Indoor “Sandpit” – sensory play with rice

Toddlers love playing with texture – especially in new or unexpected forms. This idea was so easy to set up. I used an under-bed storage box and bought rice in bulk (7kg worth, which cost about $10).

Then it was just a matter of raiding the house for fun utensils and toys to play with.

Spoons, measuring cups, a jug, a funnel, matchbox cars, diggers and dump trucks… so many possibilities.

Jaxon was all smiles when he first dug into his “sandpit.”

Aran especially loved the funnel.

Busy little hands…

Tipping, pouring, digging and scooping. All in a day’s work!

Besides, it feels so goooooooood!! 🙂 (Side note: There’s something surprisingly relaxing and therapeutic about running your fingers through uncooked rice. I think I enjoyed this part as much as the kids.)

All in all, this activity kept both boys playing happily together for forty minutes – no mean feat!

Wrap-Up:

Plus: This would be a great activity for a rainy day indoors.

Minus: Don’t try this on carpet. The rice will not stay in the box. Accept that there will be minor spillage and keep a broom and dustpan handy for clean-up at the end.

The verdict: Easy to set up activity + two happy kids = happy Mummy. I will definitely use this idea again.