As parents and caregivers in the UK, we all want to give our children the best possible start in life supporting their learning, development, and curiosity through joyful, meaningful experiences. One of the most powerful ways to nurture these early skills is through play, especially messy and sensory play using sand and water trays.
At Edx Education, we’re passionate about advocating for play-based learning with our award-winning toys, resources, and our podcast Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education. Today, let’s dig into how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) can come alive through something as simple and joyful as a sand and water tray—right in your home, garden, or early years setting.
Why Sand and Water Trays Matter
Sand and water trays aren’t just tools for keeping little hands busy. They offer open-ended, sensory-rich experiences that promote all areas of development especially communication and language, mathematics, and collaborative problem-solving. When children pour, dig, scoop, build, and explore, they’re engaging in meaningful STEAM learning that builds foundational skills in a natural, playful way.
Plus, outdoor messy play is increasingly recognised as vital for early years development. It supports wellbeing, resilience, and encourages a connection with the natural world—something that should be embedded more deeply into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in the UK.
10 STEAM Activities with Sand and Water Trays
Here are 10 easy, educational, and fun activities using Edx Education’s Sand and Water Trays to inspire STEAM learning through play:
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Float or Sink?
Let children explore which objects float and which sink. Ask them to predict, test, and observe. Science in action! -
Volume Play
Use measuring cups, spoons, and small containers to fill and empty. Compare volumes and build maths vocabulary like “full”, “empty”, “more”, and “less”. -
Sandcastles and Structures
Engineering meets art! Build towers, tunnels, and shapes. Talk about what holds them together and why some collapse. -
Treasure Hunt Sensory Bin
Hide small objects in the sand or water and challenge children to find them. Great for fine motor skills and language development. -
Colour Mixing Magic
Add drops of food colouring to water and let children mix them. Explore colour theory and cause-and-effect thinking. -
Weather Station Water Play
Recreate rain using watering cans or droppers. Compare warm and cold water. Chat about the seasons and weather. -
Pouring Races
Set up a race to pour water from one container to another. Introduce concepts of speed, flow, and measurement. -
Texture Exploration
Mix sand with different materials—rice, cornflour, or shaving foam—and discuss textures. Encourage descriptive language. -
Measuring Magic
Use rulers or measuring tapes to see how deep a hole is or how tall a structure is. Great for early maths! -
Collaborative Clean-Up
Make tidying up a group activity. Who can pour all the water back into the bucket without spilling? Problem-solving and teamwork at its best.
Outdoor Play and the EYFS
Incorporating more outdoor and sensory play into the early years curriculum is crucial. It supports mental health, builds independence, and fosters a love of exploration. Whether you’re a parent in the garden or an educator in a nursery, adding sand and water trays can transform how children engage with learning—especially in STEAM subjects.
Let’s Champion Play-Based Learning
At Edx Education, we believe children learn best when they play, explore, and create. Our Sand and Water Trays, play accessories, and downloadable activity guides are designed to support educators and families in making learning fun, interactive, and inclusive.
Be sure to tune in to the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast for more inspiration on learning through play. Let’s work together to champion a future where all children learn with joy—hands in the sand, smiles on their faces, and brains full of curiosity.
Happy Playing,
Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play, General Manager, Edx Education UK