15+ Ways to Play with Water Beads

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Water beads are the ultimate sensory play material. You can squish them, squeeze them, toss toys into them and even freeze them! No matter how you play with them, they are bound to be fun for little hands! 

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I found 15 super sensory play ideas that put water beads into the activity. From frozen rainbows of water beads to surfs up in the ocean; there are so many fun ways to add water beads to your sensory play sessions! Make sure you click through the links to check out the full projects. I am sure you will find a few ideas you can’t wait to try with your kids!

Little hands will love exploring this frozen water bead ice rainbow by Learning and Exploring Though Play. It is bumpy, cold and so much fun on a hot summer day!

Water bead sensory bottles by In the Play Room are the perfect way to introduce little ones to water beads in a safe way. If your child has a tendency to put things in their mouth, this is the way to go for first water bead play sessions.

Send kids on an out of this world mission where fun and sensory play are the objective with this outer space water bead sensory bin by Mama of Many Blessings.

Inspire hours of Earth Day water bead play with this hands on fun sensory bin by B Inspired Mama.

Dive into the science of water beads with a healthy dose of tactile play. Check out the ideas for exploration that Little Bins for Little Hands has ready for you.

With this diaper and water bead science play idea by Life with Moore Babies, kids can turn water to gel and back again, with some fun orbs added to the mix.

This mini edible water bead play idea by The Train Drivers Wife is perfect for toddlers. These beads are colorful, taste safe and certainly will entertain curious kids!

This frozen water bead idea from Mess for Less is an incredibly cool way to explore how textures change with temperature.

If you have a Moana fan at home, this Moana sensory bin by Views from a Step Stool is a must make for hours of Disney inspired water bead play!

Kids are going to love making a little mess with this cutting and squishing water beads activity from Where Imagination Grows.

This water bead and flower sensory bin by Kids Activities Blog is perfect for tactile play on a spring or summer day.

This rainy day sensory bin from Paper and Glue is perfect for passing the time with tactile play on indoor days.

This coral reef sensory bin by Views from a Step Stool is perfect for a tactile vacation anytime.

Kids experience stress just like adults! Give them a squishy way to squeeze it away with this DIY Stress Ball by It Happens in a Blink. This water bead filled ball is so relaxing to fiddle with!

Send kids on a seaside tactile adventure with this colorful Ocean Water Bead Bin by 3 Dinosaurs.

Which of these ways to play with water beads do you think your kids would like most?

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