3-4 Years

The Wheels on The Stroller Go...

We all know the old "Wheels on the Bus." Next time you go for a walk, try singing "Wheels on the Stroller." Some sample lyrics: The visor on the stroller goes up and down. The girls in the stroller go whee, whee, whee (or wah wah ...(read more)

Paper Plate Tambourines

Take 2 paper plates and decorate the bottoms of them with markers, crayons, tissue paper pieces, ribbons -- anything you have handy. Then put the two paper plates together so that the decorated bottoms are facing out. Begin to fasten the paper plates together by stapling ...(read more)

Crawling to the ABCs

Go to an educational store or other store that sells alphabet stencils. Then place the alphabet stencils on a tile floor in your home. Place them randomly so that the child will learn the letters individually. Then cover the stencils with clear contact paper. Watch as ...(read more)

Painting with Golf Balls

Take an old shoe box or shirt box and put a piece of construction paper in it. Then take some poster paint and dab it on the paper in the box. Next place a golf ball in the box and have your child tilt the box all around ...(read more)

Hunting for Dinosaurs

This game can be played indoors or outdoors, but we usually save it for a rainy day. Give a child a large basket and have her gather all of her plastic toy dinosaurs. Once she is convinced that she has them all, count them according to size (e.g., ...(read more)

Spying the ABC's

While in the car ask your child to look at billboards, road signs, license plates and buildings to find the letters of the alphabet in order. For instance, to find an 'A'-the child might see Applebee's and say it aloud, then move on to finding a sign or ...(read more)

DIY: Seashell Picture Frame

Create a homemade seashell picture frame to remember your precious memories at the beach. Collect a variety of seashells from your summer vacation at the beach, and then glue them onto a simple frame for decoration....(read more)

Fingerprint Art

Your child may not yet be able to color and draw pictures, but you can help them create some unique artwork using a stamp pad and their own fingers! Using non-toxic ink pads, press your child's finger into various colors of pads and then press onto paper. Little ...(read more)

Crayon Games

While out and about, I always keep a bag of crayons in my purse for those moments in the day when like it or not, my kids are just forced to wait. When they tire of drawing and coloring pictures, we play crayon games (this is especially good for ...(read more)

Paper Plate Flower

Cut a paper plate into a flower by cutting out triangles all the way around edge. The triangle tips should reach all the way down to the inner circle of the paper plate, creating petals around the edge. (Trace the lines to cut along with a pencil for older ...(read more)

Chalk the Walk

Mark off an area of your driveway, sidewalk or any other washable surface and let your kids go to town with Sidewalk Chalk. You can ask them to draw shapes, letters or numbers, or just let the little ones doodle. I'll draw objects or animals and then ask ...(read more)

Paper Tube Bird Feeder

Take an empty toilet paper tube and spread peanut butter all round the outside edge of the tube. Roll the peanut butter tube in bird seed. Cut a piece of yarn that is about 12 inches long. Attach it to each end of the tube to make ...(read more)

Clothes Pin Names

Write each letter of your child's name on a separate clothes pin. On a piece of paper, write your child's name. Mix up the clothes pins and have your child find each letter in their name, match it to the letter on the paper, and clip it on ...(read more)

Rock Family

Collect enough rocks to represent each member of your family. Paint the rocks either to look like each person, or simply write each person's name on the rock. Place your new Rock Family in your garden or near the front door for your family's enjoyment....(read more)

Digital P's and Q's

With an easel and a digital camera, you can send thank yous for all the gifts your children receive on their birthdays. Write on the easel..."Thank you for the '.....' " With your child in front of the easel, snap the picture. Then change ...(read more)

Point and Shoot: Digital Photography for the Preschool Set

While waiting for the doctor, toddlers get pretty bored. I found that bringing my digital camera (or phone) in and having my son take pictures of my funny faces, or having him pose with funny faces, helped the time go by more quickly. Short videos of him singing his favorite ...(read more)

Homemade bubbles

Mix together 2/3 cup of dishwashing liquid (Joy or Dawn work best), 1 quart of water, and 1/3 cup of glycerin. Stir with a whisk to combine all ingredients. Then pour a small amount of the liquid into a bowl or bowls for the kids to use. ...(read more)

Texture Walk

Take a texture walk with your child or children. Use the outdoors to take advantage of an excellent learning opportunity for your little ones. Take a walk and look for things that are soft like sand, dirt, etc. Look for pine cones or rocks that are hard ...(read more)

Indoor Tennis

My son invented a great new indoor game when he found a splatter screen in the kitchen and started hitting one of his stuffed fabric balls...indoor tennis! Splatter screens are wire mesh covers with a plastic handle that are made to keep grease from popping out of the pan ...(read more)

Toy Town

On a carpeted area or rug, tape down long (5 or 6 feet) strips of masking tape in straight and curved patterns. Make the strips intersect each other to form a system of 'roads' on the floor. Gather toys and divide them up by themes, i.e. railroad, farm, ...(read more)

Special Soup

If you're trying to cook and your little one keeps demanding your attention, give them their own large mixing bowl and spoon. Hand them the odds and ends of whatever you're using: i.e. potato or onion peels, celery leaves, pasta, etc. Add water and any spices you feel ...(read more)

Sardines

What child doesn't love hide-and-seek? Here's a fun variation to play with a group, inside or outside. While the group counts to 50, one person goes to hide (find a place that's big enough to fit the whole group). When the group is finished counting, everyone spreads ...(read more)

I'm Going to the Beach and...

This is a good memory game for car rides, restaurants, or anywhere that requires you to sit still. One person starts the game by saying, 'I'm going to the beach and I'm going to bring my ....' Fill in the blank with anything you want, 'flip flops' for ...(read more)

Sticker Tag

A new twist on the old game of tag - great for all ages and sure to get your blood pumping. Get a bunch of stickers, any kind will work but I use sheets of colored adhesive dots that are inexpensive and can be found at office supply stores. ...(read more)

Creating Snacklaces

This is a slightly more nutritious variation of candy jewelry. Cut yarn or string in different lengths for your child to wear as a necklace or bracelet. Let your child decorate it by stringing on Cheerios or small pretzels. Make extras - they're fun to carry around ...(read more)

If You're Happy and You Know It, Talk about It.

This is a good conversation starter for the dinner table. Pick a feeling and ask, 'What was the most (fun, scary, embarassing, happy, silly, angering) experience this week?' Everyone takes turns telling a true story from the week. Turn it into a friendly competition of feelings and ...(read more)

Pass the...Centerpiece: Inspiring Dinnertime Conversation

Have each family member bring a small object that's important to them to the dinner table. It can be a toy, a picture, anything. Take turns talking about the importance of each object and why you wanted to share it. Listen patiently to each person without interrupting. ...(read more)

Twenty Questions: Interviewing Your Child

This is a neat exercise to do with or without a video camera, although a recording of this would make a great gift when your child grows up. Explain to your child that you would like to interview him or her (you can talk about what this means and ...(read more)

Bathtub ABCs and 123s

Squirt shaving cream on the sides of the bathtub and have your child use his or her pointer finger to practice writing numbers and letters. They can 'erase' by smearing the shaving cream and starting over again....(read more)

Paper Bag Pinatas

Give your child a small brown paper bag and let them decorate it how they want. This can be elaborately, with sequins and glitter, or simply, with crayons. Put a few pieces of candy in the bag and close by folding over the top. Punch two holes at the ...(read more)

Decorating Flower Pots and Planting Seeds

This can be a great party craft or a fun project at home. Have kids paint the outsides of their flower pots and allow to dry. When pots are dry enough to handle, have the kids pour in the potting soil and sprinkle seeds in. Hopefully in ...(read more)

More Fun with "Old MacDonald"

After we've exhausted all of the animals we can think of while singing "Old MacDonald," we add tractors, crops (such as apples or tomatoes), puddles or ponds, etc. and stretch our creativity thinking of sounds to go with them. The kids love coming up with silly sounds to go ...(read more)

Going on a Bear Hunt

With your kids, sing the old summer camp song 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt.' (If you can't remember the words, you can find them here www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/teddy/bearhunt.html). Afterwards go back through the song and discuss (depending on the age of your children) each environment they go through on the ...(read more)

Tissue Paper Butterflies

Use an assortment of solid color tissue paper or patterned paper. Using half-sheets (or smaller, depending on the size of the butterfly you want to make), lay the number of sheets that you wish to use on top of one another. Then, bunch them up a little in the ...(read more)

Personalizing Placemats

With your child, cut out pictures from magazines of your child's favorite things - foods, toys, colors, etc. Give your child a glue stick and then help your child paste pictures onto a large sheet of construction paper, card stock, or poster board. Laminate your finished product and ...(read more)

Give Me a Hard One to Guess

This game is a variation of '20 questions' and we played this with all four of our kids when they were 3, 4 and 5 years old. You say to your child, 'I have a hard one to guess.' Then you start giving clues, one by one. ...(read more)

Creating Collages

Gather a stack of old magazines and catalogs. Choose a theme with your child and go on a hunt for pictures connected to the theme (food, farm, family, animals, ocean, etc...). Cut out any pictures you find related to theme. You can then spend time classifying and sorting ...(read more)

Superhero Day

Announce that it is officially 'Superhero Day'. Your child should choose what kind of superhero he or she wants to be. Make decisions together about the superhero's costume and superpower. Create a story together about your superhero and his life. Find household props and dress-up clothes to ...(read more)

Go Fish!

Create a fishing pond for your toddler. With your child, cut out several paper fish from construction paper and attach a paper clip to each fish. Then tie a string to one of end of the fishing pole (yardstick or other rod) and a magnet to the other ...(read more)

Magic Mud

This is a fun and messy project for kids. Get out as many bowls as you want colors. Fill each bowl with a several heaping spoonfuls of corn starch, mix with a little water and food coloring. Keep adding water until it's soupy. If you let ...(read more)

Letter Learning

Start by drawing a big outline of a letter on a piece of paper and let your child color or paint inside the lines. Then cut it out and stick it up or you can join it to other letters in an alphabet garland or a special word or name. ...(read more)

Color Matchbox

On a large sheet of paper, draw a big square or rectangle and divide it into ten smaller squares. One for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Grey, Black and White Then, using scraps of paper cut from magazines, have your child choose the scraps ...(read more)

Verde means Go!

When teaching my son how to say red, yellow or green in Spanish, we practice in the car with the signal lights. Each light we pass I say if the light is Rojo (Red), Amarillo (Yellow) or Green (Verde). Then after enough repetition I ask him which color ...(read more)

Building a Fort ...or Something Else

My toddlers love to hide behind and under things. I often find them under the table playing hide-and-seek, so we started putting a sheet over it to make a fort. Now we play a game called 'Build me a fort or something else' where they have to say ...(read more)

Paper Mache Maracas

Take a small balloon (water balloon size) and fill it with a handful of small beans or rice. Then, fill the balloon with air to create the base for the paper mache. You will also want to cut or tear many strips of newspaper before you make the ...(read more)

Searching for Worms

Kids like gooey things, especially gooey things deep in the soil. Go out in your yard and let your children know that you'll be looking for worms. Help your children to move the soil around very carefully using either their hands or small trowels. Explain how worms help ...(read more)

Painting with Straws

Drop a couple of drops of paint onto a piece of paper, and give your child a straw to blow the paint with. Be sure that they just use the straw as a blower -- something to move the paint around with. Some kids like to put their ...(read more)

Homemade Sprinkler

Who needs a watering can in the summer when your child can water the pots/plants with a homemade watering can? You kids will love doing this! Take an empty and clean gallon-size plastic milk jug. Poke holes towards the bottom of the container with a hammer and ...(read more)

Make Your Own Soap

Making your own soap is a fun activity with the kids and can also make for great gifts. Note: It's a good idea to rub any toys you put into the soap with rubbing alcohol beforehand. Melt glycerin soap (found at any craft store) in a ...(read more)

Finding Buried Treasure

Have you noticed that little kids love sparkly items? With this activity your child can pretend to be a pirate searching for lost treasure or an archaeologist searching for ancient artifacts. Take some little rocks and spray paint them gold. Older children can "help" with this part ...(read more)

Coin Collector

A great way to pass time at the doctor's office or in restaurants is to take out all of your change and have your child sort the coins by kind, size and color. They can stack them, create shapes with them, count them etc. If you have a ...(read more)

Sticker Dots

We all know that young kids love playing with stickers, but the problem is that they really do stick to everything and it's often hard to peel them off. Your floors, walls and furniture pay the price. What I do is buy lots of sheets of multi-colored sticker ...(read more)

Paper Scrapers

Next time you and your child visit a new city, try this fun technique when out in the streets. You need paper, a paintbrush and a crayon, with paper removed. Have child select a texture he'd like to capture, such as a manhole cover or a plaque ...(read more)

Ice Cube Painting

Begin by filling an ice cube tray with water. Then, help your child to add a drop or so of food coloring to each cube, creating a variety of colors. Put the tray into the freezer until frozen solid. Once they are frozen, pop the cubes out ...(read more)

Paper Bag Animals

Turn a brown lunch bag upside down so that the bottom of the bag becomes the top of the puppet. Use the flap for face, drawing on a nose and some eyes. When you open the flap, have your child draw a tongue under the flap or attach ...(read more)

Cookie Cutter Sandwiches

This is a fun way to let your kids help in the kitchen and get them to eat their sandwiches. Make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (or something else that would be easy to cut through) and then help your child to cut the sandwich into a shape ...(read more)

Puddle Jumping

When it rains outside, we put on our raincoats and rain shoes and go in search of puddles. With each puddle comes a story depending on the shape and location of the puddle and at the end of the story we jump into that particular puddle signifying the end ...(read more)

Around-Town Scavenger Hunt

Pick one of your favorite places to visit: the aquarium, arboretum, or museum. Go to their website, and with your child, find pictures of 5-10 different things to look for. Then create a list for your child, adding pictures may be helpful for young ones. When you ...(read more)

Miniature Apple Pies

Here's a deliciously fun recipe that you and your kids can make together: Put one refrigerated biscuit on a cookie sheet and push it down flat. Put a spoonful of peeled and chopped apples on top of the biscuit. Mix one cup of brown sugar and ...(read more)

Mix-It-Up Storytelling

This is a great activity for long car rides! You and your child (or children) take turns adding to a story. The parent begins by saying the first line (e.g. 'Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved to go the circus. And then ...(read more)

Photograph Memory Game

A good way to get kids to remember faces and names of relatives is to take pictures of family members. When the film is developed ask for double prints. Use these photos to play the game of memory. Put all pictures face-down, and have your children turn ...(read more)

Dollar Daze

This is a great activity if you are waiting at an airport, the doctor's office, or for a bus. Take out some dollar bills (or higher) and have your child find the numbers and letters printed on them. For older children, you can ask them to tell you ...(read more)

Post-It Games

Keep a pad of post-its with you when you go out. When you need to pass a little time, take out ten, and you or your child can write Xs on half and Os on half. You can then have an impromptu game of tic-tac-toe on any table ...(read more)

The Goldfish Game

My children all played this precious snack-time game at their preschool, and it has remained our favorite way to eat goldfish crackers. How to play: Explain to your child that you're going to tell him a story while he eats, but he has to be patient and only eat ...(read more)

Creating an ABC Book

Help your child to create his or her own ABC book. Start by cutting paper into even sizes (like cutting 8 1/2 by 11 inch pieces of paper into half). These will form the pages of the book. Over the course of a week or so, create the ...(read more)

Rhyme Time

When you're in a waiting room with your child or anywhere where you need to 'kill' a few minutes, you can play this easy rhyming game. The parent starts by saying, 'I'm thinking of a word that rhymes with ____ and it starts with ___.' For example, you could say ...(read more)

Shape Spy

When you're out walking with your kids, make it more fun and even educational by playing 'Shape Spy.' Your kids may know their shapes from a book or puzzle, but can they identify them in everyday objects? When you pass a stop sign, tell them you 'shape spy' an octagon. ...(read more)

You're Getting Hotter!

Find an object that you want to hide. An object that is small, but not too small, will work best -- something such as a small stuffed animal or figurine. Hide the figurine somewhere in a room and take turns with your child being the 'finder' and the ...(read more)

Water Bottle Fun

Have your child help you mix together bubble solution, water, and food coloring in an empty plastic water bottle. Your child can then shake it up or squeeze it to see lots of colorful, bubbly fun. This activity is a great way to teach about colors. But ...(read more)

Paper Plate Clock

Write the numbers 1 through 12 on the outer edge of a white paper plate. Create hands for the clock by cutting off two half-inch wide strips of black poster board. Make one strip three inches tall and the other five inches tall. Cut off two small triangles ...(read more)

Go Speed Racer!

A fun game for your little speed demon: Find a large concrete area. The driveway is a good choice, as long as it's safe! Draw a chalk racetrack on your driveway, and then let your child speed around it on her trike or big wheel. ...(read more)

Easy Easter Eggs

A unique way to do your easter eggs this year! Begin with a batch of hard boiled eggs. (Alternately, you can take a wooden skewer and put it through a raw egg, letting the yolk and white run out.) Rinse the outside of the empty eggshells well ...(read more)

Hopscotch Spelling

A great way to improve spelling skills while having fun! Using either sidewalk chalk or foam interlocking-letter squares (you can find them at Right Start or Ross), list the alphabet. Say a word and have your kid(s) spell out the word hopping on the letters. Younger kids can ...(read more)

Musical Hoops

This is a great activity for groups of 2-6 children and a non-competitive alternative to musical chairs. Gather up several hoops or jump ropes tied in a loop, one for each child and adult. Place a different instrument (maracas, drums, home-made shakers, xylophones, etc.) in each hoop. ...(read more)

Animal Inventory

My daughter loves animals, and I thought this would be a fun way for her to combine her love of animals with learning about our part of the world. We took a camera and walked around our neighborhood, taking pictures of all the animals that we saw. We ...(read more)

Shoe Box Cars

Shoe boxes can be the perfect vehicle to jump start your child's imagination! Find a cardboard shoe box, and let your child decorate it with paints, construction paper, crayons and markers. Add headlights by gluing on two plastic milk jug lids or bottle caps, and make wheels out ...(read more)

Family Map

Purchase a large United States or world map, and a box of colorful thumbtacks. Place the map where your child can easily see it -- either on the wall or on a bulletin board. Talk with your child about where all of your family members live, and place ...(read more)

Ghostly Garland

This Halloween craft is also great way to recycle! Gather some used tissue paper or newspaper. Cut or tear the paper into pieces that are about 1' x 1' (if using newspaper, make the squares a little smaller). Have your child wad the paper up tightly into ...(read more)

Q-Tip Geometric Designs

Early math concepts include shapes. Help your child to learn his shapes in a fun way. Have your child take Q-Tips and place them on construction paper to make different shapes. You can also encourage your child by asking him to make a triangle or a square. ...(read more)

All about My Daddy (or Mommy)

Here's an idea for a cute Father's Day or Mother's Day gift. Staple several pieces of construction paper together to make a book. Ask your child to draw a picture of her daddy (or mom) on the cover. Depending on her age, you can help her by ...(read more)

I'm a Great Helper Coupon Book

To help your child realize what a help they can be to us grown ups, make it fun by creating a 'coupon' book of things they can do or 'give' to us. Take blank white 8 1/2 x 11 paper or construction paper and fold in half. To create the ...(read more)

Mixed-Up People

This is a drawing activity for at least two, and up to three people. Take a piece of paper and fold it in thirds; try to be as exact as possible. On the first third of the paper, draw the head of a pet, an animal or a person. Then, ...(read more)

Super Letter Hunt

Play a hidden alphabet game with your child. Write each letter of your child's name on a separate piece of paper. Then hide the letters throughout your house and send your child on a letter treasure hunt. When she has found them, help her put the letters ...(read more)

Princess Crowns

Using a piece of string, measure your child's head and cut the string to fit the size. Then use the string to measure a piece of construction paper; you might need to tape 2 pieces of paper together if your child's head is on the larger size. Once you have ...(read more)

Step into the Story

Next time you read a story to your preschooler, try this activity to develop his problem solving and creative thinking skills. When you get to a point in the story where the character faces a problem or needs to make a decision, stop reading and ask your child to ...(read more)

Wacky Day

On a day when you plan to stay home, have everyone put together the wildest, wackiest outfits they can find and wear them all day. Pair some striped pants or crazy skirt with sneakers or flip flops and a Tiara. Everyone needs to join in. Choose a ...(read more)

Cheesy ABC and 123 Pretzels

Little helpers can practice measuring and pouring while making these pretzels with you, and they will love shaping the pretzels into letters, numbers, or any shapes they choose. 1) Preheat oven to 425. 2) Lightly spray a cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. 3) Put 1 1/2 cups warm ...(read more)

What are they thinking?

Look through magazines or books for interesting or funny pictures. Ones with people and/or animals in action work best. Take turns with your child making up what the figures in the pictures are saying to one another. Cut out the pictures and paste them in a book. ...(read more)

Chickens, Foxes, and Snakes

This is a fun version of tag to be played with a group of children - at least 4 is best. Divide the players into 3 groups: chicken, foxes, and snakes. Explain that chickens eat snakes, foxes eat chickens, and snakes eat foxes. Then count to 3 ...(read more)

Turkey Hunt

Draw or paste pictures of turkeys on 10-12 index cards. Send the "hunters" into another room while you hide the turkeys. You're now ready to let the game begin! Turn your "hunters" loose to see who can find the most turkeys. As the hunters find the turkeys, ...(read more)

Ribbon Photo Albums

Would you like a less frustrating or time consuming option to scrapbooking with all those stickers and special paper? I did, so I decided to simplify the memory capturing process by making my photo albums more about the subject than the display. I bought a photo album, 8x8 ...(read more)

All About My Family Book

Create a "book" about your family. Take pictures of the people in your family, your pets, your home, your cars...anything that your child feels is a part of your family. Cut white paper into 4x6 sheets. Arrange the photos into a small 4x6 photo album, leaving a page ...(read more)

Grape Surprise

1. Mix the peanut butter, dry milk, and honey in a small bowl until a soft dough is formed. 2. Form the dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten the balls into circles about 2 inches in diameter. 3. Have your child place a grape in the center of ...(read more)

Halloween Goo

Combine the ingredients listed to make a squishable, oozy material. This is great at Halloween! It can be placed in a wicker basket in a doorway, and it will ooze out. Or place it in a container and have kids feel it while blindfolded. If the ...(read more)

How Many Will Fit?

Here's a twist on a common game of guessing how many of an item are in a container. Have your child look at an empty, small, clear plastic jar and a group of small objects (such as peanuts, cottonballs, marbles, or Goldfish crackers) and estimate how many of the ...(read more)

Time to Rest

Pick a slow song or lullaby. Tell child to pretend to sleep with you or just lie down and listen. Play as much of the song as you like. This exercise encourages your child to experience relaxation and to listen. ...(read more)

Magic Cups

This simple game for toddlers and preschoolers is based on the same principle as peek-a-boo, the favorite game of many infants. To start the game, hide a small toy under one of three cups while your child is watching. Then move the cups around and ask him to guess ...(read more)

Drawing Music

Put on some music for your little one. It can be classical, jazzy, kids or adult music. Give him a paper and crayon and have him draw the music he hears. Does it make him want to make slow, lazy loops or fast and frantic dots? ...(read more)

Counting Cards

This is a very simple activity that reinforces numbers, both writing and counting. Using 3x5 cards, write the numerals 0-10 or if your child has mastered to 10, 0-20, one number per card. One the reverse side of the card, use small reward stickers and stick on the ...(read more)

Name Trees

Cut out a tree trunk with several branches. Then cut out leaves in various colors -- for a spring tree, you can use lighter shades of green; for an autumn tree, use reds and oranges. Have your child write each letter in his or her name on a ...(read more)

Name that Produce

Need an idea to make going to the grocery store more fun for kids? Want to encourage your child to be more excited about fruits and veggies? Make a game out of the produce section! As you are shopping, see how many different kinds of produce your ...(read more)

Bubble Count

My 4-year-old daughter made up this game, and I thought it was rather clever! As I blow bubbles, she pops them with her finger and says a number, starting with the number 1. As the bubbles float by, she pops them and counts the next number, and the ...(read more)

Read the Room

I used to use this activity in my Kindergarten and Preschool classes, and the kids loved it! Turn a room in your house into a readable classroom by labeling things in it on blank 3x5 cards. Clearly print words like: couch, clock, rug, television, door, etc. and ...(read more)

Digital Chores List

Take photos of your child doing a chore. Print photo and place it next to a written list of chores. Some good examples are make bed, feed fish, set table, put utensils away, dust. This will help you to create an easy and fun reminder or your ...(read more)

Sequencing Stories

Buy 2 cheap books; the best kinds are the ones that are the kind that are bound with staples. Take both books apart, and put all of the pages on the table so that one of each page is facing up. Then have your child put the stories ...(read more)

Summer Walk

Go for a summer walk through the neighborhood and point out the changes since spring and winter, or have you child point out the changes, if he or she is old enough. This works with any season and is a great way to teach your child about seasons and ...(read more)

License Plate Alphabet Game

A fun road trip game: Try to find each letter of the alphabet on the license plates of cars. Start with "A", and the first person in the car to find the letter gets a point. Keep going until you get to Z!...(read more)

Follow the Clapping Leader

You can do this with just you and your child or with a group of children. Clap out a rhythm on your shoulder, knee, arm, or some other body part, and your child or the group of children must follow. Any number can play this game and if you are ...(read more)

Parade Shakers

1. Decorate an empty paper towel roll by stapling several twelve-inch strips of crepe paper to each end of the roll. 2. Cut each strip into thirds, lengthwise, to make each strip into three narrow strips. 3. Scrunch each strip with your fingers to make the shaker look ...(read more)

You've Got Mail!

Teach your preschooler about how the mail system works by writing a note together. Put the note in an envelope and address it to yourself (with your child's name, of course) and affix a stamp. Then take the letter to the mail box at the post office. ...(read more)

Indoor Hopscotch

This is a twist on the traditional hopscotch for little ones learning their ABC's and 123's. First start by making squares or rectangles with letters and numbers on them. Then lay them out all over the floor. Have your child start at one end of the room ...(read more)

Living Room Plays

Next time you have a group of children together, try this fun activity. Let the children choose a story to act out, one that you know the story of, as well. Let each child choose each part that he or she wants to play -- it's fine if ...(read more)

Operator

Remember this game? Sit in a circle (the more players the better). One person starts by whispering a message to the person next to them. The message can be anything, but don't let anyone else hear. Each player repeats the message to their neighbor as quietly ...(read more)

Where Have You Been?

Get a large map of the world or of the United States. You can either tape it to your child's wall or roll it up for easy storage. Each time you take a trip, mark the place you visit with a sticker on your child's map. You'll ...(read more)

Jump Inside the Circle

Best played with a group of children. Have everyone sit in a large circle facing each other. One adult describes a child in the circle using visual clues, and everyone tries to guess which child it is. Example: "This person is wearing a red sweater and blue ...(read more)

Shark!

4 to 10 children can play this game together. Spread out five hula hoops on a lawn (about 5 feet apart). One child is the shark. All other children stand inside one of the hula hoops. There cannot be more than 2 children in one hoop ...(read more)

Working with Tongs

Help your child with her fine motor skills with this kitchen utensil game. Find two bowls and fill them with water. Take your smaller, waterproof kitchen items and put them in one of the bowls. Give your child the kitchen tongs and show her how to hold them as well ...(read more)

Memory Master

Tell your child to stare at a picture in a catalog, a page of their favorite book, the contents of your purse, or even the opposite wall. After 60 seconds, your child should look away and you, as Memory Master, can quiz your child about what he or she has ...(read more)

Story Starter

Here's an activity you can do before bedtime or on long car rides. Suggest three or four characters (say a pig, a basket, a car, and an apple) and challenge your child to create a story that uses these characters. Then switch roles either using the same characters or ...(read more)

Family Records

Here's another great activity when you are waiting in a restaurant or at the doctor's office or at the airport. Family Records. How many times can your child (or you) hop on one foot in 20 seconds? Clap hands? Cluck your tongue? Snap fingers? Hold your breath? ...(read more)

Making Flags

On a large piece of paper or poster board, draw the outline of the American flag, or any other country's flag design. Give your child the appropriate colors in markers or crayons to fill in the spaces. Or fill in the spaces with a collage of colors taken ...(read more)

Fire Chief Badges

Children enjoy decorating fire chief badges, which they can then wear on their shirts. Just trace a picture of a badge and cut it out. Give your child markers and a variety of craft materials to decorate the badge. Then glue or tape a safety pin to the back of ...(read more)

Ladybugs Rock!

On your next walk around the neighborhood, see if you can find a smooth, round rock. When you get home, have your child paint it red, then add black spots and maybe a face. Glue on googly eyes to complete the project. Very cute!...(read more)

Cinnamon-Applesauce Ornaments

Let the kids decorate the tree this year with these simple ornaments that smell as good as they look. To make the ornaments: 1) Combine 1 cup applesauce and 1 cup cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a dough. (If dough is too wet, add a ...(read more)

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothies

Let your little ones help you make this nutritious treat! Wash the fresh strawberries. Peel a banana & slice it in half or in quarters. Let your little one help you count and then place all the fruit in an electric blender. Spoon the yogurt into the ...(read more)

Shoe Box Trains

Shoe boxes come in handy for so many crafts - here's another idea for any empty boxes you have lying around the house. Have your preschooler decorate the shoe box with markers, crayons, stickers, and other art supplies. Once they've finished decorating the shoe box, poke a hole ...(read more)

Easter Egg Shakers

If you find yourself with too many plastic Easter eggs, try making this quick musical instrument with your child! Pick out an egg or two, and fill it halfway full with uncooked rice, beans, or small dried pasta. Glue the halves together with a strong glue (this is ...(read more)

Pom-Pom Fireworks

Purchase some craft pom-poms in different sizes and colors from the craft store. Find a basket that can hold all of the pom-poms that you can keep on a shelf or in a drawer. When your kids are getting antsy and need to get some energy out, bring ...(read more)

Consonant Crazy

This is a music activity that my daughter learned in preschool, and now she applies it to any song that she knows. Two tunes that work well are "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and the traditional birthday song. Choose a consonant letter from the alphabet and use ...(read more)

Cartography for Kids

When traveling on a long car trip, give your kids a laminated map of the US and, using a Vis a Vis pen, have them trace the map route along with you. You can also have a separate map where your child can color in the states you ...(read more)

History of the Holiday

As the holidays roll around, be sure to talk to your kids about each one. They all have a historical importance and fun facts to learn. Make it more than just a day they have off school or a reason to send a card. Most kids can't ...(read more)

Cutting Food

Here is a simple way to entertain your child while you are preparing meals in the kitchen. Give your child a cutting board and a plastic knife (or if they are old enough, a butter knife). Next give him some of the things you are using in your ...(read more)

5 Senses Game

This is a great activity for kids to do on a car trip. Name an object that you see while driving, for example, a tree, a cow, a tire, etc. Have your child describe it using the 5 senses: what does the object look like, does it ...(read more)

Valentine Stained Glass

To make a festive Valentine's Day window decoration, cut a large heart out of 2 sheets of red, pink, or white construction paper. The heart must be the same size & placement on both sheets because you will be using the heart-shaped holes not the hearts themselves. Next ...(read more)

Where in the World?

Use a map or globe; kids love that globes spin, but if you don't have one, use an atlas or a map. Let your child run their finger around it until they find the perfect spot. Then play a game called "Where in the world is this?" ...(read more)

Peanut Butter Caterpillars

This is a fun snack for your child to make. You will need one banana, peanut butter and raisins. Begin by slicing a banana into circles. Use peanut butter to stick the slices together to form a caterpillar as your child desires. Use raisins for the eyes, mouth and nose. ...(read more)

Magazine Flashcards

Cut out pictures from old magazines that illustrate simple 3 letter words, such as "dog" or "hat." Have your child help you glue these pictures onto construction paper. Write the word that describes the picture underneath of the picture and have your child read the word to you ...(read more)

A Seder Plate for Passover

This is a great way for kids to learn what items are included on a traditional Seder plate. Start by painting a large, sturdy white paper plate green, to commemorate that Passover is a spring holiday. Next, paint the inside bottoms of 5 white cupcake liners liners in ...(read more)

Making a Small Menorah

This is very cute and easy project for young kids to make at Hanukkah. Buy a small rectangular piece of white tile (about 8"-12" long x 3" wide). Have your child paint the tile. Once the tile is dry, glue a small piece of tile in the ...(read more)

Making Party Hats

Making party hats is a fun activity if you're planning to be home with the kids for New Year's. Foam visors are your best bet for inexpensive, simple, unadorned hats in festive colors, and you can usually find them at craft stores. Once you have your hats, have ...(read more)

Keep the Change

Here's an activity that will teach your child to count, add and be money savvy. Hand your child some pennies and ask him to count them. If he gets it correct, tell him he can keep the money in his piggy bank. Depending on the age and level of your ...(read more)

Spot Your Name

This is a fun way to encourage letter recognition and spelling of your child's name: Have your child write down her name on a piece of paper or if they are still learning to write their name, write it yourself in bold, capital letters. Then, using ...(read more)

Traffic Light Crossings

Turn crossing the street with your child into a multi-faceted learning activity: When you stop in front of a traffic light, ask your child to name the colors. Discuss what each color means in the context of the traffic light and crosswalk. Then talk about how to cross ...(read more)

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Use a basket-style coffee filter (round shaped) to make a snowflake. Fold the filter in half three times. Cut out shapes along the edges of the folds to reveal a beautiful snowflake when unfolded. Discuss with your child the uniqueness of each snowflake made!...(read more)

Spring Collage

Go on a nature walk in the spring and pick up wild flowers, leaves, twigs, feathers, and other signs of spring in a paper bag. Next, help your child write "spring" on a paper plate. Then have him or her glue on the spring items to the plate. A pretty ...(read more)

Matzo Tickets

Looking for a way to keep the kids engaged during the Seder? Try passing out matzo tickets each time they participate in a positive way: To make the cards, draw simple pictures of matzo on unlined index cards or enlist the kids to help. Distribute during ...(read more)

St. Patrick's Day Lucky Clover Craft

Talk to your child about things she feels lucky to have in her life. It could be friends, family, pets, toys, etc. Then cut out a large four-leaf clover on green construction paper. For older children, you can draw the outline of the clover and have them ...(read more)

Tissue Paper Earth

Have your child draw and cut out a large circle on cardboard paper. Help them to draw some of the continents on their circle, creating a sketch of the Earth. Next, wad up pieces of blue and green tissue paper -- green for the continents and blue for the ...(read more)

10 Plagues Goody Bags

If you're planning on having a lot of small children at your Passover Seder this year, you may want to consider putting together some 10 Plagues goody bags to keep everyone occupied: You can probably find almost everything you'll need by scouring a few dollar stores. You can, ...(read more)

Animal Name Game

This is a fun and easy game to play in honor of Earth Day or any time! The object is to come up with as many names of animals who inhabit the earth as you can: You'll need at least 2 players with a strong grasp of the ...(read more)

Afikomen Diplomacy

At the beginning of the Passover Seder, it's traditional to hide a special piece of matzo or the afikomen for the kids to compete to find at the end of the evening. In most homes, the child who finds the afikomen receives a prize while the other kids wind up ...(read more)

Beyond Twinkle, Twinkle: Astronomy 101

As the weather starts to warm up, spend some time outdoors with your child on a clear night. Lie on a blanket with your child and look up at the nighttime sky. Count at least 20 stars. Talk about the shape of the moon. Teach your ...(read more)

Fun with Balloons

Blow up different sized balloons for some indoor fun. Some large, medium and small are ideal. Throw some long, skinny ones into the mix, too. Put on some music and try to keep those balloons aloft. Do they behave differently depending on their size? Stop ...(read more)

The Counting Game

Often asking a child to count can become a chore for the child. It is important to always make learning fun. I find that counting from 1 to 100 is not that exciting for a 4 year old. So I try and make it a game. ...(read more)

Plant a Tree!

It's just that simple - plant a tree! Use this experience to honor a loved one. Teach your child about the many functions of trees and how they benefit our environment. Be sure to include a basic botany lesson -- how the roots will help the tree to drink ...(read more)

Recycling Matters

Gather the family and visit a nearby recycling plant. Be sure to call ahead to make arrangements for a guided tour. Help prepare and educate your child on recycling by checking out relevant books at your library and reading them together in preparations for your tour. Be sure to ...(read more)

Spring Cleaning!

On Earth Day, get the whole family together to do some spring cleaning - outdoors! Visit a park or lake nearby and spend an hour or two picking up trash in the area. Teach your child about litter, appropriate places to put trash, keeping our world clean, and recycling. Be ...(read more)

4th of July Cupcakes

Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe or the package directions. While the cupcakes are baking, hull and slice the strawberries in half. Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost the cupcakes with white frosting. Now you and your kids are ready for the fun part! Decorate ...(read more)

Cinco Means Five

A great thing to do on Cinco de Mayo is teach your little one some Spanish words! You can select five words such as five colors or five fruits or vegetable or maybe 5 days of the week. You can also teach five words each week ...(read more)

Jellybean Surprise

Fill an ice cube tray with 7-Up. Put different colored jellybeans in each section and see what happens! Freeze the tray and add the colored ice cubes to a clear cup of 7-Up. What happens then?

Patriotic Plants

These will look festive on your front porch for the 4th of July or any of our patriotic holidays. Begin by painting the rim of the flowerpot white and the lower part of the pot blue (or paint the rim blue and the lower part white). Let the paint ...(read more)

Bunny Ears

Cut out a 3-4 inch strip of white construction paper long enough to fit around your child's head. Decorate the paper with Easter/springtime stickers, pictures, etc., then staple it together to fit your child's head measurement. Cut out two long bunny ears. Either color them pink in the middle, or ...(read more)

Happy Birthday Apron

For your child's next birthday party, purchase a child-sized apron that can be decorated. Help the party guests to put fabric paint on their hands, and then let them make a handprint on the apron. Write the name of each child next to their handprint. Your child will have a ...(read more)

My Mommy and Me

Here's an idea for a cute Mother's Day gift -- or Father's Day gift. Staple several pieces of construction paper together to make a book. Ask your child to draw a picture of herself with her mom (or dad) on the cover. On each of the other pages, write ...(read more)

Maypole

This Maypole makes a fun summer yard ornament or activity for a May birthday party. At your local home improvement or hardware store, select a material that would make a good pole to stick in the ground: a length of rebar, a wooden stake, a piece of metal ...(read more)

Egg Shaker

Here's an idea for a fun Easter treat that does not involve candy! Fill half of a plastic Easter egg with about 1 tablespoon of rice or small dried beans. Put a thin layer of craft glue around the rim of the egg and then snap the other ...(read more)

Fill it Up!

Ask your child to fill a container such as a sand bucket up with rocks until it is completely full. Then ask them to find out if the container full of rocks has room for some sand by adding as much sand as they can until it spills over. ...(read more)

Sidewalk 'Painting'

On a warm day, take the kids outside to 'paint' the sidewalk using water instead of paint. They love that they are painting, but you don't have any clean-up! They can also do handprints and footprints by getting their hands and feet wet....(read more)

Lava Lamps

Take a jar or bottle of any size and pour a small amount of vegetable oil in it and then pour a small amount of water into the same bottle. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want to color the liquid. Then add sparkles, confetti and glitter ...(read more)

Blowing in the Wind (Creating a Wind Vane)

Teach your kids about wind and the weather with this fun activity. Decorate a large piece of construction paper with markers, paints or other art supplies. Then roll it into a long tube (about the size of a paper towel tube) and staple or tape the paper along ...(read more)

Marshmallow Architecture

Take a box of tooth picks and a bag of mini marshmallows and put them out on a table. Then show the kids how to create three-dimensional structures by placing the marshmallows onto the tooth picks. They have a great time creating big structures, houses, tunnels, etc. ...(read more)

Indoor treasure hunt

Tell the kids to hide in one room of the house. Then take some toy cars, action figures, or other non-breakable toys and objects and hide them in a different room. Once you are done hiding, give each kid a brown paper bag and then have them come ...(read more)

Freeze Dancing

Turn on the radio or CD Player and start to dance with the kiddies. Then turn the music off randomly and surprise the kids by saying 'Freeze.' If they don't freeze, they can be out or you can just continue to play without doing the elimination. With ...(read more)

Rainbow Stew

Stir together 1 cup cornstarch, 4 cups water, and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat on the stove until thick. Remove from heat and wait for it to cool. Pour the mixture into sandwich-size ziploc bags, filling each one halfway. Scatter drops of ...(read more)

Dreamcatchers

Making dreamcatchers is an easy, fun craft. Stretch a wire hanger into a diamond or circle shape. The kids love using their 'He-man' strength. Next stretch a nylon stocking over the hanger and tie at the top. Glue feathers, ribbons, sparkly beads, or any other decorations on. ...(read more)

Touring a Fire Station

Contact your local Fire Station and ask if they give tours. Most fire stations will provide tours for children and will tailor the tour to the age of the children attending. This is a great group activity! Many stations will even allow you to have a birthday ...(read more)

Tactile Fun with Textures

Using different textured materials (e.g. corduroy, silk, wool, etc.), cut out 4X4 squares of the materials and then punch hole in one corner. Hang all of the fabrics together on a single shower curtain ring. Babies can use this to explore different textures, toddlers can find new descriptive words for the ...(read more)

M&M Math

Dump a bag of M&Ms on the table and ask your child to sort them into different piles, by color. Then ask her to create vertical lines to show, without counting, which color has the most M&M's. You can add to the game by asking other questions such ...(read more)

Calling all Budding Thespians

Instead of simply reading your child's favorite book again, make it interactive. Let him/her choose a page or scene from the book and act it out. For example, my son loves construction equipment, so he goes through his books and tells me to be one of the bulldozers ...(read more)

Choose-a-Chore

Toddlers love to 'help' around the house. A great way to teach them to help with chores and enjoy them at the same time is to turn them into a game. Let your child choose a chore to help with (e.g. laundry or unloading the dishwasher). For ...(read more)

Say Cheese: Homemade Photo Albums

Help your toddler remember friends and relatives whom they do not get to see often. Choose or take a photograph of each person you wish to include in the book. Using colored markers, let your child help write the name of that person on a piece of paper. ...(read more)

Itty Bitty Bye... About So High

This is a great treasure hunt game that can be played indoors or out with older children and ones as young as 2. My 7, 5, and 3 year olds love it. Pick an object to hide and show it to your child. Your child covers their ...(read more)

Finger Painting with Pudding

Prepare pudding and tape paper to a table. Feel free to add food coloring to make a more colorful 'paint.' Give each child his or her own container of pudding, then let them use their fingers to paint on the paper. In addition to creating a pudding masterpiece, ...(read more)

Homemade Playdough

Mix together the flour, salt, water, food coloring, cream or tartar, and cooking oil in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture forms a large 'ball' and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove the ball from the heat. Once ...(read more)

Noodle Art

Let your kids get creative with what's in the pantry. Each time I cook pasta, I always save a little bit of the noodles in a baggie. Then once we have accumulated enough different types of noodles, we make art. Let the kids use their imagination and ...(read more)

Paper Plate Masks

Use a small white paper plate as the base for a child's mask. Cut two holes about where the child's eyes will be, then punch one hole on either side of the paper plate and tie a piece of string or yarn through each hole. This will be ...(read more)

Paper Tube Maracas

Take an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube. Cover one end with a small square of construction paper and fasten the square to the tube with a rubber band. Then fill the tube with dried beans or uncooked rice -- you can experiment with different amounts and ...(read more)

Life Size Paper Doll

Take a long piece of butcher paper and have your child lie down on top of it (his or her entire body needs to fit within the edges with a good margin around the sides). Trace around your child's body with a Sharpie. When your child stands up, ...(read more)

What's in the Sock?

Place a small object inside a large tube sock. then, have your child will stick his or her hand inside the sock, feel the object, and try to guess what it is. This activity helps children focus on their sense of touch. Select items such as ...(read more)

Picture Toast

Read a book with your child. In a small cup, mix 1/4 cup of milk with a few drops of food coloring. Use a Q-tip to paint the colored milk onto a piece of bread. Ask your child to paint their favorite part of the story or ...(read more)

What's Missing?

On a cookie sheet, place 5 or 6 small objects, such as a spoon, brush, book, toy, sock, or crayon. Allow your child to look at all the items on the cookie sheet. Have your child turn around, so you can remove one of the objects from the ...(read more)

Pinto Bean Letters and Numbers

Give your child a handful of uncooked pinto beans and have them use the beans to make letters or numbers. They can develop fine motor skills as they carefully lay the beans in rows and curves.

Picture Sort

Sort pictures into groups of boys/girls, tall/short, hair color, or young/old. Kids could also make a line of all the pictures from youngest to oldest or shortest to tallest.

Making Play Binoculars

Tape or glue two clean toilet tissue cardboard tolls together and then tape some string to each roll so that the child can put it around his/her neck. To make it extra fun, paint, color or add stickers before or after taping/gluing the rolls....(read more)

Oatmeal Drum

Making a drum out of the tall 42 oz cylindrical shaped oatmeal container. Take top off and cover the container using decorated paper. You can use glue to seal the edges. Then seal opening with construction paper by securely using tape. Little kids will enjoy drumming ...(read more)

Letter Hunt

Get a stack of index cards and write one letter on each card and then hide them around a room. After hiding the letters, ask your child to find as many of the index cards as possible. As they find each card tell them to say the letter out loud. ...(read more)

Blessing Ring/Birthday Ring

Cut thin strips of colored construction paper. Write the name of a blessing on each piece of paper. (Optional - Decorate the paper with stickers, etc.) Link the pieces of paper to form one long chain that you can hang on the fireplace or anywhere in the house. ...(read more)

Popsicle Painting

Paint pictures on white paper using different colors of popsicles. You can use this activity to illustrate the concept of melting ice turning into water.

Homemade Crayons

This is a fun craft you can do with your leftover broken crayons. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Get a muffin tin and line it with foil, spray foil lightly with non-stick spray. Then, take your old, broken crayon pieces (use pieces smaller than 1/2 inch) and ...(read more)

Pantry Painting

Painting doesn't have to be limited to paint brushes. You can use lots of different painting tools to produce different artistic results. Some ideas include: feathers, twigs or leaves, eyedroppers, toothbrushes, vegetable and pastry brushes Also, try adding something to change the texture of the paint. ...(read more)

Homemade Playdough -- No Cooking Required!

Into a large bowl, put 3 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 2 tablespoons of warm water, and 1 and 1/2 cups vegetable oil. Knead all ingredients together and form into balls (this is a great sensory development skill for younger children). Then gently work in a few ...(read more)

Spin Art Cards

Have your little one help create birthday and/or holiday cards using a spin art machine. Once your child has completed the spin art, they can then add their artistic touch by 'signing' or adding a personal message....(read more)

Balloon Ball

Find a fairly large, open area of the house where your child won't be in danger of running into anything. Blow up a balloon and show your child how to hit the balloon into the air with his/her hands. Try to hit the balloon back and forth, counting ...(read more)

Greeting Card Lace-Ups

Using the pictures on the front of old greeting cards, punch holes around the outline of a character. Have your child lace a shoestring through the holes. Your child will think that she is 'sewing'!

Beanbag Balls

Use this activity to make totally awesome squishable balls. They are great for beanbag games or a good old game of catch. 1. Stretch the first balloon by inflating it halfway, holding it closed for about 30 seconds, and then deflating it. 2. Place a funnel in the balloon's neck ...(read more)

Mixing Colors

Teach your child how to mix two colors together to make another color (e.g. yellow blue makes green and red blue makes purple). To begin, fill up a couple of clear glasses with water. Then, allow your kids to add drops of food coloring to make your color mixes -- ...(read more)

Inside Out Science

Science isn't just projects, it's everywhere. My kids enjoy learning about things by taking them apart to see what's inside. Collect a few flowers and examine them together. Talk about their texture, take them apart carefully so you can see how they're made. Squish them in ...(read more)

Mixed-Up Words

This game requires that your child know at least some of the consonant sounds from the alphabet. Start by choosing an object (for example, a table), then substitute the first letter with another one (maybe a 'P'). Say the result, 'pable,' and see if your child can guess ...(read more)

Where I Live

All kids should know their address, but sometimes it's hard for little ones to memorize it. Help them by making your address part of a rhyme. Here are some examples: When I see my house I start to holler: 'That's where I live, #57 ...(read more)

What's the 411? Important Information about Where You Live

Take a picture of your house and paste it on a piece of construction paper (older children can help with this). Cut out a picture of your state and paste it on the paper as well. Then write out your full address, city, state, and telephone number. If you have ...(read more)

Painting with Marbles

Place a white sheet of paper on a cookie sheet or other pan with taller sides. Place several drops of paint (different colors) on the paper. Then, place a few marbles in the pan, have your child roll them around, and see what designs can be made!...(read more)

Swinging Statues

Best played outside, but can also be done indoors if you clear a big enough space. You are the 'sculptor' and your child will be the 'statue.' Gently swing your child in circles (either by holding under their arms or just by holding hands) 2 or 3 times, ...(read more)

Freeze Tag

A classic game that never grows old. One person is 'It' and he or she chases the other players in an attempt to tag them. When players are tagged, they're frozen in place and can only be freed when another player crawls through their legs. The game ...(read more)

Melting Candles Tag

My son plays this at school - a different version of the traditional 'Freeze Tag.' One player is chosen as 'It,' and chases the other players in an attempt to tag them. When tagged, you freeze in place with your arms above your head (fingers touching) and begin ...(read more)

Toddler Charades

My 3-year old loves playing this simplified version of charades. Imitate an animal or object and have your child guess what you are. Alternatively, imitate an activity and have your child guess what you're doing. Take turns. Be sure to explain to your child that there ...(read more)

Blanket Rides

Put your child in the middle of a blanket, sheet, or towel and slowly pull them around. They will experience a new way to move through space and see what's around them! Little ones may be more comfortable on their tummies, older ones can sit....(read more)

Playing Elevator

Spread a towel on the ground for your 'elevator.' Step in and push the pretend button to travel to different floors. Describe each step: 'The door is opening' (show with your hands). 'We're getting on the elevator' (step on the towel). 'We're pushing two' (push ...(read more)

Pack-n-Play: Packing for an Adventure

Have your child pack a backpack, small suitcase, or any available bag for 'taking a trip.' They can pack whatever they think they'll need - socks, jammies, toys, toothbrush. Take the bag to a pretend destination. What will you do there? Did you pack everything you ...(read more)

Dressing Mommy

My child's preschool puts on an annual Mother's Day Tea and every year there are always a few moms who come dressed in outfits specially chosen by their child. What a wonderful (and brave!) way to listen to your child's opinion! So, if you've ever struggled with your ...(read more)

Leaf Collage

Create a collage of leaves to hang in the window. Cut two sheets of clear contact paper to desired size (a square 8' is good). Peel back paper to reveal sticky side of one sheet, and stick on leaves, moss, etc. of various sizes and colors. Then peel and ...(read more)

Creating a Memory Art Book

When my toddler was still very young, I purchased a nice, large, spiral-bound sketch book. Every so often when he is coloring, painting, or using his markers, I get out the sketch pad and have him color on one of the pages. I date each page in the ...(read more)

Painting with Cars

Cover a table with butcher paper. Using washable paint, put some into little trays. Then, take a few little cars that have tread on their tires. Dip into paint and roll onto paper. Mix it up by using a few different colors....(read more)

Leaves, Acorns, and Rocks, Oh My! Building a Nature Collection

Children love to collect various items on an outdoor walk. Next time you go on a walk with your child, bring a bag with you. As your child collects leaves, acorns, and rocks, put them into your bag. When you arrive home, you and your child can ...(read more)

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

To make your own snow globe, first sand the inside of the lid of your jar until it's rough. Then, adhere the figurines with clear drying epoxy and let dry. Next, fill the jar with water until almost full. Sprinkle glitter and a pinch of glycerin (this ...(read more)

Making Melonballs

Have your kids help scoop out fruit with a melon baller into a bowl. Choose different colored fruit to make a colorful salad and serve in small bowls. Older children can help to count the number of balls that go in each bowl. If age appropriate, you ...(read more)

Sink or Swim?

Fill a small tub with water and ask your child if they think an object will sink or float. Then have them place (or toss depending on how messy you want to be) in the water. What happens next?

Red means Stop

My one-and-a-half-year old was having difficulty with the concept of 'stop' so now we play a game where we say, 'run and run and run and stop' while we are out, in order to practice. You can also try walk and stop, slide and stop, tiptoe and stop. ...(read more)

Homemade Obstacle Courses

Using various household or backyard objects, develop a running, jumping, ducking course for children to run around in the backyard. The kids can have a race or run just for fun!

Breaking the Piggy Bank or Banking 101

Sorting, counting, and rolling coins is a great way to teach your child about money. We put all our spare change in my son's piggy bank and then when it's full, my son gets to dump it out and we roll the coins together. First we have him ...(read more)