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 Tre...

Silly QuestionsDirections Ask your child silly questions to help him use his imagination and make choices. For example: "Would you rather be a bird or a cow? Why?" or "Would you rather be a table or a chair? Why?" Take turns asking the questions ...

Woven Mat for KwanzaaMaterials Black, red, and green construction paper Scissors Glue or staplerDirections Fold black construction paper in half to make a frame for the mat. Show your child how to cut from the folded edge to within one inch of th...

DreidelDreidel is the name of both the small spinning top used to play this game and of the game itself. Follow these directions to make your own dreidel, then read on for some fun dreidel games.  Materials Small, square milk or juice carton Pla...

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...

Growing Plants Materials Seeds Shallow dish of water Planters Potting soilDirections Your preschooler will be fascinated to see how plants grow from seeds or cuttings. Soak seeds from an orange, apple, grapefruit, lemon, or lime in water for a da...

Paper Towel Art Materials Paper towel Bowls of diluted food coloring or strong watercolorsDirections Have your child fold a piece of paper towel into a fairly small packet. Have her dip each corner of the packet into a bowl of colored dye (dilute...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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....