If you’re a parent to a toddler, you know just how hard it is to find an activity to do for them that holds their attention for more than just a few minutes. Those little bums can hardly sit long enough to peel off a few stickers, let alone paint an entire piece of paper before they discover a different route to take to make that activity a little bit more fun, and always messier.
I have been making this sensory rice box for my boys as long as I can remember, and it has always been the one activity that they truly engage with and will sit four hours (yes – hours) playing with the rice.
Sensory play is a crucial part of a toddlers development. Did you know that sensory play supports motor skills, a little ones language development and ability to problem solve?? Those are just a few of its benefits!
I know what you are thinking …. “That has to make the biggest mess ever!!”
Guess what – it does. And, it really isn’t a big deal, at all. Unlike paint, stickers, or play-doh, if you lay down a blanket underneath your rice box anything that falls out can easily be scooped right back in.
For under $10 you can create this amazing Rice Sensory Box, and you’ll have endless hours of play for your little one!
Click on the links below, you can grab everything you need at Target!
Rainbow Rice:
Let’s make Rainbow Rice!
I use one bag of rice per color – two if we are really wanting to fill the box.
(Set aside multiple baking sheets/and or/ dishes to pour the wet colored rice into)
Pour rice into a gallon bag.
ONE teaspoon of vinegar for ONE bag of rice. TWO teaspoons for TWO bags.
Add as little or as much food coloring as you would like. I use an entire bottle if we use two bags of rice per color.
Shake it up! (Fun for the kiddos to do!)
Dump rice onto the baking sheet to dry, it takes 1-2 hours (quick!)
Make as many bags of rainbow rice as you wish – we normally just use the entire box of colors!
Once the rice has dried, toss it in the box! I like to have a box with a lid, so that it cannot be spilled when I am not paying attention.
Your little one will LOVE this Rainbow Rice Sensory Box! Toss in toys, cups, and anything their heart desires. Max loves to throw in all of his tiny dinosaurs, creating a fun game with his big brothers to find them all!
Tag me in all of your Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin adventures!! @abby_thome on Instagram!
Love this idea!!!