Activities for Preschoolers

Keeping Your Preschooler Busy Mom Alert! Avoid reliance on rigid routine—it will only frustrate you and your child. Flexibility is the key to a good relationship with your preschooler. As your child grows, introduce new activities and avoid un...

Cup of WormsTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Clear glasses or cupsChocolate puddingCandied jelly wormsCocoa powder Directions Here is a playful party treat perfectly suited to preschool humor. Make the pudding together and spoon it into clear cups ...

Little ones love making crafts, but who has the time or money for the supplies you need to put together an amazing project? Good news - your children can make these five crafts for preschoolers using only four supplies or less. Tissue Paper Tree...

Crayon Melt PrintsThis activity requires the use of a food warming tray or electric griddle. Close supervision by an adult is recommended. Materials Food warming tray or electric griddle Aluminum foil Crayons Paper Oven mitts Damp cloth Direction...

Pom-Pom SpiderMaterials Black yarn Small square of cardboard Scissors Black pipe cleaners Googly eyes (optional) Red construction paper (optional) Glue (optional) Directions Wind black yarn around a small square of cardboard, top to bottom, until...

Wooden Spoon PeopleYour preschooler can create Spoon People using glue yarn, buttons, and a wooden spoon. Materials Wooden kitchen spoon Glue Yarn Buttons Markers Directions Use a wooden kitchen spoon to make a spoon person. Have your child glue ...

What's Missing? Memory GameTest your preschool child's memory skills. Can she tell what's missing in this fun game? Materials Various household objects or small toysDirections Test your preschooler's memory skills by placing a few toys or househ...

Super GoopMaterials Saucepan 2 cups water 1/2 cup cornstarch Food coloring Mixing spoon Ziploc bags (optional) Directions Boil water in a saucepan. Add cornstarch and stir until smooth. Add food coloring and stir--adjust the amount of food colori...

Rainbow Fan Materials Paint sample cards Hole punch Paper fastener Yarn or string Directions Pick up some colorful paint sample cards from your local hardware store. Punch a hole in the center of the bottom and top of each card. At one end, join ...

Silhouette Self-PortraitsMaterials Very large sheet of newsprint or other paper Markers, crayons, or paintDirections Have your child lie down on the floor on the paper. Trace around her, then let her fill in the details with markers, crayons, or ...

Plaster Hand and FootprintsMaterials Patch plaster or plaster of Paris 1 1/4 cups water Tin can Mixing spoon Paper plates Picture hook (optional) Directions To make the plaster mix, stir two cups of patch plaster or plaster of Paris and one and a...

Egg Carton SpiderMaterials Black tempera paint, markers, or crayons Cardboard egg carton Scissors Black pipe cleaners Red construction paper Glue Thread or yarn Directions Using paint, markers, or crayons, color the cup sections of an egg carton....

Secret MessagesThis activity shows that water doesn't like mixing with wax.Materials White crayon or wax candle Paper, white Tempera paints PaintbrushDirections Use a white crayon or wax candle to write a message or draw a picture on a piece of w...

Playdough Jewelry Materials Playdough Toothpick or large, blunt needle Clear gloss enamel or nail polish String Directions Have your child roll small pieces of playdough into balls to make beads. Pierce each bead with a toothpick or large blunt n...

Screentime doesn't have to be devoid of any educational value. These popular, award-winning apps for kids help your toddler, preschooler, and school-age child learn about science, reading, and more in a fun, interactive environment.  Looking f...

Nature WalkMaterials Notebook Pen or pencil Bird book (optional) Directions Take a nature walk with your child. Try to notice as many different types of trees, bugs, and birds as you can. Keep a list of what you see. If you like, bring colored pe...

Fruit and Vegetable PrintingMaterials Various fruit and vegetables Paring knife Print pad or stamp pad Paper Directions Cut fruits and vegetables into halves, quarters, circles, or any other shapes, dip into tempera paints or on a print or stamp ...

Lollipop TreeMaterials Bag of lollipops Styrofoam cone ScissorsDirections Divide a bag of lollipops into three groups; one group will be used for the bottom of the tree, one for the middle, and one for the top. Set aside the group for the bottom;...