It does take some time and energy to "train" them but the time is going to pass anyways right? Might as well be doing something fun My sensory bins are also a structured activity...more so for safety reasons though.

I made the mistake of folding laundry, literally only 5-8 feet from them one day and my handful (no longer here) had encouraged them to dump the rice all over them. NOT FUN but live and learn!! lol

I do a lot with food....sensory play, painting with fruits and veggies, making cereal necklaces etc. I understand some don't like to waste food though.