Halloween Sensory Bin

This is a super engaging and fun activity to set up in anticipation of Halloween! At the time I made this bin my son was 9 years old and my daughter was 4.  Because of the gap in age the activities I share may not always be suitable for both of them.  However,  this is one they both really, really enjoyed.  Actually, much to my surprise my almost 9 year old stayed with this sensory bin longer than my 4 year old!  It was interesting too seeing which part of the sensory bin drew them in.  My daughter was automatically drawn to the gems and after a few minutes of the bin asked for the bottle we use when we play with water. She began filling up the bottle with the gems that she found hidden in the bin.  My son on the other hand also went to the gems but the bigger ones and began counting them out and telling me how much 'money' he had.  I love watching and listening to their play to see where an activity, especially with sensory bins, will take them.

My son filled the little pumpkins and also counted and sorted the jewels the coins and the plastic skull rings. 

My daughter played with the activity for a fair amount of time.  However, the gems caught her attention which must have made her think of her marbles because she was off on her own using her tongs and adding marbles to our sensory bottle.  

The best part for me though was watching both of my kids enjoy an activity together.

Here's what I included with this bin:

• Split Green Peas
• Plastic Pumpkins
• Pom pom's
• Skull rings
• Bat rings
• Plastic bugs
• Googly eyes
• Spider stickers
• Gems
• Coins
• (the gems and coins were after thoughts because I remembered how much my kids have liked them in other sensory bins)

Close up of our bins contents

These were extra's that were available if the kids wanted to add more in.