Summer is quickly approaching and your preschooler will need some at home summer activities. Here are few easy hands-on activities that combine play and learning. These encourage imagination, gross motor skills, and cooling off! Great activities for the whole family.
Water & Sensory Play
- Ice Melt Treasure Hunt: Freeze small plastic toys or coins in a Tupperware container filled with water. Give your preschooler spray bottles, droppers, or warm water to "excavate" the toys.
- Sink or Float: Fill a shallow bin with water. Let your little one gather random, waterproof household items (spoons, blocks, leaves) and guess whether they will sink or float before testing them in the water.
- Shaving Cream Writing: Spread shaving cream over a flat tray or outdoor table. Let your child practice tracing shapes or writing their name with their fingers, which is fantastic sensory and fine motor practice.
Gross Motor & Movement
- Chalk Obstacle Course: Draw an extra-large track on your driveway or sidewalk with sidewalk chalk. Include areas to hop like a frog, balance on a straight line, spin in circles, or slither like a snake.
- Sponge/Splash Ball Targets: Draw large circles with letters, numbers, or simple shapes on the driveway using Sidewalk Chalk. Have your preschooler throw wet sponges or splash balls to land on your requested target.
- Balloon Tennis: Blow up a few balloons and use fly swatters, paper plates taped to popsicle sticks, or just their hands to keep the balloons off the ground.
Imaginative Play
- Living Room Campout: Gather blankets, pillows, and chairs to build a Living Room Fort. Bring in books, flashlights, and a picnic-style snack to enjoy in their new campsite.
- Toy Wash: Fill a bucket with soapy water, toss in some dirty plastic animals, vehicles, or blocks, and give your child toothbrushes or sponges to scrub them clean.
