Kids will love this colorful rainbow pasta for sensory play! It’s easy to put together and only requires a few ingredients. This is a great way to keep the kids entertained especially if you’re spending a lot of time indoors. There’s so many ways to explore and play with this rainbow pasta sensory bin.
I normally use rice as a filler for my boys sensory bin. However, I wanted to try something new. Using several types of pasta created a fun sensory activity with different textures. My boys made a mess but they had a great time.
Please subscribe via E-mail, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to stay updated on the latest posts. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!
Supplies
- IKEA FLISAT Children’s Table or plastic bin
- Gallon Storage Bags
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Food Gel (rainbow colors)
- Dry Pasta (variety)
- Parchment or Wax Paper
How to Dye Pasta
- Start by putting the pasta in the gallon storage bag. I used about 2 cups of pasta for each color. The pastas I used are small shells, alphabet, fideo and ditalini.
- Next, squeeze a few drops of food gel inside of the storage bag. Add more if you want darker pasta.
- Pour a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar in the storage bag.
- Seal the bag properly then shake. Move the pasta around until it’s evenly coated with the food gel.
- Spread the pasta on wax or parchment paper. Allow at least two hours to dry. Repeat until you have all the rainbow colors.
- Finally, add to plastic bin in the proper order of the rainbow. See below.
ATTENTION: You can cut down on the number of bags you use by dyeing the pasta in color order. Start with YELLOW, then ORANGE, then RED in one bag and GREEN, then BLUE, then PURPLE in another bag.
Ideas for Playing with Rainbow Pasta
- Practice measuring and scooping.
- Practice making patterns.
- Use different tools like jumbo tweezers, tongs, spoons and ladles to move the pasta.
- Sort by color.
- Add St. Patrick’s Day figurines and plastic gold coins to encourage imaginative play.
