This post contains affiliate links
I am always looking for fun crafts and activities to do with my kids, but I am NOT creative. I also hate complicated projects that require a ton of craft supplies, since I am lucky if we have glue in my house. I know it is important for my kids to enjoy science projects and crafts that build their imagination… but beyond coloring and the basic baking soda/vinegar volcano, I don’t even know where to start! When three bloggers that I love announced they were writing a book ALL about the power of play, I knew I had to have it.
If you have ever visited the blogs Parenting from the Heart, Twitchetts, or Views from a Stepstool… you quickly realize that these gals know what they are doing when it comes to encouraging play-based learning. They are always sharing simple, yet fun activities kids love, while also teaching critical life skills simply by playing.
Recently, they decided to team up and share their creative genius in their new book: The Undeniable Power of Play: 101 Tips, Activities and Play-Based Learning Strategies to Engage Your Child. The book explains the research behind why play is not only enjoyable for kids, but a crucial part of learning and development. The the book is full of crafts, activities, printables and recipes to help you create memorable playtime experiences while turning your kids into little smartys without them even realizing it! 😉
There are SO many crafts in this book! All of them are simple and can be created with items you likely have on hand! (I already had everything I needed to do this mini lava lamp craft!) Pinterest is fun and all, but I rarely attempt the crafts I find on there. With this book, I have all the crafts right there, to grab whenever I need something creative to keep the kids busy. Almost all of the activities have a variation for infants/young toddlers and older kids. There is also a ‘more ways to play’ section with ideas on ways to switch up the craft each time you do it.
We did the lava lamp science craft and my kids were so impressed. My son asked me at least 5 times where I found out how to make it and to explain it to him so he could tell his friends! It was so much fun and they have already asked to make it again. (it was also super simple, which was a total lazy mom win for me!)
Mini Lava Lamp from The Undeniable Power of Play
You will need:
- Glass or clear jar
- Vegetable Oil
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Food Coloring
- Dropper, Pipette,or Syringe (the ones that come with your kids medicine works well since you know you have tons of those)
- Pour a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the glass
- Slowly pour vegetable oil on top
- In a separate bowl, mix a few drops of food coloring in with vinegar. (I made 3 bowls with different colors)
- Use the dropper to drop the colored vinegar into the oil and sit back and watch the fun!!
If you are constantly stumped when it comes to fun and educational things to do with the kids, you should grab a copy of The Undeniable Power of Play!
This would be a fun awesome science teaching tool for my grandchildren. I can see this being a big hit with them.
You would be the coolest grandma around! (even though I am sure you already are!) 😉 Have a wonderful week!
Seriously, we loved doing science projects when Sammie was little. How fun! The last science project she did was building a mouse trap car. That one her dad helped her with. I love when learning, science and creativity merge. Pinning for later to my kids board.
YEs if it is a craft that also teaches them something it is a double bonus!
How cool! I used to love lava lamps when I was growing up.
oh my gosh me too! I had one in my bedroom! 😉
This is such a cute project with little ones.
It was a lot of fun! Thanks for stopping over and I hope you have a wonderful week!
How cool is that! I wish I’d known about this homemade mini lava lamp when my kids were just a bit younger. Then again, I think my oldest would still love to play with it!
It is really cool for any age! (I had fun with it too! ha!)
Looove this idea! I’m totally the same as you, the least amount of supplies for a craft the better! Lol!
Haha! Yes I love a simple craft!
Omg what a fun craft!!!! My daughter would love to make something like this!
I was impressed myself! It is really cool and they played with it for a long time!
Aww love this and love all those girls, their blogs, and their book! Still need to purchase my copy and get on with the play!!! But this looks like one I can definitely handle and the boys will love it! Thanks for sharing!
There are so many awesome ideas in the book, many can be thrown together with stuff you have in the house already! Your boys would love it! Have a wonderful weekend!
I need to try this project with Eve! There are so many wonderful activities to do in the book.
The whole book is really awesome… so many great ideas!
This is so cool!!! I want to make one for ME! 😉
I was very impressed with it myself! Such a fun craft!
I love this! I am sending your blog url to my sister so that she can make this with her girls!
Thanks for sharing it with your sister! Her kids will love it! Have a wonderful weekend!
My older girls would seriously love this! Pinning for later;) Thanks for sharing lady!
Your girls will love it! Both of mine were obsessed!
This is so neat – my son would love this! Thanks for sharing!
It was really a hit! I was home with my daughter yesterday who was sick and she asked to make her “magic potion” again! ha!
Oh my gosh this is awesome! Will have to try this with my kiddos!
It was so much fun! 🙂
I wanted to try this one from the book! On my list for this week….after I do 10 loads of laundry! LOL!
It is so much fun! Mila was sick this weekend and she asked to make it again! Good luck with all that laundry, but your trip looked amazing!!
yea they really do know their stuff! this is a cute idea too!
Yes the whole book rocks, those ladies are full of fab ideas!
Vinegar + oil!! I’ve gotta try this one. 🙂
And thanks for partying with us! #rookieparents