With all of the lockdown’s, mini lockdown’s, school at home and school holiday’s, it’s no wonder we have all had to come up with different ways to entertain the kids over the past 12 months.
We love new ideas (and classic, refreshed ideas) that keep the iPad away and little ones physically and mentally active, so we have put together some activities for you to try as we head in to the final weeks of School Holidays!
Raised Salt Painting –
This is one cost effective activity that the whole family will enjoy, from toddlers learning their way with colour to parents who can relax while taking their time to build a masterpiece!
Materials:
- Thick white paper
- Squeeze bottle of glue
- Table salt
- Liquid watercolour paint
- Paint brushes or droppers
Method:
- Squeeze glue designs or pictures on to your paper
- Sprinkle salt over glue until thoroughly covered. Tip the paper to let the excess salt fall away.
- Dip your paintbrush into the watercolour paint then gently touch the salt-covered glue lines. Watch the paint “magically” travel in both directions!
- Let the art work dry thoroughly – this may take a day or two depending on the weather.
The WeDo Games –
The WeDo Game has been described in the media as a “smart parenting tool” and “a winning formula for families”. It is a compilation of games, activities and ideas that you can do with your baby, toddler and entire family.
Each game set is tailored to the age group you wish to partake with and consists of ideas, much like this blog, that will have you trying new things together as well as learning and developing various skills.
Example from WeDo Game Family ~
Find out more about the WeDo Game Baby, HERE
Find out more about the WeDo Game Toddler, HERE
Find out more about the WeDo Game Family, HERE
Play Dough –
A tried and tested classic, play dough is one activity that has been there from when we were kids and our parents were kids! From making the play dough together with your children, to building figures and objects together, it is a lot of fun.
Once the dough is made, we recommend putting out a large chopping board for the play. This will keep it from ending up in carpet and couches (hopefully) and also make it easier for little hands to work on.
Add other materials such as pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks and craft pieces to add to the magic!
Recipe:
1 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup table salt
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- Food colouring
Method:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar. Mix well.
- Add the oil (don’t mix again just yet)
- Mix a few drops of food colouring into the boiling water first and then add to the bowl
- Mix everything really well and then massage with your hands until it is no longer sticky
- Play!
The Back and Forth Drawing Game –
This is a simple activity that can be done between siblings, friends or even parents. It is also good for times when all you have is a pencil and paper, should coloured markers not be on hand.
Method:
- One person starts drawing, something simple and quick. For example, maybe a circle or pair of eyes.
- The other person then adds something to the drawing.
- This continues, back and forth, until you have finished the drawing.
It is a great way to connect with your little ones – or even your partner if you want a laugh and some fun!
Boredom Jar –
This can be done on your own (making the actual jar of ideas) or with your little ones help. We like the idea of having the kids join in too.
Method:
- On pieces of paper, write down activities you enjoy doing – crafts, games, sports and even some chores.
- Whenever someone says they are bored or there is ‘nothing to do’, instead of reaching for the TV remote, reach for the Boredom Jar and select an activity to do.
- Another option is to allow the selection of 3 pieces of paper, then your child can pick the 1 out of the 3 they wish to do.
Boredom Jar Activity Ideas ~
Build a fort
Write a letter
Sock puppets
Dress ups
Tea Party
Lego Colour Hunt –
Another simple one that will keep the kids entertained and as an added bonus, you can let them do on their own while you supervise... but don’t have to be actively involved J
Method:
- Select 4 pieces of coloured paper (or simply write the name of the colour on white paper if your children are old enough to understand colours and words in writing)
- Select 10 pieces of Lego (can substitute this with blocks or items you have multiple of in multiple colours) that match each of the 4 colours you have selected on the paper
- Hide all 40 pieces of Lego throughout the house, or room for younger children with less attention span
- Start the clock and have the kids go hunting. Ensure that they know how many pieces there are of each colour, so they count their Lego piles to see if any are missing.
- Once they find them all, you can re-hide them and make it a competition to see if they get a better time recorded, or have them build something out of the Lego!
Do you have a fun go-to activity that you do with your kids? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Want to know more about the WeDo Game or which set would be ideal for you? Send us a message!
