Summer is almost here and I know everyone needs a few quick and easy activities to entertain your kiddos. Some might last 37 seconds while others might last longer — cheers to summertime and not losing your mind!
1. Jell-O Bowls
This is very simple to do. Take a few packages of Jell-O, whatever color or colors you prefer, and you can do one of two things: Put it all in one big bowl and then dump it into a large plastic container for your toddlers, or you can mix the Jell-O and pour it into a bunch of different smaller containers to set. I let mine set overnight and then put my son in a diaper and take him outside to explore the Jell-O. It is a fun sensory play activity that helped keep him cool too!
2. Squirt Water Bottles and “Paint” a Fence
This is literally the easiest thing ever:
- Go to the dollar store
- Buy spray bottles
- Fill with water
- Take your child outside
- Hand them a spray bottle full of water and let them go crazy
SIDE NOTE: If you have a paintbrush, old bucket, and a fence that can be “painted” with water, I highly suggest that too. It’s fun for them to dip the brush and “paint” without doing any harm.
3. Paint a Rock or Stick
Depending on your child’s age, you can have paint and brushes out on a table or throw a bunch of paint and brushes into a large plastic container you can stick your child into as well so they don’t escape.
4. Bubble Machine
- Buy a bubble machine
- Fill it with bubbles
- Turn on
- Enjoy
5. Calming Playdough
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tsp. cream of tarter
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- 6-10 drops essential oils
- food coloring (if desired)
- Mix all the ingredients except essential oils and food coloring in a medium saucepan, stirring for five minutes over medium heat or until dough reaches the right consistency.
- Split into three portions and kneed in essential oils* and food coloring.
- I used 10 drops of Lavender and six drops of Stress Away.
*I use Young Living Essential Oils {no, this is not a sponsored post.}
6. Dig in the dirt
I hit up the dollar store for all of their garden tools, beach toys, and basically anything that can be used to dig and explore in the water or dirt. I make sure to only get items that aren’t going to cause the end of the world should they break. For younger kiddos, you can get a cheap plastic pool or large plastic container that they can sit in comfortably, fill it with dirt or water, and let them play!
