Open Minds & Messy Hands
Kids need help talking at dinnertime? These Mardi Gras Napkins are a game changer. With fun questions and illustrations, dinner just got a lot better! Thank you Mardi Gras Napkins for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailer to get the conversation going in your home! There are many benefits to eating dinner as
Attractions and family activities at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach in Seaside, NJ. From water slides to rides, see our top 5 must-do’s. *This post is sponsored by Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach. I received vouchers in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Summer is synonymous with water and family fun,
This space sensory bin uses colored salt and beans to create a fun space scene for kids to play in. Play with the PJ Masks and their Mission to the Moon! This post is sponsored by Entertainment One and Scholastic. Although I received compensation, all opinions expressed are my own. One of our
This super easy step by step tutorial shows you how to quickly, and easily, dye oats for sensory play. Perfect as a sensory bin base for babies. Sensory play can provide wonderful and rich learning experiences to kids. Sensory bins are a really fun way to do this. By creating an inviting base, you
Here are 7 outdoor activities for babies that are fun and safe, and can be done almost year round. Babies learn so much from exploring the world around them. Summertime is so much fun for babies, but it can also be challenging! Babies can’t be in direct sunlight and need lots of breaks for
Summer reading programs are great for incentivizing kids to read over summer break. Here are 5 free programs to join that are fun for kids! Summer is low-key in our house. We love to have as much unscheduled down time as possible. However, that has also created a bit of a slippery slope for
This muddy playdough recipe simply uses food coloring to turn regular homemade playdough into muddy playdough! Perfect with bug investigation for kids. We LOVE play dough! It’s the perfect sensory medium as kids can really hone in on their fine motor skills and practice creative thinking. This recipe for muddy playdough is perfect for
Here are 5 fun rides that you can still enjoy if you are pregnant at Disney World. There are a couple to stay away from, but can for sure be a great trip! We have been taking our kids to Disney World every year since our oldest was 1. We have had infants, toddlers,
How to have family fun at an amusement park for non-thrill seekers! Our trip to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dorney Park & Wlidwater Kingdom. “Just one more ride, pleeeeeeaaaaase” I would beg my Dad at the local fair as soon as I
This s’mores sensory bin combines graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate chips to create a fun and tasty edible sensory bin perfect for toddlers. Sensory play is so much fun! It can often be difficult to find sensory bin materials that are appropriate for young children, particularly those who like to put items in their
This free color by number beach printable has a fun theme for the summer. Color by number pages are great for early number and color recognition. Summer boredom busters are must-haves in my house! We love down time in the summer, but sometimes, need a little something to whip out during the witching hour
These indoor camping activities for kids are excellent for pretend play or for prepping kids for outdoor camping through play. We have so much fun setting up indoor camping activities and using the theme for pretend play, crafting and games. Here is a list of some of our favorite activities that we have done, from
10 awesome busy bags to make for kids that are both simple to put together and inexpensive to make. Great as boredom busters and unplugged quiet time. Busy bags are awesome to have on hand. They are great for unplugged quiet time, perfect for summer down-time, and super handy for waiting rooms, airplanes, etc.
These summer activities for 1 year olds and toddlers include sensory play ideas, outdoor motor fun, and arts and crafts to keep little ones busy all summer. It can seem difficult to keep 1 and 2 year olds busy all summer long. Kids this age need to move and explore, they often use their mouths
These printable unicorn bookmarks are perfect to use with little readers! They are funny and cute, perfect for all ages. New bookmarks make reading exciting and fun for many kids! The best part about printable bookmarks is that you can swap them out easily without paying a ton of money. These unicorn bookmarks are so much
A pool party sensory bin and small world for fine motor practice and fun. Perfect as a summer boredom buster! Sensory bins are excellent for early learning, and great for children with sensory-seeking behaviors. They provide opportunities for rich learning for kids as children are engaged and using many of their senses during play. This
This unicorn sensory bin uses cut up straws as a base. Perfect for fine motor bead stringing and scissor practice for kids. Sensory play is one of the best ways to help kids learn. My engaging in hands-on activities that stimulate the senses, kids are more likely to retain and learn information. Sensory bins
A rainbow rice sensory bin for all ages! Fine motor skill practice and sensory play with a homemade rainbow puzzle kids will love. Sensory bins are so much fun for kids! What a great way to introduce a concept or a new skill. Kids learn so much better when all senses are engaged. This
More than 20 ways to play for kids! Beach and ocean sensory play ideas from slime, to small worlds, to play dough, there are many great ideas here. Nothing says summer like a little ocean and beach themed play! If you live near an ocean, these might be near the top of your list,
If you’re looking for fun toddler-made gifts for Dad either for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any other occasion,look no further! Here is a list of really fun and simple crafts and activities that your littlest ones can make with love for their Dad. Plus, crafting and creating provides some really great bonding time for you and your
This soap foam recipe mixes soap and water with cornstarch to create foam that has a great texture. Color it blue and add sea animals for an ocean theme! We love sensory play that we can take outside! This soap foam has a really great texture and is perfect for playing with on the patio,
These superhero peg dolls are the perfect DIY toy or homemade gift for kids. A simple tutorial for Spiderman, Superman, Batman and Robin. My littlest one LOVES superheroes. Almost as much as I LOVE wooden toys. When shopping around for some wooden superheroes, I couldn’t quite find exactly what I was looking for, and
This is a summer bucket list of 10 ways to engage in sensory play this summer. Have you wanted to test out a slime recipe? Heard of oobleck? Give it a go! I love sensory play. Seriously. I LOVE it. I’m cool with the mess (most days) and even when I’m not, I see
We love nature activities, and we love science and experimentation, so this color-changing Violet lemonade has been one of our favorites yet! We can’t go for a walk or to a little league game without picking and hoarding more Violets for lemonade. RELATED: STEM IN THE KITCHEN WITH KIDS Color-Changing Violet Lemonade Did you know
This colorful butterfly black glue craft uses black glue to trace a printable template, and watercolors to fill it in. Easy for toddlers or ‘big’ kids! Crafting with kids is such a fun way to bond and connect while having fun and creating something beautiful! As always, crafting is about the process and not
Sensory bins are excellent for early learning, and great for children with sensory-seeking behaviors. They provide opportunities for rich learning for kids as children are engaged and using many of their senses during play. This alphabet sensory bin uses natural elements and has a very minimalist feel (something that I have come to greatly welcome!). Plus,
How to setup a backyard art space, and suggestions for simple ways to create outdoors. Art that is easy and accessible, and inspired by nature. My kids love to engage in art, and open-ended process art is my favorite to do with kids. We are setting up an space for backyard art outside this
