Summer time is here! With more things open in Kansas City, you are probably trying to make the most of summer 2021. However, if you are anything like me, you might want to pace yourself with the outdoor activities or play places, so outings still feel fresh and fun by August. But what on earth are you going to do at home with your toddler or preschooler since we have been hanging out there for the last year and a half?! I got you covered!
Here are some of my favorite summer activities and crafts for little ones:
Sensory Bins and Tables
This is my absolute favorite open play activity. The possibilities are endless and I can always expect that it will keep my daughter busy for at least 30 minutes! This activity can be messy so it is perfect for outdoor play. It is also educational — great motor skill development, social skills if you invite friends, hand/eye coordination, etc. It’s one of my favorites because you can do the same basic idea over and over, but change what you use or how and it doesn’t get boring.
You will need…
- a container — You don’t have to have anything fancy, a simple plastic container will do. There are also lots of options online for DIY sensory tables.
- a filler — water, water beads, rice, pasta, quinoa, chickpeas, etc. Your filler can be as simple as possible with just basic water or you can change it up by coloring your water with food color. I also like to color my rice/pasta by putting the filler into a plastic bag with a few drops of acrylic paint, smushing around, and laying it out on parchment paper to dry.
- pourers — plastic scoops from recycled goods, measuring cups, dollar store scoops, serving spoons tongs, plastic funnels, etc.
For extra fun add animals, dinosaurs, shells, rocks, and small seasonal items. I like to create situations with my sensory bins, like a car wash (add small cars/trucks, dish soap bubbles, and bottle brush scrubbers) or under the sea (add small plastic sea animals, blue food coloring to the water, and scoops).
Check out some other easy sensory bin and indoor activity ideas here.
“Fishing”
This one takes a little planning up front, but the supplies are still minimal.
You will need…
- a small swimming pool
- several pool noodles — about three pool noodles in different colors and cut them with a large knife into small dics
- a bug catcher or net of some sort with a good-sized handle
The kiddos will use their nets to scoop up their “fish”. This would also work great with bath toys, rubber ducks, or plastic sea animals!
Fairy/Gnome Garden
My daughter, Olivia, loves this activity! Creating a fairy garden has endless possibilities and your kids will love picking out what you decide to put in them. Pinterest is a great place for ideas depending how involved you would like it to be! You can find supplies at most craft stores and dollar stores.
You will need…
- A pot/planter and filler (rocks and soil)
- An assortment of real or fake flowers
- A bird house or fairy themed house
- Fairies/Gnomes
Ice Painting
Another simple and fun activity with supplies you most likely have at home already or are pretty easily (and cheaply) accessible!
You will need…
- White paper or cardstock
- AnIce cube tray
- Acrylic paint
- Popsicle sticks
Fill your ice cube tray with water and swirl in a little acrylic paint. Place a popsicle stick in each tray and set in the freezer. Set out your paper of choice and Voila! You have a new way for the kiddos to color and create. Great for outside weather but you can also do it indoors when you need an A/C break.
For other screen-free indoor activities for toddlers, check out this post!
