how to dye Rainbow Rice
- How do you make a Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin?
- So much fun from this simple set-up
- It doesn’t need to be a crazy complicated bin…
- It’s basically the perfect activity
- When will you make a rainbow rice sensory bin?
Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin.
A rainbow rice sensory bin is no joke. Can you even wrap your adult brain around all the fun of playing in a bin this colorful, this full of potential, and this easy to work with? It is (no hyperbole needed) one of the best easy toddler activities.
It’s not one to miss.
RELATED: Ever wonder how I teach my kids? Check out “Playing Preschool” (my 190 day activities program).
Isn’t making a rainbow rice sensory bin complicated?
NOPE.
And for the longest time – I thought the same thing! I don’t have time to make rainbow rice! I can barely make three meals a day over here let alone have the time to dye rice.
WHO HAS THE TIME?!
Turns out, I did, because it’s THAT EASY.
The thing about making rainbow rice is this:
Yes, it takes about 10 minutes to make it.
BUT, those 10 minutes are an activity in and of themselves.
Here’s how to dye Rainbow Rice
For each color that you want, you will need to combine one cup of white rice + 1 tablespoon white vinegar + several squirts of food coloring.
Mix this up in a ziplock bag or resealable container, and lay it to dry on a paper plate. Repeat for as many colors as you want (the batch in these photos is 6 different colors).
RELATED: Looking for information on how to keep toddlers from throwing sensory bins? I’ve got you!
It usually dries to the touch in about 1 hour.
My kids LOVE helping to shake up the rainbow rice and they are so excited to wait as it dries.
The good news is: once you make a batch of this, it will last you for years as long as you keep it sealed in a bag or container.
How do you make a Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin?
This is HANDS DOWN my two-year-olds favorite bin.
He loves it every.single.time.
We dump the rice into a big storage container (this is a 31 quart bin by Sterilite – bought at Target).
Then we add in all the fun stuff: funnels, scoops, jars.
RELATED: Curious what kids learn from sensory bins? It’s SO MUCH.
So much fun from this simple set-up
It’s been three weeks since I first put this bin together for my son and I don’t see us putting it away anytime soon.
Right now, it just lives in our kitchen, next to the table, and he plays with it more than any other toy in our house.
Sensory bins have always been his favorite form of independent play.
It doesn’t need to be a crazy complicated bin…
To be totally amazing.
My son worked on using a funnel.
He scooped materials and transferred them.
He practiced his hand-eye coordination, understanding of capacity, and life skills.
It’s basically the perfect activity
And it’s so easy to set it up!
When will you make a rainbow rice sensory bin?
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Laura says
Hi Susie!
How much rice did you use to fill up your bin? Just trying to figure out how much I need.
Ansley says
Does the dye transfer onto hands and clothing (even a little) once dried? I have white couches in the living room where we play with our bins so I’m nervous to try.
busytoddler says
Hi Ashley, It doesnt transfer at all. I have white couches too 🙂
Megan says
Does the vinegar smell linger, and will apple cider vinegar work? Looks like a great activity, thanks!
busytoddler says
Hey Megan, The smell is definitely there a few days – if vinegar smell is a trigger for you, lemon juice works too! I’m not sure on ACV. I haven’t tried that with rainbow rice.
Meghan says
Can you use the gel food coloring instead of a liquid form?
busytoddler says
Yes! it’ll work great!