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a month ago
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Posted On: October 8th 2026, 04:00 pm
Who knew one of my favourite sensory play finds would come from the plumbing aisle at Home Depot?

It’s actually a plastic water heater pan, but I saw the perfect oversized sensory play tray!

Here’s why I love it:
• Large enough for multiple children to play together
• Perfect for sensory bins, messy play and creative exploration
• Easy to clean and reuse
• Affordable alternative to expensive sensory play trays, around $20
• Endless possibilities for different play setups!

I simply taped the hole on the side to seal the tray. Then, for this Halloween setup, I added orange split peas, black beans and a few Halloween-themed loose parts. Simple, inviting and so much fun to explore!

📌SAVE this idea for your next sensory play setup, and SHARE it with a parent or educator who loves a good play hack.

To find it: Home Depot carries the Oatey brand, plastic water heater pan

__________________

I’m a mom of three and an early childhood educator with 18+ years of experience. I share creative play ideas, family adventures and places to explore around Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

🎃 Follow @wandernplay for more play inspiration and family adventures!

🧡@wandernplay
🧡@wandernplay
🧡@wandernplay

#SensoryPlay #PlayBasedLearning #ToddlerActivities #WanderAndPlay #Homeschool play to learn, learn through play, sensory bin, halloween, preschool, kids activities, hands on, classroom, teacher, daycare, child care, homeschool, home learning, play activities, family fun
Comments (66)
pkreitter 7 days ago

pkreitter

OMG!!! Yes!! Thank you for sharing!

daynapogue 11 days ago

daynapogue

How do you plug the hole?

annasun24 12 days ago

annasun24

Aren't the uncooked beans toxic?

sniffs.and.pawsitivity 14 days ago
ginayousofine 18 days ago

ginayousofine

Urg I wish I saw this before buying my crazy expensive one

sugarspiceandmamalife 18 days ago

sugarspiceandmamalife

What do you stand it on tho?

arnoldsmommy 23 days ago

arnoldsmommy

What size did you get?

that_peachmommy 25 days ago

that_peachmommy

Okkkkk👏👏

simply_bunty67 25 days ago

simply_bunty67

Used a huge oil pan from Walmart for a magnet board..preschool teachers are so resourceful👍👏💕

justacanadiangirl 25 days ago
linetteann a month ago

linetteann

Our favorite too! We use them for our playgroups! Black duct tape on both sides to cover the hole!

specialedlearners2 a month ago

specialedlearners2

I have 2 🙌!!!❤️

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