Looking for an easy Christmas activity for kids? This Christmas water play sensory bin is the perfect low-prep idea for busy classrooms and homes. Just add water, a bit of color, and a few plastic ornaments, and kids are ready to scoop, pour, fill, and explore.
Why This Christmas Sensory Bin Works
Water play is always a win, and this Christmas version is great for quiet time, morning play invitations, or indoor winter fun. It’s a simple holiday sensory bin that encourages hands-on play and fine motor skills—without any mess or complicated setup.
This sensory bin is:
- Fast to prep (under 5 minutes!)
- Budget-friendly with items you likely already have
- Great for fine motor skills (pouring, squeezing, scooping)
- Perfect for toddlers, preschool, and early elementary
- Easily adaptable for any season—just switch the water colors
Kids love exploring the floating ornaments, filling them with colored water, and experimenting with tools like basters and funnels.
🎄 Look through all of our Christmas Sensory Bins here.
Supplies
- Sensory bin or plastic container
- Plastic globe ornaments (shatterproof)
- Plastic cookie cutters (optional)
- Water
- Food coloring (red or green for a festive touch)
- Optional: glitter, sequins
- Tools: baster, funnel, strainer, small cups, tongs
How to Set Up Christmas Water Play
STEP 1: Color Your Water
Fill your container and tint the water with food coloring. Warm water (bath temperature) extends playtime—kids stay longer when the water feels comfortable!
STEP 2: Add Ornaments & Sparkle
Drop in plastic globe ornaments. Add glitter or sequins if you want extra shine and movement.
STEP 3: Add Tools for Fine Motor Fun
Set out a baster, strainer, funnel, or scoops. Kids can fill, pour, transfer, race, and explore how ornaments sink or float.
What Kids Learn Through This Activity
This simple sensory bin encourages:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Fine motor control from squeezing and pouring
- Cause and effect (What happens when I squeeze harder? Add more water?)
- Water movement exploration (currents, sinking/floating)
- Creative, open-ended play
Kids naturally invent their own challenges, like:
- Filling ornaments to the top
- Racing ornaments around the bin
- Creating “waterfalls” using a baster
- Trying to sink or balance the ornaments
Tips for Successful Sensory Play
- Choose a large bin so kids have space to splash and experiment.
- Place a towel or mat underneath for easy cleanup.
- Keep a drying tray next to the bin for ornaments and tools.
- Let kids help pick the water color—they love the ownership!
More Christmas Sensory Activities to Try
Link these internally from your site:
- Christmas Playdough
- Gingerbread Playsdough
- Edible Gingerbread Slime
- Christmas Glitter Jars
- Christmas Cloud Dough
- 21 Christmas Sensory Bins
Where did you purchase the plastic balls for this activity? I have been unable to find clear plastic balls with a large opening.
Thank you 🙂
I purchased them at AC Moore or Michaels Craft stores. I just removed the metal hanger pieces. Hope you can find some!