This originally ran as a guest post at Creative Playhouse!

I decided to get a little creative with our simple sensory plays and create a dirt and worms sensory bin for little X and S to explore.  The whole bin is edible (though babies should be discouraged from actively eating - this is just to say a few accidental tastes won't harm them), so still baby friendly.  There are two unique textures and babies can even practice their fine motor skills by picking up "worms"!

X and S wasted no time and immediately began exploring.

S loved the "little wormies!" and honestly, with the "dirt" on them, they did look pretty realistic.  Especially from a short distance!

X found the dirt texture fascinating

He also enjoyed poking the worm with one finger.  Hahahaha!  It was very cute.

X inspected several worms and several handfuls of dirt while S began sorting the worms into a pile and making a giant mountain of dirt.

Soon thereafter, as is his habit, X decided to get into the bin.  He enjoyed watching S, who had declared that she was now creating "worm art".

And that she did!  Here is her finished art product.

Making your own Dirt and Worms sensory bin is simple!  Boil some pasta (we used linguine noodles) according to the directions on the box.  Once it's cooked, pat it dry with paper towels.  For our dirt we used dried used coffee grounds.  I have a system where I air dry the used grounds on a baking sheet over a 24 hour period before moving them to an open container (open to prevent mold growth).  If you want to ensure that your grounds are dry, you can cook them on low in an oven for 30 minutes.

This post is part of a series of posts entitled "Super Easy Sensory Play".  Activities included in the series all contain two or fewer ingredients and are items that are generally found in any house, so no need to run to the store for specialty items.  They are also appropriate for all ages.  I hope that you will give them all a try!  You can read the other posts in the series here:

Super Easy Sensory Play: Cornstarch and Water
Super Easy Sensory Play:  Soap Foam
Super Easy Sensory Play:  Ice and Warm Water

Super Easy Sensory Play:  Cloud Dough

Super Easy Sensory Play: Rice

Super Easy Sensory Play: Water

Super Easy Sensory Play: Dried Pasta

Super Easy Sensory Play:  Wet Cotton Balls

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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children.  As your child's parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family.  I always encourage contacting your child's pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision.  Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies).  Observe caution and safety at all times.  The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.