Parental Involvement: Medium

  • Animal Impressions


    Bring the wild kingdom indoors (or out!) with this energetic and imaginative game. Animal Impressions encourages children to pick or be assigned an animal, then act out how it moves and sounds. They can take turns guessing each other’s animals, race across the room, or even interact in character—just imagine a gorilla meeting a flamingo!

    This game promotes physical play, creativity, and social interaction while also burning off extra energy. For extra fun, kids can create simple animal face masks beforehand using paper plates or cardboard.

    Whether you’re looking for a quick burst of silliness or a full-on pretend play session, this one’s guaranteed to get laughs.

  • Fifteens: A Sweet Northern Irish Treat

    Fifteens: A Sweet Northern Irish Treat

    Fifteens are a classic no-bake traybake from Northern Ireland, named after their super simple recipe: 15 marshmallows, 15 digestive biscuits, and 15 glacé cherries. Mixed together with condensed milk and rolled in coconut, they’re a fun and tasty way for kids to practice measuring, counting, and stirring.

    This is a great intro-to-cooking activity for younger children—there’s no heat involved, and kids love squishing the sticky mixture together. It’s a sensory delight, a cultural tradition, and a sweet treat all in one.

    Materials Needed

    • 15 digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)

    • 15 glacé cherries (halved)

    • 15 mini marshmallows

    • ~½ tin of sweetened condensed milk (adjust as needed)

    • Desiccated coconut (for rolling)

    Tools Needed

    • Mixing bowl

    • Rolling pin (or something to crush the biscuits)

    • Spoon or spatula

    • Greaseproof paper/cling film/plastic wrap

    • Refrigerator

    Steps

    1. Crush the Biscuits: Place biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands.

    2. Chop the Cherries: Halve or quarter the glacé cherries for easier mixing.

    3. Mix Everything: In a large bowl, combine crushed biscuits, marshmallows, and cherries. Add enough condensed milk to bind everything together into a sticky dough.

    4. Shape the Roll: Lay out greaseproof paper, sprinkle it with desiccated coconut, and shape the mixture into a log. Roll it up tightly in the coconut and wrap in the cling film.

    5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until firm.

    6. Slice & Serve: Cut into—yep—15 slices, and enjoy!

  • Mystery Drawing

    Mystery Drawing

    Looking for a hilarious group drawing activity that sparks creativity and teamwork? Try Mystery Drawing! This game invites each player to draw one part of a creature, person, or animal—without seeing what anyone else has drawn. The result? A totally unexpected and often hilarious mash-up!

    All you need is a piece of paper and something to draw with. It’s a great way to break the ice, encourage imagination, and create art without any pressure to “get it right.” This is perfect for rainy days, parties, or quiet creative time with family or friends.

    Materials Needed

    • Blank paper (printer or notebook paper works great)

    • Pencils, pens, or crayons

    Tools Needed

    • None

    Steps

    1. Fold the Paper: Fold the sheet horizontally into equal sections (3–4 works best).

    2. Draw the First Part: One person draws a head (human, animal, or imaginary creature) in the top section.

    3. Fold & Pass: Fold the paper back to hide the drawing and pass it to the next player.

    4. Continue Drawing: Each person draws the next part (neck/torso, legs, feet, etc.), only seeing a hint of where to continue.

    5. Final Reveal: Once all sections are filled, unfold the paper and reveal the silly surprise creation!

  • Host a Comedy Show

    Kids Tell the Best Jokes!

    Get ready to laugh out loud! Hosting a kid-friendly comedy show is a fun and empowering way to help children practice public speaking, develop confidence, and explore the art of timing and storytelling. Whether they’re naturally silly or a little shy, preparing and performing a short set of jokes is a low-pressure way to build communication skills and stage presence.

    Start by picking a few favorite jokes from a book or kid-friendly joke site. Then rehearse together, practicing volume, delivery, and expression. Finally, gather an audience (even just family members or stuffed animals!) and let the show begin!

    Bonus idea: film the performance or add silly costumes and a microphone for extra fun!

    Materials Needed

    • A list of jokes (from a book, printout, or website)

    • Notebook and pen (for writing the joke set)

    • Optional props: toy microphone, costume accessories, hat, sunglasses, bowtie, etc.

    • Optional: small stage area or “comedy club” setup with chairs for an audience

    Tools Needed

    • None required

    • Optional: phone/tablet to record the performance

    Steps

    1. Pick the Jokes: Choose 5–7 kid-appropriate jokes from a book or website.

    2. Practice Delivery: Help your child rehearse speaking clearly, using pauses for effect, and adding facial expressions or gestures.

    3. Set the Stage: Designate a “performance area” and invite family or toys as the audience.

    4. Put on the Show: Encourage applause and laughter—it helps build confidence!

    5. Optional Fun: Record the show to play back later or share with family and friends.

  • DIY Scrapbook

    DIY Scrapbook

    Looking for a hands-on activity that combines creativity with nostalgia? Scrapbooking is the perfect way to preserve cherished family memories while giving kids a chance to express themselves through art and design.

    Work together to build a scrapbook filled with photos, drawings, ticket stubs, notes, and other mementos. Kids can use colorful paper, fun stickers, and glittery pens to decorate each page while recalling the memories that go with each item. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on past experiences, build storytelling skills, and create something meaningful together.

    Plus, once it’s done, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake to enjoy for years to come.

    Materials Needed

    • A blank scrapbook or notebook

    • Family photos

    • Glue sticks or glue dots

    • Safety scissors

    • Colored and decorative paper

    • Stickers, washi tape, and embellishments (buttons, ribbons, 3D stickers, etc.)

    • Pens, markers, or gel pens

    • Optional: ticket stubs, pressed flowers, postcards, or other memorabilia

    Tools Needed

    • None required (basic craft supplies only)

    Steps

    1. Choose a Theme: Vacations, birthdays, holidays, or “just because”—decide what kind of memories to capture.

    2. Gather Materials: Collect photos and keepsakes, and lay out your craft supplies.

    3. Design the Pages: Let your child choose how to arrange photos and decorations for each page.

    4. Add Captions and Stories: Write short descriptions or quotes to go along with each memory.

    5. Decorate: Use stickers, doodles, and paper cut-outs to make each page pop.

    6. Review & Reflect: Flip through the scrapbook together, remembering the stories behind each memory.

  • Balloon Rocket Race

    Ready, set, launch! The Balloon Rocket Race is an exciting hands-on activity that doubles as a fun game and a simple science experiment. Kids will use balloons to power rockets along a string, learning about air pressure, force, and motion along the way.

    This activity is perfect for siblings or friends to compete and see whose balloon travels the fastest—or longest! It’s quick to set up, low cost, and full of energy. Plus, it sparks curiosity about how things move and what makes them go faster or farther.

    Materials Needed

    • Balloons (1 per player)

    • String (about 6–10 feet per race track)

    • Straws (1 per balloon)

    • Tape (scotch or masking)

    • Chairs, doorknobs, or furniture to tie the string ends to

    Tools Needed

    • Scissors (for cutting string)

    Steps

    1. Thread the Straw: Cut a length of string and thread it through a straw.

    2. Secure the String: Tie one end to a chair or doorknob and pull it tight to another fixed point.

    3. Prepare the Rocket: Inflate a balloon (don’t tie it) and tape it to the straw so the opening faces backward.

    4. Countdown and Release: Let go of the balloon and watch it fly along the string!

    5. Race and Repeat: Set up multiple tracks or race one at a time. Try changing balloon sizes or shapes to test different results.

  • Shadow Puppet Theater

    Materials Needed:

    • White sheet or paper
    • Cardboard box
    • Flashlight or lamp
    • Black paper
    • Scissors
    • Sticks or straws

    Instructions:

    1. Cut a window in the cardboard box
    2. Attach white sheet to cover the window
    3. Create puppet shapes from black paper
    4. Attach puppets to sticks
    5. Set up light source and perform!
  • Nature Color Hunt

    Nature Color Hunt

    Materials Needed:

    • Color chart or paint samples
    • Collection bag
    • Camera (optional)
    • Notebook

    Instructions:

    1. Create a list of colors to find
    2. Search the outdoor area for matching items
    3. Document findings with photos or drawings
    4. Discuss the different shades found in nature
  • DIY Musical Instruments

    DIY Musical Instruments

    Materials Needed:

    • Empty plastic containers
    • Dried beans or rice
    • Rubber bands
    • Empty paper towel rolls
    • Decorative materials

    Instructions:

    1. Make shakers using containers filled with beans
    2. Create guitars with boxes and rubber bands
    3. Build rain sticks with paper towel rolls
    4. Decorate your instruments
    5. Have a family concert!
  • Indoor Obstacle Course

    Indoor Obstacle Course

    Materials Needed:

    • Pillows
    • Blankets
    • Chairs
    • Rope or string
    • Cardboard boxes

    Instructions:

    1. Clear a safe space in your home
    2. Set up crawling sections under chairs
    3. Create jumping stations with pillows
    4. Make balance beams with rope
    5. Design tunnels with boxes

    Safety Tips:

    • Ensure all items are stable
    • Remove any sharp objects
    • Provide soft landing areas

  • Backyard Bug Safari

    Materials Needed:

    • Magnifying glass
    • Bug observation container
    • Notebook and pencil
    • Bug identification guide

    Instructions:

    1. Search garden areas, under rocks, and near plants for insects
    2. Carefully observe bugs using the magnifying glass
    3. Draw pictures and take notes about what you find
    4. Try to identify the insects using the guide
    5. Release all creatures where you found them

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Understanding of local ecosystems
    • Observation and documentation skills
    • Respect for nature and living creatures
  • Invisible Drawing

    Invisible Drawing

    Invisible Drawing is a calm, no-fuss game that requires no equipment and can be played almost anywhere — on the sofa, at bedtime, or while waiting for food to arrive.

    One person gently uses their finger to trace a shape, letter or simple picture onto someone else’s hand or back. The other player tries to guess what it was.

    It’s a sensory guessing game that builds attention, communication and fine motor skills — all while sharing a moment of close, calm connection.

    Materials

    • None

    Tools

    • None

    Steps

    1. Sit comfortably, with one person facing away or holding out their hand.
    2. The first player uses their finger to slowly draw a shape, letter, number or object.
    3. The other player tries to guess what was drawn — they can ask for it to be repeated if needed.
    4. Take turns drawing and guessing. Keep it light and fun — no need to “win”.

    Variations

    • Theme Rounds: Choose a category like animals, numbers or letters.
    • Body Swaps: Try drawing on hands, arms, backs or even knees for a giggle.
    • Guess & Act: After guessing correctly, act out the shape or word for extra fun.

    Why It’s Great

    • No Materials Needed – Perfect for quiet moments at home or on the go.
    • Boosts Focus & Memory – Encourages concentration and recall.
    • Supports Bonding – Gentle touch and turn-taking promote trust and connection.
  • Imaginary Store

    Imaginary Store


    Playing shop is a classic childhood activity that’s packed with learning opportunities. By setting up an imaginary store at home, children can practise counting, communication, and turn-taking—all while having heaps of fun with their toys and imagination.

    Whether you’re running a fruit stall, toy shop, bookshop or café, this type of role-play encourages creativity, independence, and early maths and literacy skills in a playful setting.

    Materials Needed

    • Toys, books, clothes, or pretend groceries to “sell”
    • Play money, real coins, or homemade paper money
    • Shopping bag or basket
    • Optional: till or calculator, signs, price tags

    Tools Needed

    • Paper and pens (for signs or receipts)
    • Optional: table or boxes to display items

    Steps

    1. Choose a Theme
      Decide what kind of shop to run—groceries, toys, books, or a mini café.
    2. Set Up the Store
      Lay out your items, add price tags, and label sections using signs.
    3. Assign Roles
      One person can be the shopkeeper, another the customer. Take turns at the till!
    4. Start Shopping
      Use money to “buy” items, practise asking for help, and talk through the shopping experience.
    5. Mix It Up
      Swap roles, rearrange the shop, or change to a different kind of business next time!

    Variations

    Maths Focus: Add prices and challenge older children to total up purchases and give change.

    Restaurant or Café: Take food orders, write a menu, and serve pretend meals.

    Bookshop: Recommend and “sell” books to family members.

    Market Stall: Set up outdoors with fruit, veg, or toys on a picnic blanket.

  • Play Doctor

    Play Doctor

    Playing doctor is a nurturing and imaginative activity that helps children explore ideas of care, health, and empathy.

    With a few basic props or a toy medical kit, they can create their own clinic to examine and treat patients—real or pretend!

    This kind of role-play builds confidence, communication skills, and emotional awareness, especially helpful for children who may feel anxious about real doctor visits. It’s also a great way to introduce vocabulary around the body, feelings, and kindness.

    Materials Needed

    • Soft toys or dolls (as patients)
    • Blankets or towels (for “hospital beds”)
    • Plasters, bandages, or tissue
    • Paper and pens for writing notes or prescriptions

    Tools Needed

    • Toy medical kit (or improvised tools like spoon as thermometer, string as stethoscope)

    Steps

    1. Set Up the Surgery
      Use a table, bed, or floor area to create your play clinic or hospital ward.
    2. Assign Roles
      One child can be the doctor or nurse, and others can be patients or assistants. Adults can play too, I recommend being the patient and having a nice lie down!
    3. Check the Patients
      Use pretend tools to examine heartbeats, temperatures, sore tummies, or broken arms.
    4. Write Prescriptions
      Make notes or draw pictures of medicine and care instructions.
    5. Swap Roles
      Let everyone have a go being both the carer and the cared-for!

    Variations

    • Animal Vet: Turn the clinic into a vet surgery and care for stuffed animals.
    • Health Check Station: Create separate check-up zones for eyesight, height, or reflexes.
    • Make ID Badges: Design doctor/nurse name tags with drawings and titles.
    • Waiting Room: Set up books and chairs for patients waiting to be seen.
  • Mindful Breathing

    Mindful Breathing

    Mindful breathing is a calming activity that helps children focus, feel grounded, and regulate their emotions. It’s especially helpful when kids are feeling anxious, overstimulated, or need a quiet moment to reset.

    By turning attention to their breath, children begin to notice how their bodies feel, learn to manage stress, and develop a lifelong tool for wellbeing. This activity is ideal for transitions, bedtime routines, or quiet time at home or school.

    Materials Needed

    • None (optional: soft cushion, yoga mat, or calming music)

    Tools Needed

    • None

    Steps

    1. Find a Comfortable Spot
      Have your child sit or lie down somewhere quiet and comfortable.
    2. Guide the Breath
      Encourage slow, deep breathing. Inhale through the nose for 3–4 counts, then exhale slowly through the mouth.
    3. Use Visuals or Prompts
      Try saying “Smell the flower… now blow out the candle” as a playful breathing guide.
    4. Repeat Gently
      Repeat the breathing cycle 5–10 times or for as long as feels calming.
    5. Reflect Quietly
      End with a moment of silence or ask how their body feels now.

    Variations

    • Stuffed Animal Breathing: Place a cuddly toy on their tummy and watch it rise and fall with the breath.
    • Finger Tracing: Have children slowly trace the outline of their hand with a finger, breathing in on the way up and out on the way down.
    • Breathing Cards: Create small cards with breathing prompts or images to guide practice.
    • Nature Breathing: Sit under a tree or in the garden and sync breath with the breeze or bird sounds.