The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

The Pool Noodle Penny Bank

Steps:

  • An adult uses a knife to cut several narrow slits into a pool noodle.
  • Use your markers to write point values like 5, 10, or 25 next to each slot.
  • Give your child five coins from a plastic container to hold in their palm at once.
  • Ask your child to move one coin to their fingertips without using their other hand.
  • Challenge them to push the coin firmly into a slot on the pool noodle.
  • Repeat this until all the coins are safely inside the noodle bank!

Safety Tip:
Coins are a choking hazard. Keep them away from younger siblings. Always supervise your child during play.

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 Hanger Button Rescue

The Hanger Button Rescue

Steps:

  • Take a plastic hanger and wrap several strips of masking tape around the bottom bar.
  • Ensure the sticky side of the tape is facing out toward your child.
  • Press ten colorful buttons onto the sticky tape at different spots.
  • Have your child hold the top of the hanger with one hand to stabilize it.
  • Use the other hand to carefully peel each button off the tape using a pinch.
  • Have them drop each rescued button into a nearby plastic container.

Safety Tip:
Buttons are a significant choking hazard. Always supervise your child during play and ensure all buttons are stored safely after the activity.

The Coffee Filter Magic Flower

The Coffee Filter Magic Flower

Steps:

  • Set out a few white coffee filters on a tray or plastic container.
  • Show your child how to fold the coffee filter in half, then in half again.
  • Mix a few drops of food coloring into small cups of water.
  • Have your child squeeze the eyedropper to soak up the colorful water.
  • Encourage them to carefully drop the water onto the folded edges of the filter.
  • Slowly unfold the wet filter to see a beautiful, colorful pattern.
  • Let the filters dry to create magic flowers or window art!

Safety Tip:
Food coloring can stain clothes and surfaces. Use a tray to keep the water contained. Always supervise your child when using the eyedropper and water.

The Bubble Drop Precision Road

The Bubble Drop Precision Road

Steps:

  • Lay a small sheet of bubble wrap flat on a table with the bubbles facing up.
  • Fill a small plastic container with water and add two drops of food coloring.
  • Show your child how to squeeze the eyedropper to soak up the colorful water.
  • Challenge them to place exactly one drop of water on top of each individual bubble.
  • Once the road is full of drops, have them use a paper towel to gently blot and soak up the water.
  • Try again with a different color to see the jewels sparkle on the plastic!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Small drops of water can be slippery. Handle the eyedropper gently to avoid spills.