How to Dye Pasta for Sensory Play and Crafts

Sensory bins are one of my favorite playful learning activities for kids! Sensory bins are quick and easy to put together and will keep your kids occupied for hours. There are endless possibilities when it comes to sensory bin fillers, but dry pasta is one of the best in my opinion. Since pasta is small and comes in so many different shapes and textures it is perfect for little hands and a wonderful sensory experience. You are going to be shocked when you learn how to dye pasta for sensory play and crafts and see how easy it is!

dyed pasta for sensory play rainbow pasta

bags of diy dyed pasta for sensory play and crafts.

dyeing pasta with vinegar is an easy way to add color to your pasta crafts and activities!

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool

Kindergarten

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

DIY Dyed Rainbow Pasta Supplies:

Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar
Gallon Zip Bags
Food Coloring
Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper
Pasta: Shell, Rotini, Farfalle, any small variety
Baking Sheet

diy rainbow spaghetti messy play sensory activity for kids

One common misconception about sensory bins is that they are expensive to make. Using DIY dyed pasta for your sensory bin filler is an inexpensive way to fill your bin up! You can check out our huge library of low-cost and DIY sensory activities for more ideas!

Once you have learned how to dye dry pasta, you can also color your own for crafts!

Pasta Activities For Preschoolers:

Colorful pasta makes a great math manipulative! Pasta can be used for counting and showing addition and subtraction problems.
String pasta onto ribbon or yarn to create fun pasta jewelry. This is a fantastic fine motor skill activity!
Make fun pasta art projects! Glue pasta onto paper and create a colorful pattern or picture.

How To Create Dyed Color Pasta For Crafts and Sensory Bins:

the supplies for how to dye pasta for sensory play.

Instructions For How To Dye Pasta For Crafts And Sensory Bins:

Pour 2-3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or vinegar into a gallon size zip top bag.

Add about 10 drops of food coloring into the bag. Gently swirl the bag to mix the food coloring in with the vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

the rubbing alcohol, vinegar and food coloring mixture for dyeing pasta.

Seal the bag, and then gently toss and shake the bag until the pasta is evenly covered in color.

If necessary, open the bag, add a few more drops of food coloring, close, and continue shaking until all the pasta is colored.

Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Dump the bag of pasta onto the lined baking sheet to dry. Spread out the pasta so it is in a single layer.

Allow it to dry for a few hours, stirring it at least once to ensure all sides of the pasta are able to dry.

Repeat the process for as many different colors of pasta as you would like to create.

Keep dried pasta stored in a sealed container or plastic baggie until you are ready to add it to a sensory bin or grab it for a fun craft!

Other Sensory Bin Ideas For Preschoolers:

Dye pasta colors that coordinate with holiday seasons for a fun seasonal sensory bin.
Sensory bin play doesn’t have to be complicated! Just add a filler, some measuring cups, funnels, or small toys to play with! Dinosaurs and animal figures are popular choices of many children who love sensory bin play and many can be found at the dollar store.
Pom poms, water beads, and beans all make easy fillers for sensory bins.
Put your colorful pasta into a bowl, shallow pan, or buy a fun sensory table that can be filled over and over again!