Halloween Sensory Lab
Keep it friendly (not frightful) with bright colour, soft textures, simple tools.
The Set Up
A sensory lab brings all the curiosity and calm of classic sensory play, but with a hint of Halloween mystery! It’s simple to set up and always draws kids in.
Fill a large tub or tray with a base of grains. Yellow split peas, black beans, and chickpeas look incredible together and sound beautiful as they pour.
Add a mix of Halloween-themed materials: plastic skeletons, toy bugs, googly eyes, and magnetic chips with wands. The mix of shiny, rough, and smooth textures invites touch and discovery.
For toddler sessions, replace small parts with dried citrus slices and larger natural materials. They smell amazing and create a safer, softer sensory experience that still feels magical and seasonal.
Set out scoops, spoons, jars, and funnels. These tools help kids slow down and focus while still encouraging open-ended exploration.
The Making
Watch the first choice they makes (like the sound they test, the scoop they choose, the object they search for). That single moment tells you what to lean into. Step back when you can and let them find their rhythm.
Create a small tray nearby for displaying what they uncover. Once treasures have a place, stories begin to form naturally. The lab becomes less about “doing” and more about noticing: the sound of pouring beans, the sparkle of movement, the quiet collaboration that builds between kids.
You might like to end with a simple ritual. Smooth the grains together, hide one or two new objects, and leave the setup ready for the next round.
Variations
Add dried herbs or spices like cinnamon, rosemary, or clove for scent
Freeze small toys in ice cubes for a “frozen bones” twist
Add pinecones, bark, or sticks for natural texture
Place a mirror or metallic tray at the base for reflection
Use the lab as a story prompt: “What’s hiding in the witch’s cauldron today”
Materials
• Large sensory tub or tray
• Base mix of grains (yellow split peas, black beans, chickpeas)
• Halloween-themed items (plastic skeletons, toy bugs, googly eyes, magnetic chips)
• Dried citrus slices for toddler-friendly play
• Scoops, spoons, jars, funnels
• Optional extras such as dried herbs, pinecones, bark, mirrors
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Halloween Sensory Lab
Keep it friendly (not frightful) with bright colour, soft textures, simple tools.
Bookmark
Sensory Play
The Set Up
A sensory lab brings all the curiosity and calm of classic sensory play, but with a hint of Halloween mystery! It’s simple to set up and always draws kids in.
Fill a large tub or tray with a base of grains. Yellow split peas, black beans, and chickpeas look incredible together and sound beautiful as they pour.
Add a mix of Halloween-themed materials: plastic skeletons, toy bugs, googly eyes, and magnetic chips with wands. The mix of shiny, rough, and smooth textures invites touch and discovery.
For toddler sessions, replace small parts with dried citrus slices and larger natural materials. They smell amazing and create a safer, softer sensory experience that still feels magical and seasonal.
Set out scoops, spoons, jars, and funnels. These tools help kids slow down and focus while still encouraging open-ended exploration.
The Making
Watch the first choice they makes (like the sound they test, the scoop they choose, the object they search for). That single moment tells you what to lean into. Step back when you can and let them find their rhythm.
Create a small tray nearby for displaying what they uncover. Once treasures have a place, stories begin to form naturally. The lab becomes less about “doing” and more about noticing: the sound of pouring beans, the sparkle of movement, the quiet collaboration that builds between kids.
You might like to end with a simple ritual. Smooth the grains together, hide one or two new objects, and leave the setup ready for the next round.
Variations
Add dried herbs or spices like cinnamon, rosemary, or clove for scent
Freeze small toys in ice cubes for a “frozen bones” twist
Add pinecones, bark, or sticks for natural texture
Place a mirror or metallic tray at the base for reflection
Use the lab as a story prompt: “What’s hiding in the witch’s cauldron today”
Materials
• Large sensory tub or tray
• Base mix of grains (yellow split peas, black beans, chickpeas)
• Halloween-themed items (plastic skeletons, toy bugs, googly eyes, magnetic chips)
• Dried citrus slices for toddler-friendly play
• Scoops, spoons, jars, funnels
• Optional extras such as dried herbs, pinecones, bark, mirrors
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
