toddler

30 Simple Summer Activities for Toddlers + Kids (Your BINGO Guide to Easy Fun + Connection over the Summer)

Summer with kids doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. In fact, the most powerful moments are often the smallest ones, those quick, playful bursts of connection woven into your day. This Summer Activity BINGO Card was designed to give you exactly that: simple summer activities for toddlers and kids that are easy to set up, low pressure, and rooted in what young kids actually need: movement, sensory play, and connection. Because here’s the truth: when toddlers feel

May 26

Chalk-It-Up: DIY Colored Salt Chalk Art for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Looking for an easy sensory art activity for toddlers and preschoolers? This colorful salt chalk art activity is simple, inexpensive, and incredibly fun for young children. Using just sidewalk chalk and salt, kids can create beautiful, layered art while strengthening fine motor skills and exploring colors through hands-on play. This activity is perfect for preschool art, toddler sensory play, or a simple afternoon craft at home. Why Chalk Salt Art Is Great for Young Children

May 25

Multi-Sensory Writing Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Learning to write begins long before a child can form perfect letters on paper. For toddlers and preschoolers, writing is a full-body learning experience! When children can see, touch, move, and explore letters in playful ways, they build stronger connections in the brain and develop the fine motor skills needed for future handwriting success. That is why multi-sensory writing activities are so powerful. Instead of only practicing with a pencil and worksheet, children use the

May 25

Post-it Alphabet Hunt (An Easy Movement-Based Literacy Activity for Kids)

Need a simple learning activity that gets your kids moving and practicing early literacy skills? This one is always a hit in our house. Today’s activity is a Post-it Letter Hunt—a playful, low-prep alphabet game that combines movement, letter recognition, and problem-solving all in one. It's easy to set-up, can be differentiated so many ways and is fun for all ages! Why We Love This Literacy Activity This activity is simple, engaging, and easy to customize based on your child

May 2

DIY Sensory Balloons: How to Make Sensory Balloons for Self-Regulation at Home and at School

In this post, you’ll learn what emotion balloons are, how to make them, how to use them, and why they are such a powerful regulation tool for toddlers and kids of all ages. What Are Sensory Balloons? Sensory balloons are DIY sensory tools made by filling balloons with soft materials like flour or play dough and drawing simple emotion faces on them. Each balloon represents a different feeling, like mad, sad, calm, excited, or worried. They are part of a growing movement in ear

Apr 24

Spring Planting Sensory Bin: Pretend Dirt Tutorial

In this BLOG post I will share the recipe for pretend dirt Moon Sand, storage and safety tips. If you’re looking for a fun and festive...

Apr 10, 2025

Rainbow Sun Catcher Wings Tutorial

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make rainbow sun catcher wings. Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!! XO Gina If you love to DIY and create joyful moments, this is for you!! Sun catchers are so incredibly magical. They use recycled materials: don’t

Mar 11, 2025