Today we have a Shark themed sensory activity for younger kids. We are calling it “Feed the Shark” Sensory Bag. A sensory bag is just like a sensory bin…only mess-free and portable. Making a sensory bag for sensory play is easier than you might think and you can customize it for your child’s favorite themes like sharks!
Sensory Bag Idea for Baby or Toddlers
We love sensory bags for kids because they are a fun way to explore different senses for babies and toddlers under supervision. This one includes an activity that kids will enjoy — feeding fish to a shark!
Related: More sensory bag ideas & How To Make a Shark Tooth Necklace
Whether your little one loves fish, sharks, or just the water, this sensory bag is perfect!
- Smaller children still tend to put their hands, toys, and other items in their mouths so sensory bins are not always the best choice for them. However, sensory bags have loose pieces secured inside.
- Older kids can make a little game to get the fish into the shark’s mouth. This portable sensory bin is great for taking places, using in the car and sticking in your diaper bag as waiting room fun.
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How to Make this Sensory Bag Activity for Kids
Supplies Needed to Make Sensory Bag
- Blue hair gel
- Foam paper (we used grey, tan, red, and yellow)
- Gallon-sized zipper bag
- Duct tape
- Scissors
Directions for Shark Themed Sensory Activity Bag
Step 1
Start by cutting a shark shape from the grey foam paper. You’ll want to cut it so that its mouth is open so it can eat the fish!
Step 2
Use bright colors to cut small fish, and we used tan to cut out the shape of sand for the bottom of our sensory bag.
Step 3
Squirt the hair gel into your zipper bag, then add the foam pieces. Press all of the air from the bag and use the Duct tape to seal it closed.
Finished Sensory Bag
Now your child can squish the fish around the bag to feed the shark! Or squish the fish away from the shark to run away! There are so many ways to play with this fun sensory bag!
Benefits of Sensory Bags
They not only help your little one explore and learn, but they teach a number of other skills like:
- Language skills
- Sensory input
- Fine motor skills
- Social skills
- Perception
- Cognitive development
Pretty amazing right? There are so many benefits!
Feed the Shark Sensory Bag
Sharks are amazing and a ton of fun! We have a whole week dedicated to them yearly! So since they are so awesome, we wanted to share how to make this super fun Feed the Shark Sensory Bag.
Materials
- Blue hair gel
- Foam paper (we used grey, tan, red, and yellow)
- Gallon-sized zipper bag
- Duct tape
- Scissors
Instructions
- Start by cutting a shark shape from the grey foam paper. You'll want to cut it so that its mouth is open so it can eat the fish!
- Use bright colors to cut small fish, and we used tan to cut out the shape of sand for the bottom of our sensory bag.
- Squirt the hair gel into your zipper bag, then add the foam pieces. Press all of the air from the bag and use the Duct tape to seal it closed.
- Now your child can squish the fish around the bag to feed the shark! Or squish the fish away from the shark to run away! There are so many ways to play with this fun sensory bag!
More Sensory Activities from Kids Activities Blog
- Want more sensory bag ideas? We have a big list of sensory bag ideas with different textures and colors.
- We also have sensory activities for toddlers as well!
- Embrace the sea with this sea sensory bin! Filled with rice, shells, scoops, and more.
- Grab the kiddie pool and these clay toys for summer sensory fun.
- You’ll wanna “catch them all” with this Pokémon sensory bottle.
- This is a sensory bin you can eat! Edible mud, sugar, chocolate syrup, and gummy candies, yum!
- Have a child that loves dinosaurs? Dig through the sand with brushes and find the dino bones!
- Shaving cream crafts for kids are a fun sensory creative experience.
- If your child has sensory issues, then you’ll want to check out these 7 symptoms to identify sensory processing disorder.
- This ocean themed sensory bag is perfect for toddlers!
- Learn how to make colored rice by dying it. Perfect for sensory bins.
- Don’t miss these DIY Sensory Shaker bottles!
More Shark Activities from kids activities blog
- Looking for more Shark Week ideas for kids? <–Check out all the Shark themed fun!
- Make your own cardboard shark with an egg carton!
- Check out these 19 books for shark week for kids!
What did your child like best about this shark sensory bag activity?
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