Open Ended Art Activities for Preschoolers

Art. It’s the word that strikes joy into the heart of every child- and fear into the heart of every parent. So what are some open ended art activities for preschoolers- and kids of all ages- that won’t make you crazy?

The answer comes in two parts. First, there’s the fact that repeated exposure to art will make kidsĀ less likely to create a mess in the first place. But secondly? It’s one of those things that we just have to pull on our big girl panties and try.

I get it as much as the next parent. I mean, after all, I’m the moron that painted my living room walls with MATTE PAINT. I live in fear of the day one of our art projects makes an unremovable stain on our walls.

But still. I do them anyways.

Open ended art projects for preschoolers give them the chance to experiment, not only creatively but with risk taking as well. Process art for kids helps with improved focus, choice making, self regulation, and even early literacy skills (Source). It’s CRUCIAL that we get art into the hands of our kids- even when it makes us uncomfortable.

So whether you’re looking to play it safe (like with our wet chalk art or collage ideas), or are willing to take a little more risk yourself (like with our baking soda drop art or cork painting), we’ve got the open ended art projects your preschoolers, toddlers, and kids are craving.

art projects for kids displayed; text: open ended art activities for preschoolers

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The Best Card Games for Tweens

kids playing games; text: the best card games for tweens

Looking for a fun, low pressure way to connect with your tweens? These card games for tweens are quick, low pressure, and LOTS of fun. They’re a sure way to spend time with your kids that you’ll BOTH enjoy!

As my daughter has gotten older, we’re having to learn new ways to connect with each other. She doesn’t want to play barbies with me anymore (which, honestly, thank goodness, because I was never a fan), but she still wants to spend time with me.

The in-between phase can be hard on everyone, but we all still want the chance to spend time with our kids in fun ways.

Luckily, having older kids brings on a brand new phase- spending time together on activities that we BOTH actually like!

So if you’re looking for quick, meaningful ways to spend time with your older kids (ages 8-12) too, check out this list of the best card games for tweens.

kids playing cards; text: the best card games for tweens

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Hot Chocolate Winter Sensory Bin for Preschoolers

hot chocolate sensory bin; text: winter-themed hot cooca sensory bin

Looking for some warm sensory fun on a cold wintry day? Check out this Hot Chocolate Winter Sensory Bin for Preschoolers (with taste safe options!)

We LOVE all things sensory around here. Not only are there incredible benefits to sensory play for kids, but let’s be honest- sensory bins keep kids occupied for SUCH a long time.

Our kids love sensory bins, but it can be difficult to keep things fresh and exciting. After we exhausted all the holiday fun in our sensory bin, we still had a WHOLE lot of winter left and no more ideas.

So we looked beyond the Christmas, Hannukah, and Snow sensory bins our kids loved so much. Instead, we brought in some warm cocoa themed comfort!

And the best part? Setting up a hot chocolate winter sensory bin for preschoolers was SO easy!

Read on for the full details on how to set up a hot cocoa sensory bin of your own.

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Screen Free Games to Play in Restaurants

Kids over coloring, but still need something to kill time before the food arrives? Want to keep your kids off tablets and phones while you wait? Check out these fun screen free games to play at restaurants! Every Saturday morning, my family picks one of our favorite local restaurants and … Read More