Activity one: Ice cube paints
You’ll need
- Ice cube tray
- Food colouring (or water based paint)
- Ice block sticks (optional)
- Plain paper
This is so simple yet so fun for little ones. Grab an empty ice cube tray, pop a few drops of food colouring or paint into each tub (choose a few different colours), add water, and mix. Pop them in the freezer and when they’ve started to set, place an ice block stick in the middle (optional). Set them in the freezer overnight. When you’re ready, simply pop out the cubes, grab some paper and start painting with your little one. They’ll love exploring the cold texture on their hands and seeing the colours leave a trail on the paper. Tip...wear old clothes, this can get messy!
Activity two: Plant seeds
You’ll need
- Some seeds (flowers or vegetables)
- A patch of dirt (garden, planter box)
Anyone can grow something at home, even in the smallest spaces. Simply add some seeds to your shopping list. Any flowers or vegetables will do, but we love fast growing plants like sunflowers or marigolds. Your toddler will love getting their hands in the dirt to plant the seeds. Each week you can take them to their garden to water the plant and watch the progress. Tip...while you’re getting your hands dirty, why not add water and make some messy mud pies too!
Activity three: Sink or float
You’ll need
- A tub for water
- A bunch of objects (rocks, kitchenware, toys)
Grab a tub for water (try a clear plastic storage bin, a bucket, pot, even the bathtub or kitchen sink will do) and a bunch of different objects from around the house. Make sure you pick objects you don’t mind getting wet. The idea is to help your little one explore which objects will sink, and which will float. Explain each item and ask them what they think will happen. Even if they don’t understand the concept yet, they will love splashing the water and submerging the different objects.
Activity four: Pom pom sorting
You’ll need
- Different coloured pom poms
- Muffin pan
Buy a packet of craft pom poms in multiple colours (Spotlight or any craft store has them). Sit with your little one and sort the pom poms into coloured sections within the muffin tray. Explain what each colour is as you go, this will help your child to recognise colours. Many toddlers will love paying attention to the colours and as they learn each colour, will be able to pick them out themselves. This activity also develops their fine motor skills. And when you’re done, you can use the pom poms for other games and crafts in the future.
Buy a packet of craft pom poms in multiple colours (Spotlight or any craft store has them). Sit with your little one and sort the pom poms into coloured sections within the muffin tray. Explain what each colour is as you go, this will help your child to recognise colours. Many toddlers will love paying attention to the colours and as they learn each colour, will be able to pick them out themselves. This activity also develops their fine motor skills. And when you’re done, you can use the pom poms for other games and crafts in the future.
Image credit: @thepaigedairies