Best Nature Sensory Bottles for Calming and Learning

Use DIY Nature-inspired discovery bottles for safe, no-mess, sensory play and as an educational teaching tool for children from infants to teens!

This list of nature Sensory Bottles makes it possible for babies and toddlers to investigate natural materials without the risk of choking on them. Even better, the DIY sensory bottles in this extensive collection of nature discovery bottles can also work as a science learning tool and calm down jars that help children (and adults) learn to self-regulate. For more information about sensory bottles and the many ways to use them, check out Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101.

Related: Sensory Bottles for Every Season & Holiday

The Best Nature Sensory Bottles

We put this impressive collection of natural-inspired sensory bottles into different categories to make this extensive list easier to navigate. First, you will find a fantastic list of naturally sourced sensory bottles made with items found in nature.

Next, we have listed a fun collection of sensory bottle biomes and fun ways for children to learn about the natural world, including a whole section of water and ocean theme sensory bottles!

Finally, we conclude with a list of seasonal nature discovery bottles to continue your nature study adventures and science learning explorations with fun ways to learn about the seasons.

Make your nature sensory and discovery bottles with recycled bottles, mason jars, or any other easy ideas listed. We hope you enjoy learning about the natural world, the environment, and the planet we live on with this fun collection of calming and DIY discovery bottles made with natural materials for kids!

Related: Nature Memory Matching Game

Naturally Sourced Sensory Bottles

The nature discovery bottles on this list are all filled with natural materials. For the developing child, each natural sensory bottle can offer a new learning discovery about the natural world. At the same time, babies and toddlers can use them to safely investigate small items without the risk of choking on them.

• Sea Shells Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
• DIY Rainstick Musical Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
• A Pine Needle in a Bottle | Teach Preschool
• Backyard Nature Discovery Bottle | Little Bins For Little Hands
• Parts of a Birds Nest in a Nature Bottle | Teach Preschool
• Nature Sensory Bottle | Carrots are Orange
• Ecojar | Paper Wings
• Pinecone and Birdseed Sensory Bottle | Teach Beside Me
• Calming Nature Sensory Bottle | The OT Toolbox

Related: Nature Crafts and Art Ideas for Kids

Related: Acorn Marble Necklaces

Nature Sensory Bottle Biomes

Discovery bottles filled with natural items can help teach children about the biomes on the planet and the ecological region in which they live. Biomes form the largest ecological areas on Planet Earth with a specific climate and certain types of living things, primarily plants and animals, that have adapted to the region.

There are five basic types of biomes on planet Earth–with further subdivisions made within a few branches to differentiate the weather and seasons–or animal and plant species.

Related: Outside Activities for Kids

Biomes of the World

1. Aquatic (Abyssal Zone)
2. Forrest (Tropical, Temperate, Boreal, Mangrove, and Mediterranean)
3. Tundra
4. Dessert
5. Grassland

These sensory bottles offer a fun yet simple way for kids to explore a few of the biomes of the world and the varied types of terrain found on the magnificent planet that we call Earth.

• Sensory Bottle Biomes for Kids | Parenting Chaos
• Zoology Sensory Bottles – These nature discovery bottles are not all biomes. However, each jar can offer a fun way for young children to learn about different types of animals, areas, and environments. | The Kavanaugh Report
• Aquatic Biome Sensory Bottles – More Aquatic Biome & Ocean Theme Sensory Bottles are listed in the next section

Related: Nature Crafts for Kids and Teens

Ocean Theme Discovery Bottles

There are many ways to make an aquatic or ocean theme discovery or sensory bottle! Use a simple oil recipe to color water to make an ocean, or design a mini ocean exploration with everything from children’s under-the-sea toys, to small seashells.

Some ocean sensory bottles can be used as a calm-down tool, while others make a fantastic educational teaching tool. They also make fun ocean theme party favors and an easy DIY gift idea. Make an ocean theme discovery bottle using the ideas listed below.

• Sea Shells Soothing Sensory Bottle DIY | Rhythms of Play
• Ocean in a Bottle | Happy Hooligans
• Sea in a Bottle Baby Play Idea | Childhood 101
• Ocean Zones in a Jar | I Can Teach My Child
• Underwater I Spy Jars | Adventure in a Box
• Ocean Zone Discovery Jars | Edventures with Kids
• Suspended Ocean Creature Discovery Bottle | Preschool Inspirations
• Ocean and Waves Discovery Bottle | The Imagination Tree
• Glow in the Dark Ocean Bottle | Sunny Day Family
• Make Your Own Jellyfish in a Bottle | Bhoomplay

Related: Under the Sea Black Glue Ocean Art Projects for Kids

Related: The Best Rock Painting Ideas for Kids

Seasonal Nature Sensory Bottles

Continue your nature study adventures and science learning explorations with seasonal nature sensory bottles. Discovery bottles like these make learning about the spring, summer, winter, and fall seasons fun.

Like ocean discovery bottles, some seasonal sensory bottles are great for soothing and calming an overwhelmed child, while others make a fun learning aid.

• The Four Seasons Discovery Bottles | Sun Hats & Wellie Boots
• Weather Sensory Bottles:
  • Rainstick Musical Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
  • Windy Day Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
  • Snowstorm Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
  • Sunburst Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
  • Twinkling Stary Night Sky | Rhythms of Play

Related: Sensory Bottles for Every Season and Holiday

Spring Flower Nature Sensory Bottles

• Spring Sensory Bottle | Lemon Lime Adventures
• Desert Flower Discovery Bottle | Preschool Inspirations
• A Spring Flower Sensory Bottle | Kids Craft Room
• Lilac Nature Sensory Bottle | Parenting Chaos
• Real Flower Discovery Bottle | Little Bins for Little Hands
• Parts of a Flower Sensory Bottle | Chalk Academy

Related: Real Flower Craft Ideas

Summer Nature Sensory Bottles

• Butterfly Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play
• Vegetable Garden Discovery Bottle | Sunny Day Family
• Swimming Turtles Discovery Bottle | Sunny Day Family
• Citrus Themed Nature Discovery Bottle | Where imagination Grows

Related: Sunburst Sensory Bottle

Fall Nature Sensory Bottles

• Fall Sensory Bottle | Little Bins for Little Hands
• Leaf Sorting Sensory Bottles | Chalk Academy
• Pumpkin Patch in a Bottle | Sunny Day Family
• Windy Fall Leaves Sensory Bottles | Rhythms of Play

Related: Glowing Halloween Pumpkin Sensory Bottle

Winter Nature Sensory Bottles

• A Pine Needle in a Bottle | Teach Preschool
• Nature Sensory Bottle | Carrots are Orange
• Simple Snowman Sensory Bottle | Little Bins for Little Hands
• Snowstorm Sensory Bottle | Rhythms of Play

Related: The Best Rock Painting Ideas for Kids

Nature Bottles for Kids

This fun collection of nature sensory and discovery bottles have many purposes at home and in the classroom. They are fantastic educational teaching aids for homeschoolers and teachers and also provide a fun way for children to learn how to calm down and self-regulate.

DIY sensory bottles made with natural and recycled materials are a great tool to help children (and adults) learn to calm down and unwind. Nature sensory bottles, such as those on this list, also provide an easy way for babies and toddlers to safely investigate natural materials and small items without the risk of choking on them.

To learn more about sensory bottles and their uses, check out calm down sensory bottles 101.

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!

More Amazing DIY Sensory Bottles for Kids

• Glittering Mermaid Tail Sensory Bottle
• Rainbow Galaxy Sensory Bottle
• Slow Falling Hearts Sensory Bottle
• DIY Ringer Game Sensory Bottle