*Note: these are meant to do with preschoolers and older*
It's no secret that kids love arts and crafts, that's why you can find them at every preschool, elementary, and camp, they're fun! (And that's also why it's a good idea to have some in your back pocket in case you can't find anything to do!) I have personally used these ideas when babysitting and the kids I was watching loved them and I hope yours will too!
1. Oobleck
A fan-favorite, oobleck can easily be made in any kitchen as long as cornstarch and water are present. Just pour about a cup of cornstarch into a bowl (or plastic bag for even less mess :) ) and slowly add water (and optional drops of food coloring) while mixing until the mixture has a slime-like consistence and is liquid when no pressure is added but hard when squeezed. This is a bunch of fun and a great activity to do indoors or outdoors!
2. Marker Water Colors
For this fun no-paint version of water coloring, all you'll need is a large gallon-sized Ziploc plastic bag, washable markers (brightly-colored ones work best!), paper, crayons, and a spray bottle filled water. Have your kids draw out any outline of a design they want in crayon on their piece of paper (as the wax of the crayon will repel the water). Then have them grab the washable markers and draw all over one side of the Ziploc bag in any abstract way they want, the more colors the better! After they're done, grab the spray bottle with water and lightly spray on the Ziploc bag. Finally have the kids turn their papers over and place them design-side down on the colored side of the Ziploc bag. When you peel the paper up their design will be all colored in by the markers and all you have to do is let it dry!
3. Paper Crowns
Every kid I know has at one point or another dreamed of being royalty and now you can help them design their own crown, and all you'll need is a pair of scissors, a paper plate, and markers (preferably washable in case the marker accidentally gets on any shirts)! To start flip the paper plate upside down and let your kid color their crown any style they want. Once they're done take the scissors and starting from the middle of the plate cut out 2-4 straight lines (think of cutting it like a pizza), making sure you leave about an inch or two from the edge. Then fold up each point of the crown and have your kid rule their own kingdom!
