BUILDING BLOCKS AND LOOSE PARTS
Block Play
Enrich your child's curiosity with different selections of books for kindergarten, preschool and big kids. Let them imagine and learn with your support.
Benefits of Block Play
All Block Play
What can you make with 100 Legos?
Christmas Invitation to Play at the Tree Farm
Block Play Toys
Shape Dig: a Hands-On Shape Activity
Shaving Cream and LEGOS Messy Play
Simple Inquiry Based Learning at Home
Block Play Invitation
Shapes and Shaving Cream
Mega Bloks Tetris
Preschool Color Sorting with Movement
Melissa and Doug The Power of Play
Boost Thinking with Block Play
Do you remember those great wooden toys that used to be all the rage back in the day? I love those things and I love that you can actually make many of them yourself.
Whether you want something extra special for the holidays or your child’s birthday, or just any occasion, you are going to love the 30 DIY rustic wooden toys that I have found that you can make yourself.
Not only are some of these very reminiscent of days gone by, they are all really easy to make and your kids are going to love them.
1. DIY Wood Block Stacker
You remember those old plastic stacking toys that you played with as a kid – or that your kids played with? Well, this is a wooden version and it is spectacular. The colors alone are great to keep kids entertained and you make the blocks in different sizes to teach them stacking skills. This one is really easy and would make a wonderful DIY gift for any toddler.
Tutorial: weefolkart
2. DIY Wooden Toy Camera
This little toy camera is adorable and it looks so much like the real thing! While your little one won’t be able to actually take pictures with this one, or look through it for images that are preset into it, it’s the perfect toy for toddlers who want to act like their parents and snap photos wherever they go. Plus, it’s a pretty easy plan to follow to make it.
Tutorial: lilblueboo
3. Easy Wooden Chalkboard City Blocks
Kids are going to love building their own cities with these chalkboard wooden blocks. You just have to cut the blocks out and then add the chalkboard paint. The fun thing about these blocks is that they can change them up as often as they want. Let them decorate their own little cities with white and colored chalk and then use those blocks for creative play. You have to love a good chalkboard paint project!
Tutorial: hellobee
4. Castle Blocks
Create your own castle building blocks set! This is such a fun and open-ended homemade toy that kids will spend hours with. It’s also extremely easy (even if you are not crafty!) and cheap to make. It would be fun to build a set of blocks with your kids’ help, or you can assemble it as a gift.
5. Dollhouse In A Box
This wooden dollhouse in a box is not only adorable, it is super easy to make. You just need a few standard power tools and you can build your little girl the cutest doll house. Or, you could easily convert this to a garage for little boys…it’s all in how you decorate it. The best part? This one folds up so that all of their toys stay perfectly in place when they are not playing with them.
Similar Project: DIY Upcycled Tin Can Windchime (Easy and Frugal)
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
6. DIY Mini Wooden Magnetic Blocks
These little blocks are perfect for toddlers who are learning their colors. You could also make them a bit larger and put numbers and letters on them if you wanted. You can find wooden blocks to use or make your own and paint them in numerous bright colors so that little ones will find them fascinating and want to play.
Tutorial: youclevermonkey
7. Wooden Mirror Blocks
Here’s a great idea for some mirrored blocks for babies. These would make the most wonderful baby shower gifts and they are really easy to make. Little ones love looking into mirrors and these little blocks are the perfect size for them to hold themselves. You make these from a Jenga game – buy the cheap one at the Dollar Store for less than $5 – and the mirrors come from mirrored sheets. These are great DIY sensory toys to help children to learn as they grow.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
8. Educational Wooden Nesting Dolls
I love nesting dolls and these DIY wooden ones are fabulous. These are great for little ones because they are so easy to hold. You make the wooden dolls and then paint them however you want them. You could give them that great old world look or turn them into themed character dolls – choose a Disney theme or something else that your little one loves.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
9. Simple Open Design Wooden Dollhouse
When my girls were young all they ever asked for was a dollhouse. You make this with plywood and a couple of 2X2 boards. It’s an all open design so it’s perfect if you have more than one little girl that will want to play with it at the same time. This would make such a wonderful Christmas or birthday gift and it’s much cheaper to make than it would be to buy.
Tutorial: ana-white
10. DIY Oversized Tic-Tac-Toe
I loved tic-tac-toe as a child. We even had one of those great Toss Across games where you toss bean bags at the game to make your moves – remember those? This oversized tic-tac-toe games looks to be just as fun and you can make it yourself. This is a great toy for kids of all ages and you can totally customize the images to make them even more exciting than just X’s and O’s.
Tutorial: hertoolbelt
11. Handmade Wooden Pizza Puzzle
This pizza puzzle is great for little ones who are learning shapes and it helps to promote hand eye coordination. You make this from plywood and it’s a pretty easy DIY project. Kids will love playing with it for creative play and it’s a great tool for helping to teach them shapes, numbers and puzzle working in general.
Tutorial: abeautifulmess
12. Wooden Puppet Theater
What better way to entertain your children than with their own puppet theater? This one is super easy to build and will give your little ones hours upon hours of play time. You could also make them their own DIY puppets to go with it or if they already have puppets, then you’re halfway there. Puppet theaters are great for encouraging creative play and this one is totally customizable because you make it yourself.
Similar Project: 40 Genius Space-Savvy Small Garden Ideas and Solutions
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
13. Wooden Rainbow Building Blocks
Building blocks have been popular with kids for decades and you can make your own with this easy to follow plan. These are done in different sizes for creative play and you paint them any number of colors and you could even make them in different shapes. A similar set will run you about $60 or more at most toy or department stores but you can make this set for the price of a 2X4 or two.
Tutorial: funathomewithkids
14. Rainbow City Blocks
Turn that old board into these adorable city house building blocks. These are really cute and boys and girls alike are going to love playing with them. Once you have the houses and buildings cut out, you just paint them to resemble your favorite city block. You could even do these to match the houses in your neighborhood. They promote creative play and are perfect for little ones who are working on their hand eye coordination.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
15. DIY Wooden Baby Rocking Toy
Skip paying a hundred dollars or more for a rocking horse at your favorite toy store. You can build your little one his or her own rocking toy from a few boards that you have left over from other projects – and you can customize this one however you want. It’s a pretty easy plan to follow and makes the most adorable wooden rocker. This would be a wonderful first Christmas or baby shower gift.
Tutorial: killerbdesigns
16. DIY Wooden Sit And Scoot
Turn an old board and a few wheels into the most amazing scooter for your older children. These are perfect for kids in school and they are so much fun. You add handles to the sides so that your little ones are safe when they are scooting and this is a lot safer than a stand up scooter. Plus, this one is really fun to make and your kids are going to love it.
Tutorial: prettyhandygirl
17. DIY Wooden Based Play Tent
Play tents are great but they can be a bit expensive, especially the sturdier ones that will last for several years. You can build this one yourself from pine boards and canvas and it’s practically guaranteed to last as long as your children are young. The plans for building are super easy to follow and you could even adjust the sizing if you need to make it larger or smaller. And when they grow out of it, this is the perfect opportunity to repurpose those kids toys.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
18. Handmade Wooden Sensory Board
You can turn an old piece of plywood into a great sensory board for your little one. Sensory boards are great for teaching babies and toddlers about shapes, colors, textures and so many other things. These baby activity boards run close to $100 at most toy stores but you can seriously make this one for only a fraction of that – and kids are going to love it for years.
Tutorial: funathomewithkids
19. DIY Wooden Story Cubes
Wooden blocks are so popular with little ones. Remember those little ABC blocks? Well, you can give your little one the same playing fun but with story blocks. Story blocks allow your little ones to tell stories as they play, which really helps to develop their creativity. Plus, these little wooden blocks are great for hand eye coordination and sensory play, as well.
Similar Project: 39 Exciting Things To Do With Orange Peels
Tutorial: redtedart
20. Handmade Wooden Texture Blocks
Texture blocks work like sensory boards to help little ones to learn shapes and textures. These handmade texture blocks are super easy to DIY and you can add any shapes or textures that you want to customize them. Textured scrapbook paper, wool felt and wooden shapes give you the textures that you add to your DIY wooden blocks for hours of fun play for your little ones.
Tutorial: firefliesandmudpies
21. Fun DIY Wooden Balance Board
Balance boards are so much fun for older children and teenagers. These DIY balance boards are made with plywood, 2X4s and 2X3s and the plan is really easy to follow. You can paint these however you want, customizing them for your child and they are so much fun to play with. They also help to teach balance so they really come in handy if you have a child into sports or gymnastics.
Tutorial: thatsmyletter
22. DIY Wooden Toy Boat
Every little boy…and some little girls…wants a toy boat and this wooden one is the perfect DIY gift. These are pretty easy to make and you can add wooden people to make play time even more fun. You just need a wooden board and a few other woodworking supplies to make this one and it won’t take you long at all to have it finished. And there are some amazing DIY organization projects to help you keep those toys all put away when they’re done.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
23. DIY Wooden Play Kitchen
You can make this play kitchen out of wood that you have left over from other projects or you could even do it from an old cabinet, which takes away a lot of the work. If you have a little girl, she’s going to love this play kitchen. It’s so roomy so there is space for all of her play foods and dishes and imagine how much fun she will have cooking up a storm with this. Alternatively, you could fashion it a bit differently and turn it into a workshop for little boys.
Tutorial: younghouselove
24. Cheap And Easy DIY Nature Blocks
These nature blocks are really fun for kids. They can make so many wonderful nature scenes with these and other toys and these are probably the cheapest DIY wooden toys that you could make. You don’t need to buy any wood for these. You make them from sticks and twigs that you have outside, so they’re free to make. And, you can pair them up with cheap woodland creature sets from the Dollar Store for hours of fun playtime.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
25. Handmade Wooden Vehicles
Kids are really going to love these little wooden vehicles that you can make in no time at all. These are super easy and they’re perfect for toddlers and babies because they are so lightweight and the hollowed out centers make them perfect for helping little ones to learn to grasp. These offer hours of fun creative play and are great for helping your little ones to develop hand eye coordination.
Tutorial: ana-white
26. DIY Wood Burned Blocks
These house blocks are gorgeous thanks to the wood burning that you do. These are really easy to make, despite their intricate details. They are perfect for toddlers to pre-teen and you can make them in any number of shapes and sizes to promote hours of creative play. Plus, wood burning is so much fun so you’ll have as much fun making these as your kids do playing with them.
Similar Project: Huge Money Saver - Make Your Own Environmentally Safe Cat Litter
Tutorial: alisaburke
27. Easy DIY Wooden Racetrack
These wooden racetrack or car ramps are super easy to make and they are perfect for little boys who love racing or jumping cars. You could even make some homemade cars and trucks out of wood to go along with these. And, you can do them in different shapes. Straight is great for ramps but you could also make a few curves to give them an even more exciting playtime.
Tutorial: buggyandbuddy
28. DIY Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle
Not only does this personalized DIY wooden name puzzle help your little ones to learn how to spell their names, it doubles as bedroom décor when they get too old to play with it. This one is pretty easy, although you will need to know how to use quite a few different woodworking tools. They’ll have hours of fun learning to put their names together and then they can hang this in a great shadowbox frame when they get older.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
29. DIY Wooden Teethers And Rattles
If you know someone who is expecting soon, these DIY wooden teethers and rattles are the perfect baby shower gift. You can make several of these from one wooden board and they really are not that complicated to DIY. Plus, since you’re making these from wood, you won’t have to worry about what chemicals may be included in their teether – plastic teethers can contain so many harmful chemicals.
Tutorial: adventure-in-a-box
30. DIY Wooden Train Tracks
Give your little boys the most wonderful gift with this DIY wooden train track. This is such a wonderful gift idea for the holidays or any occasion. The train tracks are pretty easy to build and you can add a DIY wooden train, too or use this with just about any train set that you may already have. This would be so gorgeous around a Christmas tree to create a rustic farmhouse Christmas, as well.
Tutorial: freedblog
Conclusion
Don’t just stop with your little ones – make these for every child you know. There are toys in here for toddlers to teens and even a few babies.
If you have an upcoming baby shower that you are planning to attend, why not make something really special like a homemade wooden rattle?
All of these toys are fabulous and they really do take you back in time.
Plus, you can make many of these with wood pieces that you have left over from other projects. Use the pieces that you have left over after you’ve made one of these 50 DIY wooden signs.
From stackers to toy cars, airplanes and even a great DIY play kitchen – these wooden toys are going to be cherished by your little ones for years. What a wonderful way to give your child something that they could eventually pass down to their own children!
I love heirlooms and these DIY wooden toys prove to be some of the best heirlooms you could ever make. And, if you really love working with wood, be sure to take a look at these 40 eco friendly reclaimed wood projects. You can find something for every room in here.
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More Parenting
The best toys for kids
This toy list has several categories for every age, stage, and desire to play.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TOY LIST
Inspiring Experience Gifts for Kids
Looking for an experience gift for kids? I love a good open-ended toy as much as the rest of us, and I also crave more family time. I seek experience gifts for kids I can hold onto as the years go by. Here are 19 inspiring experience gifts for kids.
Table of Contents:
Sometimes the best intentions of being all together can quickly get washed away by a conference call, due dates, or even worse – laundry. I know you get it. I have a pile a mile high on my bed right now.
Wouldn’t it be easier to find a list with all the unforgettable experience gifts in ONE PLACE?
Guess what? You’ve found the right corner of the web. Here, I have experience gift ideas for your family to put aside the laundry and designate a time to all be together enjoying life.
Choosing the best toy for kids can be a daunting task.
Here are the BEST toys for kids of every age and stage.
What are good experience gifts for families?
Think back to your childhood, and you’ll probably remember an event.
The Cabbage Patch Dolls will always have a place in my heart.
But the Summer Camp I was gifted by my great-grandmother? That gift changed my path and allowed me to test my independence. Thanks to her thoughtfulness, my great-grandmother and I bonded over my love for making new friends and the fun I had at camp. I am sure that experience helped me stand a little taller as I walked into the fourth grade.
Or perhaps it was that swim team I belonged to and the excitement I felt when my family was cheering me on from the sidelines. Or family movie nights before we knew that an entire stick of butter might not be the best popcorn topping.
Each year, I craved this type of experience to feel complete-to build that “family island,” as the movie Inside Out refers to it.
So this year, we will carry on the tradition of family experiences and put some new activities on the calendar.
What makes a good experience gift?
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Experience gifts:
Create a memory.
Encourage creativity.
Fulfill a wish.
Give a sense of exploration.
Invite a family to discoveries.
Pursue a passion.
Share the gift-giver’s skills with the recipient.
Experience gifts do not have to be lavish! They simply have to create a new memory for the kids and family to enjoy together.
I created two simple categories to make gift-giving a little easier for you to find what you are looking for.
Experience gifts to enjoy at home
Events and experiences to enjoy outside of the home
Experience Gifts for Kids at Home
Start a Family Tradition
Is there a family ritual you want to start before dinnertime?
Spend some time thinking about a family tradition you would like to create for the new year. Write it down, so it becomes a habit. Anything goes! Super simple ideas work best.
Some ideas for family traditions are:
Monday post-dinner walks
Field Trip Fridays
Picnic Tuesdays
Reading books before bedtime
Saturday Donut Day
Saturday movie night
Remember to write it down and say it aloud. Put ownership and accountability in the new family tradition.
Charades for Kids
Charades is a classic game that always seems to get everyone laughing. We had a blast playing this game for my son’s sixth birthday. Such an entertaining way to create a family game night ritual and improve social and vocabulary skills.
Sponsor an Animal
My middle child refers to himself as Nature Man, so we gave him several adoptions. He pretty much sleeps with an animal from each habitat.
Choose from a large collection of animals and adoption options. Most come with a certificate and plush animal. This is such a sweet gift for your animal lover.
Build a Time Capsule
Not sure how to start? This time capsule will begin to document those memories that have already been created but not yet written down. This gift set allows you to interview family and friends and imagine the future. This time capsule gift set is something our family will be using this holiday season!
Set up a Tent in your Backyard
Bring on the marshmallows and flashlights – walkie-talkies are optional to upgrade the experience. Include favorite blankets and new books to read before bedtime after watching the stars. An enjoyable way to get ready for camping away from home in the future. My boys have a blast camping in the backyard.
Walkie Talkies
My boys play some epic spy games with these walkie-talkies. When in hand, they are in full-on imaginary play mode. This set comes with three walkie-talkies in the colors shown above.
A Special Day in a Box
My friend Jen at Mama Papa Bubba makes these boxes for her children to celebrate special days. Each card has a simple description of where they are going or what they will do together at home. This is a thoughtful gift that can be done for just about anyone in your family!
Kid’s Camera
Grab your camera and walk right out the door. The camera is durable for drops, and images can be uploaded onto the computer. *Note: This camera does come with games that can be turned off in the parent’s settings.
Family Game Night
Our six-year-old toy list has some excellent games that make a thrilling family game night. Order the pizza, and cozy up on the couch for a night of bonding and fun!
Highlights Puzzle Club
This experience gift is delivered once per month and a fun way for kids ages 4-7 to find hidden pictures. Highlights offer fun with a purpose!
Ask a Question a Day
One question a day for three years? Now that sounds like a keepsake!
This book is for parents and children who want to share the evolution of ideas and feelings over the years. It can also be used as a journal for kids who want to keep a time capsule of their ideas.
Kid Art Lit
Each KidArtLit box includes a new hardback picture book and a process-based art project with supplies. Each box has enough supplies for two children.
You can pick between two delivery sizes to fit your family’s needs. Choose from the Spark box, Deluxe box, or the Art Spark Kit. Inside each box, you will also find illustrated guides to help you through each project.
Scavenger Hunt
Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt has a collection of colorful cards to take outside and discover nature. This is also a great travel game with 35 Find and Seek cards, 2 instruction cards, and 1 drawstring bag. Nonreaders can play with picture recognition.
Make a Family Album
Have more photos on your computer than you do in your home? I do and need to make time to create a family album.
Gift a family album to grandparents, or if you like this idea for yourself, spend one-on-one time with each child picking their favorite ten photos from the year past. Family albums are a great way to generate conversation about what memories resonated.
Nothing beats someone taking the time to upload them all into a printed book for your family to smile over as they take a trip down memory lane.
Butterfly Garden
Watch the transformation from caterpillars to butterflies in your own home! This butterfly kit includes five baby caterpillars, a pop-up, reusable mesh habitat, a chrysalis station log, and a flower-shaped butterfly feeder. We have done this with our family, which is a huge hit.
Have Ice Cream Delivered
We are a nut-free family that loves to be gifted ice cream from A-La-Mode. The ice cream is delicious and so exciting to find on our doorstep! It is one of the few brands made in a nut-free factory.
Experiences to Enjoy Away from the Home
This year, experiences outside of the home have been pretty limiting. The following locations are suggestions. Please look into the specific guidelines each destination has put in place.
1. Find a Pump Track
We like to find local pump tracks to elevate bike rides! This is an area with small hills to ride around a circle. Do a quick search for a pump track near me and see if you have one nearby.
2. Lend a Hand
Is there someone that can use a little extra help? Maybe you are great at washing cars, can zip through the grocery store, or can get a crying baby to sleep.
Think about how you can share your talents and lend a hand to someone who can use your help.
3. Teach a Skill
Like lending a hand, maybe there is someone who is looking to build a website or hem a pair of pants. Can you help? Make a coupon for your services on the back of a notecard and gift it to someone that wants to learn more!
4. Plan a Trip
I know that this year, trips have been few and far between. But maybe, just maybe, we can think about places to go or people to see very soon.
Gifting a weekend away to a family can allow them to focus on being there rather than getting there. This Road Trip with Kids post will help get your ideas flowing!
Include a travel guide for:
Children’s museums
Coffee shops
Dog parks
Hiking trails
Nurseries
Parks
Petting zoo
Pizza restaurants
Splash pads
5. Hiking Pass
Head to the National Park Service website and find a trail for the family to explore. You can gift this with a new pair of hiking boots or binoculars.
6. Hike It Baby
Hike it Baby will develop hiking experiences for families to inspire outdoor adventure.
7. Swim Lessons
Another great idea that may have some special requirements this year.
When swim lessons are available again, they make a fantastic gift for all ages. It improves water safety, along with helping strengthen large muscles in the body.
Best Toys by Age
30 Toys for One-Year-Olds – What do you get a baby for their first birthday or holiday? I am looking for something that a baby can grasp with their hands and experiment with their thoughts. Here are my favorite gifts for one-year-olds.
Toys for Two-Year-Old Toddlers – Why are toddlers the most difficult to shop for? Is it because they are slowly gaining independence with their play yet have a short attention span? Perhaps. Allow me to take the stress off of finding the perfect gift. After raising three toddlers, I can tell you which toddler toys are top-notch for inspiring play.
Toys for Older Kids – Older kids love toys that capture their imagination and interests. Our list includes indoor and outdoor games, toys, and even craft supplies that will pique the curiosity of your favorite early elementary kiddo!
Favorite Toys that are Timeless and Intentional
Top Open-Ended Forever Toys – This gift list contains the handpicked, open-ended, hands-on toys that inspire play. These are toys we have in our home and have used for years.
Block Play – Remember building towers in school or at your neighbor’s house? Good news! Blocks are still a foundational and creative way to play. We had listed some of the original sets that will take you back in time and some you only dreamed of having when you were younger.
Stocking Stuffers
Toys under $25 – Who needs stocking stuffers that aren’t candy or another pair of gloves? After 13 years of teaching and five years of parenting three boys, I have found great resources for your preschoolers to use every day. This gift list is all under $25 and will not disappoint.
Outdoor Toys for Kids – Want to know my secret to getting kids over the late afternoon hump? It is going directly outside between nap/quiet time and bedtime. Rain or shine, here are our favorite ways to play in the backyard or on the go.
Educational Toys
Art and Craft Supplies for Kids – What are basic art supplies? What should be in a preschool art center? Find it all here. This gift guide includes our favorite Ikea Art Cart, along with what we put inside to get started.
STEM and Math Toys – Encouraging your child’s love for STEM learning is a smart move. Especially since understanding math, science, technology, and engineering are almost all hands-on. Allow your mathematician to soar with these STEM toys.
Alphabet Toys – I want my preschoolers to become familiar with the lines and curves that form a letter, along with being able to toss the letters into a sensory bin for hands-on learning. From setting up your Breakfast Invitations to Sensory play, this letter supply list is pretty versatile! Here, you will find a detailed list of letter activities from Amazon we own, trust, and love. You don’t need to own a ton. Just a few that you can use in a couple of different ways!
Other Toy Lists We Love
Melissa and Doug Favorite Toy List – We want our children to spend less time on tablets and more time playing. But some struggles come along for the ride.
Essential Breakfast Invitation Must-Haves – Okay, if I were stranded on an island with only 10 Breakfast Invitation supplies, which ones would I bring? You don’t want to miss this!
Experience Gifts for Kids – Looking to spend more time together? We are too! I searched for nine inspiring ways to come together as a family and enjoy new experiences together. Get one of these events on your calendar today! (Post LIVE on November 13th)
Small Business Gift Guide -Looking to support a small shop (or few) this holiday season? I am! This small business gift guide is here to help. No affiliate links. Just small shops that work hard to deliver excellent products.
2020 Toy List – Here is a collection of toys we tried in 2020.
Open-ended toys unlock thoughts, ideas, and creative thinking.
This holiday season, inspire your young learners with intentional toys.
HOW KID ACTIVITIES CAN HELP WITH PARENT BURNOUT
Looking for fun activities for kids at home with your toddler and preschooler? I’ve been there. I, too, use a quick list of kids’ creative activities at home to keep in my back pocket. Years ago, I felt the need to get my children playing more and wasn’t exactly sure how to get there.
I felt overwhelmed by the task of minimizing stimulation and encouraging my kids to be more creative at home. I needed to find solutions. And I did. These 50+ kid activities at home are just a sampling of all the ways we invite play into our every day, and it has been life-changing.
RELATED: These activity cards help make finding ideas so simple! Learn more here with our Startup Guide.
What Kid Activities Do Children Enjoy?
Kids enjoy activities that encourage open-ended play when the object doesn’t have one specific purpose. For example, a puzzle has an end goal. The child starts it knowing how it is supposed to finish. Although close-ended toys have their place, open-ended ones are great for one-year-olds because they provide endless imagination, creativity, and problem-solving opportunities.
I researched, dug into my teacher’s brain, and looked for the best toys for kids that encourage open-ended play. We use these toys in our kids- creative activities at home to keep our days afloat.
RELATED: Curious about the best toy storage solutions for kids- creative activities at home? You can find all of your storage solutions here.
Why is Playing at Home Important?
As parents, we know that play is important, and we want kids- creative activities at home. We have also learned that play is the foundation of all learning. Yet, here’s the thing about kids at home…
Sometimes, toddlers and preschoolers need a small seed planted to get them going, which will not be produced from a worksheet. The sources I am talking about are play ideas that encourage children to touch, move, and manipulate objects to create.
The more we encourage kids- creative activities at home, the more children will become exceptional at self-guided play, problem-solving, and forming conclusions on how things work.
RELATED: Want free kids’ creative activities at home? You’ll love this list!
Different Ages for Play
Before we dive into the best kids- creative activities at home, allow me to set the stage and will enable you to understand the importance of play better:
In the infant/toddler stage – the child needs physical experiences using senses, experiencing substances, and discovering how things fit together.
Preschool age – the child will begin to add social play into the learning they have had the chance to dive into. Now they are making connections with their peers.
Middle years – the child is more analytical with textbook concepts because they had a chance to touch, move and explore what they are now reading about. The middle schooler is now ready to take learning to the next level, more easily pulling it together.
Teenage years – the child can show how things come together. The child has touched, worked with peers, read more about fundamental concepts, and is now ready to become the producer.
The following at-home ideas will allow your preschooler to hit the ground running. These kids- creative activities at home are as good as that savory cheese dip. They are tried and true, toddler and preschooler approved!
RELATED: Have a toddler? Be sure to check out 40+ Top Play Ideas for Toddlers.
Sensory Play Home Kid Activities for Toddlers
When we first began sensory kids- creative activities at home, I quickly realized it wasn’t working. Beans were sprouting from our deck cracks, and rice had been under the fridge for months. And we certainly don’t want that for you!
Instead, I am happy to be your guinea pig and guide you to success. I put together this Introduction to Sensory Play page to help you get set up like a boss. I want you to list what to put inside a toddler sensory bin.
Inside this post, you will learn how to set up your buffer zone, prompt your toddler back to the sensory bin when they walk off with oats in hand, and better understand when it is time to put the sensory bin away. – This is a sure way to begin fun at-home kid activities.
Sensory Kid Activities for Preschoolers at Home
Okay! Now that the training is over, let’s keep the momentum going with our preschoolers at home. Ready to try sensory play in your house? You’ll adore these easy-to-put-together sensory kids- creative activities at home ideas.
Cloud Dough – whip up some cloud dough and construction toys for a fun play scene.
Color Mix – A play on ketchup and mustard, just with paint!
Color Squirt – the fun way to repurpose shredded bills.
Cut the Play Dough – Have a child that enjoys play dough? Grab the blunt-edge scissors for some cutting practice.
Dry Noodle Sensory Play – a simple way to color noodles.
Fill the Lines – this one kind of looks like sweets! See if your child can scoop pom poms into plastic bottles up to the different measuring lines.
Glue the Noodles – An effortless way to practice gluing skills through sensory play.
Kinetic Sand – grab some kinetic sand and put it in a sensory bin for hours of fun.
Ice Rescue Game – add ice to anything to win Christmas kid activities at home. Freeze plastic toys in ice and watch your child experiment with water to release them.
Ice Skating Bears – a wintery way to bring sensory play inside.
Nature Sensory Hunt – Use contact paper to collect and chat about nature. A fun way to spend some time outside with minimal prep.
Sand Sensory Play – pop sand in a sensory bin and add scoops, jugs, and anything else lying around.
Scissor Sensory Cut – chuck some cooked spaghetti in a sensory bin and watch them cut away.
Water Beads – see our favorite brand of water beads here.
Water Games at Home Activities for Kids
Water kid activities are one of my very first WHOA. I just got 40 minutes of parenting from the sideline realizations. I ensured the water level was low and watched them closely as they poured and scooped. Water games are a genius way to catch a break at home. But before you dive in, I want you to know my best tip.
My boys are allowed ONE refill. They know this from practice. Need more water? Sure. One time. Once it is gone, it is gone. These quick tips will avoid numerous trips to the sink, and your child will better understand how to assess play so it doesn’t all go to waste.
Now you are ready! Dive into water kids- creative activities at home that can be played indoors or in the backyard for endless fun.
RELATED: Head outside with these outdoor toys for kids.
Activities for One-Year-Olds at Home
Having a one-year-old can be tricky! I get it. They are too old to sleep all day yet too young to emerge in self-guided play for extended amounts of time. We may notice our one-year-old exploring a color-matching game and then quickly becoming distracted by wanting a snack again.
With all this said, I firmly believe that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers should explore the environment and different textures. You do not have to buy out Amazon for 12 months. So how can we use our environment to encourage baby play as we catch our breath?
I searched the internet, so you don’t have to.
RELATED: Here is a list of the best toys for one-year-olds.
Let’s give it up for the independent play school ideas that allow us to drink our morning coffee. As we get our preschoolers thinking about important concepts, they will explore them throughout their lifetime. Since we all understand that playing is learning, let’s plant seeds and watch our children dive in.
I call these play school kids- creative activities at home Breakfast Invitations.
Simply put, these play invitations:
Are a quick and easy setup – think under 5 minutes.
Engage play to create a powerful morning routine – so you can have a relaxing morning.
Use supplies – items like markers, painter’s tape, etc. Find everything in our supply list here.
Align with lifelong learning skills – giving your little one the best start in life.
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are play-based, hands-on, and designed with an intentional introduction to learning through play. Each set of activity cards has an inviting image on the front and set up, what to expect, and language to use with your child on the back.
Messy Play Kids- Creative Activities at Home Kid
Eek! I see you looking at this image and shrieking in fear, so I am here to give you a quick messy play tip. Right now, go fill up your washing machine with water and detergent. Get it ready to toss the clothes in once your preschooler is done exploring.
I assure you, it’s as simple as that. – Get messy, strip them down, and toss the messy play clothes in the wash.
Why is Messy Play Important at Home?
Messy play kids- creative activities at home encourage children to explore substances. These are the same substances that will be what they will revisit in grade school. If you encourage children to touch and feel now, they will make dynamic discoveries as they connect the dots later. You will help spark connections such as:
‘I know this! I remember when I poured the liquid into the tall, narrow squirt bottle that it overflowed faster than the large pitcher.
Try these messy play kids- creative activities at home:
Color Mixing; A Play on Ketchup & Mustard – add red and yellow paint to squeeze paint bottles and let them go wild!
Color Mixing Shredded Paper Bin – adding paint to shredded paper couldn’t make an easier messy activity. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse your recycling!
Decorate the Cake – Use shaving cream or an alternative taste-safe whip cream to make your own cake using a box.
Eyeball Shaving Cream Play – kids love shaving cream. Add some spooky eyeballs so they can play away.
Eyeball Soup – popping some fake eyeballs in water and seeing if your tiny terrors can scoop them out make great Halloween activities for kids at home.
Hidden Hearts Cloud Dough – sometimes cloud dough gets outside the bin. Play with cloud dough in a space that can quickly sweep away the mess.
Muddy Water Messy Play – grab a few items from the kitchen for water play with nature.
Neon Squirt – they’ve done normal paints, but what about neon?! Try them out; it’s amazing.
Shaving Cream Car Tracks – cars and shaving cream is great for exploring textures and patterns.
Shaving Cream Duplos – what happens when you mix Duplos with shaving cream? Messy play comes to life, and the kids need a hose down. -pure joy.
Shaving Cream Foam Block Sensory Play – Are kids tired of using blocks? Add some shaving cream and see what they come up with!
Squirt the Ice – paint on ice shards makes a fun and colorful science experiment.
Sweet and Tasty Edible Bin – kids need to taste and touch, so add something to your sensory bin to get them started.
RELATED: Read what healthykids.org shares about how play helps kids thrive.
Outdoor Kids- Creative Activities at Home
As adults, we know when we need a restart, it is helpful to walk outside, breathe in the fresh air and get some sunshine. Being outdoors stimulates the senses and wakes up the brain. These outdoor ideas make great summer activities for kids at home.
Check out these ways to play with kids- creative activities at home – outside edition!
Backyard Hunt and Sort – hide a collection of items in the yard and see if your kids can seek and sort them.
DIY Movement Dice – grab an empty tissue box, cover it in paper and draw colored dots on each side with an activity. For example, red means jump!
Fall Leaf Painting – keep the drops of paint outside with this large mural of fall.
How Balance Can Improve Reading – check out why balancing helps your little ones literacy skills, then pull out some balancing activities.
How to Paint with Kids Outside – painting with kids can be…tricky! Learn a fuss-free way to paint with them outside.
Musical Scavenger Hunt – put that sidewalk chalk to good use with this musical color-sorting game.
Nature Mural – easy as it looks. Collect nature and add it to a large piece of wood to make a nature mural.
Outdoor Sensory Supplies – in need of some supplies? Check out my recommended outdoor sensory supplies.
Paint the Rocks – have a child that loves to collect rocks? Try painting them!
Practice Prewriting with Movement – draw some dots outside with chalk, then connect them to make spirals, curves, and lines. Ask your toddler to follow the lines to get comfortable with the shapes.
Pumpkin Balance – nothing beats a relay race. Grab the mini pumpkins and try to get to the other side.
Stick Painting – Gather some sticks and paint them to combine nature with fine motor skills.
51+ Things to Do for Spring – you’ll love this great list of sensory, crafts, and field trip ideas for Spring.
RELATED: Read what the NAEYC says about why outside play is important for the whole child.
Kids – Creative Activities at Home Are a MUST for Little Learners
I hope you find some fantastic activities from these lists to start your kids- creative activities at home!
How are cognitive development and sensory play helping our babies, toddlers, and preschoolers? Be sure to read this from Michigan State University.
