Bring the magic of summer camping indoors with this Campfire Summer Sensory Bin! Using shredded paper, tissue flames, and marshmallows, this easy DIY sensory play idea is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Campfire Summer Sensory Bin – The Perfect Hands-On Summer Activity for Kids
Looking for a fun, easy, and screen-free activity to spark your child’s imagination this summer? This Campfire Summer Sensory Bin is the perfect mix of pretend play, fine motor development, and summer vibes! Whether you’re a homeschooling parent or just want to keep your kids engaged over break, this DIY sensory bin brings the warmth of a campfire indoors—without the heat.
🌟 Why Kids Love This Campfire Sensory Bin
- Imaginative Play – Roast pretend marshmallows and tell campfire stories.
- Tactile Exploration – Soft shredded paper, crinkly tissue flames, and smooth marshmallows create an exciting sensory experience.
- Open-Ended Fun – Great for solo play, sibling fun, or part of a summer-themed lesson plan.
🧺 What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of simple, budget-friendly materials to create your Campfire Summer Sensory Bin:
- Brown shredded paper – Acts as the “ground” or “dirt”
- Red, orange, and yellow tissue paper or construction paper– Crumpled to look like fire flames
- Mini logs or Lincoln Logs – Small sticks, cut dowels, or Lincoln Logs for a realistic fire look
- Plastic (or real!) marshmallows – Lightweight and safe for pretend roasting
- Sticks – Use craft sticks or real (clean) sticks for “roasting” tools
- Bin or container – A plastic storage bin works great! Dollar Tree has several!
📝 Optional add-ons: pinecones, small rocks, a flashlight for storytelling, or a toy camping set for extended play.
🔧 How to Assemble Your Campfire Sensory Bin
- Fill the base with brown shredded paper to create a soft, earthy ground.
- Add the flames by scrunching up red, orange, and yellow tissue paper in the center.
- Place mini logs around or under the tissue flames to form a pretend fire pit.
- Stick the marshmallows onto the ends of your sticks for roasting fun.
- Let the campfire play begin!
👶 Perfect for Ages 1.5 to 5 Years
This sensory bin is ideal for:
- Toddlers (18 months and up) who are learning through touch and motion.
- Preschoolers (ages 3–5) who are ready for pretend play and storytelling.
- Great for at-home learning, summer camps, or outdoor play tables.
Always supervise young children during sensory play, especially with small parts.
💡 Learning Ideas to Extend the Play
- Storytime: Read a camping-themed book before or after play.
- Counting Game: Count the marshmallows or sticks.
- Sorting Challenge: Sort by color, material, or texture.
- Nature Talk: Discuss how real campfires are made and fire safety tips.
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📌 Pin It or Save for Later!
This Campfire Summer Sensory Bin is a fantastic way to spark creativity and give kids a taste of summer adventure—even indoors. Whether you’re doing a camping theme week or just need a go-to boredom buster, this bin will be a hit.
🏕️ Gather Round the Campfire
Creating a campfire-themed sensory bin is a simple and effective way to keep your kids learning and having fun over the summer. It’s mess-free, low-cost, and packed with learning opportunities!