*contains affiliate links to help support this blog

Our sensory play program, “Little Explorers,” runs once per month. It is geared towards children between the ages of 18 months and preschool. Each session is a bit different to keep it fresh, but we keep the more popular items at each one. Here are some of our regular and rotating stations and their supplies.

One item we have that I would like to point out specifically is the lidded bins we use. They are large enough for multiple kids to play in, have good lids, and stack well. We have filled them with MANY things. They can be found here: https://amzn.to/3Kbh5ne and fit in this wagon if you want or need to transport them! https://amzn.to/3QDtqUQ

Mold & Dig

A no-mess sandbox! We set out a bin full of kinetic sand and various molds to use with it. It’s out every session and gets lots of use.

Supplies:

Kinetic Sand: https://amzn.to/3Vae2kr

Lidded Bin: https://amzn.to/3Kbh5ne

Molds: https://amzn.to/3QOycPd, https://amzn.to/4bqIddY

Count & Sort

Kids can practice counting, sorting, and using their fine motor skills with this simple activity!

Supplies:

Egg Cartons: https://amzn.to/44UaB5Q

Pom-Poms: https://amzn.to/4bMb77X

Tweezers: https://amzn.to/4bCqoZ4

Scoop & Dig

I have a bin that I keep full of sunflower seeds or colored rice that I hide things in (gold coins, shells, dinosaurs, etc). It’s like a treasure hunt!

Supplies:

Bird Seed: https://amzn.to/44SCSta

Scoops: https://amzn.to/3WIYIxs & https://amzn.to/44MkGBL

Lidded Bin: https://amzn.to/3Kbh5ne

*Learning Resources items are durable! I highly recommend them!

Squish & Mix

I used our Cricut to cut out a shape in black paper. On the backside, I taped a baggie with paint inside of it. In this case, I used suncatcher paint so it would be slightly transparent to take home and hang in a window.

Supplies:

Black Cardstock: https://amzn.to/3wPViOI

Suncatcher Paint: https://amzn.to/4dPLoNW

Heavy Duty Baggies: https://amzn.to/3UHCU2A

Extra Large Bubbles

Every kid loves bubbles, and even more when they’re HUGE! We move the program outside on our lawn in nice weather, and when we do, these bubbles are a must!

Supplies:

Big Bubble Mix: https://amzn.to/3K8BLw4

Dish Soap: https://amzn.to/3QRYArH

Large Bubble Wands: https://amzn.to/3V7u3IT

Musical Insruments

Kids love to make noise! These colorful bells are very popular. Add some shaker eggs and sticks and you’ve got yourself a band!

Supplies:

Bells: https://amzn.to/4bN1mX6

Rhythm Sticks: https://amzn.to/3wLl6LX

Shaker Eggs: https://amzn.to/4avXs42

Snap & Pop

These have been around for a while, but get played with every time we have them out. Bubble wrap is also irresistable!

Supplies:

Large Pop-It: https://amzn.to/3K6t0mi

Hop, Skip, Balance, Build and Spin

These items are out at each session and get lots of use!

Supplies:

Balance Logs: https://amzn.to/3QV9uwV

Sensory Floor Tiles: https://amzn.to/3wTtI37

Bilibos: https://amzn.to/4bp1vQZ Blocks: https://amzn.to/3QUkx9H

Our Little Explorers always draws a good size crowd. Great for socialization (parents and kids, alike!) Don’t forget to play music, too! Switch up colors and items to gowith the seasons to keep it fresh. Have fun!

*This blog is intentionally ad-free. I want it to be a clean, distraction-free space where public librarians can find practical ideas for youth services, outreach, and programming without pop-ups or sponsored clutter.

Some posts may include affiliate links for books or supplies I genuinely use and recommend. If you choose to purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the work while getting materials for your own programs.

If you’ve found value in these ideas and would like to help keep the blog running, tips are always appreciated and go directly toward hosting costs and content creation. You can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SPBXH4RPDHCCY

Thank you for supporting independent, practitioner-led library content.

Be notified of my next blog post! Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558999238748