How to Dye Pasta for Fun Sensory Play

One of the best kindergarten and preschool activities we have ever used around here is sensory bins! What a treat for the eyes, hands, and sensory systems! Have you ever wondered how to dye pasta for sensory play! Colored pasta is an awesome sensory bin filler and one of our top 10 favorites! Beautiful colored pasta for sensory play is quick and easy to make for playing with the same day. Plus, we have some cool variations for our holiday themes!

HOW TO DYE PASTA FOR FUN COLORED SENSORY PLAY!

EASY AND QUICK PASTA ANYTIME!

Our simple how to dye pasta recipe makes for beautiful colored pasta for whatever theme you choose. Also, make sure to check out our Ultimate Sensory Play Guide for great ways to use your colored pasta!

Here’s how to dye pasta for sensory activities (rice and salt too). Kids will have a blast digging their hands into this bin!

HOW TO DYE PASTA

This how to dye pasta for sensory play is such a simple recipe! Prep and make it in the morning and you can set up your sensory bin for an afternoon activity.

Also, make sure to check out how to dye other sensory play materials:

• How to Dye Rice
• How To Dye Salt

You Will Need:

• Small pasta
• Vinegar
• Food Coloring
• Fun sensory bin items like these unicorns.
• Scoops and small cups for dumping and filling

HOW TO MAKE COLORED PASTA

STEP 1: Measure 1 Cup of pasta {we like these mini pasta best!}  into a container.

You can do more if desired just adjust the measurements. Or you can do several colors of pasta in different containers and mix them together for a rainbow pasta theme!

STEP 2: Next add 1 Teaspoon of Vinegar.  

STEP 3: Now add as much food coloring as desired (deeper color= more food coloring).

You could also make several shades of the same color for a fun effect.

STEP 4: Cover the container and SHAKE vigorously for a minute or two. Check to see if the past is evenly coated!

STEP 5: Spread on paper towel or plate to dry in an even layer.

STEP 6: Once the colored pasta is dry transfer to a bin for sensory play.

What will you add? Sea creatures, dinosaurs, unicorns, mini-figures all make great additions to any sensory play activity.

TIPS & TRICKS TO DYING PASTA

1. The pasta should be dry in an hour if you stick to the one cup per paper towel. I find the color is distributed the best this way too.
2. For some sensory bins, I have made graded shades of colored pasta for a fun twist.  This has also allowed me to experiment with how much food coloring to use per cup of pasta to achieve desired shades!
3. Store your dyed pasta in gallon zip lock bags when finished and reuse often!

COLORED PASTA THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS

I hope I have inspired you to try our quick and easy method for how to dye pasta. It really is simple and provides tons of awesome play for your child.  The benefits of sensory play are numerous!

We enjoy simple counting games with our colored pasta these days. Also, this pasta size is perfect for I Spy sensory bottles. Create a new theme for your sensory math games or I Spy bottles with the changing seasons or holidays!

MORE HELPFUL IDEAS FOR SENSORY BINS

• Best Sensory Box Items
• Everything you need to know about making sensory bins
• Easy Clean Up Of Sensory Bins
• Ideas For Sensory Bin Fillers

HOW TO DYE PASTA FOR COLORED SENSORY PLAY FUN!

Click on the image below or on the link for more fun sensory play recipes for kids.

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