Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Balloon Blast Ping Pong Path

Steps:

  • Cut several long strips of cardboard and bend them into U-shaped arches.
  • Use masking tape to stick these arches onto a flat table to make a tunnel path.
  • Place a ping pong ball at the very beginning of the path.
  • Blow up a bright balloon but do not tie the end shut.
  • Pinch the balloon neck tightly with your fingers to keep the air inside.
  • Hold the balloon behind the ball and point the opening at it.
  • Slowly let go of the pinch to release a blast of air.
  • Try to blow the ball through every single cardboard arch to the finish!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are playing with balloons. If a balloon pops, pick up and throw away the broken pieces immediately. These can be a choking hazard.

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

The Cardboard Paddle Balance Walk

Steps:

  • Cut a piece of cardboard into a square shape, about the size of a book.
  • Use masking tape to mark a start and finish line on the floor.
  • Place a ping pong ball in the center of the cardboard paddle.
  • Ask your child to hold the paddle with both hands at first.
  • Challenge them to walk from the start line to the finish line without the ball falling.
  • Once they are experts, have them try holding the paddle with only one hand!

Safety Tip:
Supervise your child during the activity to prevent any trips or falls on the floor.

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay out three long strips of cardboard in a zigzag line on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to stick the cardboard firmly to the ground.
  • Use markers to draw five small circles along the cardboard path.
  • Place a paper cup at the very end of the line.
  • Fill a plastic container with colorful pom-poms and place it at the start.
  • Give your child a handful of paper clips to hold in one hand.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly along the cardboard beam.
  • As they walk, they must place one pom-pom inside each drawn circle.
  • While standing on the beam, they must use pincer fingers to slide a paper clip onto the paper cup.
  • If they step off the cardboard, they have to go back to the start!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is clear of other toys to prevent tripping. Make sure the cardboard is taped flat so it is not slippery.

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large square out of cardboard for your map base.
  • Draw a colorful landscape with markers including a river and a forest.
  • Glue a craft stick at each edge of the board and label them North, South, East, and West.
  • Use a pencil to poke a tiny hole right in the center of your map.
  • Thread a piece of string through one button and then through the hole in the cardboard.
  • Tie a thick knot on the back of the board so the button stays attached.
  • Ask your child to rest their palm on the cardboard without lifting it.
  • They must use their thumb and index finger to slide the button to different targets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or small buttons.

Under-Table Starry Night

Under-Table Starry Night

Steps:

  • Draw many colorful dots across a flat piece of cardboard using your markers.
  • Use a pen to poke a small hole through the center of every dot.
  • Find a stable low table and tape the cardboard to the underside with masking tape.
  • Help your child lie down on their back underneath the table.
  • Hand them a pile of Q-tips to hold in their helper hand.
  • Challenge them to push a Q-tip into every star hole they see above.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the table is stable and the area is clear of hard objects. Always supervise your child while they are lying under the furniture.