Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Play

Want to learn how to dye rice for quick and easy sensory play bins! Sensory play is the best preschool activity around! Colored rice is an awesome sensory bin filler and one of our top 10 favorites! Dying colored rice for sensory play is quick and easy to do and it is ready to use the same day. Our simple how to dye rice recipe makes beautiful colors for whatever sensory play theme you choose.

HOW TO DYE RICE FOR SENSORY PLAY FUN!

how to dye rice for your next sensory bin play activity for young kids

HOW TO COLOR RICE ANYTIME

Our simple how-to dye rice recipe makes beautiful colors for whatever theme you choose including rainbow rice.  Make sure to check out our list of 10 favorite rice sensory bins for great ways to use your colored rice!

Here’s how to dye rice for sensory activities.  Kids will have a blast digging their hands into a colored rice sensory bin!

HOW TO DYE RICE

This how-to dye rice 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 see our other dyed sensory play materials:

You Will Need:

  • White rice
  • Vinegar
  • Food Coloring
  • Fun sensory bin items like dinosaurs.
  • Scoops and small cups for dumping and filling

HOW TO MAKE COLORED RICE

STEP 1: Measure 1 Cup of rice into a container.

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

measure 1 cup of rice

STEP 2: Next add 1 Teaspoon of Vinegar. 

You could also try lemon juice instead of vinegar for a fun lemon scented rice sensory bin.

add vinegar to the rice

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

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

add food coloring to the rice

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

STEP 5: Spread the colored rice on a paper towel or a tray to dry in an even layer.

STEP 6: Once dry you can transfer the colored rice 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.

rice is ready to play with in a sensory bin

TIPS & TRICKS TO DYING RICE

  1.  The rice should be dry in an hour if you stick to 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 colors for a fun twist.  This has also allowed me to experiment with how much food coloring to use per cup of rice to achieve desired shades!
  3. Store your rice in gallon zip lock bags when finished and reuse often!

FUN VARIATIONS OF OUR COLORED RICE

MORE HELPFUL IDEAS FOR SENSORY BINS

HOW TO DYE RICE FOR COLORED RICE SENSORY PLAY!

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

Sensory Play Recipes for Kids Tactile Activities

Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges? 

We have you covered…

Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges. 

How to Dye Rice for Sensory Bins

Learn how to dye rice easily for a variety of sensory play activities.

  • Food storage container with lid
  • 1 Cup White Rice ((adjust the recipe to accomodate a larger amount))
  • 1 TSP White Vinegar
  • Food Coloring

  1. Measure rice into a container with a lid.

  2. Add white vinegar to the rice.

  3. Add as much food coloring as desired (deeper color= more food coloring).

  4. Cover the container and SHAKE the rice vigorously for a minute or two. Check to see if the rice is evenly coated with the food coloring!

  5. Spread the colored rice on a paper towel or a tray in even layer to dry.

  6. Once dry, you can transfer the colored rice to a bin for sensory play.

Drying time will depend on the amount of rice used for one batch. If following the above amounts, make in the morning and play in the afternoon!

Add dried colored rice to a shallow bin along with scoops, small bowls, and treasures! Create a theme around a special interest such as dinosaurs!

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Comments

  1. Janelle Durham

    Thanks for this post. I was working to compile my “Ultimate Guide to Sensory Tables” and needed to find a link to a good description of how to dye rice and yours was perfect.

  4. littlebins

    Usually, grocery stores will have giant bags for around $10. You can also try a Costco type warehouse store!

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