Are they obsessed with a new video or computer game?

Do you find it a challenge to keep screens off during the summer?

Summer is a time to relax and have fun with kids and at times we turn to technology during for entertainment and it’s convenience.

The challenge we have as parents is to find a healthy balance. Here are my suggestions for how to balance the fun of summer screen time with activities to encourage them to explore and have fun this summer with activities that build creativity.

Limiting your child’s screen time can be a challenge, especially when we are surrounded by it more and more. Research shows that too much screen time can lead to obesity, irregular sleep patterns, violence, low academic performance and behavior issues.

Screen Free Activity Ideas for Kids

Here are 6 ways to encourage your child to unplug from Screens and plug in to summer fun.

There are so many ways to extend your child’s interest in specific characters from their screen time. We’re featuring a few of our favorites that will keep your children plugged into to academics too to avoid the summer slide we all fear.

Let’s explore 6 ways to encourage your child to explore off-screen this summer! Using these ways will still allow them to express an interest in a few of their favorite characters. After all almost all shows, movies, and even games came from a story in the beginning!  Here are a few tips on how you can recreate those at home with off screen activities and build creativity!

#1: Create Moments for Dramatic Play 

Kids naturally want to act out the characters they are watching on TV or in a movie. Grab a few dress-up clothes and encourage them to create a new storyline.

Having a dress-up box in close proximity this summer can help stir up their imagination. If they are older have them even help you come up with designs for costumes. Have a long mirror close by so they can check out their appearances and build a little self-awareness in the process.

#2: Plan Visits to the Library

You can locate books on just about any topic at the library. See if your child’s favorite screen character is available in a book.

Reading during the summer is one of the most important things your child can do.; Sneaking it in with a character they love just might do the trick for more time reading. If you checkout your local library events page, sometimes they even have character visits, authors visits and series get together during the summer.

A library can be one of the best resources for families.

 #3 Go on a Character Adventures

Does your child’s favorite character have a special place they enjoy visiting?

Take your child’s interest in a particular storyline a little further by exploring the locations they may have discovered in the TV series or movie. They open the opportunity to explore so many fun spots together and away from your screen. Go check out your local zoo, aquarium, beach, park, lake, river, museum, or trail. 

See how many Outdoor adventures you can accomplish this summer!

 #4: Create a One of a Kind Recipes

Creating special dishes for kids can be a lot of fun, especially when they are the chef and you are their assistant.

Pick a theme for your recipe or even a special dish from a show. Just because we’re screen-free doesn’t mean we can’t look to our favorite characters for inspiration. It just might be the way you get your kids to eat all their veggies.

Here are a few Recipe Ideas for Cooking with Kids

#5: Create Story Prompts Based on their Favorites

We know our kids are drawn towards certain characters on TV and movies but it doesn’t mean we’re stuck with the storyline. Encourage them to create their own plot lines.

Have empty journals or premade books sitting around this summer and encourage your child to create their own stories about favorite characters. It’s also a great way for them to really identify characters and their strengths and weaknesses. And to discuss some of the issues that are not addressed on TV.

Are you wondering what their writing should look like?  Here are a few writing resources.

#6: Provide Printables for Educational Support

One of the best things about the interest in the ability to find printable activities for your child that are thematic based on their favorite characters. One quick peek in a search and you’ll discover thematic activities that relate to their favorites.

It’s so much fun to sneak in a little summer learning by using favorite characters with some site word fun, math facts or cross word puzzles. Plus they are great for traveling too.

Some Final Thoughts about Limited Screen Time this Summer 

Finding that perfect balance of screen time and play time can be a challenge as a parent.  One of the best things about the suggested activities are that they are ways to get to know your child more by discussing the types of programs and games they enjoy. It’s also a way to keep tabs on their interest and how appropriate they are for their age levels.

If you have an older child, consider having them sign a media agreement for their safety.

One suggestion to help have a little more control of what your kids are viewing this summer is to have the shows recorded on DVR. It helps to avoid just sitting around watching what’s next. 

Plus as the parent you have a bit more control over what’s recorded.

Screen Free Activities are so important to your child’s development. You can create a few printable Screen Free Activities Cards to get you started with tons of activities that get your child moving and having fun all summer long!

What Do You Think?

What struggles do you have with limiting your child’s screen time? What character would your child use to inspire their activities? Which activity will you try first? Leave a comment below in response.

Are you following our Screen Free Activities Pinterest Board?

Follow The Educators’ Spin On It’s board Screen Free Activities and Resources on Pinterest.

Here’s how to host your own ice cream tot school!

When my now 30-month-old was just a wee, plump lad, we had bestowed upon him the title of “Blueberry King. He started picking blueberries with us when he was only 8 months old and finds great joy in being outside amongst the blueberry bushes. (See our Blueberry Picking and Cooking Post)

We decided to combine some of his absolute favorite things for a Blueberry Ice Cream King play date!

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Ice Cream Activities for Toddlers

We invited some toddler friends over for a playdate!!! The morning began with some free play in the pretend kitchen, Legos, and puzzles.

Ice Cream Storytime

The Ice Cream King by Steve Metzger

The toddlers then came over and intently listened to this cute story about a boy’s trip to an ice cream shop. The illustration makes ME want to lick the “rainbow sprinkles from mint-chip ice cream walls.”

Ice Cream Shop with Playdough

Earlier, my tot and I made homemade lemon play dough and blue play dough for making our own play dough ice cream shop.

Rolling and smooshing is such a great way to strengthen those little hand muscles!

I set out the ice cream spoons and my tot went rummaging through the cupboards to find my silicone baking cups. He got the idea of what we were doing!!!

Then he got a piece of paper and handed me a marker and said, “Ice cream 2 dollars.” Don’t you just love this kid? I know I am biased, but he does have great ideas.  It is always good to include writing and math to your pretend play. This environmental print develops early reading skills!

He spent the morning rolling and smashing the warm play dough!

When his friends came over, they seemed to enjoy this ice cream shop play dough station too! The kids baked and rolled. They made ice cream, cupcakes, and pancakes.

By the end of the playdate, the colors were all mixed into a lovely yellow, blue, and brown! I split the dough into 7 bags and sent all the tots home with a pre-mixed bag of play dough. They were all delighted.

Ice Cream Watercolor Art Project

I also set up a watercolor painting station. I had the moms help draw an ice cream form with crayons and encourage their children to help, then paint over the ice cream shape for a crayon resist painting.

Two of the kids kept ice cream forms and the others just went wild with paint. It was fun to see how all engaged in the painting process in their own way!

Make Your Own Ice Cream with Toddlers

***We actually did this activity first as the ice cream takes 30 minutes to soft set. ***

Then, just because we love cooking with kids, we made our own ice cream. The kids all helped pour the ingredients into the ice cream maker. I used a smaller measuring cup for my sugar so that the kids could all have a couple of turns adding ingredients.

I had pre-made the blueberry sauce early in the morning and set it in the freezer to cool.

Next time I’ll use Ice Cream Magic Personal Ice Cream Maker  or Set of 6 Makers  for friends like we did with our Pumpkin Ice Cream Playdate.

Unfortunately (or fortunately – whichever way you look at it) The ice cream never really “set”. I think it was a combination of my blueberry sauce still being a little warm and having toddlers help with the cooking process (which warmed up the cream, milk and ice cream maker).

I asked the moms and toddlers if they minded having blueberry milkshakes instead. There were no complaints!!!

Hip- hip HOORAY for a delightful toddler playdate!!!

Ice Cream Books for Toddlers

Here are a few book suggestions to go along with your ice cream tot school about ice cream and about blueberries for a little extra fun.

Here are some additional Ice Cream Books and Blueberry Books for Toddlers.

Additional Tot School IdeasSave

Your toddler may also enjoy these activities for their next tot school lesson.

You’ll find lots of hands-on learning and easy under the sea activities for preschool and kindergarten.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Fun Facts About the Ocean for Kids

The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, and it is important for kids to learn about it so that they can appreciate its beauty and diversity. The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface, and it is home to a vast array of plants and animals.

The ocean plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate, and it is a major source of food and jobs for people around the world.

However, the ocean is facing a number of threats, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. It is important for kids to learn about these threats so that they can take action to protect the ocean.

Here are some ways that kids can learn about the ocean:

• Visit an aquarium or marine museum.
• Go on a field trip to the beach or a tide pool.
• Watch documentaries about the ocean.
• Read books about the ocean.
• Talk to people who work in the ocean, such as fishermen, scientists, or conservationists.

Kids can also take action to protect the ocean by:

• Reducing their use of plastic.
• Recycling and composting.
• Conserving water.
• Eating sustainable seafood.
• Supporting ocean conservation organizations.

Overall, there are many reasons why kids need to learn about the ocean. The ocean is a vital part of our planet, and it is important for kids to understand its importance and how to protect it. By learning about the ocean and taking action to protect it, kids can help to ensure that the ocean will be healthy for generations to come.

Here are some fun activity ideas about the Ocean for kids to help them learn about it.

Ocean Activities for Kids of All Ages

• Ocean scavenger hunt: Hide seashells, fish toys, and other ocean-themed objects around your house or yard. Give kids a list of items to find and see who can find them all first.
• Ocean sensory bin: Fill a bin with sand, water, and ocean-themed toys. Let kids explore the bin and create their own ocean scenes.
• Ocean art project: Make ocean-themed paintings, sculptures, or collages. Use seashells, sand, and other ocean-themed materials to create your masterpieces. There are endless possibilities for ocean-themed arts and crafts, such as making fish prints, seashell jewelry, and sandcastles.
• Ocean story time: Read ocean-themed books to kids. This is a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of the ocean. Read books about sea creatures, coral reefs, and other ocean-related topics.
• Ocean dance party: Put on some ocean-themed music and have a dance party. Let kids move their bodies and pretend to be ocean animals.
• Ocean science experiment: Do an ocean-themed science experiment. Try making a saltwater aquarium or growing sea monkeys.
• Ocean field trip: Visit a local aquarium or beach. Learn about the different ocean animals and plants.
• Ocean playdate: Invite some friends over for an ocean-themed playdate. Play ocean-themed games, eat ocean-themed snacks, and make ocean-themed crafts.
• Ocean-themed movie night: This is a fun way to relax and bond with your kids. Watch a movie about the ocean, such as “Finding Nemo” or “The Little Mermaid.”

Ocean Books for Kids

To kick off your ocean fun and learning, you need to start with some great Ocean Books for Kids. There are so many options for ocean-themed books available. Start off with an animal your child loves from the Ocean and build from there.

You can even spend each day on one sea animal, or even a full week just with Shark Books.

Here’s a list of our Favorite Ocean Themed Books to Explore:

• Crab Books
• Coral Reef Books
• Fish Books
• Octopus Books
• Shark Books
• Seashell Books
• Ocean Sea Life Books for Kids
• Sea Otter Books
• Seahorse Books
• Sea Turtle Books
• Whale Books
• Non-Fiction Ocean Books

Ocean Activities for Elementary Students

One of my favorite subjects to teach elementary students about is the ocean. Honestly, I wish we could focus on it throughout the school year with how important our oceans and ocean life is to our planet. I always tried to at least end the school year with ocean-themed activities in my classroom.

I strongly encourage parents to teach their kids during the summer with ocean-themed activities, it is such a fun theme, and really easy to find activities for it. Plus makes for a fun field trip to the beach or local aquarium!

Here’s a peek at some of my favorite ocean activities for elementary students.

Sneak in some summer reading with this Summer Sight Words Game with Shells.

Add a little color to summer by learning How to Make Rainbow Shells.

Expand on your summer reading with this Storytelling Seashells Activity.

Make sight words even more fun with this Finding Dory Sight Word Sensory Bag.

Create a fun way to explore the ocean layers with this Ocean Zone Density Jar.

Create this super fun Woven Octopus Craft with two sheets of paper!

Time for a little summer art by painting a Watercolor Seashell Craft.

Create your own Ocean scene by painting with these DIY Sea Turtle Stamps.

With just sand and shells you can create your own Sight Words in the Sand Game.

This open ended summer art projects is so much fun by Making Sand Art with Kids.

This ocean playdough invitation with the free printable fish accessories is a simple sensory activity to set up for the kids, and a fun way to learn about the ocean, beach, and sea creatures.

Take a field trip virtually on one of our popular Ocean Virtual Field Trips for Kids.

Add a little summer literacy practice with this printable Ocean Muffin Tin Syllable Game.

At the beach or maybe even a local stream try Hunting for Sharks Teeth.

Make your own “Little Mermaid” with this adorable Clothespin Mermaid Craft.

Get wet with this fun Drip Drip Drop Outdoor Water Game.

Ocean Activities for Preschoolers

There are so many fun activities for preschoolers when it comes to the ocean. They are naturally drawn to learning more about ocean animals, which makes it that much easier. Explore ocean-themed alphabet and number activities together during the summer for hours of fun and learning.

Here are some of my favorite ocean activities for preschoolers:

Learn the letters of the alphabet by making a Swimming Letters with Dory Sensory Bag.

Host an Ocean Themed Playdate with these fun and easy ocean crafts and games.

Make a quick ABC game with this Alphabet Fun with Shells Tray.

Enjoy your favorite Disney Fish with a few Finding Dory Books for Preschoolers and Early Readers.

A House for Hermit Crab Activities

Mermaid Shell Necklace

Ocean Sensory Bin

Ocean Yoga Poses for Kids

Ocean Activities for Toddlers

Water Table Activities

Water Activities for Toddlers

Learning Alphabet Letter Shapes with Goldfish

Goldfish Number Game

Ocean Attractions for Kids

One fun way to expand your learning about the ocean is to go on a field trip! Here’s a few attractions that we’ve had fun exploring during our summer adventures.

Do you have a local aquarium or beach? If not you can take an Ocean Virtual Tour to one.

• Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys
• OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour in the Florida Keys
• Ocean Virtual Field Trips for Kids

If you’re able to head to the beach in person try these fun ocean activities!

• Beach clean-up: This is a great way to teach kids about the importance of protecting the ocean and its wildlife. You can either organize a beach clean-up in your own community or join a larger event.
• Seashell hunt: This is a fun activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. Simply head to the beach and see how many different types of seashells you can find.
• Sandcastle building: This is a classic beach activity that is always a hit with kids. Be sure to bring along some buckets, shovels, and other sandcastle-building supplies.
• Crab races: This is a fun and active game that kids can play at the beach. Simply draw a line in the sand and have the kids race their crabs to the finish line.
• Ocean scavenger hunt: This is a great way to get kids exploring the beach and learning about the different types of plants and animals that live there. Create a list of items for kids to find, such as seashells, seaweed, shark teeth, and sand dollars.

Ocean Movies for Kids

• Finding Nemo
• Finding Dory
• The Little Mermaid
• Shark Tale
• The Reef
• The Reef 2
• A Turtle’s Tale
• Luca
• Moana
• Wild Kratts: Creatures of the Deep Sea
• Disneynature Oceans

Ocean Songs for Kids

• Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid
• Under the Sea – Daveed Diggs
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat
• I Love The Ocean Song by Super Simple Songs
• Over The Deep Blue Sea
• The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming) by The Laurie Berkner Band
• Baby Beluga by Raffi
• Down By The Bay by Raffi
• The Beach Song by Music Travel Kids
• A Sailor Went to Sea
• Five Oceans Song
• Baby Shark Dance by PINKFONG

Pick a time of day and invite your friends.  

Prepare the activities ahead of time and set in different areas of the room.

When the children come – play, learn, craft, and connect!

Disclosure: Affiliate links to products

Ocean Themed Playdate for Kids

We’re sharing 4 simple ideas that you can do at your next playdate. Fun and easy hands on ideas all about the ocean. These ideas are best for ages 3-7.

Ocean Themed Playdate Craft: Paper Plate Seashell Craft

Materials Needed:

• Paper Plates
• Scissors
• Crayons
• Watercolor paint
• Stickers (optional)

Directions

1. Have parents pre-cut the shells or let the children, depending on the age and comfort level of the parents.
2. Examine the lines in the real shells and talk about their direction  Encourage children to draw the vertical lines with a crayon on their shells. Remember to have them go from TOP to BOTTOM in order to encourage good early writing habits.
3. Watercolor paint over the crayon lines. The paint should resist the lines and show through.
4. Let dry. Decorate with ocean theme stickers if available.

You could also make this adorable paper plate crab!

Ocean Themed Playdate Books

DK Eyewitness Books: Ocean Discover more about the plants and animals that live in the oceans.  Although geared for ages 8-12, I like to select a page to share with my younger children. This exposes them to new vocabulary and science concepts without being too overwhelming. 

Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor.  I love these stories for helping kids connect to science topics with a mix of fiction and non-fiction.  Depending on the age of the kids attending your ocean themed playdate – you may want to paraphrase some of the longer texts. I find when my child is alone, they are able to listen to longer stories. When in a group – short and sweet tends to do better!

National Geographic Weird Sea Creatures. This book is just COOL. My kids adore looking at and reading about the unusual sea creatures.

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach. Join a kid-favorite character as he spends the day collecting shells and making sand castles on the beach.

Ocean Themed Playdate Learning Activity: Shell Sort

Kids love to sort shells and this activity is a great way to combine math and science.

Materials Needed:

• Shells

Directions

1. Set out the shells on a flat surface. Encourage children to look at the size, shape, and colors of the shells.
2. Sort the set of shells based on one attribute such as size.
3. Re-sort the set of shells using another attribute.

Ocean Themed Playdate Sensory Activity: Ocean in a Tub

Materials Needed:

• Large container
• Ocean animals
• Beach towel
• Cups

Directions:

1.  Fill the large container with water. Set on flooring that will be ok if wet. Put a towel underneath.
2. Set cups and ocean animals in the tub of water.
3. Let children splash, pour, and play with their ocean tub.

For More Ocean Themed Activities:

• 30+ Ocean Activities For Summer Fun
• 38 Play and Learn Ocean Kids Activities
• Exploring the World with Kids
• A House For Hermit Crab Activities
• Beach Themed Syllable Game – Printable
• Make Rainbow Sea Shells
• Alphabet Fun with Sea Shells
• Hunting for Sharks Teeth with Kids
• Sea Shell Sight Word Game
• Water Activity Ideas for Kids
• Shark Books and Activities
• Ocean Books for Kids

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At-Home Summer Camp Activities for Preschoolers

Summer! The word itself conjures up images of sunshine, laughter, and… a whole lot of time to fill with your energetic preschoolers and curious toddlers. If you’re dreaming of giving your little ones a memorable, engaging summer without the logistical juggle or expense of traditional camps, we’ve got exciting news for you!

This year, you can be the super fun camp counselor your kids will rave about, all from the comfort of your home. How? With our fantastic Downloadable At-Home Summer Camp Activity Guides!

We’ve Done the Planning, So You Can Have ALL the Fun!

Let’s be honest, an unstructured summer can sometimes feel a little daunting. You want to create those core memories, see their eyes light up with discovery, and maybe even sneak in a little learning through play. But who has the time to spend hours scouring Pinterest, planning activities, and gathering obscure craft supplies every single day?

That’s where we come in. Our Virtual Book Club for Kids Activity Guides are designed by busy moms and early childhood educators to be a complete “camp-in-a-click” solution. We’ve poured all the creativity and planning into easy-to-follow guides, so you can skip the stress and jump straight to the giggles and shared moments.

Pick Your Passion: Themes to Spark Every Child’s Imagination!

The best part? You can tailor your at-home camp experience to exactly what fascinates your child. Does your little one roar for dinosaurs? Dream of space adventures? Love to get messy with colors and textures?

Our downloadable guides cover a range of exciting themes that are perfect for preschoolers and toddlers. Our guides are inspired by some of our most favorite books and book activities. Simply browse our collection and choose the theme (or themes!) that will make your child’s eyes sparkle. Imagine a week dedicated to:

• Dinosaur Dig: Unearthing fossils, stomping like a T-Rex, and creating prehistoric crafts!
• Mad Scientist Lab: Fizzing potions, colorful experiments (all safe, of course!), and mind-blowing discoveries!
• Little Artists’ Studio: Exploring paint, playdough, collage, and unleashing their inner Picasso!
• Bugs & Butterflies: Going on garden hunts, crafting creepy crawlies, and watching caterpillars transform!

Each activity guide is packed with a variety of age-appropriate activities, including:

• Creative Crafts
• Sensory Play Ideas
• Simple Science Fun
• Story Time Suggestions
• Movement & Gross Motor Games
• Themed Songs
• Easy, Themed Snack Ideas

Why an At-Home Summer Camp with Our Guides is a Win-Win:

• Stress-Free for Parents: Seriously, just download, glance through, and you’re ready to go. Most activities use common household items or simple craft supplies.
• Flexible Fun: No rigid schedules here! Dip in for an activity or two, or create a whole themed day. It fits your family’s rhythm.
• Budget-Friendly: Get a full camp experience for a fraction of the cost.
• Quality Bonding Time: These aren’t just activities; they’re opportunities to connect, explore, and make precious memories together.
• Learning Through Play: Your little ones will be developing crucial skills (fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, social-emotional) without even realizing it – they’ll just be having a blast!
• Comfort of Home: Perfect for little ones who thrive in familiar surroundings.

Ready to Unlock an Unforgettable Summer?

Stop wondering how you’ll fill those long summer days. Let us help you transform your home into the coolest summer camp on the block!

Click here to explore our exciting themes and download your first At-Home Summer Camp Activity Guide today!

This summer, it’s not about elaborate plans or expensive outings. It’s about shared laughter, a little bit of happy mess, and the joy of discovery. We’ve laid the groundwork; the magical memories are yours to build.

Downloadable Summer Camps for Preschoolers & Toddlers

Here’s our collection of themed summer camp to choose from for $9.99

• Cool Science Camp
• Get Creative Camp
• Let’s Cook Camp

We also have a few Mini-Camps available for just $3.99

• Bugs and Butterflies Mini-Camp
• Construction Mini-Camp
• Dinosaurs Mini-Camp
• In the Garden Mini-Camp
• Out of this World Mini-Camp
• Ahoy Matey! Pirates Mini-Camp

We also have a combined camp with 3 Themed Camps discounted for $24.99

• Dinosaurs and Volcanos Camp
• Let’s Go Camping Camp
• Things That Go Camp

You can learn more about this special online summer camp here.

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Explore these fun summer camp themes for an at-home summer camp that kids will love!

Which theme will your little adventurer dive into first? We can’t wait to hear about it!

Happy Camping (at Home!)

Most of the time, our play includes WATER! Learn how to play this outdoor water game with kids for tons of our fun.

This gross motor game is a spin off the classic Duck, Duck, Grey Duck (or Goose!), but with a cup of water. I can’t take credit for creating the game as it was shared with me by a fellow camp counselor 20 years ago! It was a summer camp hit then and still is today.

Grab a bucket of water and a cup and try it with your kids this afternoon!

Affiliate links are included in this article.

Drip, Drip, Drop | Outdoor Water Game for Kids

Learning objective: The children will learn to follow directions, take turns, and run!

*This game is best played in a group of 3 or more children.

Materials Needed:

• Bucket
• Plastic Cups

How to Play Drip, Drip, Drop Game

1. Children sit in a circle. One child is “it.”  They scoop a 1/2 cup of water from the bucket.

2. Starting where they were sitting, they dip their fingers in the cup and sprinkle a drip of water on the next child’s head and say, “DRIP.”

3. Play continues with drips until the child DROPS the rest of the water on someone’s head and says, “DROP.”

4. That person then chases the child who is it around the circle, trying to beat them back to their original space.

5. The player that sits last (or is still standing) scoops a 1/2 cup of water and goes around the circle again.

6. The game ends when all children have had a chance to be it or your water runs out!

* Paper cups will work, but they get soggy fast and you need a lot of them. The plastic disposable cups are a little better, but crack easily. If you have a plastic re-usable cup, they tend to hold up the best!

** Drip Drip Drop Rules: We always had a few kids who did not want to get wet. We had a signal that if they did not want to get wet, they would put their legs straight out and the child who was “it” would drip on their legs, not their head, and for the “drop” just pour it gently on their legs.

You may, of course, adapt the game to meet the needs and wants of your kids.

Water Activities from the #PlayfulPreschool Team:

• Alphabet Activities: Washing the Letter Dishes by Growing Book by Book
• Alphabet Hunt in a Water Sprinkler by Mom Inspired Life
• Turn Your Water Bottles into Musical Instruments by Life Over C’s
• Pie Tin Boats – an engineering challenge for the whole family by Rainy Day Mum
• Making a Solar Still-a Water Desalination Experiment by Capri + 3
• Water Displacement Experiment by Fun-A-Day
• Drip, Drip, Drop | Outdoor Water Game for Kids by The Educators’ Spin On It

Here’s our entire collection of super fun and easy water activities for kids!

Get your kids splashing around outside with Drip, Drip, Drop game, then dry off and come inside for some quiet reading time.

This level 3 reader from National Geographic provides a great introduction to the science of water. With high color photographs and detailed explanations of concepts and terms, children will learn about water cycles, flow, and evaporation.

National Geographic Readers: Water

Geared for more advanced beginning readers ages 6-9 to read independently. My little guys LOVE this book read to them. Here are some more Water Books for Kids!

Here are a few more fun ideas for outdoor water games!

Water Lesson Plan for Toddlers

Where can you find water?
What are the properties of water?
How can water change?
What things need water?

Of course, water is such a broad topic that one week will just touch upon some of the basics.

Every day we will have a 30-minute planned physical activity in addition to our learning. Our more structured learning time usually occurs in the morning when our moods are the happiest. To go with the water theme, we will be running through the sprinkler, swimming at the pool, hiking to a river, and playing some water relays with big sister!

Water Music Ideas for Toddlers

We are making a rain stick with a paper towel tube and small nails, then pouring dried beans in it and capping it off with some good old duck tape!

There are so many water songs, we will try to sing a few fun AND educational ones! Like the Water Cycle Boogie or “Little White Duck” or “Baby Beluga” Oh, the possibilities are endless! I put a music focus for Monday because that is when I teach my toddler the songs and more. 

Printing songs on paper or a whiteboard shows environmental print.  Interacting with the words makes them even more meaningful!

Water Science Experiments for Toddlers

Exploring properties of water

Set up a learning station for your toddler to explore the properties of water. See how easy it is to set up an inside water play activity station from Learn with Play at Home

Temperature

What is REALLY COLD water?  In the morning we filled up ice cube trays and put them in the freezer. Later in the day, we took the trays out and talked about what happens to water when it gets cold. It turns to ice (not poop like my son predicted – gotta love 2 year olds!) We then brought the ice to the bathroom and I let him melt the ice in a sink of water. HE had a BLAST!

Sink or Float

This experiment is soooo easy, yet sooo much fun for toddlers.  Let your toddler grab a bunch of toys and dump them in the water.  Talk about what ones stayed on the top (floated) and which ones went to the bottom (sank). Then, take them out, dry them, and try again with a new handful of toys!

Gravity

Water falls down. Make this simple, but oh so much fun water wall for toddlers from Adventures of Adam.

Life Skill Lessons with Water for Toddlers:

Taking Care of Toys

Water is a great way to teach toddlers how to care for their belongings.  Find out how Hands on As We Grow shows her son how to wash toys.

Water Math Activities for Toddlers 

Measuring

Measuring water with standard and non-standard units of measurement.  (sounds fancy huh!)  Yeah, it is really just bringing out the water station and spending time pouring using different size measuring cups.  I make sure to explain what they are.  He was so proud explaining to Papa on the phone that he was “measuring water” for his daily lesson.

Measuring water with standard and non-standard units of measurement.  (sounds fancy huh!)  Yeah, it is really just bringing out the water station and spending time pouring using different size measuring cups.  I make sure to explain what they are.  He was so proud explaining to Papa on the phone that he was “measuring water” for his daily lesson.

Water Art and Sensory Exploration for Toddlers

Water Color Paint

We have actually brought out the water color paints every day this week, but I have set aside a day to focus on open-ended art.  In the last week, my son has correctly identified almost 12 colors (still gets mixed up with pink and purple) so we talked a lot about colors while we painted.

Colored Water Tub Play

Click over to Twodaloo to find out how to make colored water play tubs.

Colored Water Mixing Station

Want to play with colored water, but keep it a little more contained? Try this colored water learning activity from Happy Hooligans.  Click to see how to make colored water bottles.

Bubble Tray

Child Central Station has made this awesome toddler sensory table for water exploration.  Click to see how to make a bubble tray.

Water Field Trip Ideas

I had a hard time limiting myself to just one trip this week.  There are so many wonderful places to go with water, that we went to quite a few in the afternoons and talked about fun places we can find water!

• Swimming Pool (man-made)
• Walk near the creek (nature)
• Splash park (man-made)
• Sharks Tooth Hunting (nature)
• Walk in the rain (nature)
• Visit to the pond to feed the turtles and fish (actually a man-made pond)

Water Books to Read

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are just a few of the books on our shelf this week. Make sure that you have a mix of Fiction and Non-Fiction reading levels as well as a variety of reading levels and vocabulary. 

You will find a complete collection of water books here in this Water Books List for Kids.

Don’t feel like you need to buy all the books – your local public library is a great way to get an instant themed library for the week!

We really did enjoy the book Water and Bubbles and my son asked for me to buy it for his 3rd Birthday!

You may also enjoy these activities with your toddler…

Click here for Water Table Ideas for Toddlers

Do you have a toddler in your house?  What will you be learning about this week?  Feel free to use our ideas with your little ones and share any good ones with us too!  We LOVE learning and are excited to start up another year of tot-school!

There is something magical about water and little ones. From some of those very first baths to their first time in the little baby pool, there’s a feeling of excitement and joy in their faces. 

There are so many things that you can do with water and your little ones we thought we’d share some ideas that have worked for us over the years.

Disclosure: This post contains amazon affiliate links.

Water Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Some ideas are very simple and others are from fun toys we’ve discovered along the way. 

As they are playing with water they are also developing skills such as fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language skills and even math and science skills.

With the weather getting a warmer and summer almost here, it’s time to have some fun with Water.  You don’t always have to head to the pool to get that same experience. 

Let’s create some water fun right in your own backyard! 

First you’ll need a water table, water container or wading pool. We’ve had the same one for many years now. It was a First Birthday Gift for my daughter from my parents.

It’s been a favorite for my girls and for all our friends who join us for playdates.

Now it’s time for some fun with the water. Of course for littlest ones, water is water and they just like touching it and splashing in it. 

One of the important stages in learning to swim is being comfortable with water splashing around you so let them splash and have fun!

One way to make them comfortable with water it’s time to add some fun. Grab some toys and let them explore them in the water. 

Here are some of our favorites water toys. You can add more item ideas to the table as your child gets older and able to be trusted with smaller items.

Water Tables Themes for Kids

• Transportation
• Ocean
• Swamp Fun
• Baby Bath Time
• Pirates
• Mermaids
• Pond Life
• Sink or Float
• Cooking
• Rainbow Ice
• Dish Washing
• Car Wash
• Sibling Fun too

Items for Water Play

• buckets
• sand toys
• plastic cups
• boats
• ducks
• turtles
• ocean animals
• funnel
• yogurt containers
• recycled plastic containers
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• cookie cutters
• sponges
• water baby doll
• plastic animals
• plastic bugs
• rocks
• sea shells
• plastic gems
• plastic ice cubes
• large plastic coins or lids
• plastic boxes

If you don’t want to purchase a water table you can always create your own too.  We’ve filled up all types of plastic containers with water to sit on the ground and sit beside while we play with our toys.  Here are a few DIY Water Table Ideas.

DIY Water Table Ideas from

• Inspiration Thief
• No Time For Flashcards
• Sweet Tea Classroom
• In Lieu of Preschool
• A Secure Base
• Lowes Creative Ideas

We hope that you found something you want to explore with your babies and toddlers. 

Water play is such a hands-on experience and a great way to spend with friends for a playdate, plus it’s a fun way to cool off during the hots days.

Go explore WATER!

Water Activity Ideas from The Educators’ Spin On It

• Water Fun and Learning with Kids
• Water Activities for Summer Fun with Kids
• Water Beads on Ice 
• Water Bead Fun with Toys

Think WATER SAFETY first!

** Never leave your child unattended near water, no matter how deep.**

~ Keep in mind that Small Toys can be a Choking Hazard, Adult supervision required at all times! ~

Here’s a fun art project for Mother’s Day that is sure to be a big hit!

Here’s fun way to show a MOM how colorful and special she is to you. We’re making a resist paint art project using a little help from one of our favorite stories.

Perfect for a quick Mother’s Day Craft to do with your class or playgroup too! Let’s get started!

{Disclosure Affiliate Links to Amazon}

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Mouse Paint is a classic story that I highly recommend for all children to read. Three sweet little mice explore what happens when they combine red, yellow and blue.

It’s the perfect way to introduce primary and secondary colors in a magical way.

Easy Mother’s Day Craft Idea

For our Mother’s day craft we are following along in the footsteps of the mice and created our own special rainbow footprints. Gather your supplies first.

Then read the story and discuss what happens when the mice put their painted feet into different colors. Reading it first gives each child a little background building in color mixing before they paint their Mother’s Day project.

You can watch a video on how to make this here.

Easy Mother’s Day Craft Project Supplies

• Printed Mom Cut Out {PRINT HERE} 
• Plain Piece of Paper or Cardstock
• Scissors
• Tape
• Red, Yellow and Blue Paint
• Paint Brush
• 3 Containers or paper plates for mixing colors

Click here to DOWNLOAD AND PRINT 

Cut out the word MOM first before you begin. For older children leave could even create their own outline. Now you’re ready to do some Mouse painting for Mom with a wonderful surprise.

Before you begin painting tape onto your plain piece of paper lightly, you’ll want this to come off later. Allow your child to choose the placement for a little creative choice.

First paint with the brush red and yellow prints on the page and then mix the two colors to create Orange and then create orange prints onto the page. Then repeat with the yellow and blue and red and blue.

As they are making prints onto the paper encourage them to cover the secret message on the paper. Remind them to take caution and not lift up the word MOM at anytime while painting.

Once they have covered the paper they have created all of the colors of the rainbow on the paper. Now it’s time to lift up the MOM paper and see the surprise word!

Just as the mice saved a white spot to hide from the mouse in the story we’ve saved a special place for our MOM. Turn it upside down and it also says WOW!

Yes, I know it’s the little things my 6 year old notices that crack me up.

Once your painting is dry it’s ready to give to a special MOM for Mother’s Day! CLICK HERE for a free Printable “My Mom is a Rainbow Poem” to go with your Project. 

Don’t forget DAD, here’s a fun twist using the word for Father’s Day CLICK HERE

Looking for more Mother’s Day Craft ideas for MOM?

If you like this idea you might like these other MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS

• Easy Mother’s Day Craft  
• DIY Flower Bouquet for Mothers’ Day
• Mother’s Day Star Themed Card 
• Acts of Kindness for Mom
• Handprint Card for Mother’s Day 

 Happy Mother’s Day from The Educators’ Spin On It!

Let’s see how to make this DIY bee math activity for preschoolers.

My 3 year old is in LOVE with his “squeezy pouches.” You know the baby food in a bag. We use them as occasional, on-the-go snacks now that he is older. The lids to these serving pouches make great eco friendly math games.

For this one, we made DIY bee math counters.

ECO Friendly Math Games | DIY Bee Math Counters

Materials Needed for both games:

•  Yellow Baby Pouch Lids We used Plum Organics Baby Second Blends, Pumpkin and Banana
•  Permanent Marker
• Pipe Cleaners 
• Scissor

  

Most of what I do is kid made – these counters however are best for an adult to make ahead of time.

1. Draw lines on the lids with the Permanent Marker.
2. Use the scissors and carefully cut the pipe cleaners in half. Push one end through the lid. Twist.  Then curl the ends in to make the antennae (and so they will not poke.)

Bee Counter Math Game 1: Number Match

Learning Objective: Represent the number of objects in a written numeral.  Example, the number 4 is represented by 4 bee counters (see image above)

Step 1. Write one number on a piece of paper. Use 10 pieces of paper for the numbers 1-10.

Step 2: Have your child select a number.  Read the number out loud. Then count the number of bees to match the written number. Place them on the written number. Say the number out loud one more time. Ask your child. “How many bees are here?” Encourage them to re-count the bees if needed.

Step 3: Select another number card and repeat.

Click to get a week of Bee Themed Activities

Bee Counter Math Game: The Number Bee Line

Learning Objective: Count objects in a line.

How to Play

Step 1. Make a number line. Cut your paper in half the long way. Tape the two pieces together to make one long paper rectangle. Write the numbers 0-10 in order along a line. Make a dot on the line above each number.

Step 2. Let the child grab a handful of bee math counters from the pile.

Step 3. Place one counter over each dot on the number line. Count and say the number.

Step 4. Take the counters off and place them back in a pile. The next person takes their turn (or the same child plays again).

You may also like A honey Bee Craft and Magnet Science Activity

You may also enjoy these activities with your child…

• The best Bee Books for Kids
• Learning about Bees in the Garden 
• Learning About Pollination with Zucchini
• Learning About Bees