Ultimate Summer Activity Basket for Toddlers: Sensory Fun, Beach Toys & More!

Looking for the perfect summer surprise to spark joy and keep your toddler busy poolside or on-the-go? This Summer Activity Basket is packed with screen-free fun, sensory learning, and beach day must-haves! Thoughtfully curated with stylish, practical, and playful items, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go kit for sunny adventures. Whether you’re headed to the backyard, beach, or a family vacation, this basket is your secret to easy summer magic.

What’s Inside the Summer Activity Basket?

🐚 GoodnightFox Mermaid Sensory Kit

This dreamy, pastel mermaid-themed kit is filled with imaginative sensory fun. Kids can dig, squish, and create mini seascapes using moldable sand, acrylic charms, and GoodnightFox’s signature whimsical illustrations. It’s mess-contained, easy to clean up, and encourages fine motor development and creative storytelling.

🧜‍♀️ Sea Animal Bath Time Memory Game (GoodnightFox)

Make bath time a brain-boosting activity with these foam sea animal cards. Float them in water or play matching games on dry land. Great for developing memory and vocabulary while keeping the ocean theme going strong.

🌊 Sunnylife Sea Animal Squirt Toys

These squeezable, adorable squirters are toddler-safe and pool-party ready. Plus, they pair perfectly with your sensory kit or memory cards for thematic learning through water play.

🪣 Mini Beach Bucket and Shovels

No summer basket is complete without a tiny beach bucket and rainbow shovels for digging and pouring fun. Great for kinetic sand, real sand, or water bins, these tools add a tactile layer to your toddler’s sensory exploration.

🪑 Mini Beach Chair

This pink mini lounge chair adds a hilarious and charming touch to your basket. Whether it’s for a favorite doll or just a photo prop, it instantly brings beach vibes to your sensory setup.

🕶 Janie and Jack Sunglasses

Stylish, durable, and toddler-sized, these pale pink sunglasses offer UV protection and a photo-ready look. Clip them to the basket for a little fashion-forward flair.

⛱ Amazon Phone Umbrella

Originally made to shield phones from sun glare, this yellow mini umbrella makes a perfect pretend-play beach accessory. It doubles as a prop for dramatic play or sun protection for dolls and toys.

🧺 Pastel Beach Towels (Pottery Barn Kids)

Soft, fluffy towels in a dreamy rainbow palette are rolled up and tucked into the basket. Perfect for post-swim cuddles or setting up an imaginary beach picnic in the living room.

Why This Basket Works for Summer Learning

This isn’t just a basket of toys — it’s a summer sensory learning experience! Your toddler will build fine motor skills, practice imaginative play, and develop language around beach, sea, and summer themes. Each piece was intentionally chosen to combine fun and development in one cute, portable bundle.

Pro Tips for Using the Summer Activity Basket:

• 🏖 Set it up at the start of summer break for an exciting kickoff to vacation.

• 💦 Use the sensory materials outside on a splash pad or under an umbrella for mess-free fun.

• 📸 Bring it to the beach or pool and capture adorable summer moments with the sunglasses, mini chair, and toys.

• 🎁 Makes a perfect summer gift for toddler birthdays, preschool graduations, or sibling surprises.

Shop the Basket:

• GoodnightFox Mermaid Sensory Kit

• Sea Animal Foam Memory Game – GoodnightFox

• Sea Animal Bath Toys – Sunnylife

• Janie and Jack Sunglasses

• Pastel Beach Towels – Pottery Barn Kids

• Mini Phone Umbrella – Amazon

Ready to build your own summer basket?

Tag us @goodnightfox on Instagram when you do! And don’t forget to pin this post or share it with a fellow toddler parent looking for sunny-day magic.

✈️ Letter of the Week: T is for Travel

Featuring our $5 Travel Dramatic Play Printable Kit

This week’s theme is T is for Travel — the perfect chance to spark curiosity, explore geography, and role-play exciting adventures around the world! With the Travel Dramatic Play Printable Kit, your FLISAT table transforms into a ticketing counter, baggage drop-off, or vacation planning station filled with maps, passports, and imagination.

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🛒 What’s in the $5 Travel Printable Kit

This wanderlust-themed kit includes:

• “T is for Travel” banner, awning, and travel agency or airport signs

• Worksheets: letter T tracing, create-a-passport, and destination drawing prompts

• Vocabulary cards: passport, suitcase, airplane, globe, map, ticket, etc.

• Color palette includes teal, goldenrod, and navy blue

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Travel Printable Kit

• FLISAT table or sensory setup

• Mini suitcases, play passports, or pretend tickets

• Toy vehicles (planes, trains, cars)

• Maps, globes, travel brochures or photos of destinations

• Scoops, sorting trays, stickers, stamps

• Small “souvenir” items (shells, mini landmarks, currency play)

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✈️ How to Set Up Your Travel Sensory Bin

1. Print and hang your “T is for Travel” banner, awning, and destination signs.

2. Set out travel-related sensory items (mini globes, tickets, passports, suitcases).

3. Add sand, rice, or shredded paper as a base to represent different environments.

4. Place the vocabulary cards and laminated worksheets nearby.

5. Invite your child to role-play checking into a flight, packing bags, and exploring the world!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Tactile exploration of maps, globes, and textures (e.g. paper, fabric)

• 1–2 yrs: Pretend play with vehicles, basic location words (up/down, far/near)

• 2–3 yrs: Matching destinations, suitcase sorting, stamp and sticker recognition

• 3–4 yrs: Letter T tracing, talking about transportation and favorite places

• 4–5 yrs: Map reading, destination choosing, pretend passport and ticket play

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

• All 26 Letter of the Week themes

• Printable calendar

• Links to each week’s setup

• Email reminders with learning extensions

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🧠 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Create a Mini Airport: Use blocks or paper signs to designate check-in, baggage, and boarding zones.

• Postcard Writing: Use printable postcards to “send” a note from your destination.

• Play Currency Exchange: Introduce pretend play money and identify different coins or bills from around the world.

• World Snack Tour: Serve international snacks (like croissants, rice crackers, or plantain chips).

• Transportation Sorting: Sort vehicles by land, air, or sea using toy cars, planes, and boats.

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📚 Related Activities

• Printable Passport & Stamp Page

• Pack the Suitcase Sorting Game

• Geography Sticker Map Activity

• Toy Vehicle Sink/Float Science Experiment

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Travel” Theme

travel, trip, ticket, suitcase, passport, airplane, globe, map, destination, hotel, luggage, ride, explore, fly, jet, board, country, visit, pack, train, bus, airport, route, vacation, journey

📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this to your Travel Dramatic Play or Letter T Activities for Preschool Pinterest board — perfect for summer or pre-holiday learning themes!

🧪 Letter of the Week: S is for Science

Featuring our $5 Science Lab Sensory Play Printable Kit

This week’s theme is S is for Science — a fizzing, bubbling, curiosity-filled invitation to explore early STEM concepts through play! With the Science Lab Printable Kit, your FLISAT table transforms into a kid-friendly lab station full of wonder, learning, and hands-on fun.

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🛒 What’s in the $5 Science Lab Printable Kit

Your budding scientists will love this themed printable pack, which includes:

• Printable “S is for Science” banner, lab awning, experiment signs

• Worksheets: letter S tracing, lab checklist, observation journal pages

• Vocabulary cards: experiment, scientist, fizz, beaker, lab coat, etc.

• Color palette includes mint green, electric blue, and lemon yellow

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Science Lab Printable Kit

• FLISAT table or sensory bin setup

• Baking soda, vinegar, pipettes, and food coloring

• Clear jars or test tubes (plastic)

• Funnels, scoops, small bowls, tongs, measuring spoons

• Magnifying glass, safety goggles (for pretend)

• Optional: glitter, dish soap, colored water

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🧪 How to Set Up Your Science Sensory Bin

1. Print and hang your awning, “S is for Science” banner, and lab signs.

2. Set out sensory bases: trays of baking soda and jars of colored vinegar.

3. Add pipettes, droppers, and scoops for bubbling experiments.

4. Include magnifying glasses, beakers, and measuring tools for dramatic play.

5. Display vocabulary cards and laminated worksheets nearby.

6. Invite your little scientist to observe, mix, and record what they discover!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Cause-and-effect play (e.g., colored bubbles fizzing)

• 1–2 yrs: Sensory exploration, basic tool use (scooping, pouring)

• 2–3 yrs: Color mixing, “big/little” and “full/empty” concepts

• 3–4 yrs: Early science vocabulary, role-playing as a scientist

• 4–5 yrs: Experiment steps, prediction and result discussion, writing observations

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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🧠 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Experiment Cards: Create step-by-step prompts like “Add 2 drops of blue + vinegar = ?”

• Color Mixing Station: Combine red + blue, yellow + red, etc. and document what happens.

• Ice Cube Fizz: Freeze colored vinegar cubes and let them melt over baking soda.

• Potion Play: Add glitter and a few drops of dish soap for foamy reactions.

• Scientific Journals: Use observation pages to draw what they see, smell, and hear.

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📚 Related Activities

• Mini Volcano Eruption in a Cup

• Rainbow Potion Recipe with Baking Soda + Vinegar

• Ice Excavation Bin with Tools

• Color Mixing Sensory Bags

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Science” Theme

science, experiment, fizz, bubble, mix, observe, scientist, lab, test tube, beaker, stir, measure, pour, color, vinegar, baking soda, goggles, pipette, reaction, journal, record, discover, liquid, solid, change

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📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this post to your STEM Preschool Activities or Letter S Sensory Play board for hands-on learning inspiration all year!

🌈 Letter of the Week: R is for Rainbow & Weather

Featuring our $5 Rainbow & Weather Sensory Play Printable Kit 🌈☀️🌧️

This week’s theme is R is for Rainbow & Weather — a bright and cheerful setup that introduces young learners to sunshine, storms, and the science of the sky! With the Rainbow & Weather Printable Kit, your FLISAT table becomes a colorful exploration station, perfect for imaginative play, early literacy, and sensory science.

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🛒 What’s in the $5 Rainbow & Weather Printable Kit

This cheery and colorful printable pack includes:

• Weather-themed awning, “R is for Rainbow” banner, and printable signs

• Worksheets: letter R tracing, rainbow color match, and weather chart

• Vocabulary cards featuring rainbow, cloud, sun, rain, snow, wind, storm, etc.

• Soft pastel rainbow palette (lavender, peach, mint, sky blue, and sunshine yellow)

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Rainbow & Weather Printable Kit

• IKEA FLISAT table or bin setup

• Dyed rainbow rice or colored pom poms

• Cotton balls or white pom poms (clouds), blue gems or water beads (rain)

• Weather figurines, toy umbrellas, mini rainbows, sun cutouts

• Tongs, funnels, scoops, sorting bowls

• Laminator (optional) for durability

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☁️ How to Set Up Your Rainbow & Weather Sensory Bin

1. Decorate your FLISAT table with the awning, “R is for Rainbow” banner, and weather signs.

2. Layer dyed rice or pom poms in ROYGBIV color order to make a rainbow base.

3. Add cotton balls for clouds, blue water beads or gems for raindrops.

4. Include sun, umbrella, and rainbow cutouts in the bin or taped to the table sides.

5. Scatter vocabulary cards and laminated worksheets nearby.

6. Invite your child to scoop, sort, and explore through play and discussion.

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Visual color stimulation, texture exploration (soft, bumpy, smooth)

• 1–2 yrs: Basic weather words, color naming, simple sorting

• 2–3 yrs: Color matching, weather sound effects, sun/cloud identification

• 3–4 yrs: Letter R tracing, rainbow order practice, storytelling about weather

• 4–5 yrs: Scientific thinking—observe & discuss weather types, patterns, charts

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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🧠 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Weather Dress-Up: Create a felt board with outfit pieces for rain, snow, and sunshine.

• Weather Charting: Use printable calendar to record daily weather.

• Rainbow Walk: Go on a scavenger hunt for red, orange, yellow, etc. items in your house or backyard.

• Rain Cloud Science: Drip blue food coloring into shaving cream on top of a water cup to simulate rain.

• Rainbow Sorting Station: Match pom poms or beads to colored bowls.

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📚 Related Activities

• Weather Wheel Printable Craft

• Make a Rainbow Sensory Bottle

• Color Sorting with Pom Poms or Buttons

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Rainbow & Weather” Theme

rainbow, weather, storm, cloud, sun, wind, thunder, lightning, rain, snow, fog, mist, drizzle, hail, sunny, cloudy, rainbow order, forecast, temperature, sky, umbrella, puddle, boots, sunshine, breeze

📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this to your Rainbow Activities or Letter R Preschool Activities Pinterest board to revisit next spring—or any time learning needs a burst of color!

🐾 Letter of the Week: P is for Pets

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Featuring our $5 Pet Adoption Dramatic Play Printable Kit

This week’s theme is P is for Pets—an engaging, animal-loving setup that invites kids to role-play, care for stuffed animals, and explore early learning skills through sensory-rich pretend play. With our Pet Adoption Printable Kit, you can transform your FLISAT table into a mini animal shelter, complete with signs, worksheets, and a welcoming space for every furry (or scaly!) friend.

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🛒 What’s in the $5 Pet Adoption Printable Kit

This sweet and playful printable pack includes:

• A pastel banner, mini flag, awning, and signs like “Adopt Me,” “P is for Pets,” and “Pet Care”

• Worksheets: letter P tracing, pet match & label, pet needs checklist

• Vocabulary cards for common pets and care items (like food bowls and leashes)

• Soft neutral tones with pops of pink, teal, and mint—perfect for pretend play zones!

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Pet Adoption Printable Kit

• IKEA FLISAT table (or any sensory bin setup)

• Sensory base: shredded paper “bedding,” cotton balls, felt scraps, or pom poms

• Small stuffed animals or figurines (dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, etc.)

• Empty food containers, bowls, collars, brushes, plastic tweezers

• Adoption forms, clipboard, vet tools, play money (optional)

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🐶 How to Set Up Your Pet Adoption Sensory Bin

1. Set up the FLISAT table with the Pet Adoption awning, “P is for Pets” banner, and themed signage.

2. Fill your bin with “bedding” like pom poms or felt strips.

3. Place stuffed pets in the bin with name tags or cards.

4. Add play accessories like food bowls, brushes, or printed checklists.

5. Laminate the vocabulary cards and worksheets or display them around the setup.

6. Invite your child to adopt a pet, fill out a form, and care for their new friend!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Sensory exploration (textures), visual contrast with toys

• 1–2 yrs: Naming animals, simple matching and sorting

• 2–3 yrs: Pretend play: feeding, brushing, putting pets to “bed”

• 3–4 yrs: Vocabulary expansion, letter P recognition, fine motor care tasks

• 4–5 yrs: Dramatic storytelling, role-playing vet/adopter, sequencing steps

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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🧠 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Adoption Certificates: Have children fill in a certificate with pet name, age, and care needs.

• Create a Pet Store: Add price tags and money for early math skills.

• Bath Time Station: Set up a water bin for washing plastic pets with sponges and soap.

• Veterinarian Pretend Play: Add a clipboard, play thermometer, and gauze to “examine” pets.

• Pet Obstacle Course: Build a mini agility course using household items!

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📚 Related Activities

• Dog Wash Sensory Bin Printable Kit

• Vet Clinic Dramatic Play Printable Kit

• Stuffed Animal Spa Day with Homemade Pet Shampoo

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Pets” Theme

pet, adoption, collar, leash, treat, bowl, brush, kennel, shelter, puppy, kitten, bunny, fish, parrot, hamster, love, play, train, care, gentle, soft, clean, food, doctor, tail

📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this idea to your Pretend Play or Letter P Preschool Activities board for easy reference all year long!

🏡 Letter of the Week: N is for Nature

Featuring our $5 Bugs & Insects in the Garden Sensory Table Printable Kit

Get ready to bring the great outdoors indoors! This week’s theme—“N is for Nature”—encourages little explorers to dig into garden life, discover creepy‑crawlies, and grow their vocabulary through hands‑on sensory play. We’re pairing it with our Bugs & Insects in the Garden Printable Kit to decorate your IKEA Flisat table and spark curiosity.

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🛒 What’s in the $5 Bugs & Insects in the Garden Printable Kit

Our garden‑inspired pack includes:

• A leafy awning, banner, mini flag, and signs like “Welcome to the Garden” and “N is for Nature”

• 2–3 themed worksheets: letter N tracing, insect identification match‑up, and garden labeling activity

• Illustrated vocabulary cards for common bugs and garden items

• Soft greens, browns, and pops of floral color—designed for your Flisat bins!

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Bugs & Insects in the Garden Printable Kit

• IKEA Flisat table (or any bin setup)

• Sensory base: black beans (soil), green rice (grass), or shredded paper

• Plastic or wooden bugs, magnifying glass, mini trowels

• Faux leaves, flowers, pebbles, sticks

• Scoops, tweezers, small pots or cups

• Optional: real leaves/sticks from outside for extra texture

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🌱 How to Set Up Your Nature Sensory Bin

1. Decorate your Flisat table with the leafy awning, garden banner, flags, and “N is for Nature” signs.

2. Fill the bin with your chosen “soil” or “grass” filler.

3. Scatter faux leaves, flowers, and pebbles to create a garden floor.

4. Bury or arrange plastic bugs and tools for “bug hunts.”

5. Place the worksheets and vocabulary cards nearby or laminate and tuck into the bin.

6. Invite your child to scoop, dig, sort, and explore like a tiny naturalist!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Visual contrast (greens/browns), supervised tactile play

• 1–2 yrs: Grasping, dumping, and basic naming (“leaf,” “bug”)

• 2–3 yrs: Sorting by color or type, simple matching

• 3–4 yrs: Letter N recognition, tracing practice, vocabulary

• 4–5 yrs: Categorizing living vs. non‑living, garden storytelling

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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🧠 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Garden Collage: Collect real leaves and flowers to glue onto paper.

• Bug Hotel: Build a mini “hotel” for your plastic bugs using twigs and cardboard.

• Leaf Rubbings: Place paper over leaves and rub with crayons to capture textures.

• Storytelling: Use the signs to guide a garden adventure narrative.

• Science Talk: Discuss habitats—where do the bugs live, eat, and hide?

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📚 Related Activities

• Forest Animal Track Matching

• Flower Petal Color Sorting Mats

• DIY Worm Playdough Recipe

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Nature” Theme

nature, garden, soil, plant, leaf, flower, stem, root, bug, insect, butterfly, caterpillar, bee, spider, ant, ladybug, earthworm, magnify, scoop, dig, explore, green, brown, tiny, habitat

📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this post to your Nature & Garden Sensory Play or Letter N Activities board!

🧜‍♀️ Letter of the Week: M is for Mermaid

Featuring our $5 Mermaid-Themed Sensory Table Printable Kit

Let’s dive deep for Letter M! This week, “M is for Mermaid” brings ocean-themed wonder and whimsical learning to your sensory setup. With soft pastels, underwater textures, and creative storytelling, your little one will be swimming in fun — all while building early literacy and sensory skills.

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🧜‍♀️ What’s in the $5 Mermaid Printable Kit

The Mermaid Sensory Table Printable Kit includes:

• A shimmering banner, flag, awning, and themed signs like “Under the Sea,” “M is for Mermaid,” and “Treasure Hunt”

• 2–3 printable worksheets: letter M tracing, seashell counting sheet, and mermaid tail color match

• Soft pinks, seafoam greens, sandy neutrals, and corals — perfect for a dreamy ocean vibe

• Designed to fit IKEA Flisat sensory tables or any sensory bin setup

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Mermaid Sensory Printable Kit

• IKEA Flisat table or other bin setup

• Sensory base: blue water beads, kinetic sand, aquarium gravel, or dyed rice

• Mini mermaids, shells, sea creatures, and treasure trinkets

• Scoops, tongs, nets, small buckets

• Printable letter M tracing sheet and shell matching game

• Optional: iridescent sequins, pearl beads, or a mirror for a “mermaid vanity”

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🐚 How to Set Up Your Mermaid Sensory Bin

1. Hang your “M is for Mermaid” printable banner and set up the pastel awning and signs.

2. Fill bins with a sea-themed base (blue water beads are a huge hit!).

3. Add mermaids, sea creatures, and sparkly treasures to dig, sort, and match.

4. Place seashells with letters or numbers on them to “find” and identify.

5. Use the printables for letter M tracing, shell counting, or color matching.

6. Invite your little one to explore like a mermaid, sort treasures, or host an undersea tea party.

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Sensory exploration of textures, colors, and cool temperatures

• 1–2 yrs: Scooping, digging, water pouring, and fine motor grasping

• 2–3 yrs: Mermaid pretend play, matching shells, color sorting

• 3–4 yrs: Letter M tracing, counting seashells, vocabulary building

• 4–5 yrs: Storytelling, under-the-sea science, simple addition or sorting challenges

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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💡 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Read How to Catch a Mermaid or Pearl by Molly Idle

• Make mermaid playdough with glitter and shell stamps

• Sing ocean-themed songs like “Slippery Fish” or “Baby Beluga”

• Create a “mermaid treasure shop” and practice buying/selling with play coins

• Use a magnifying glass to explore small sea treasures and compare shell shapes

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📚 Related Activities

• Mermaid Printable Activity Book

• Mermaid Memory Game

• Shell Painting

• Mermaid Sensory Kit

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Mermaid” Theme

mermaid, ocean, tail, treasure, shell, seaweed, sparkle, swim, waves, pearl, fish, starfish, M is for Mermaid, underwater, scoop, splash, lagoon, coral, net, dive, bucket, sea, sand, bubble, glitter

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📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this post to your Ocean Theme or Letter M Preschool Activities board!

🍋 Letter of the Week: L is for Lemonade

Featuring our $5 Lemonade Stand Sensory Table Printable Kit

This week’s letter is light, lovely, and lemony! 🍋 “L is for Lemonade” brings sweet pretend play, sorting, pouring, and early math skills to your sensory table. With the Lemonade Stand Printable Kit, your little one can run their own stand, serve “customers,” and learn through joyful play.

🏷 What’s in the $5 Lemonade Stand Printable Kit

The Lemonade Stand Sensory Table Printable Kit includes:

• Printable awning, stand banner, flag, and themed signs like “L is for Lemonade,” “25¢ a cup,” “Fresh Squeezed,” and “Open/Closed”

• 2–3 printable worksheets: letter L tracing, lemon counting sheet, and “Design Your Own Stand” coloring page

• Bright yellows, soft greens, and sunny white accents for a classic lemonade stand feel

• Designed for IKEA Flisat tables or any sensory bin space

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Lemonade Stand Printable Kit

• IKEA Flisat table or large bin

• Sensory base: yellow water beads, lemon-scented water, dyed rice, or kinetic sand

• Small cups, pitchers, scoops, bowls, funnels

• Plastic lemons, felt lemon slices, yellow pom poms

• Toy cash register, play money, price tags

• Printable letter L worksheet and counting cards

• Optional: straws, lemon-themed playdough, real lemon halves for scent

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🍹 How to Set Up Your Lemonade Sensory Bin

1. Decorate your table with the lemonade awning, “L is for Lemonade” sign, and menu-style flags.

2. Use yellow sensory fillers like lemon-scented water or pom poms.

3. Add cups, spoons, and pitchers for dramatic pour-and-serve play.

4. Include play money and set prices for cups of lemonade.

5. Use the worksheets to support letter recognition, tracing, and counting lemons.

6. Invite your child to run the stand, serve family “customers,” and take orders!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Tactile exploration with water, rice, or textured fruit

• 1–2 yrs: Grasping, pouring, transferring yellow items

• 2–3 yrs: Color sorting (yellow), pretend serving, language building

• 3–4 yrs: Letter L recognition, lemon counting, fine motor pouring

• 4–5 yrs: Dramatic play, early math with prices, writing practice with signs

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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💡 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Read The Lemonade War (for older preschoolers) or Maisy Makes Lemonade

• Add scent play with lemon essential oils or real lemons

• Create a “taste test” station with lemon vs lime playdough

• Build real-world math by giving customers play coins and tracking “sales”

• Have your child draw their own lemonade logo or sign

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📚 Related Activities

• Lemonade Recipe Cards

• DIY Felt Lemon Matching Game

• Build-a-Stand Pretend Play Pack

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Lemonade” Theme

lemonade, lemon, pitcher, squeeze, slice, fresh, cup, cold, stand, yellow, serve, stir, pour, customer, sweet, sour, cents, coin, ice, straw, letter L, pretend, sunny, drink, glass

📌 Pin It for Later

📍 Save this post to your Summer Pretend Play or Preschool Letter L Activities board!

🪁 Letter of the Week: K is for Kite

Featuring our $5 Picnic-Themed Sensory Table Printable Pack

This week we’re catching the wind with a joyful kite theme! “K is for Kite” brings sky-high imagination, fine motor skills, and outdoor-inspired play to your sensory setup. We’re pairing it with our Picnic-Themed Sensory Table Printable Pack — because what’s better than flying kites on a picnic day?

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🧺 What’s in the $5 Picnic Printable Pack

The Picnic Sensory Table Printable Pack includes:

• A cheerful gingham awning, picnic-themed banner, flag, and signs like “Picnic Time,” “Ant Crossing,” or “K is for Kite”

• 2–3 printable worksheets: letter K tracing, kite shape match, and picnic sorting sheet

• Soft reds, sky blues, grassy greens, and yellows — designed to feel like a sunny park day

• Made for IKEA Flisat tables, but fits any bin-style setup

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Picnic Printable Pack

• Flisat table or sensory bin

• Sensory base: green paper grass, lentils, shredded paper, or sand

• Mini kites (plastic, paper, felt, or foam)

• Small picnic food toys (felt sandwiches, strawberries, watermelon)

• Scoops, tongs, small baskets, cloth napkins

• Printable letter K tracing sheet, kite craft cut-outs

• Optional: Ant counters, mini picnic blanket squares, flower confetti

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🪁 How to Set Up Your Kite & Picnic Sensory Bin

1. Decorate your table with the picnic-themed awning, “K is for Kite” sign, and gingham banner.

2. Use a green base to mimic grass and scatter food toys or flower confetti.

3. Add small kite shapes for scooping, sorting, or attaching to straws/popsicle sticks.

4. Set up a picnic area for pretend meals, “windy day” kite flying, or ant-hunting.

5. Use the worksheet to practice letter K writing and kite matching.

6. Let your child create stories, sort shapes, and explore outdoor play indoors!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Texture and color exploration with soft grass or fabric bases

• 1–2 yrs: Grasping, dumping, and exploring pretend picnic foods

• 2–3 yrs: Matching kite shapes, color sorting, cause-and-effect play

• 3–4 yrs: Letter K recognition, pretend kite “flying,” simple role play

• 4–5 yrs: Storytelling, kite design, early science discussions about wind and weather

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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💡 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Read Stuck by Oliver Jeffers (features a kite!) or Curious George Flies a Kite

• Make real paper bag kites and “fly” them outside

• Sort picnic foods by color, size, or texture

• Use a fan to explore what “wind” does to different materials

• Have your child draw or design their own kite using triangle shapes

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📚 Related Activities

• Shape Sorting Kite Craft

• Picnic Basket Color Match

• DIY Mini Kite STEM Experiment

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Kite” Theme

kite, picnic, wind, fly, string, sky, cloud, triangle, tail, loop, float, letter K, breeze, park, basket, sandwich, fruit, napkin, ants, flap, gust, outdoor, fly high, rainbow, chase

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🍦 Letter of the Week: I is for Ice Cream

Featuring our FREE Ice Cream Shop Sensory Table Printable Pack

This week we’re dishing up scoops of fun with “I is for Ice Cream!” From pretend play cones to sorting sprinkles, this theme is perfect for early math, fine motor play, and warm-weather learning. The Ice Cream Shop Printable Pack transforms your sensory table into a pastel ice cream parlor that’s irresistible to little learners.

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🍨 What’s in the FREE Ice Cream Printable Pack

The Ice Cream Shop Sensory Table Printable Pack includes:

• Printable awning, shop banner, flag, and themed signs like “I is for Ice Cream,” “Order Here,” and “Sprinkle Station”

• 2–3 printable worksheets: letter I tracing, flavor matching, and an ice cream counting sheet

• Pastel pinks, mint greens, and soft browns for a sweet, cohesive look

• Designed for IKEA Flisat tables or any sensory bin setup

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🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• Ice Cream Printable Pack

• IKEA Flisat table or sensory bin

• Sensory base: cotton balls, pom poms, kinetic sand, or dyed rice (use brown/pink/mint)

• Ice cream cones (plastic, felt, or DIY from cardstock)

• Scoops, tongs, mini cups, and bowls

• Optional: sprinkle beads, ice cream signs, scoop counter, or toy cash register

• Laminated worksheets or dry-erase sleeves

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🍧 How to Set Up Your Ice Cream Sensory Bin

1. Decorate the table with the awning, shop banner, and signs like “Order Here.”

2. Fill your bin with sensory bases (use separate sections for different “flavors”).

3. Add pretend scoops, cones, and toppings like pom poms and sprinkles.

4. Use the “Flavor Match” printable to encourage color recognition and matching.

5. Include play money and menus for early math and role play.

6. Invite your little ones to run the shop, take orders, and create custom cones!

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🎯 Learning Objectives by Age Group

• 6–12 mo: Sensory exploration with color and texture

• 1–2 yrs: Color recognition, scooping practice

• 2–3 yrs: Object sorting, simple environmental words

• 3–4 yrs: Letter I tracing, healthy eating concepts, vocabulary

• 4–5 yrs: Counting, adding, subtracting ice cream cones

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💌 Free Bonus: A to Z Letter of the Week Guide

Don’t forget your Free Printable Letter of the Week Poster! Download the A–Z Letter of the Week Sensory Guide, with all 26 themes, links to products, and learning goals. You’ll also receive the Letter of the Week Email Series, with weekly reminders, bonus activity ideas, and links to new blog content.

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💡 Tips to Extend the Activity

• Read Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

• Create real or pretend menus using clipboards and crayons

• Use real mini cones and scoops for edible play with yogurt or banana mash

• Add number cards for kids to “build a cone with 3 scoops”

• Set up an order window for dramatic play

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📚 Related Activities

• Ice Cream Scoops Sensory Kit

• Ice Cream Sprinkle Pattern Matching

• Ice Cream Scoops Recipe Cards

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🔤 25 Vocabulary Words for “Ice Cream” Theme

ice cream, scoop, cone, cup, flavor, chocolate, vanilla, mint, strawberry, sprinkles, toppings, bowl, spoon, cold, soft, serve, sweet, syrup, cherry, ice, letter I, imagine, order, creamy, swirl, freeze

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📍 Save this post to your Summer Sensory Activities or Preschool Ice Cream Theme board!