Have you used water beads yet? If you haven’t, I will admit they are kind of fun and are worth a try.  🙂

What are water beads?

They are water-absorbing beads that start out the size of a seed bead and expand to the size of a marble. They are commonly used in floral arrangements. Once the  water beads/gel balls  are hydrated, they feel squishy and also bounce. Most are non-toxic but do pose a choking/swallowing hazard for very young children. These beads were not created to be a toy, therefore these materials should always be used with adult supervision. Never use Water Balz.  These have been recalled and are unsafe. (They were larger versions of water beads)

What can you do with water beads/gel balls?

1. Use them as a filler in a sensory box or sensory tray.

2. Sort them by color.

3. Use them on a light box. Here’s an example from Teach Preschool.

4. Transfer them to one container to another.

5. Scoop them and pour them.

6. Use them as math counters.

7. Use as an science observation. What do you think will happen to these tiny beads when we add water? Write their guesses down then observe!

8. Put water beads in a balloon to create a squishy, sensory ball.

9. After the water beads are hydrated, ask what do you think will happen if we leave a few out of water for a day? Write their guesses down and observe!

10. Freeze water beads for a cold, sensory play experience.

11. Mix these squishy water beads with shaving cream.

12 Mix water beads with Yuck.

For even more ideas check out the water beads Pinterest board:

Follow Maureen Spell Water Beads Sensory Activities on Pinterest