Goodnight Fox
Bugs & Butterflies · Sensory play
Bumblebee Mini Sensory Trays
Small, quick-to-reset bee trays — perfect for short attention spans and small kitchen tables.
- Ages 2–5
- 15 min
- Mess: Medium
- Sensory play
- Time
- 15 min
- Ages
- 2–5
- Mess
- Medium
- Prep
- Some prep
Why we love it
Three tiny bee trays instead of one big bin
Instead of one big bin, set out three small trays with a different bee task in each. Children rotate between them, and you can reset a single tray in seconds.
Gather these first
Everything for this setup, in one list.
Three small trays
3Muffin tins or takeaway containers
Yellow food-based base
2 cupsYellow split peas or dried corn
Small bees
10-12Paper or silk flowers
3-4Child-safe tongs or tweezers
1Small scoop and jar
1 each
How to set up bumblebee mini sensory trays
Follow along at your own pace.
Step 1: Tray one — find
Bury the bees in the yellow base for digging and finding.
Step 2: Tray two — pollinate
Lay out the flowers and move bees from flower to flower with tongs.
Step 3: Tray three — pour
A scoop and a small jar for filling and pouring honey.
Step 4: Rotate
Let your child move between trays freely. Reset one at a time.
Skills hiding inside the play
Sensory
Three distinct textures and actions in one sitting.
Science
Acting out pollination flower to flower.
Fine motor
Scooping, pouring and tong work.
Conversation starters
What is the bee carrying from flower to flower?
Which tray is your favourite today?
Where does the honey go?
Printables & kits for this activity
Visit the shop