Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin (Easy Winter Toddler Idea!)
Looking for a fun and easy indoor winter activity for toddlers and preschool? Create a hot cocoa sensory bin that offers hours of fun and they can practice their counting and identifying colors!
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If you’re looking for a cozy, fun, and interactive activity to keep little ones busy this winter, a hot cocoa sensory bin is the perfect solution! It’s easy to set up, encourages hands-on learning, and adds a sprinkle of winter magic to your day. Whether you’re a mom or a preschool teacher, this sensory bin is a wonderful way to engage kids in imaginative play while also working on fine motor skills and sensory exploration.
When it comes to sensory play, we also have our homemade playdough recipe, glow in the dark slime, and fluffy cloud dough that you can do so many things with!
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Seasonal Ideas!🌟
📌What You’ll Need
Cocoa Puffs Cereal – check the dollar store for the off brand.
Mini Marshmallows – Dollar Tree usually has these too.
Tea set – check the Dollar Tree first!
Sensory Trays – these are perfect for playing, but if you wanted to store for later, I recommend getting sensory bin boxes.
✨Ways to Use the Hot Cocoa Sensory Bin
Hot Cocoa Shop: Set up a mini menu and let kids “serve” hot cocoa to each other.
Counting Fun: Have them count out a specific number of marshmallows or toppings for their cocoa.
Sorting Game: Ask kids to sort toppings by color, size, or type.
Peppermint Twist: Add red and white pom-poms or mini candy canes for a festive, holiday-themed bin.
Springtime Cocoa: Use pastel-colored marshmallows or pom-poms to give it a fresh, seasonal look.
Snowy Cocoa: Add cotton balls or white pompoms to mimic snow and create a winter wonderland vibe.
Sensory Sand Cocoa: Swap the filler for chocolate-scented kinetic sand for a soothing, moldable base.
Glittery Cocoa Fun: Sprinkle in a touch of glitter (safe, non-toxic) for some extra sparkle and magic.
❤️Other Activities That Go With
Story Time
Pair the sensory bin with a storytime featuring a hot cocoa-themed book, like The Mitten by Jan Brett or Curious George and the Hot Chocolate.
Make Hot Chocolate Together
After playtime, make real hot cocoa together and enjoy it as a treat.
You can also check out these hot cocoa gifts that are fun to put together or our DIY hot chocolate cones that kids will love!
💡Helpful Tips
- Other fillers that can be used for sensory bins are beans, or dyed rice or pasta.
- Using the boxes makes clean up a breeze and you can easily store and get it back out when toddlers are ready to play again.
This hot cocoa sensory bin is such a fun and engaging way to spark creativity and exploration during the colder months. It’s easy to set up, provides hours of entertainment, and encourages imaginative play. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to share some cozy winter vibes with your little ones. Try it out, and let the hot cocoa fun begin!
