Backyard Scavenger Hunt

We had a scavenger hunt in the yard the other day.  We are so excited to finally be able to spend time outside without winter wear and snow.  It has been a long time in coming this Spring!

The Princess and the Pea Art

Here is a fun art idea using crayons and watercolours:

My Inspiration: http://www.deepspacesparkle.com

Coloured Water Experiment

 We tried this a while ago and the kids were fascinated watching the colours

 creep up the paper towels and mix together in the middle cup.

My Inspiration and instructions: http://allforkids.tv/

Signs of Spring Hunt

After a very long wait, spring has arrived...I think!  We had a great day in the sunshine, looking for signs of spring.

Here are a couple of printable Spring activities:

Click here to download this worksheet from Childhood Beckons.

Click here for the link to this Spring Scavenger hunt.

Enjoy seeing your first signs of spring, wherever you are!

Snow Maze

I have to say, I do feel that it is a bit unfortunate that I am still posting about things to do in the snow.  But, seeing as we just got another dump of snow yesterday, I figured we'd have fun with it! 

My Inspiration: My sister's lovely blog! http://experimentingaswegrow.wordpress.com 

Thanks, Tricia, for the idea, and knowing that I'm not alone :)

Window Painting

We made some window paint the other night using a recipe found here.

It was a lot of fun, but be prepared for a lot of mess!

Here's what you need:

 Artists at work:

Newspaper Gift Wrap

First, we painted some newspaper...

...then we worked on some newspaper bows.

  

You fold about a 6 inch wide strip of newspaper in half, the long way. 

Then you cut thin strips along the edge, leaving a little room at the bottom .

And you roll it up and tape it.

Here's the final product :)

My Inspiration: http://www.adelle.com.au/gift-wrapping-ideas

Leaf Printing

Okay, so if you live where I live, the leaves are long gone and snow is on its way, but here is my last  leaf craft that I meant to post weeks ago :)

We collected a whole bunch of different coloured leaves to do leaf printing.  It didn't turn out quite as well as I thought, but it was fun, nonetheless.

We put the leaves on a piece of watercolour paper and then covered them with paper towel.  We got out the toy hammer and started pounding.  My 3 yr. old son especially loved that part!

 

 The end result...

My inspiration: http://buildmakecraftbake.com/2009/04/how-to-hammered-flower-and-leaf-prints.html

 

Fall Bucket List

I made a Fall Bucket List a few weeks ago and hung it on our wall.

 

Some of the ideas were:
-Make a pie
-Go on a fall hike
-Jump in a pile of leaves
-Do a leaf craft
-Go on a hayride
-Carve a pumpkin
-Go on a fall picnic
-Make cookies

We're still working on some of them, but it is nice to have them on the wall to remind us of fun fall things to do.

Apple Printing Banner

We did an apple unit this fall and one of the activities we did was making apple prints.  We just printed them on cardstock and then taped them to a string to make a little banner.

 

My Inspiration: http://sassypriscilla.typepad.com/sassy_priscillas_craft/2009/10/apple-print-newspaper-bunting.html

Water Play

What you need...

Add food colouring and soap to water and let your kids be entertained.

My Inspiration: http://handsonaswegrow.com/2011/11/30-days-to-hands-on-play-water-play.html

Paper Bead Necklace

I just found a paper bead making kit at the thrift store, but I think it would be pretty easy to make on your own.  Here's how:

What you need: string, toothpicks, patterned paper cut into long triangles, glue

 Step 1: Roll up the paper tightly, using the toothpick.

Step 2: Put a little glue on the end of the paper to make it stick

Step 3: Thread your beads onto the string and tie it up to make your necklace.

Toy Boat Race

Awhile back we had a Boat Party...a few friends came over and I had supplies for them to each make their own boats to race down the creek by our house.  Here were some of the creative creations.

Here are the boats in action :)

Alphabet Cookies

 Making cookies always makes everything just a little more fun! Here is my favourite Sugar Cookie recipe.

DIY Playmat

All you need is a shower curtain and some markers and you have entertainment for a rainy day.

My Inspiration: http://www.filthwizardry.com/2009/02/shower-curtain-village-play-mat.html

Reward Chart with Scratch Off Paint

Step 1: Make scratch off paint by adding 1 part dishwashing detergent to 2 parts paint

Step 2: Draw out chart and rewards.

Step 3: Tape an outline around the rewards and paint over them.

 Step 4: Once your child has completed a row, let them scratch off the paint to see the reward!

My Inspiration: http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/03/scratch-off-chore-chart-for-kids.html