Read this article to learn how to make your own aquarium sensory jar. it is a great sensory play activity for young children.
Thanks to Denille, from England, who sent in this great aquarium sensory jar idea. Let’s take a look at it…
What did you do?
I made the Aquarium Jar using the following items:
1. A large glass jar/vase (can be plastic and any size of your choice)
2. Blue water beads
3. Water
4. Plastic sea animals figures and ornaments.
Add enough water beads to jar to fit jar size when swollen. Add water to level you desire. Leave water beads to absorbed water and swell to water level. Note: if water beads are not compact after swelling to full size, add more water beads to the jar.
Insert sea animals figures and ornaments into the jar. The water beads should hold them in position and give a floating effect.
That is it. Your Aquarium Sensory Jar is ready for little hands to explore.
This activity needs parental supervision for younger children as they would most likely want to put the water beads in their mouth. It can also get very messy to place on a towel or do outdoors.
My 1 year old loved this activity. She enjoyed exploring the different textures, colours and identifying the sea animals. She did eventually tip it over, oops, but luckily it was in her builders tray at that point.
Do you have any other projects planned?
I will be doing another water beads activity to create a miniature beach.
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
Hi, my name is Denille, I am a Radiographer who previously worked In Early Years. I love being creative with 22mth old little girl Nayheli. We live in England and I run a Instagram page for her where I share most of the activities that Dad and I do with her. We know it’s not easy being at home with little ones so it’s good to share ideas to keep them entertained.
@lovenayheli18
Do you have any tips for other parents?
Make it easy on yourselves and prepare activities when your little ones go to sleep. Keep activities based on their interest. Nayheli loves fishes so this activity was very fun for her.
What are your family’s favourite board game(s)/card game(s)?
At the moment Nayheli is too little to play board games but she thinks she can play snakes and ladders.
What are your children’s favourite books?
Nayheli enjoys books with animals or 3D pop ups. Three little pigs is a good one.
What toys would you recommend to other parents?
I always advise to stick with children’s interest and to get toys with a purpose. We mostly enjoy DIY play items.
Has this website and community helped you?
Housebound with kids is an amazing website where parents have a platform to share ideas and advise with each other. I have seen some activities that I would definitely be trying with my little one.
