Go Back
–+ servings
penguin sensory bottle
Print
No ratings yet

Penguin Sensory Bottle Craft (Winter Sensory Play for Kids)

This penguin sensory bottle is a calming winter sensory activity kids love-simple to make and perfect for preschool and home play.
Prep Time1 hour
Active Time15 minutes
Yield: 1 bottle
Author: Melissa Haines
Cost: $5

Materials

  • Strong glue - for sealing the lid. I use a glue called Beacon 3-in-1, but super glue would also work for this purpose.
  • Large-mouth Gatorade bottle (clean and dry)
  • Penguin printable - I made one for you that you can print off for FREE.
  • Self-laminating pouch (or a laminating machine if available)
  • Scissors
  • WaterWeld (or similar waterproof epoxy putty)
  • Kid-safe connected chopsticks or aquarium tweezers (long tweezers)
  • Water
  • Natural blue food dye
  • Broken-up Styrofoam pieces (for icebergs)

Instructions

  • 1. Prepare the Penguin (Penguin Sensory Activity Prep)

    Start by printing your penguin printable. Place it inside a self-laminating pouch and press firmly to remove air bubbles.
    Once laminated, cut around the penguin but leave about ½ inch of clear lamination under the penguin’s legs. This extra lamination serves as a mounting tab, helping the penguin stay anchored inside the bottle.
    Note: I’ve noticed that a small amount of water can eventually seep into self-laminated printables, causing slight ink bleeding. It’s not very noticeable, but using a heat laminating machine may seal the paper better.

  • 2. Attach the Penguin Inside the Sensory Bottle (Prep this for the kids)

    Wear gloves to mix and knead a small amount of WaterWeld putty according to the package directions. Press the putty onto the clear laminated tab under the penguin’s legs.
    Gently bend the penguin slightly so it can fit through the opening.
    Place the penguin inside the bottle.
    Use connected kid chopsticks or aquarium tweezers to:
    These tools make a big difference and help ensure the penguin stays put.
    Allow the putty to set for 20 minutes or longer. (Overnight is even better if you have the time.)

  • 3. Color the Water for a Winter Sensory Bottle

    In a separate cup, mix about 1 cup of water with a tiny drop of natural blue food dye. You’re aiming for a very light, icy blue—not dark.

  • 4. Assemble the Penguin Sensory Bottle

    Once the putty has set:
    Pour the colored water into the bottleAdd small, broken-up pieces of Styrofoam to represent icebergs

  • 5. Seal the Bottle for Safe Sensory Play

    Secure the lid tightly, then glue the lid closed using hot glue or strong adhesive. This step is especially important if the bottle will be used by younger children.
    Allow the glue to fully dry before play.
    Move the penguin a little further down the bottlePress the penguin down into the puttyAdjust placementApply pressure so it bonds firmly to the bottom of the bottlePour the colored water into the bottleAdd small, broken-up pieces of Styrofoam to represent icebergs