Gelatin Iceberg Sensory Play: How to Make Taste-Safe Sensory Play
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make gelatin icebergs for sensory play. There’s something magical about watching toddlers discover the world through their senses. When their hands sink into something cool, wiggly, and unexpected, you can almost see the learning happening. They explore and find answers to questions such as: How does it feel? What happens when I squeeze it? Is it hot or cold? Soft or hard? Big or small? Sensory play offers an incredible number of Ch
Jan 1
Winter Snowflake Tape Art: A Reusable Loose‑Parts Invitation That Builds Fine‑Motor Skills, Spatial Awareness, and Creativity
Winter brings a special kind of magic—sparkly mornings, frosty windows, and the irresistible urge to create. If you’re looking for a simple, low‑prep activity that blends creativity, motor‑skill development, and open‑ended exploration, this Painter’s Tape Snowflake Loose‑Parts Invitation is the perfect winter‑themed setup for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary learners. This activity transforms your floor into a giant snowflake using painter’s tape, then invites ch
Dec 31, 2025
The Best Gingerbread Play Dough Ever: How to Make Homemade Play Dough
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make the best gingerbread play dough. There’s something magical about the smell of gingerbread during the holiday season. Imagine that cozy, spiced aroma filling your kitchen, but instead of cookies, you’re whipping up the softest, most delightful play dough your kids will ever get their hands on. Our gingerbread play dough is not only fun to make, but it’s also safe, non-toxic, and lasts for months when stored properly. As an educat
Dec 4, 2025
Melting Snowman Sensory Play: A Festive STEM Adventure for Kids
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make a melted snowman and the benefits of STEM play. Looking for a winter activity that’s equal parts fun, festive, and educational? Our melting snowman experiment is a hands-on way to bring science, creativity, and sensory play together. It's fun, its festive and it is 10/10 for strengthening fine motor skills! As kids squeeze and pinch, they are working their fingers and hands and getting them ready to do big tasks such as writing
Dec 4, 2025
Dancing Bells STEM Experiment for Kids
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to set-up the dancing bells STEM activity. This experiment will WOW your kids Every. Single. Time. It's Science, its sensory play and it's a little bit of magic right before your eyes! Children are wired to wonder and this experiment will set their sweet brains into motion. When they watch bells rise and fall, they’re learning to ask questions, make predictions, and stay engaged with the world around them. Why STEM play? STEM doesn’t hav
Dec 4, 2025
Christmas-Themed Sensory Play: How to Make Santa Sand
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make this Christmas-themed sensory bin and share the benefits of sensory play. This recipe is a fun and festive way to incorporate sensory play into your day! The Christmas theme is amazing for the holiday season, but you can also adjust it to meet whatever theme or interests you have. It is soft, squishy, buildable and moldable. It can be used to create sandcastles, to hide gems or presents in or just to scoop and dump and pour. Them
Dec 1, 2025
Festive Fine Motor Craft: Pipe Cleaner + Pony Beads Activity
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make this adorable Christmas tree fine motor activity. The holiday season is the perfect time to blend creativity, play, and skill-building. One of my favorite simple crafts for kids is making pipe cleaner Christmas trees decorated with pony beads. It’s a delightful activity that doubles as both a fine motor exercise and a handmade ornament to treasure. They're cute, they're fun, they strengthen motor skills and double as a sweet orn
Nov 18, 2025
Christmas Kids Arts and Crafts: How to Make Homemade Puffy Paint
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make puffy paint. This is such a fun and engaging holiday craft! Kids of all ages love it (adults too!) and it’s super simple to throw together! Painting is such a fun and relaxing activity for kids (and adults) and it can be differentiated in so many unique ways. Puffy paint takes the joy of creating to the next level! It’s colorful. It’s textured. It’s unlike any craft experience you’ve had before! The best part…you only need THREE
Nov 11, 2025
Festive Christmas Tree Fine Motor Activity: Fine Motor Activity for Kids
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to set-up this festive fine motor activity. The holidays sparkle with magic, and what better way to capture that joy than with a hands-on activity that lets kids build their very own twinkle trees ? Using simple Styrofoam cones and colorful plastic lights, children can create festive masterpieces while secretly working on important developmental skills. There is nothing like a fun and festive activity that also works on a TON of skills!
Nov 11, 2025
FIVE fun and festive Thanksgiving Crafts using Feathers
In this BLOG post I will teach you five fun and festive activity ideas using craft feathers. We love a simple and fun activity, especially during the holidays! Fall is a perfect time to bust out those craft feathers and create! These activities are not only engaging, but they are 10/10 for strengthening motor skills! Try them today and be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife when you do! Are you looking for turkey craft ideas? Check out our BLOG post- it has 25 different ideas for yo
Nov 9, 2025
