Jell-o Ocean Sensory Bin: A Cool and Creative Summer Activity for Toddlers
Blue Jell-o Ocean Sensory Bin
A Wiggly, Wonderful Ocean Sensory Bin for Toddlers
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Looking for a unique summer sensory activity that’s hands-on, affordable, and toddler-approved? This Jell-o Ocean Sensory Bin is a fun twist on a classic rice-based ocean bin — and it’s a perfect way to cool down and engage little ones during the summer months.
Bonus: This activity is edible-safe, perfect for curious little mouths!
While I originally featured this activity in my End of Summer Activities PDF using blue rice, we recently tried a version using Jell-o — and my son absolutely loved it. It’s messy, yes — but so worth it.
Preschooler playing with blue jello ocean sensory bin
What You’ll Need
You probably have most of these at home already, but I’ve linked a few of our favorites below to make prep easier:
2–3 boxes of blue Jell-O (or unflavored gelatin + blue food coloring)
*I generally am a dye-free household, but for this activity, we did use brand-name Berry Blue Jell-O. Although my son was not interested in eating it, I would not use this again as it did stain my little one’s hands blue. You can purchase dye-free clear gelatin and use natural blue food coloring. Here is the Gefen Clear Unflavored Jell-o brand as an example of clear gelatin. I use Watkins brand of artificial dye-free food coloring.
A glass Pyrex container similar to this
Ocean animal toys and charms – these were a huge hit. The ocean animal toys are sometimes found at Dollar Tree too!
Plastic gems or shells for treasure hunting – like these. This is a great buy because they can be used for so many different activities.
Scoopers, spoons, or measuring cups for fine motor play - the scoops came in a pack of 8, also good for other projects.
Optional: edible glitter, frozen “icebergs,” or seaweed - we used these fish tank plants! Also, an item I used for other projects.
Why This Sensory Activity Is So Beneficial
Supports fine motor development – scooping, digging, and grasping
Engages all senses – texture, smell, sight, even taste!
Encourages pretend play – kids love making up stories with sea creatures
Great for hot summer days – Jell-o is cool to the touch and refreshing
Pro Tip: If your toddler still mouths everything, opt for unflavored gelatin and natural coloring.
Clean-Up Tips (Because You Know It’ll Get Messy)
Set up outdoors or on a wipeable surface
Place a towel or mat underneath
Scoop larger bits into trash before rinsing the bin
Hose off outdoor toys when finished
Want More Summer Sensory Ideas?
This Jell-o version was inspired by one of the activities in my printable End of Summer Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers pack — which includes the original rice bin setup plus 20 other low-prep, screen-free summer ideas.
➡️ Grab the printable PDF here!
Instant download
Mom-created, toddler-tested
Includes supply checklist + instructions
Final Thoughts
The Jell-o Ocean Sensory Bin is a cool, creative, and easy way to spark sensory play in your home. Whether you use rice, jello, or another base, your child will love exploring, imagining, and getting just the right amount of messy.
My son really loved this activity. He played with this for nearly an hour and we put it back in the fridge because he wanted to play with it again the next day. We threw it away after the second play time, though.
Don’t be afraid to get creative — and if you try this version, I’d love to hear how it went!
