It’s a lot of fun to do creative activities with your kids, but don’t you sometimes wish for something simple? Like an easy activity that doesn’t take long to set up? And then the kids can have at it without your constant attention.
I’m with you there. And luckily, there’s a lot of creative moms and bloggers who have thought of some awesome easy activities for kids that you can set up in 10 minutes or less!
25+ awesome easy activities for kids in 10 minutes or less:
Science & Sensory Activities
The kids will be playing with homemade gak that takes less than 5 minutes to make with these easy recipe. And Gak is so much fun, they’ll stay busy for hours!
Your child can test their theories about weight and momentum with this Easy {and Fun} Catapult for Kids from Kids Activities Blog
Combine sensory play and solar system fun with Life Over C’s creative activity.
Let your future paleontologist practice excavating with this fun Button Excavating activity from Busy Toddler.
One Little Project‘s Shaving Cream Rain Cloud activity looks like such a fun and colorful weather experiment. *
Although we call these “time out” glitter bottles, you could definitely use these for some sensory fun.
With the raisins dance or sink? Find out with this fun, low-prep science activity from Coffee Cup and Crayons.
Here’s a fun variation on our homemade gak recipe – snowflake glitter slime!
Arts & Crafts
Easy Peasy and Fun’s cute ladybug craft requires very little prep but is oh so adorable!
Let the kids sharpen their imagination as they get creative with this Bird Craft for Kids by Fun-A-Day.
Your kids will enjoy being an artist with this simple to make puffy paint recipe.
No need to run to the store, in less than 10 minutes you can make easy homemade playdough. If you do make a batch, make sure to print some of our playdough activity mats:
- Cupcake Playdough Mats
- Printable Apple Playdough Mats
- Preschool Learning with Playdough Shape Mats
- Playdough Fun with Emotions
Try a little outdoor art with Busy Toddler’s easy DIY chalk paint.
Preparing this toilet paper craft is a cinch and the kids will love decorating their own shark. [Gluesticks & Gumdrops]
I don’t know what I find more exciting about Preschool Inspirations’ volcano experiment, the 3-minute prep time or the fact that there’s no clean up required.
School Time Snippets‘ Yarn Wrapped Tulips are very easy to set up, and the results are beyond cute.
Do you have a Finding Nemo fan? This tape resist art transforms into a beautiful clownfish when the kids are all through. [From ABC’s to ACTs]
Early Learning
I would have never thought to use a pool noodle to make this fun word search activity by Easy Peasy and Fun.
Busy Toddler created their own alphabet sorting activity using toys they already had.
Send the kids on a shape hunt by The Pleasantest Thing, while you finish up a few to-dos on your list.
Toddlers can practice their fine-motor skills with just a colander and straws. [Kids Activities Blog]
This Upper Lowercase Letter Matching Puzzle for Preschoolers is a fun way to teach letter recognition.
You can only play peek-a-boo for so long before you need a break. Try some Container Fun! A Simple Baby Activity by Kids Activities Blog.
And Next Comes L‘s homemade geoboard activity works great for developing fine motor skills.
The Apple Tree Roll and Cover Math Game by Mom Inspired Life makes number recognition fun!
Now that’s a whole lot of awesome fun for kids that doesn’t require a lot out of you!
Which one of these easy activities for kids is your favorite?
Kim Croisant says
Erika, those are awesome activities for kids. I need some that only take 10 mins as you know how kid’s attention span is so short. I shall try a few this summer.
Vera Sweeney says
My kids love arts and crafts!! I love to find activities that are easy for me and them as well to do.
Kathleen says
these are some really great activities. The younger kiddoswil really love them. I wil use them when my nieces come over next ime-thanks
Jacqui says
My bunch LOVES making play dough! It’s such an easy and fun activity!
Scott says
We love to rock paint! Almost warm enough outside to start another batch!