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...

Make a PinwheelMaterials Plain or construction paper Crayons, markers, glitter, stickers, and other decorative items Scissors Tape Paper fastener Cardboard cut into a small circle Straw, wooden dowel, or unsharpened pencil Directions Have your ch...

Christmas Candy CountdownMaterials 25 small candy canes, individual pieces of candy, or candy kisses (for each child) 1 bowl, candy dish, or empty coffee can (for each child)Directions Place twenty-five small candy canes, kisses, or other special...

Gingerbread People Materials Thin cardboard or brown construction paper Pen or marker Scissors Glue Lace, ribbon, fabric scraps Pieces of cereal, small candy, or licorice Directions Draw the outline of a gingerbread girl or boy on thin cardboard ...

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...

Guessing Bag Materials Pillowcase or drawstring bag Small, unbreakable household objectsDirections Place a variety of small, unbreakable household objects inside a bag. Close the bag so the objects are not visible. Have your child feel the object...

Window Stenciling Materials Leaves in different shapes and sizes Masking tape Sponge Clothespins Tempera paint (orange, yellow, red, and brown), liquid Newspaper Directions On a fall walk with your child, collect several different types and color...

Draw a MapMaterials Paper Pens or markersDirections Help your child draw a simple map of her neighborhood. Include familiar and personal landmarks on her map: the mailbox, the store, the playground, her friend?s house, the fire station. Take this...

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...

Sandpaper BlocksMaterials 2 4-inch pieces of a two-by-four piece of wood Sandpaper GlueDirections Glue sandpaper onto the wood, and rub together for an interesting sound. ...

Make-Believe RestaurantMaterials Tablecloth or other linens Vase with flowers or other centerpiece Candle (optional) MenuDirections Use table linens, flowers (real or other) in a vase, and a candle. Take the customer's coat, show him to his seat,...

Find the Letter Materials Paper Scissors Pen or marker 3 plastic cups or coffee/tea mugs)Directions Cut out circles of paper small enough to hide beneath a cup or a mug. Write different letters on each circle. Place three tea or coffee cups on th...

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...

Papier-Mâché PiñataMaterials Large inflated balloon String Newsprint or other paper Papier-mâché paste Small toys and candy Crepe paper or tissue paper Paints Directions This is a great project to make for a birthday party or other special o...

Paper Plate TurkeyMaterials Paper plate Brown paint or crayon Construction paper in various colors Glue or paste Markers or crayons Directions Have your child color a paper plate with brown paint or crayons. Cut feathers out of colored constructi...

Let's PretendHere's an activity that encourages your child to explore and invent movement.Directions Have your child tell a story by acting it out with body movements, or ask him to move with different types of walks (downhill, on parade, stiff, ...