AGES:
4 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Paper straws
Masking tape
Cardboard square
Construction paper
Fan
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use the cardboard square as a base.
Construct the frame of building by taping straws to the base and to each other.
Try attaching paper “walls” using tape.
Experiment! Try blowing your building with a fan. Can it withstand the wind? How tall can you make your building without it falling over?
AGES:
4 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Mirror (non-breakable)
Dry erase markers
Sponge
INSTRUCTIONS:
Look at yourself in the mirror.
Draw your face with the wet-erase markers.
Use a damp sponge to erase.
Explore all the emotions your face can express and try to draw them too.
AGES:
0 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Tempera paint
Contact paper
Yoga mat or any nonporous surface (optional)
Duct tape (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lay out 1 sheet of contact paper, sticky side up.
Pour at least a half cup of paint onto the contact paper.
Place a second sheet of contact paper over the paint and press to seal.
Attach to a yoga mat using duct tape (optional).
Use your whole body to squish, mix and draw in the paint. Add 2 colors of paint to explore color mixing.
AGES:
4 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Construction paper
Scrap paper
Markers or crayons
Ruler
Scissors and glue
INSTRUCTIONS:
From the construction paper, cut out a large card and fold it in half.
On the seam, cut 2 slits (around 1-‐2 inches deep; 1 inch apart.)
Open up the card. The area that you cut will be where you add the card’s pop up feature.
Cut out your pop up object and glue it on the cut part of the card.
Decorate your card for someone special—maybe even plan to mail it to that person.
AGES:
3 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Old sheet (cut to fit on your back.)
Markers
Yarn or ribbon
Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS:
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Use markers to design a superhero cape for the hero in YOU.
Cut slits at the upper corners of the cape.
Tie a long piece of yarn or ribbon to each slit.
Secure it to your back by wrapping the string around your shoulders and under your arms. Then tie it in a bow (it should fit like a backpack). Do not tie the cape around your neck.
Now test out your new superpowers and all the amazing things you can do.
AGES:
3 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Toilet paper tube
Dried rice and/or beans
Colorful crepe paper or paper scraps
Markers
Stapler, masking tape, scissors, and glue
INSTRUCTIONS:
Staple one end of the toilet paper tube shut.
Add a small amount of rice or beans, then staple the other end shut.
Cover the staples with masking tape.
Decorate with markers and paper.
Cue up your favorite songs and shake along.
AGES:
1 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Empty recyclable containers (yogurt containers, cracker or cereal boxes, etc.)
Tape
INSTRUCTIONS:
Clean and save containers, cans, and boxes.
Design and create structures with your collection of unusual building materials.
For an extra challenge, sketch your design before, during, and after it’s built.
Grab your favorite toys, stuffies, or vehicles and go to town in your new upcycled city.
AGES:
4 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Smooth rocks (wash off any sand or dirt)
Permanent markers
Scraps of paper
Scissors
Mod Podge and paint brush, or spray acrylic sealant
INSTRUCTIONS:
Choose a stone. Decide if you want to make it a character or a setting stone.
For character stones, use the markers and/or paper scraps to depict a person, animal, alien, or any other character you can think of on your rock.
Do the same for setting stones. Think of the location where your story might take place. Is it the playground? The forest? Outer space?
Spray completed stone with acrylic or brush with Mod Podge. After they dry it’s time to bring your story to life!
AGES:
4 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Paper
Tools for drawing or painting
Tape and scissors
Variety of boxes or wooden blocks
INSTRUCTIONS:
Go on a neighborhood walk together. Notice the buildings and places that are in your community, or even snap a few pics to reference when you get home.
After the walk, draw pictures of the places in your community with your child.
Tape the drawings on the boxes or blocks.
Play in and with the Block Neighborhood.
AGES:
1 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Thin craft foam (often at dollar stores)
Scissors
Wet tile wall (bathtubs or showers are perfect for this!)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cut the foam rectangles into a variety of shapes.
Wet the tile wall or dip foam pieces in water.
Stick foam shapes to the wall and/or bathtub.
Use your imagination to make designs with your beautiful shapes or just have fun putting them up and taking them down.
AGES:
1 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Blender
White scrap paper
Water
Variety of tools: scoops, tongs, and cups
A large container or tray
Glitter (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Shred or tear paper into small bits.
Fill the blender to the top with paper pieces.
Fill the blender with water until it just covers the paper and blend.
Dump the paper smoothie into a tray with containers and utensils. Add glitter to make it glamorous or food coloring to make it bright.
AGES:
3 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Colored masking tape
Rug or large piece of paper
Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lay out a rug or a large piece of paper.
Cut off a piece of tape and press onto your selected surface.
Use tape to draw and create larger than life designs.
AGES:
2 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Small, clear cups
Food dye or washable liquid watercolor
Water
Optional: eye droppers
INSTRUCTIONS:
Pour water into small cups or into a sectional platter.
Dye the water various colors with a drops of food dye or watercolor.
Mix colors by pouring water into other cups, bowls, and experiment with the eye droppers.
AGES:
1 and up
INGREDIENTS:
1 ¼ cup of water
¾ cup of salt
½ cup of oil
Food coloring
3 to 3 ½ cups of flour
Kitchen utensils: cookie cutters, rolling pins, whisks
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix the first four ingredients together.
Slowly add flour to the mixture as you use your hands to mix in the dough.
Continue to slowly knead in flour until the dough is at the desired consistency.
Combine with child friendly kitchen utensils and imagine you are cooking up some delicious grub.
AGES:
1 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Contact paper
Painters tape
Scrap paper, ribbons, and fabric
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cut contact paper to desired size.
Tape contact paper (sticky side facing outward) on a wall with painters tape.
Arrange your ribbons, papers, and fabrics on the contact paper to create your collage.
AGES:
1 and up
INGREDIENTS:
Variety of cardboard mailing tubes
Razor blade (adult only)
Variety of balls
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cut the tubes in half and lengthwise to create tubes and ramps.
Build ball runs, tunnels, and explore the endless possibilities with tubes!
Discover which balls fit inside the tubes and which balls roll fastest down the ramps.
Peer through the tube to explore a new perspective.
