10 messy play activities for fun-loving families
Don’t let your inner neat-freak stop your kids from having some free-wheeling, fun-packed messy adventures!
Here’s ten ways to delve into some sensory, creative, expressive playtime (and get things cleaned up in time for dinner.)
1. Biscuit baking
Not only does baking biscuits result in a delicious bounty of snack time treats, there is all kinds of fun to be had when it comes to making dough, rolling it out, cutting shapes and decorating too! Check out these 8 easy cookies that are perfect to whip up with the kids.
2. Water play
There are countless lessons to be learnt when it comes to water play. Motor skills get a work out. Science concepts are touched on. Experimentation kicks in and imagination is sparked. Gather up some plastic cups, funnels, bowls and jugs and head into the great outdoors for some water play fun. (Always supervise your children when they are playing with water.) Check out these 10 awesome water play ideas for little kids!
3. Finger painting
Yes, squirts of paint plus paper plus little fingers equals mess, but it also provides opportunities for your child to express themselves and explore colours and shapes. Have some clean up gear on hand for speedy clean-up, post-masterpiece creation! For even more painting fun, check out these 8 easy edible paints you can make at home.
4. Collage creating
Torn or cut paper, a sheet of coloured card, some glue and a lot of imagination is all you need for this sticky, creative fun. You could draw shapes for your child to use as a guide, or let them go free-style and marvel at their artistic skill. Send that collage straight to the fridge door! Enjoy these 10 colourful paper craft ideas.
5. Gardening
What could be more messy and productive fun than digging in the garden, especially if you throw in some kid-sized garden tools – and maybe some kid-friendly, lunch-worthy plants! Cherry tomatoes? Peas?! Even tiny tots can help you out in the garden – check out these 10 garden activities toddlers and preschoolers will love. Or consider making your very own fairy garden with these 11 fairy-tastic DIY ideas!
6. Paper mache
Blow up a balloon, tear up some newspaper, whip up some paste and you are ready to paper mâché. You could help your child add some extra features to make your project come to life: cat ears, pig nose, puppy tail, perhaps? Let it dry overnight, pop the balloon and paint!
7. Potion making
Making potions in the garden is one of childhood’s great joys. You only need some water, sand, dirt, leaves, sticks and anything else that seems like a good idea to you and your child. Mix your ‘potions’ in plastic containers and make some magic spells together. Then tip them on your plants to give them a fertilising boost!
8. Chalk drawing
A footpath, some chalk and a little bit of creativity combine in this artistic and decorative activity. Not only is it adorably decorative, you can just wash it off when you want a fresh canvas! For some fresh, out-of-the-box ideas for your chalky play, try these six chalk activities plus a recipe to make your own chalk paint.
9. Sandpit fun
The sandpit is the perfect place to engage motor skills, imagination and some sandy exploration. Provide lots of playthings to tip sand in and out of, and be on standby for some creative conversation and grainy adventures. If you don’t have access to a sandpit, why not give these fun sensory play tray ideas you can make at home instead?
10. Shaving cream play
A plastic tray and a few squirts of shaving cream provide hours of smooshy, messy, hands-on fun and will delight your preschooler. Encourage them to draw, build shapes and create patterns as they play. Here are 14 shaving foam sensory activities just perfect for kids of all ages.
Remember the joyful, investigative fun your child will have as they play far outweighs the effort required to do a speedy clean-up. You’re making memories, not just making a mess!
Need some support to be the best parent you can be? Our Parent School parent coaching experts can help. Click to find out more or book a one-on-one session.
