Dried Bean Bin Scoop and Transfer
Fill a bin with dried beans and add cups, scoops, and funnels — your toddler will pour, transfer, and dig for hidden objects in this classic sensory bin.
What You'll Need
- 1Large bag of dried beans
- 2Plastic storage bin
- 3Small cups and scoops
- 4Funnel
- 5Wooden beads or small plastic animals
- 6Towel
What You'll Need
A large bag of dried beans (pinto, navy, or a mix)
A plastic storage bin
Small cups, scoops, and a funnel
Wooden beads or small plastic animals (for hiding)
A towel to catch spillover
How to Play
Pour a big bag of dried beans into a plastic storage bin — fill it deep enough to bury a hand.
Add scoops, cups, funnels, and a few hidden objects like beads or small animals.
Set the bin on a towel on the floor or at a low table.
Show your toddler how to scoop beans with a cup and pour them into another container.
Demonstrate the funnel — pouring beans through it makes a wonderful rattling sound.
Encourage your toddler to hunt for hidden objects buried in the beans.
Step back and let them explore — scooping, pouring, and burying their hands.
Tips
Dried beans are a choking hazard. Supervise closely and choose this activity only when your toddler is no longer putting everything in their mouth.
For younger toddlers who still mouth, swap beans for large pom poms or crumpled tissue paper.
The cascading sound of beans pouring through a funnel is incredibly satisfying and worth the cleanup.
Add a few dump trucks or construction vehicles for a building-site theme.
Store the bean bin sealed — it lasts for months and gets pulled out again and again.
Age Adaptation Tips
Toddlers learn through repetition. Keep it simple, expect mess, and let them explore at their own pace. Demonstrate first, then let them try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: large bag of dried beans, plastic storage bin, small cups and scoops, funnel, wooden beads or small plastic animals, and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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