The Cardboard Ring Squeezer

The Cardboard Ring Squeezer

Steps:

  • Use markers to draw three big circles on a piece of construction paper.
  • Color each circle a different color using your markers.
  • Take an empty paper roll and use your scissors to cut it into four rings.
  • Place a pile of colorful pom-poms on the table.
  • Show your child how to hold one cardboard ring between their thumb and fingers.
  • Squeeze the ring to make it flat like a pair of tweezers.
  • Use the flattened ring to pinch a pom-pom.
  • Carry the pom-pom and drop it into the matching colored circle on the paper.
  • See how fast you can sort all the fuzzy pom-poms!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child while they use scissors. Small pom-poms can be a choking hazard, so keep them away from younger siblings.

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw three small ‘X’ marks on the side of your long paper roll.
  • Have an adult help you poke a small hole through each ‘X’ mark using a pencil tip.
  • Push one craft stick through each hole so it stretches all the way across the inside of the tube.
  • Wrap a piece of masking tape over the bottom of the paper roll to seal it shut tightly.
  • Stand the roll upright inside a plastic container and drop five marbles into the top of the tube.
  • Slowly pull the bottom craft stick out and listen for the marbles to drop to the next level.
  • Remove the remaining sticks one by one until all the marbles are resting on the bottom tape.
  • Peel the tape away to let the marbles plunge into the container for a grand finale!

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a major choking hazard. This activity is for school-age children, but always keep marbles away from younger siblings.

The Silly String Bag Stylist

The Silly String Bag Stylist

Steps:

  • Use a marker to draw a big, funny face on the front of your Ziplock bag.
  • Open the bag and stuff it with several pieces of colorful yarn to look like wild hair.
  • Lay the bag flat on a table and secure the four corners with several pieces of masking tape.
  • Ask your child to use their pointer finger to push the yarn strands around inside the sealed bag.
  • Challenge them to move the yarn to give the character long bangs, a beard, or even silly eyebrows!
  • Style the hair in different ways to see how many funny looks you can create together!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child to ensure the bag stays sealed and they do not put yarn in their mouth.

The Button Cookie Spatula Flip

The Button Cookie Spatula Flip

Steps:

  • Help your child cut five medium circles from a piece of cardboard to make the cookies.
  • Glue three colorful buttons onto each cookie to look like chocolate chips.
  • Cut a long, thin rectangle from the cardboard to act as the spatula handle.
  • Tape a smaller square of cardboard to the end of the handle to finish the spatula.
  • Place the cookies button-side down on a flat table.
  • Challenge your child to slide the spatula under a cookie and flip it over into a nearby basket.
  • Ask them to use their other hand to hold the basket steady while they flip!

Safety Tip:
Buttons are a choking hazard. Always supervise your child and ensure all materials are stored safely after play.

The Shaving Cream Marble Maze

The Shaving Cream Marble Maze

Steps:

  • Fill a Ziplock bag with shaving cream and a little food coloring.
  • Seal the bag and squish it to mix the color.
  • Place a marble inside the bag and seal it again.
  • Use a marker to draw a winding path on the bag.
  • Tape the bag flat to the table with masking tape.
  • Use your index finger to push the marble along the path.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play. Marbles are a significant choking hazard. Ensure the Ziplock bag is sealed tightly to avoid leaks.