Winter Sensory Play: DIY Melted Snowman Sensory Bin

ByHeather Greutman Hours

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I love a good shaving cream activity. And what better way to use it than with a fun winter sensory activity with this Melted Snowman Sensory Bin!

This hands-on activity combines sensory exploration with imaginative play, making it a hit with little ones. Plus, it’s quick to set up and easy to clean.

What You’ll Need

Instructions:

  1. Create the Snowman Parts: Cut a hat shape and two circles for eyes out of the black foam sheet. 
  2. Prepare the Sensory Base: Fill the bottom of the sensory bin with shaving cream. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
  3. Add the Fun: Place the snowman parts—hat, eyes, carrot, buttons, and sticks—on top of the shaving cream.

Tips & Play Suggestions

Build and Rebuild: Encourage kids to construct a melted snowman by arranging the parts in creative ways. Since shaving cream rinses off easily, they can rebuild the snowman as many times as they like!

Explore Textures: Ask your child how the shaving cream feels when they squish it between their fingers—smooth, fluffy, or maybe even cool!

Keep it Simple: Just an inch of shaving cream is all you need to cover the bin.

Durable Materials: Use craft foam for the eyes and hat to ensure the parts don’t get soggy during play.

Scoop and Stir: Provide a spoon for kids to scoop and stir the “snow,” adding another layer of sensory fun.

This winter sensory play activity is perfect for a snowy day indoors or as a winter-themed addition to the sensory play station in your classroom. It encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration—all while having loads of fun!

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DIY Melted Snowman Sensory Bin

Winter Sensory Play Activity

Equipment

  • 1 Sensory bin or tray
  • Scissors

Materials

  • Shaving Cream
  • Black foam sheet
  • 2 Sticks
  • 1 Carrot
  • 3-4 Buttons

Instructions

  • Cut a hat shape and two circles for eyes out of the black foam sheet. 
  • Fill the bottom of the sensory bin with shaving cream. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
  • Place the snowman parts—hat, eyes, carrot, buttons, and sticks—on top of the shaving cream.

Notes

Tips & Play Suggestions
Build and Rebuild: Encourage kids to construct a melted snowman by arranging the parts in creative ways. Since shaving cream rinses off easily, they can rebuild the snowman as many times as they like!
Explore Textures: Ask your child how the shaving cream feels when they squish it between their fingers—smooth, fluffy, or maybe even cool!
Keep it Simple: Just an inch of shaving cream is all you need to cover the bin.
Durable Materials: Use craft foam for the eyes and hat to ensure the parts don’t get soggy during play.
Scoop and Stir: Provide a spoon for kids to scoop and stir the “snow,” adding another layer of sensory fun.

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Heather Greutman, COTA

Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with experience in school-based OT services for preschool through high school. She uses her background to share child development tips, tools, and strategies for parents, educators, and therapists. She is the author of many ebooks including The Basics of Fine Motor Skills, and Basics of Pre-Writing Skills, and co-author of Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER: Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
All information on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or your pediatrician. Please consult with a medical professional if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child. The information on the Websites does not replace the relationship between therapist and client in a one-on-one treatment session with an individualized treatment plan based on their professional evaluation. The information provided on the Website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Do not rely on the information on the Website as an alternative to advice from your medical professional or healthcare provider. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment as a result of any information provided on the Website. All medical information on the Website is for informational purposes only.

All activities outlined on the Website are designed for completion with adult supervision. Please use your own judgment with your child and do not provide objects that could pose a choking hazard to young children. Never leave a child unattended during these activities. Please be aware of and follow all age recommendations on all products used in these activities. Growing Hands-On Kids is not liable for any injury when replicating any of the activities found on this blog.

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