Fun and inexpensive things to do with little ones
Painting rocks and other things you find, leaves, twigs, dry tree fruit…
Build an indoor fort! This is really something kids of all ages can participate in. It taps into our creativity when we begin considering structure and durability.
Finger painting – a classic that only requires fingers! You can even mix crushed rocks or leaves or flowers to make natural pastes like cavemen and finger paint away.
Scavenger hunt – this one is fun because you can do it in so many different places. Draw a picture list of things the kids have to find in a designated area and they can tick them off as they go, older kids can help younger kids with this one too.
Planting seeds for seedling trays or making sprouts in a jar. This one is fun because they have to prepare the seedling trays so it includes some tangible processes like touching soil and watering with water. This is also a project that can take up some play time for days to come with the kids checking on the seedlings and watching them grow every day, keeping them watered etc
Sand boxes – These can be both outside and inside activities and are subject to the availability of riversand. I have found that once a month just sprinkling some coarse salt in the sand box keeps it sterile enough. Also for indoor sand boxes you are not limited to sand, you can use lentils, oats, beans, rice or anything dried that can be poured and picked up in containers just like sand. Just watch out for choking hazards.
Do a work out video!! While screen time is a contentious issue some fun dance a long or sing along activities can keep kids entertained and interacting for long periods. And if you have time to participate with them can become a fun routine and part of a very happy core memory of childhood.