
Problem solving
What happens if, where did it go, and how do I make it fit. 74 ideas


- Good for siblings


- Good for siblings


Learn something
Scarf Pull-Through
5–20 min 8 mo–2 yrs Low mess- a cardboard tube or container
- scarves or fabric strips

Learn something
Endless Pulling Box
5–20 min 7 mo–2 yrs Low mess- a box or tub with a small opening
- scarves or fabric strips

Burn energy
Rolling Bottle Chase
5–15 min 6–18 months Low mess- a clear plastic bottle
- rice, beans or pasta
- strong tape for the lid

Learn something
Tummy-Time Squish Bag
5–15 min 3–12 months Low mess- a gallon zip-top bag
- clear hair gel
- duct tape or strong tape

Learn something
Walking Water
5–20 min 4–11 yrs Low mess- six clear cups
- food coloring
- paper towels or coffee filters
- water












- Good for siblings



Learn something
Rain In A Jar
10–20 min 3–10 yrs Some mess- shaving cream
- a clear jar or glass
- food coloring
- water
- Good for siblings


- Good for siblings





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




Learn something
Bath Pouring Station
15–40 min 12 mo–6 yrs Low mess- a bath, sink or tub of water
- cups and containers


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

Learn something
Fizzy Drips
15–30 min 2–7 yrs Some mess- baking soda
- white vinegar
- food coloring
- droppers or a teaspoon






Learn something
Build A Boat That Floats
20–45 min 4–12 yrs Some mess- foil or a bottle for the hull
- water
- a tub of water
- a small figure as the passenger

Learn something
Balance And Weigh
20–40 min 4–10 yrs Low mess- kitchen scales, or a coat hanger and two cups
- small things to weigh

Learn something
Density Rainbow
20–35 min 5–12 yrs Some mess- a tall clear glass
- sugar
- water
- food coloring
- Good for siblings



- Good for siblings




- Good for siblings

- Good for siblings


Learn something
Bath Time Brick Build
10–25 min 18 mo–5 yrs Some mess- large building bricksto buy
- a bath
- Good for siblings

- Good for siblings

Learn something
Animal Footprint Fossils
10–30 min 2–7 yrs Some mess- play doughto buy
- toy animals or dinosaursto buy
- Good for siblings


Learn something
Bubble Wrap Prints
10–20 min 18 mo–6 yrs Some mess- a sheet of bubble wrapto buy
- washable paintto buy
- paper

Learn something
Marble Painting
10–25 min 3–9 yrs Messy- a box or rimmed tray
- washable paintto buy
- paper
- a marble or small ball

Learn something
Pom-Pom Drop
10–25 min 15 mo–3 yrs Low mess- cardboard tubes
- painter's tape
- pom-pomsto buy
- Good for siblings


Learn something
Block Bridge for the Train
15–40 min 3–8 yrs Low mess- a train set with trackto buy
- wooden blocksto buy
- Good for siblings


- Good for siblings

Learn something
Cardboard Train Tunnel
15–40 min 2–6 yrs Low mess- a train set with trackto buy
- a shoe box or cardboard box

Learn something
Tire Track Painting
15–40 min 2–7 yrs Messy- toy cars with wheelsto buy
- washable paintto buy
- a big sheet of paper

- Good for siblings




Learn something
Frozen Excavation
20–60 min 2–10 yrs Messy- small figures or carsto buy
- water
- a container to freeze in
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