Ocean Themed Sensory Bin

We’re heading to the ocean for this week’s Virtual Book Club for Kids. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen is the featured book. I’m sharing a simple ocean themed sensory bin that’s perfect for a variety of ages. Be sure to see all of the ocean themed activities at the end. I get commissions for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

The Pout-Pout Fish was a surprisingly enjoyable read for me. I was not drawn to this book and probably would not have read it if it weren’t for the Virtual Book Club for Kids. The sad little fish on the cover just isn’t very inviting. However, the book is written in a cute a rhyming fashion. Mr. Fish, the pout-pout fish, swims around talking to all of his friends about how he doesn’t want to be a pout-pout fish – it’s just how he is. Then, along comes another fish and she gives him a kiss. Mr. Fish realizes he’s actually a kiss-kiss fish and now wants to swim around giving everyone kisses spreading cheery-cheeries instead of spreading the dreary-wearies. The story speaks to how we can change – we don’t have to be stuck as one thing.

A simple ocean themed sensory bin seemed like the perfect activity to pair with The Pout-Pout Fish. We took our sensory bin outside because it was a nice, warm day. You can easily do this one inside as well. Just cover your play area with a towel, table cloth, or shower curtain to help contain the mess. My toddler scooped the sand and water all over himself, but my 4 year old kept everything in the bin.

Supplies You’ll Need for the Ocean Sensory Bin

Plastic storage bin
Sand (we used Crayola Blue Play Sand)
Water
Ocean animals (we used the Safari Ltd Coral Reef TOOB, some Finding Dory animals, and a few other Safari Ltd sea animals we could find)
Sea shells (I chose some large flat shells that made good scoops)

I chose a large plastic storage bin so my kids had plenty of room to explore. Use whatever size you have available. I like the Crayola Play Sand for this activity. It’s a fine grain sand that has a nice texture. The color does not come off of the sand even in a bin full of water. I’ve linked to Amazon so you can see the product details. However, you can find it at Walmart for under $7 instead of the $20+ on Amazon.

Empty the sand into the plastic storage bin and then fill with water. Add the animals and shells. Invite your kids to play.

Mine could play in a bin of water or sand all day. Combining the two makes it even better.

Using the shells to scoop the sand is a favorite past time.

They love burying the animals and shells and them finding them again.

More Ocean Themed Activities

Finding Dory Inspired Sensory Writing Tray – Let your ocean animal friends help you practice writing letters, words, or just pre-writing shapes.

Shark Find and Color Free Printable – This search and find game pairs well with How to Survive as a Shark.

Watercolor Ocean Art – This process driven art project is great for all ages.

More Activities from the Virtual Book Club for Kids

See more ocean themed activities inspired by The Pout-Pout Fish:

Sea Shell Sensory Bin – Mama Smiles
Octopus Science Experiment – Preschool Powol Packets
Pout Pout Early Writing Activity – My Storytime Corner

Also stop by the Virtual Book Club for Kids Facebook page to see what others are sharing!

Subscribe to the Inspiration Laboratories newsletter. Each issue has exclusive hands-on science explorations for children, a recap of our latest activities, and special resources selected just for you!