What's not to love about messy play? It offers a great hands-on way to teach kids creativity, encourage scientific thinking, develop motor skills, build language, and provide sensory stimuli. Read on for 12 ways to play messy with your little ones...
Reminder: Small materials can be a choking hazard for young children, so close adult supervision is a must.
For Babies
1. Edible Slime
All you need is cornstarch and water to make this messy, baby-safe slime!
2. Jello Squeeze
Let baby squish, squeeze, and taste this messy tray full of Jello.
3. DIY Finger Paints
4. Noodle Tub
Place baby in a plastic tub of noodles, she's love using all her senses to explore.
5. Spiky Ball Painting
Coat a toy ball in paint, then let baby roll it around to discover what patterns it can make.
6. Water Play
For Toddlers
7. Splat Painting
What could be more fun than splatting paint?
8. Bubble Wrap Roller
Kids can get totally hands-on with this bubble wrap rolling pin activity.
9. Rainbow Clouds
Did you know that you can make a cloud out of a bar of soap?
10. Car Painting
Kids can use toy cars to mix colors and paint, then give them a "carwash" once they're finished!
11. Sand Foam
This super-simple fluffy sand foam only requires two ingredients. Can you guess what they are?