Water Beads

What are water beads?

Water beads, also known as water pearls, are small granules that swell into glistening little balls as soon as you put them in water. They feel smooth, cool and bouncy and are wonderful to run your hands through. Water beads are widely used for sensory play, with children scooping, squeezing and sorting. With tools such as the squeezy tweezers, handy scoopers and the sensory tube, children practise their fine motor skills at the same time. In a sensory water table or Tuff Tray, the beads stay neatly together while playing.

Choosing water beads and accessories

For great play with water beads, pay attention to the beads and the right tools. Consider these points:

• Tools for motor skills: squeezy tweezers and scoopers let children scoop and squeeze, ideal for fine motor skills.
• Tray or water table: a water table or Tuff Tray keeps the beads together and makes clearing up easy.
• Age and supervision: water beads are small, so always supervise young children.

A complete fine motor set combines beads with handy tools, so you can start playing straight away. That way water beads become an educational and calming activity.

Frequently asked questions about water beads

How do you use water beads?

You put the small granules in water, and within a few hours they swell into little balls. You can then scoop, squeeze and sort them.

Are water beads suitable for young children?

Water beads are small, so always supervise young children. They are less suitable for the very youngest.

Why are water beads good for sensory play?

They feel cool and smooth and are lovely to run your hands through. With tools, children practise their fine motor skills at the same time.

Which tools do I need?

Squeezy tweezers, handy scoopers and a sensory tube make play more varied. A water table or Tuff Tray keeps everything together.

How do I store water beads after playing?

Let the beads drain and store them in a sealed container. That way they stay usable for longer for the next play session.