With snow on the ground and super low temperatures, we have been busy with all kinds of indoor snow activities. This week we have painted snow and even did our spelling in the snow!  One thing I had really been wanting to try was water beads in the snow, and I have to say it was a huge hit!

To start with, I got out our largest sensory tub (a large, under the bed storage container) and put a couple inches of clean, white snow at the bottom.

Then I scattered a several handfuls of colorful water beads across the snow’s top.

Tip for messy sensory play:   I like to place a plastic sheet under any sensory bin containing water (or in this case snow).  I also always put several towels within hand’s reach that the kids can use to wipe up spills.  It really helps contain the mess to a minimum!

The kids could not wait to get started with this winter sensory activity.

I purposely didn’t get anything else out to add to the sensory bin; I wanted to see what they would do on their own. Before I knew it, they had out spoons, bowls, and salad tongs.

I loved watching them scoop up the water beads using the tongs!  (Great for increasing hand strength and coordination needed for writing skills.)

The water beads were so bright and colorful against the white snow, and such a different texture.  I wondered what would happen to the water beads in snow, and was happy to see they retained their unique, slippery, slightly squishy feel.

My 5 and 7 year-old played with the water beads and snow for over an hour.  This winter sensory was definitely a hit. And it is perfect for keeping kids busy when stuck indoors during the winter.

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