Playtime Pantry

Calm and busy, big kids, 6 to 12

Quiet, absorbing setups for before nap, after dinner, or when everyone needs the volume turned down. 69 ideas
  • I Spy: the setup, laid out
    Good for siblings

    Learn something

    I Spy

    3–20 min 3–10 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Would You Rather: the setup, laid out
    Good for siblings

    Learn something

    Would You Rather

    3–20 min 3–12 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Twenty Questions: the setup, laid out

    Stay busy and calm

    Twenty Questions

    5–20 min 4–12 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Animal Yoga: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Animal Yoga

    5–20 min 2–9 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • What Changed?: the setup, laid out
    Good for siblings

    Learn something

    What Changed?

    5–15 min 3–10 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Walking Water: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Walking Water

    5–20 min 4–11 yrs Low mess
    • six clear cups
    • food coloring
    • paper towels or coffee filters
    • water
  • Shadow Zoo: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Shadow Zoo

    10–20 min 2–9 yrs Low mess
    • a flashlight
  • Cloud Watching: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Cloud Watching

    10–30 min 3–12 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Ice Cube Rescue: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Ice Cube Rescue

    10–30 min 2–7 yrs Some mess
    • ice cubes
    • a bowl or tray
  • Sink or Float: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Sink or Float

    10–30 min 2–8 yrs Some mess
    • water
    • a big bowl or tub
  • Story Dice: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Story Dice

    10–25 min 3–11 yrs Low mess
    • dice
  • Toy Memory Tray: the setup, laid out
    Good for siblings

    Learn something

    Toy Memory Tray

    10–25 min 3–11 yrs Low mess
    • small toys
  • Rain In A Jar: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Rain In A Jar

    10–20 min 3–10 yrs Some mess
    • shaving cream
    • a clear jar or glass
    • food coloring
    • water
  • Oil and Water Drops: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Oil and Water Drops

    10–20 min 3–8 yrs Some mess
    • vegetable oil
    • food coloring
    • water
    • a clear cup and a few small cups
    • +1 more
  • Five Senses Walk: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Five Senses Walk

    15–45 min 2–10 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Paper Plate Faces: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Paper Plate Faces

    15–30 min 3–8 yrs Low mess
    • paper plates or paper
    • something to draw with
  • Water Painting: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Water Painting

    15–45 min 18 mo–7 yrs Low mess
    • water
    • a bucket
    • a brush or sponge
  • Bath Pouring Station: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Bath Pouring Station

    15–40 min 12 mo–6 yrs Low mess
    • a bath, sink or tub of water
    • cups and containers
  • Cereal Necklaces: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Cereal Necklaces

    15–30 min 2–6 yrs Low mess
    • loop cereal
    • string or pipe cleaners
  • Shadow Drawing: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Shadow Drawing

    15–30 min 3–9 yrs Low mess
    • paper or sidewalk chalk
    • something to draw with
  • Calm Down Jar: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Calm Down Jar

    10–25 min 3–10 yrs Some mess
    • a clear plastic bottle with a lid
    • warm water
    • glitter or food coloring
  • Fizzy Drips: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Fizzy Drips

    15–30 min 2–7 yrs Some mess
    • baking soda
    • white vinegar
    • food coloring
    • droppers or a teaspoon

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