Kids can learn while they play! These educational activities will keep a preschooler busy while helping their minds grow.

Whether you’re babysitting or you have a few preschoolers at home as a parent, it can be tough trying to find activities for them to do that are also good for them.
I’m here to help!
Before I do, I must add that I am always looking for more! So please share with me some of your favorite activities for kids this age!
Build a Fort
This was easy – who hasn’t built a fort out of blankets and chairs? We made it educational by counting the blocks of wood we used to hold the blankets in place. Then we played pretend, and using the imagination is great for growing young minds! Tearing down the fort we all had to work together and follow directions.
Make Noodles Jewelry
Note: this could pose a choking hazard for younger ones, so I don’t let David do it and watch the 16 month old close. I bought wagon wheel noodles and rigatoni noodles. Then we paint them and thread them through a string for necklaces, crowns, and bracelets. Teaches colors, counting, fine motor skills and creative expression.
Coloring
An old standby. Just google what you want to color and you can print any coloring page you want!
I also discovered a way to turn pictures of yourself into coloring pages on Photoshop Elements.
- Turn the photo black and white (Click Enhance….convert to black and white)
- Click “Filter…..Sketch….Photocopy”
- Adjust levels to your liking
- Click “Enhance….Adjust Color….Adjust Hue and Saturation” and turn the saturation levels way down to make the lines black and white.
Done! Print! I know there are other ways of doing it, but this was my favorite. I know Crayola.com has a service as well if you don’t have PSE.
Baking
Not only does this teach math, following directions and creativity, but it keeps them quiet when they are eating what you baked! That is what I call a double bonus. The other day I put applesauce in my cupcakes in place of crisco and JJ went home and told his mom how weird that was. He learned something else about nutrition, and that made me feel great.
Paints
Crayola washable paint rocks! JJ is learning his letters so we can practice painting his name (which is the easiest to spell ever) and Lizzie soaks it up too.
I know there are tons of activities we could do next. What are some of your favorites?
I’m so glad you enjoyed the “I Love You” craft I posted! It’s really cute and great for all ages. I love crafts that use a cut out of your child’s hand because they make great keepsakes and grandparent gifts 🙂
Here is the link for anyone else that would like it
http://babysignswithelizabeth.blogspot.com/2010/02/fun-simple-craft-i-love-you.html
I wanted to add in a couple other activities I do with my own kids 🙂
*we do kid yoga (free on demand) or the Yoga By The Dozen DVD we have & love
*I save boxes and cartons from food we’ve used and we play “grocery store” or make a meal <– great way to get them thinking about healthy eating and shopping!
*treasure hunts are always fun and easy to set up. For your age group I would suggest a "follow the yellow brick road" approach
Those are great ideas. I remember making noodle necklaces when I was little and loving it. I will definitely being doing this on with my two.
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