Dinosaur Sensory Play (and Science Experiments!)

We moms are busy folks.

And that’s why we multi-task!

As a homeschooling, special needs mom of three boys, I’m always looking to combine sensory play with learning!

Thank you Messy Play Kits for sponsoring this post. You’re doing incredible things!

If you find yourself always on the hunt for fun, educational AND sensory-friendly activities, then have I found a gold mine for you!

Messy Play Kits are these boxes filled with 3-5 activities based on an exciting theme. You can enroll in monthly subscription boxes, or buy some of them individually.

We received the Dinosaur theme and the boys were mesmerized!

(Everything is labelled and color-coordinated and the instructions are brain-fog proof!)

My favorite part is the explanation of the myriad of benefits. And if you didn’t understand the science behind something, it’s spelled out in a way that is easy for your kids to grasp!

Activity #1 Dinosaur Egg Hatching

An enthralling activity where kids slowing unveil a small dinosaur figure buried in an “egg”. Using lots of fine motor skills, your kids get to see a chemical reaction first hand.

It takes a while to get the dinosaur out of its egg but my boys were into it the WHOLE TIME! 20 minutes of entertained kids is always a win!

So excited to reveal his dinosaur!

Activity #2 Dinosaur Fossil Creation

The second activity follows the first. With the newly hatched dinosaurs, the kids MAKE a clay creation by imprinting the dinosaur’s feet or outline.

Let the clay harden into a “fossil” for a couple days, or speed up the process in the oven.

This activity is a great creative outlet, as well as a way to develop vocabulary!

Activity #3 Volcano Eruption

The last activity takes the kids back to prehistoric times and the thrill of active volcanoes (without the danger of course!)

Using some rather luxurious play dough, kids form a volcano shape and place a red powder inside.

Using those same eye droppers, another chemical reactions occurs and the “lava” flows out!

This activity is a fun way to strengthen hand-eye coordination while learning about cause and effect.

 

Messy Play Kits has tons of themed boxes like this that your kids will go crazy over this holiday season! There’s one with an under-the-sea motif. Another one highlights famous artists. Or what about the Winter wonderland kit?

See the full list of available kits HERE. 

I loved that it literally has everything you need (except water) so I didn’t have to make any special trips to the store. Everything was simple and easy to follow and didn’t take planning on my part.

AND it was a hit for all three of my boys, ranging in age from 3-8 years old. (My youngest was taking a nap during the pictures, but he participated later!)

So whether you enroll in the monthly subscription boxes, or do the individual ones, these boxes are packed with learning and sensory benefits.

Yay for multi-tasking!