Homemade Cloud Dough Ice Cream Sensory Bin
Looking for a simple and fun activity that keeps little hands busy and and makes a great summer boredom buster? This DIY Cloud Dough Ice Cream Sensory Bin is the perfect mix of fun and play.Easy to set up, super engaging, and just messy enough to be a hit with toddlers and preschoolers!
There are affiliate links in this post – please read my full disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Whether you’re a parent or teacher, this easy sensory idea is sure to bring smiles and scoops of pretend play fun. I love that you make cloud dough from scratch using just a couple of simple ingredients!
Make the ice cream theme complete with our 38+ Free Ice Cream Shop Dramatic Play Printables!
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Fun Ideas!🌟
📌What You’ll Need
- Ice cream cones (real or play cones) for “scooping” and “serving.”
- An ice cream scoop to create realistic-looking scoops of ice cream.
- Colorful pom-poms as pretend “sprinkles” to decorate the scoops.
✨How to Set Up the Cloud Dough Ice Cream Sensory Bin:
How to Make Cloud Dough (Neapolitan Colors)
Ingredients:
- Baking soda (provides a soft, moldable texture)
- Water
- Food coloring
- Chocolate – Mix red and green food coloring to create brown.
- Strawberry – Use red food coloring.
- Vanilla – Leave in its natural white state.
Instructions:
In a small bowl, add drops of food coloring to water (adjust for desired shade).
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of baking soda with the colored water. Add approximately one 1 tbsp of water at a time, stirring until the mixture reaches a soft, moldable consistency.
Repeat the process for each color (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla).
Place the three dough colors side by side in a sensory bin to resemble Neapolitan ice cream.
👇Ways to Play:
Kids can scoop and mold the dough to create their own ice cream creations.
They can decorate their ice cream scoops with pom-pom sprinkles.
Encourage pretend play, such as running an ice cream shop or making special “flavors.”
💡Helpful Tips
- Store it for later: Keep your dough in airtight containers or zip-top bags when playtime is over—it can last for a few weeks if sealed well.
- Adjust the texture: If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more baking soda.
- Try scenting it: Add a drop of vanilla or strawberry extract to each dough color for an extra sensory element that smells just like the real thing!
- Switch it up: Change the theme by using different colors or scents, mint chocolate chip, birthday cake, or rainbow sherbet are always a hit.
🧠Sensory Learning Benefits
Encourages Sensory Exploration – Cloud dough has a soft, moldable texture that engages touch and enhances tactile learning.
Supports Fine Motor Skills – Scooping, molding, and sprinkling help strengthen hand muscles and coordination.
Promotes Creativity & Imaginative Play – Kids can role-play as ice cream shop owners, invent new flavors, and serve “customers.”
Enhances Language & Social Skills – Encourages communication through pretend play and cooperative interaction.
Provides a Calming Sensory Experience – The soft, moldable dough can be soothing to touch and mold, and help with emotional regulation.
Encourages Independent & Open-Ended Play – No rules—just free exploration, which helps build confidence and problem-solving skills.
And there you have it—your very own cloud dough ice cream shop, right at home! Whether you’re scooping, sprinkling, or just squishing away, this sensory bin is a hit with little hands and big imaginations. It’s messy in the best way and guaranteed to bring on lots of giggles. So grab a tray, gather your supplies, and let the pretend play begin—your tiny ice cream chefs are in for a treat!
