This summer, there’s fewer spray parks, pools and things to do open. There are fewer playdates and indoor places to play, causing us to get a bit more creative than we usually would, when it comes to entertaining the youngest in our crew.
5 Ways to Entertain Your Preschool Kid at Home this Summer
Cardboard Box City
Grab the boxes and get creative. Choose boxes of different shapes and sizes, and stack boxes on top of each other to create more than a box fort – a box city! If you’re creating something that you are going to use all summer long, store them indoors or under cover so they don’t get rained on.
Sago Mini Box
You know subscription boxes are popular for the older kids? There are also great options for younger children, too. The Sago Mini box is a monthly subscription box filled with activities for toddlers, from the maker of some of your favourite children’s apps, and toys. You can sign up at https://www.sagominibox.com for this fun monthly delivery!
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Mix 1 cup of water, a few drops of food colouring and 1-2 tablespoons of corn starch to create a sidewalk chalk paint in every color. It’s hours of fun, and the paint easily washes from the sidewalk during the next rain storm, or a quick rinse off with the hose. It’s fun to dump the colors too, to see how they mix. This could be a great idea for children that are learning the basic colors, who like to experiment, and a way to play outdoors on the sidewalk.
Colored Foam
Grab a bottle of dish soap and combine about a tablespoon of dish soap with a tablespoon of water. Next, use a stand mixer to whip up the concoction until the foam feels dense. You can even add a drop of color in with the water or soap to create another fun way to mix up colors while you play. Easily played with indoors or out, this foam lasts quite a while and can be used to fill containers!
Freeze!
Not only is freezing blocks of ice a fun way to cool off during the summer months, while you’re playing outside – but it’s also a fun way for toddlers to build their hand dexterity. Try freezing different coloured blocks, or even freezing toys inside of the blocks of ice for them to melt by pouring on warmer water, or chipping at to remove the toys from the ice.
This is simple to do, takes little to zero effort and can be done the day before when you know it’s going to be helpful to cool off the next day. Large containers work really well in the freezer, but you could use an assortment of small containers, and create different colors and shapes for the block of ice.
Tie Dye
Tie Dye kits can be found at the local craft store, or online. This activity is fun for the whole family! Grab a sheet, blanket or a piece of clothing and have everyone in the family choose the colors they’re going to use to dye their item. Make sure you set up outside, and use the coloured dye to create a matching family t-shirt collection. The best part of this process is seeing everyone’s technique, and the designs that they made for their shirt or blanket!
How are you entertaining your toddler and preschooler as you spend more time at home this summer?