Water beads sensory activities for preschoolers, toddlers, and kids of all ages!
When we first started diving into sensory play, water beads were one of the first sensory bin fillers that we tried. J was just a toddler at the time, maybe like 15-18 months old, but he instantly fell in love with water beads sensory play. They're squishy and bouncy. They're impossibly hard to pick up sometimes, making them excellent for working on fine motor skills.
Water beads also come in a variety of colors and sizes, so they're really versatile. Or you can substitute a food item (see the materials list at the bottom of this post) if you are concerned about mouthing and/or choking hazards.
This post contains affiliate links. Basically, I make a small commission when you use these links, at no additional cost to you.
Sensory Play with Water Beads
Water beads are squishy and delightful! Here are some of the ways that we have enjoyed water beads for sensory play.
Favorite Materials for Water Bead Sensory Play
Here are some of our must haves when it comes to playing with water beads:- Jumbo water beads - These end up as big as your child's hand so they're great if you are concerned about choking hazards.
- Tapioca pearls - Need an edible alternative to water beads? Try tapioca pearls instead!
- Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set - The squeezy tongs and the scissor scoops are awesome for picking up water beads!
