14 Ways To Be Creative At Home
If you’re like most parents, you probably don’t have much free time to get bored. In fact, a lot of your energy is likely focused on coming up with ways to occupy and engage your kids. To help you - and them! - take a break from routine, we’ve put together a list of 14 projects you can do using items you probably already have around the house. From magic milk to xylophones, walking rainbows to LEGO volcanoes, these ideas are inventive, fun, educational, and - best of all - stress-free. Take a look, pick your favorite, and have some fun!
- Cardboard Roll Scribbler
What kid doesn’t love to go wild with as many markers as they can hold? Toilet paper may be hard to come by nowadays, but if it seems like you always have an excess of empty cardboard rolls, here’s a creative way to make an awesome mega-marker!
https://www.thecrafttrain.com/toilet-roll-scribblers/
- Lava Lamp
Have some vegetable oil and an Alka-Seltzer tablet? Then you’re going to love this homemade psychedelic classic… oh, and your kids will too!
http://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/lava-lamp/
- Fruit and Veggie Stamps
Looking for a way to teach your kids about recycling… without having to make a boring speech? Try this clever art project with your leftover apples, partially-eaten corn cobs, and other previously unloved fruits and veggies.
https://abeautifulmess.com/2012/08/fruit-veggie-stamping.html
- Walking Rainbow
The only bad thing about rainbows is that they’re usually hard to find, but not anymore! Create your own mini-rainbow in your kitchen with this classic experiment that uses food coloring and water to show how primary colors create secondary ones. See if you can create a double-rainbow!
https://funlearningforkids.com/rainbow-walking-water-science-experiment-kids/
- Homemade Play-Dough
Every parent-to-be knows their financial situation is in for some major changes once their little bundle of joy arrives, but no one plans for a Play-Dough budget. Kids can never stock up on enough Play-Dough, but now you can use this recipe to save money while you and your child learn about basic cooking skills like kneading and stirring.
https://livingwellmom.com/easy-homemade-playdough-recipe/
- Rain Cloud in a Jar
What happens when it rains? Your kids can find out for themselves while they develop fine motor skills with this neat experiment you’ll wish an adult had known about when you were a kid!
https://funlearningforkids.com/rain-cloud-jar-science-experiment/
- Robot Puppets
Sock puppets are old school, the new hotness is robot puppets! This project is an ideal way for kids to really express themselves - and it’s even fun for boys who are usually harder to engage with arts and crafts.
http://mericherry.com/2015/06/01/robot-puppets/
- Magic Milk
If you’re looking for something your kids can never get tired of, look no further: no two magic milk experiments are ever exactly the same! Show your little ones how cool chemistry can be with explosions of color in a dish.
https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/magic-milk-a-classic-science-experiment-for-kids/
- Zip Line
Another creative use for toilet paper rolls that have outlived their intended use, this project is deceptively simple and surprisingly fun. It’s also a great way to combine both science and art.
http://mericherry.com/2015/02/22/make-zipline-steam-activity/
- Marshmallow Catapult
There’s something about catapults that’s just inherently satisfying. Now you can make one in your kitchen with pieces you never would have thought of combining into a miniature medieval war machine.
http://www.devincollier.com/how-to-build-a-simple-small-marshmallow-catapult/
- K-Cup Frogs
K-cups have become a fixture in most people’s homes. We know they’re not the most responsible way to make coffee, but they make it so simple. Feel a little less guilty and a little more inventive upcycling K-cups into cute little animals with construction paper and paint.
https://artsymomma.com/k-cup-frog-craft.html
- Water Xylophone
So much of music is scientific, but rarely is it more obvious (or easier for little ones to appreciate) than with this water xylophone experiment. It’s easy, fun, and something you and your kids will want to share and recreate.
https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/kids-kitchen-water-xlyophone-science-experiment/
- Microwave Puffy Paint
All it takes is 4 easy ingredients and a microwave and your child’s art can take on all new dimensions before your eyes. This project combines art, science, and creativity for a ton of fun.
https://www.happinessishomemade.net/homemade-microwave-puffy-paint/
- LEGO Volcano
If you have kids, you have LEGOS - and the scars to prove it. Put your child’s favorite torture device building blocks to explosively fun new use with this LEGO volcano.
https://www.greenkidcrafts.com/lego-volcano/
If we’ve learned anything as parents and educators, it’s that teaching takes patience, creativity, and appreciation. Teachers are not only absolutely essential workers - they’re truly special people who give everything they have for our kids, even when it isn’t easy. But giving back can be! While teachers are finding new ways to engage and educate our kids, we here at Kindergarten Crate are working hard on digital lesson plans, remote teaching resources, and in-class tools to make their jobs at least a little easier. And you can help! To get Kindergarten Crate shipped straight to your child's teacher, visit www.kindergartencrate.com. Enter code CREATE for 10% off your first crate! Teachers love Kindergarten Crate… and so do their kids. Make a difference today at www.kindergartencrate.com.