Pouring Station

Where to Set Up a Pouring Station

This activity can be set up just about anywhere:

• outside in the driveway
• on the back porch
• in the yard
• on the patio
• in the bathtub
• at the kitchen sink

You decide what would work best for your kids!

Some of our favorite things to include in our pour station setup:

• medium-size bucket or bin (The plastic container you see in these photos is from the SAMLA line at IKEA. It makes the perfect sensory bin.)
• sand pails
• measuring cups
• spoons/ladles
• small pitchers
• ice cube trays or muffin tins
• small containers
• medicine droppers (or fine motor tools like the Twisty Dropper in this set)
• spray bottles
• water toys

What is the Purpose of a Pouring Station?

When my older kids were younger, this idea was simply offered as an opportunity for them to play and explore.

Honestly, I was thrilled by the fact that this kept them engaged for so long – when many other activities didn’t.

However, for my oldest daughter who has special needs, activities like this have always been set up with the following more intently in mind:

• fine motor skills
• hand-eye coordination
• visual-spatial awareness
• life skills (pouring skills, etc.)

Even with these important skills being my driving reason for setting up this sensory play idea, she and her sister have always had so much fun with this pouring station activity!

When to Use a Pouring Station

This kind of sensory activity can be easily incorporated into your child’s day:

• in the morning after breakfast
• while you’re reading a chapter book aloud to the kids – indoors or outside!
• during quiet time in the afternoon
• in the evenings while winding down before bed
• on a lazy weekend afternoon…or a hot day…or a rainy day

If your kids or grandkids enjoy fun activities like this, check out:

• Coffee Filter Art Activity
• Busy Bin Activity Boxes
• Sensory Play Activity: Animals Hidden in Ice
• Spoon Book and Exploratory Play