The days are warmer, the birds are chirping, and spring is finally here. And while we love seeing all the blooms, bugs, and muddy puddles popping up all over the place, we’re not quite sure we want to invite all those natural elements into our house (especially that rainy day mud). But not to worry, these spring sensory activities for babies and toddlers focus on all the outdoor elements they love without messing up the place.

Looking for more sensory activities for toddlers? Check out our favorite busy boxes for young kidsfun outdoor learning activities for young kids, and our ultimate list of sensory play for babies and toddlers.

1. Make Spring Sensory Soup

If you’ve got flowers, you’ve got everything you need for a spring sensory activity. Get a bin, and fill it with water, flowers, leaves, and whatever else you think will be engaging, give your baby or toddler a spoon and a cup and watch them get to work. Of course, if you’ve got a mouthy babe, be sure to watch them at all times.

2. Muddy Truck Sensory Bin

a picture of a boy playing in a spring sensory bin, a fun spring sensory activity
Mama. Papa. Bubba.

If you're not up for playing in actual mud, make your own! This spring sensory bin from Mama. Papa. Bubba is safe for kids to sneak a taste of and smells delicious. Why? Because it's made with cocoa powder! Littles can move the trucks around so they make muddy tracks, as well feeling the texture of the mud with their fingers. You can even add small scoopers and measuring cups for new ways to experience the mud. You may want to lay down a towel or plastic tablecloth underneath to help contain the mess.

3. Rainbow Water Beads

a picture of water bead bags, a fun spring sensory activity
Meri Cherry

Pop by any preschool classroom and you’re likely to find kids and parents equally enamored with water beads. Something about their squishy texture just screams “Play with me!” However, because they aren’t edible, sharing them with young children means getting creative. Meri Cherry has the great idea to fill resealable bags with these beads, seal ‘em up with duct tape, and let your little one squish, mush, and roll to their heart’s content (under your supervision, of course).

4. Nature Sensory Bag Suncatcher

a picture of a boy enjoying spring sensory activities
Hands On As We Grow

Nature lovers will be entranced by this eye-catching sensory bag from Hands On As We Grow. Head out to your backyard or local park to gather pretty leaves and flowers, and then craft the suncatcher with your child for a perfect spring sensory activity.

5. Colorful, Edible Water Beads

a picture of edible water beads, a fun spring sensory activity for babies and toddlers
Fun at Home with Kids

From our friends at Fun at Home with Kids comes this edible (safe for babies and toddlers) spring sensory activity that uses basil seeds instead of the more common water beads. These seeds absorb water, resulting in a squishy, jelly-like consistency, and can be dyed any color you like. From there, your little one can scoop, pour, fill, empty, press, swirl, and more—all without you worrying about a choking hazard. To bring spring alive in this bin, be sure to add fun touches like plastic farm animals, tractor toys, and even fabric flowers to the mix.

6. Texture Eggs

Little Bins for Little Hands

If you have plastic Easter eggs, put them to good use with this fun idea from Little Bins for Little Hands Inside each egg, place a balloon filled with items of different textures, such as rice, baking soda, or flour. 

Related: DIY All Day: 20 Sensory Activities for Toddlers & Babies

7. Chicks and Flowers Sensory Bin

In the Playroom

We love this cheery sensory bin idea from In the Playroom incorporates straw and little chicks. The littles can practice their counting, hide the chicks in the straw, and feel the different textures. 

8. Insects and Bugs Sensory Bin

Learn, Play Imagine

Little ones who don't mind getting their hands dirty will love searching for insects and bugs in this dirt-filled sensory bin from Learn, Play Imagine. Be sure to use larger plastic bugs (that aren't choking hazards) for your baby. 

9. All the Colors of the Rainbow

Happily Ever Mom

Does your little one put everything in their mouth? Katie of Happily Ever Mom shows you how to turn regular bread into a rainbow-colored activity for your little one to crunch, smash, and have fun manipulating. Because it's edible, you don't have to worry about baby taking a nibble.

10. Pom Pom Seed Bin

This easy spring sensory activity is best for toddlers since you’ll need dried black beans to create the “soil.” Throw in a few fake plants and flowers and let your kiddo dig to their heart’s content.

 

With St. Patrick’s Day comes plenty of green, but what if you’d rather have gold? You’ll need to set a few leprechaun traps to find out where the elusive pot o’ gold is hiding (hint: it’s not at the end of the rainbow). We’ve got the best tutorial on how to make a leprechaun trap, so give it your luckiest shot!

Looking for other fun St. Patrick’s Day activities for kids? Check out our favorite St. Patrick’s Day crafts, St. Patrick’s Day science experiments, and the best St. Patrick’s Day jokes for kids.

What You Need to Make a Leprechaun Trap

A cardboard box or shoebox
A stick (or pencil in a pinch)
A pillowcase
Food (see below)
Optional: some sparkle

Leprechaun Trap Step One: Make the Bait

Rainbow rice krispies are fun for a leprechaun trap
The Gracious Wife

Leprechauns, despite the rumors, do not subsist on pints of Guinness and shamrock-shaped cookies alone. They like a variety of foods, but most of all they appreciate a rainbow of flavors like the ones found in these rainbow recipes. Bonus: you get to keep the leftovers. This can be the most time-consuming step. If you are in a hurry, just grab a pack of Skittles and move on to step two. 

Step Two: Make the Leprechaun Trap

little boy who made a leprechaun trap
Amber Guetebier

The leprechaun is usually just under a foot high, although the size varies depending on age (they shrink as they get older) and origin.* So the best method here is a simple box trap. 

Get a smallish box, like a shoebox. A plain box works fine but if you want to increase your odds of getting a leprechaun,  paint the box green, a color most pleasing to them. Decorate it with anything that gives it that special glitz: glitter, coins, gemstones, or just an artistic use of the brush. 

Find a stick or pencil to prop the box up. You can even use a piece of cardboard, cleverly disguised as a friendly sign.

 

Step Three: Add Bait to Your Leprechaun Trap

Place the “bait” on a plate underneath the lid. No string is needed. Once the leprechaun takes his first bite of your delicious food, he’ll dance with joy. This dance almost always leads to kicking the stick over. Voila. He is trapped. If you’ve got preschoolers, how cute is this printable bait template from Mama Cheaps for leprechaun traps?

Hint: Don’t bother waiting up for the leprechaun. They never show under a watchful eye.

Related: 17 Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crafts That’ll Bring You Luck

Step Four: Get the Gold

Wait at least three hours before checking your leprechaun trap, but if you can, wait a full night. (Parents, you can leave a small note or coin in place of the treat from the escaped wee man). If your trap is empty, better luck next year. If, however, you caught your leprechaun, you’ll need to transfer it from the trap into your home. Use a soft pillowcase, and scoop up the entire box including (hopefully) the leprechaun. Remember, your goal here is to get him to reveal the location of his gold, not bring harm to him. Be firm but kind, and be persistent.

More Tips for Your Leprechaun Traps

Once you have him inside, lock your doors and close your windows. Leprechauns are master escape artists.

Be ready to barter. They are very clever and can trick you out of just about anything, but you will need to offer something in exchange for the gold (i.e., his freedom). Do not believe him when he tells you it’s “at the end of the rainbow.” They like silky fabrics, velvet, and shiny things.

Be sure you have enough food: they can eat an incredible amount of food, so be ready to lay out a feast or at the very least, a decent tea party.

If you can get them to tell you where the gold is, you truly have the luck of the Irish!

*While it was once true that a leprechaun could only be found in Ireland, there are generations of leprechauns that have naturalized in the woods, parks, and gardens across America. Rumors of how leprechauns came to the U.S. include stowing away in luggage, sliding across rainbows (totally unfounded), and the most plausible: paid passage. They are, after all, in possession of copious amounts of gold.

Editor’s note: No leprechauns were harmed in the making of this article. 

Even if you’ve traded in your pre-kid St. Patrick’s Day activities, with a little luck, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Whether you’ve got preschoolers (hello, St. Patrick’s Day coloring pages) or older kids (Shamrock slime, anyone?), we’ve gathered up a bunch of festive St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids that will get your crew excited about the holiday. Be sure to top off the holiday fun with a batch of Irish Soda Bread scones

Fruit Loop and Pipe Cleaner Craft

Perfect for working on fine motor skills, this St. Patrick’s Day craft is ideal for toddlers and preschool kids. The supplies are safe (and tasty), and you can do anything from a rainbow to a shamrock.

Interactive St. Patrick’s Day Craft

A lesson in gratitude as well as a fun St. Patrick’s Day craft for preschool and kindergarten kids, you can buy the template from Teachers Pay Teachers by clicking here.

Shamrock Puppets

These shamrock puppets are cute St. Patrick's Day crafts
Typically Simple

Your kids will have a sham-rocking time making up stories about these happy shamrocks. Find out how to make a few of these cheerful characters over at Typically Simple

Shamrock Slime

As the Bunny Hops

It's icky, it's gooey, but it's also so pretty! This Shamrock Slime from As The Bunny Hops is bound to not only entice your neighborhood leprechaun but also provide hours of fun, too. 

Rainbow Shaker Wand

Picture of a rainbow shaker wand, one of the best St patricks day crafts
Happy Mothering

St. Patrick's Day is all about enjoying rainbows and leprechauns! Help the kids craft this whimsical Rainbow Wand Shaker from Happy Mothering. Made with household supplies you probably already have lying around, this brightly colored (and noisy) project will keep your kids busy all afternoon.

Rainbow Bracelet

Simple Everyday Mom

Whether your kiddo is looking to make a gift for a friend, or just expand their jewelry collection, this rainbow bracelet from Simple Everyday Mom is perfect. Brightly colored rainbow beads are strung up on stretchable cord, then attached to a cute, free printable!

Mosaic Paper Shamrocks

Happiness is Homemade

Let your kids get their craft on with these fun mosaic paper shamrocks from Happiness is Homemade. Simple paper shamrocks are covered in multi-colored squares for a handmade and unique craft that's perfect for St. Patty's.

Rainbow Preschool Craft

The Nerd's Wife

Perfect for little learners, this preschool St. Patrick's Day rainbow craft from The Nerd's Wife is a great way to spend the afternoon. With just three supplies, this colorful DIY project is simple enough to avoid a trip to the craft store, but it still packs tons of fun.

Pots o' Gold and Rainbows

Willowday

Hide pots of gold around the house with this cute craft from Willowday. All you need to pull it off is a paper cup and some colorful ribbons. Click here to get the scoop.

Related: 8 St. Patrick’s Day Science Experiments for Kids

Handprint Rainbow Painting

Kids Craft Room

Let your little leprechauns get messy with this cute creation from Kids Craft Room. They’ll have fun experimenting with paint colors and making different shapes. 

Paper Plate Leprechaun Mask

Kids Craft Room

If you’ve got paper plates and paint on hand, you’re all set to make a leprechaun mask like this one from Kids Craft Room. Complete with a leprechaun’s signature hat and ginger beard, kids will have a blast wearing their creations around the house. 

Marzipan Rainbows

This marzipan rainbow is a fun St Patrick's Day craft
Craft Knife

Chasing a rainbow is not as tricky as it seems, thanks to Craft Knife’s clever use of marzipan in place of clay to make lucky rainbows. Best part? They can eat their creations without getting sick. 

DIY Fairy Garden

Sara Olsher

The Irish have a long-standing relationship with The Little People of lore, and the leprechaun is one of the most famous this time of year. Craft a fairy garden for your little visitors using houseplants, doll furniture, and more. Click here to learn how to DIY it for the wee folk.

Marshmallow Rainbow

marshmallow rainbow is a fun St. Patrick's Day craft
No Time for Flashcards

Kids can make a sweet rainbow out of colorful mini marshmallows—and maybe snack on a few while they're at it. Head over to No Time for Flashcards to get the instructions for this easy St. Patrick's Day craft.

Shamrock Suncatchers

Hands On As We Grow

Hands On As We Grow came up with this light-catching craft that's perfect for tiny tots. Kids can go wild arranging tissue paper and glitter, then just keep it in place with contact paper.

Related: This Is How to Sham-Rock a St. Patrick’s Day Party

Toilet Paper Roll Leprechauns

Moments of Mommyhood

How adorable is this little guy from Moments of Mommyhood? Put your old toilet paper rolls to good use by crafting wee leprechauns to display around the house. 

Rainbow Suncatcher

A rainbow suncatcher is a fun St. Patrick's Day craft
Melissa Lennig via Fireflies and Mudpies

Brighten up your wintery scene with these beautiful rainbow sun catchers that are the perfect touch for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Melissa Lennig of Fireflies and Mudpies breaks it all down for you.

Rainbow Coloring Page

Sarah McClelland via Little Bins for Little Hands

This simple St. Patrick's Day rainbow coloring page opens up a world of possibilities for your little artist! Sarah McClelland from Little Bins for Little Hands has it for you, along with a great recipe for puffy paint!

Leprechaun Hat

Fireflies and Mudpies

Have your kiddo try out this adorable Leprechaun hat from Fireflies and Mudpies that can serve as a decoration or a gift. 

—with additional reporting by Amber Guetebier, Abigail Matsumoto, and Taylor Clifton

 

 

 

 

 

 

When they’re not having fun finding pots of gold or searching for leprechauns, your little learners will love trying out some St. Patrick’s Day science activities! From rainbows to shamrocks, there is so much to learn from the icons surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. If you want more, check out our roundup of fun and easy science experiments for kids.

Make Leprechaun Slime

Learn about viscosity by making leprechaun slime complete with gold flakes!

Make a Leprechaun Trap

little boy who made a leprechaun trap
Amber Guetebier

This is one of our favorite St. Patrick's day activities for preschoolers. Bust out your STEM hats and plan how you are going to catch your very own leprechaun. Start with a shoebox and see where the imagination takes you! 

Create a Fizzing Rainbow

We love this colorful idea where you create your own fizzing rainbow. Be sure to put a paper towel underneath your creation. You can dry it in the sun and hang it in your window!

Related: Everything You Need to Trap a Leprechaun This St. Patrick’s Day

Crystal Shamrocks

Little Bins for Little Hands

You can't celebrate St. Paddy's Day without a few shamrocks! This year, let science take the wheel and grow a few crystal shamrocks with a few easy steps from Little Bins for Little Hands. All you need is a few pipe cleaners and borax and you'll be on your way in no time.

Leprechaun Sand

Live Well Play Together

This messy but fun activity from Live Well Play Together lets kids see how baking soda and vinegar interact, in St. Patrick's Day style. With minimal supplies, this is a perfect afternoon activity that involves basic household supplies you probably have already.

Magic Leprechaun Rocks

Gift of Curiosity

These homemade leprechaun rocks from Gift of Curiosity are a perfect blend of educational and fun! The "magic" rocks are made from green-dyed baking soda and water that conceal a gold coin. You'll have the ultimate scavenger hunt when the kiddos "wash" this at the end!

Rainbow Density Experiment

123 Homeschool 4 Me

Let rainbows do the talking with this educational experiment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Your littles will learn all about density and liquids with this simple activity that involves household supplies you probably already have!

Skittles Rainbow Science Investigation

Taste the rainbow! This delicious St. Patrick’s Day activity for preschoolers from Fantastic Fun & Learning uses everyone’s favorite rainbow candy to explore the impact of water and how it can physically change an object. This is a great (and tasty) afternoon activity for young learners.

Walking Water

This festive-colored experiment is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Let your kiddos learn the science behind “capillary action” and how it plays into the real world. Get more details from Walking Cartwright here.

Related: 23 St. Patrick’s Day Jokes for Your Little Leprechaun

Homemade Spectroscope

Buggy & Buddy

When you craft your own spectroscope, you'll get to see all sorts of rainbows! This easy idea from Buggy & Buddy uses household supplies that come together in a jiffy, but provide hours of fun and learning.

Rainbow Shamrock Salt Painting

Rhythms of Play

Learn all about the shapes of shamrocks and how colors travel down salt in this colorful project from Rhythms of Play. Kids will exercise their fine motor skills and artistic prowess in this fun St. Patrick's Day science activity. 

 

 

 

Party like it’s midnight—even when it’s really only 8 p.m

Those excited faces as your kids shout “Five! Four! Three! Two! One!” as the midnight ball drop are adorable—but there’s nothing cute about the next day when they’re exhausted. Thankfully Netflix’s New Year’s countdowns for kids are back and better than ever to help you welcome 2024 without sacrificing bedtime. For even more fun, check out our favorite ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve at home. 

The Netflix New Year’s countdown offerings include a whopping 13 different countdowns featuring some of Netflix’s most popular shows, like Skylanders Academy, Super Monsters, and Boss Baby. The new countdowns also include several tailored for tweens.

To check out what Netflix’s New Year’s countdown might look like, check out the promo for 2019.

Each of the on-demand countdowns will be available to stream starting soon, so you can even pre-screen them to decide which one will make for the best New Year’s Eve bash. All you have to do is search “countdowns.” Easy peezy!

 

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These little guys want to move around and make noise, so give them all the tunnels, building blocks, and musical instruments

Get moving and grooving with these presents for one-year-olds (and under!) that they’ll enjoy long after celebrating their first birthdays. From a musical cube and bath boats to magnetic blocks and easy-to-grip teethers, these holiday gifts and toys for 6-month-olds to a year will make life more fun… and just a little bit louder.

Melissa & Doug Baby's First Sensory Toys Gift Bundle

There are so many things for baby to explore in this food-themed sensory set, from the six-piece PB&J take-along toy to a box full of gifts that baby can wrap, and the soft-stacking pineapple. Yum!

Melissa & Doug Baby's First Sensory Toys Gift Bundle ($54)—Buy Here!

Vtech 6-in-1 Tunnel of Fun

Find a nice spot in your home for this 6-in-1 toy because it's going to be around for a while as your little one transitions from tummy time to tunnel time. We love that you can pop off the zebra's keyboard for take-along tunes. 

Vtech 6-in-1 Tunnel of Fun ($60)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Wobbly Bobbly Bear

Manhattan Toy Wobbly Bobbly Bear is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

Baby's will love so many things about this wobbly bear! They can bat it around to see where it lands, drop it and watch it bounce, or give it a big snuggle when they need to take five. 

Manhattan Toy Wobbly Bobbly Bear ($18)—Buy Here!

Kiwi Co's Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy

Kiwi Co's Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

We're smitten with that happy little crinkle stuffie bean! If you're tired of baby pulling out all your tissues, give them their own garden-themed tissue box to explore. Bonus: a book that teaches them how plants grow. 

Kiwi Co's Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy ($40)—Buy Here!

Angel Dear Beige Bunny Blankie Set

Angel Dear Beige Bunny Blankie Set is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

You won't believe how soft and cozy these blankies are, and Angel Dear clearly knows parents by offering not two, but three bunnies in the set to account for any lost-lovey disasters that may come up in the future. 

Angel Dear Beige Bunny Blankie Set ($42)—Buy Here!

Boon Fleet Stacking Boats

Boon Fleet Stacking Boats is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

Bath time just got a whole lot more fun with these floating boats in bright, beautiful colors. Tots can stack them or watch water rain out of their drain holes. Now all you have to worry about is keeping the water inside the tub. 

Boon Fleet Stacking Boats ($10)—Buy Here!

 

Baby's First Book of Banned Books

Baby's First Book of Banned Books is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

From The Diary of Anne Frank to To Kill a Mockingbird, there are plenty of amazing lessons to learn from books that have no place being banned—and you're never too young to start learning. 

Baby's First Book of Banned Books ($10)—Buy Here!

AIXMEET Baby Teether

Designed to give teething littles the best possible grip, this teether fits right onto their chubby little hands so they can gnaw to their heart's content. 

AIXMEET Baby Teether ($6)—Buy Here!

Aden + Anais Marine Gardens Blanket

Aden + Anais Marine Gardens Blanket is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

The softest bamboo-infused viscose and the prettiest patterns make this a no-brainer for holiday gifting—and when the weather outside is less frightful, parents can plop their newly sitting kids down on the blanket just about anywhere. 

Aden + Anais Marine Gardens Blanket ($65)—Buy Here!

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Toy

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Toy is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

Whether you're looking to entertain baby while you get a few things done or lull them to sleep at bedtime, this ocean-themed crib toy is completely mesmerizing. The drift-off feature gradually tones down the entertainment and a handy remote lets you turn it on or off from up to 12 feet away. 

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Toy ($38)—Buy Here!

Wee Gallery Crinkle Toy - Fish

Wee Gallery Crinkle Toy Fish is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

Babes love anything that makes noise, so they won't be able to put down this crinkly black-and-white fish. And we just love its face! 

Wee Gallery Crinkle Toy - Fish ($17)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage

Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

Your little bunny will learn about object permanence and practice their fine motor skills when they put the little stuffed bunnies in and out of the cute cottage, which comes with a handle so they can tote their friends around once they're officially walkers.

Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage ($42)—Buy Here!

Tegu's First Building Blocks

Tegu's First Building Blocks is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

The littlest hands can get up to some fun open-ended play with these clever magnetic blocks, complete with soft rounded corners and cheery colors. 

Tegu's First Building Blocks ($20)—Buy Here!

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

Calling all budding composers! Each side of this cube features a different instrument to delight baby's senses—think harp, flute, French horn, piano, and violin—with lights flashing to the tempo. They can layer individual sounds or play the full symphony, Mozart style. 

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube ($29)—Buy Here!

HABA Koala Water Play Mat

Tots love water; parents love when said water can't spill all over the house. Consider this a win-win. The cuddly koala's tummy has a water bottle that's fun to squish during tummy time. And when spit-up happens (it will), simply pull out the water bottle and throw the koala in the wash. 

HABA Koala Water Play Mat ($40)—Buy Here!

Copper Pearl Bibs

A four-pack of Copper Pearl Bibs is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

With cotton knit on the front and absorbent polyester fleece on the back, these bandana bibs are as practical as they are chic. And boy are they chic.

Copper Pearl Bibs ($22)—Buy Here!

Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettleball

When the handle is on, little ones can practice lifting this rattly toy kettlebell just like their parents. Without the handle, they can remove and stack the colorful rings that make up the ball and feature a different Spanish number on each. 

Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettleball ($15)—Buy Here!

Skip Hop Farmstand Push & Spin Toy

Skip Hop Farmstand Push & Spin Toy is one of the best gifts and toys for 6 month olds in 2023

Sitters have a new take on the world, and that means new toys to explore. Push-and-spin toys are great for building core strength and balance, and your babe will love the cause and effect of pushing the sun down to see the corn spin and pop.

Skip Hop Farmstand Push & Spin Toy ($16)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.—

There’s even an edible recipe on our list!

It wiggles, jiggles, and entertains your kiddos endlessly. It’s slime—and your child can’t get enough of this ooey, gooey sensory material. From the basic building blocks and rad recipes to awesome explorations that glow, puff, fluff, and more, check out the slime videos for kids that your science-loving littles will watch constantly.

Super-Easy Slime

Is this your first time making slime? Don’t stress over the recipe. You don’t have to figure out ratios of ingredients or mixing times by yourself. Check out this easy peasy slime video tutorial from Courtney Wohl—for beginners!

Basic Slime with Add-Ins

WhatsUpMoms brings you a Borax-free slime recipe that you can add almost anything into. This slime seriously stretches and is completely easy to customize.

Giant Slime

Mary and Izzy of Life with Brothers have more glue than you could imagine. Watch and see what happens when these two creative kids mix every bottle and jug they have in arm’s reach.

Non-Toxic Slime

While your kiddos can’t eat this ooey-gooey recipe, it is safer to play with. Crazy Kool’s video recipe details the entire process, including the not-so-toxic materials you’ll need.

More Borax-Free Slime

If you don’t feel comfortable adding this cleaning product to your slime recipe, check out this pantry pick-packed option!

Mystery Wheel of Slime

Yes, this video is exactly what the name sounds like. EvanTube HD’s mystery wheel of slime challenge shows what happens when you add random ingredients to a favorite slime recipe. Along with plenty of glitter glue, this duo also mixes in cereal, popcorn, and more.

Make Slime in the Microwave

AmazingStuff’s microwave slime uses kitchen-friendly picks. This recipe is ideal for sensory explorations or concerns about slime safety.

Fluffy Slime

Gillian Bower’s Borax-packed slime is like a dreamy little cloud. This video can help you to make fluffy, puffy slime in a rainbow of colors. You can also learn how to make a textured fluffy slime that feels as amazingly awesome as it looks.

Glow-in-the-Dark Slime

Mister C from Learning Science Is Fun gives a detailed description of how to make glowing slime! This Borax recipe is an awesome exploration for older kids and tweens.

More Glowing Slime

Gross Science’s glow paint slime video can help older kids learn more about the science behind this type of rad recipe.

Let SIRI Pick the Slime

Karina and Ronald of Sis vs Bro let SIRI pick the ingredients for their latest batch of slime. While you might not want to dry the exact recipe in the clip, the SIRI challenge will give your kiddos the giggles!

Glitter Slime

 

Melissa Swigart’s glitter slime recipe can help you whip up batches of shining fun—and you’ll only need to use three ingredients. To find out what the big three mix-ins are, check out the YouTube tutorial.

The Wrong Milk

Is it milk or glue? This hilarious challenge from Life with Brothers gives Mary and Izzy choices that may, or may not, make their slime recipes better.

Unicorn Slime

Your littles are into everything unicorn. Don’t let the rainbow-filled fun stop now. Amy Locurto’s rainbow unicorn slime is everything your kids could imagine and so much more.

Blindfolded Slime Challenge

What would happen if your kiddos tried to mix a batch of slime blindfolded? In this hilarious clip, you’ll get an answer. 

 

Got too much Halloween candy hanging around? Try these Halloween science experiments to use up that candy you don’t want to eat

Looking to unload some of your kids’ massive candy stash? Make like Bill Nye and use it up in Halloween science experiments. From melting marshmallows to growing Gummy Bears, make good use of your leftover Halloween sweets with these 10 yummy science experiments for kids. Bonus points for making a hypothesis and taking notes on each science project!

Candy Reactions

Try putting certain candies like candy corn into test tubes and see the different reactions! Try it with vinegar, soda, or whatever you can come up with.

Skittles Rainbow 

Melissa Heckscher

You'll be doing more than just tasting the rainbow. Put some Skittles into water and marvel as the colored coating dissolves into an Instagram-worthy design. Head to Little Bins for Little Hands to get the science behind the sugar.

Exploding Peep Geysers

Halloween science Experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Poor Peeps; they're just so much fun to torture. This easy science experiment teaches your kids a little bit about how microwaves work—at the expense of a few marshmallow candies. Just put those Peeps into a bottle, stick ‘em in the microwave, and watch as they erupt. It's quick and sticky fun, but kids will love watching those sugary faces expand and explode. Get all the details at Housing a Forest.

Related: Simple Science Experiments with 5 Supplies or Less

Make a Mentos Geyser

Steve Spangler's Geyser Tubes on Amazon

Kids will happily hand over an entire pack of Mentos to watch a soda geyser explode skyward. Just drop a few Mentos into a bottle of soda and stand back! Charlene at My Frugal Adventures explains how it's done.

Gummy Bear Science

Halloween science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Plunk a few Gummy Bears into different solutions and let them sit for a few days to see what happens. Kids will love checking in on their bears every day for a status update. Get more ideas on how to do it here.

Related: 6 Ways to Make Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker

Take the “m” Off the m&ms

Halloween science experiments
Holly Hopson

M&Ms may not melt in your hands, but it turns out they may not last so long when plopped into a cup of water. Kids will love watching the "m" peel off their m&ms; parents will love the patience this experiment requires of their little scientists. Little Bins for Little Hands has the scoop.

Dancing Gummy Worms

Bitz 'n Giggles

Observe as a simple chemical reaction makes a bunch of yummy Gummy Worms come alive. Younger kids will think you've actually put life into candy; older kiddos will be simply mesmerized. Sara at Bitz 'n Giggles takes you step by step through the process (Note: Make sure your baking soda is fresh; we tried this with long-opened baking soda and our worms hardly moved).

Jellybean Taste Test

Halloween science experiments
Christie at Childhood 101

Your child might say he likes blue jelly beans the best, but is it a taste thing? This experiment explores the relationship between sight and taste as kids are asked to identify the kind of bean they’re tasting without seeing it. Christie at Childhood 101 has more.

Related: Sink, Swim, & Float! 6 Sensational Science Experiments

Sink or Float - Hypothesis Tester

Halloween science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

This experiment lets kids make a hypothesis and test it. Which candies will sink, which will float— and why? Get more ideas here.

Balancing with M&Ms

Inspiration Laboratories

Give kids a simple physics lesson with this experiment that lets them balance various objects against a handful of m&ms. Another opportunity for kids to hypothesize— and a great excuse for them to eat enough m&ms to make the scale even. Get inspired from Mama Trisha at Inspiration Laboratories.

Related: This Simple Static Electricity Experiment will Impress Your Kids

Halloween science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Candy + Balloons + Soda = ?? 
See what happens when you fill a balloon with Pop Rocks and dump it all into a bottle of soda. Then, try it again with Nerds candy. Your kids will be amazed at which one blows the bigger balloon. Get the simple steps over at Learn Play Imagine.

If you can’t find one, make one of your own, right in your kitchen, porch, or stoop

No rainbow in the sky today? No problem. Just pick one (or all) of these easy kid-friendly science experiments with your rainbow-making know-how. From reflection (mirror) to refraction (water glass) to learning about density, we’ve found six science experiments to make or learn from the rainbow. If you want more ideas, check out our sidewalk science ideas or dry ice science experiments.

1. The Mirror Method

Julia Zolotova via Unsplash

Lesson: Demonstrate the principles of reflection and refraction with this easy experiment. Light bending, aka refraction, takes place as light waves pass through the water. When you shine your flashlight (or position your glass so the sun comes in) you are bending the light waves, each one of the waves at slightly different angles resulting in the different colors of the rainbow. This is the same basic principle that occurs when water and sunlight create a rainbow in the sky. Reflection is the light bouncing off of the mirrored surface.

You will need:

A small mirror (like a compact mirror)

A glass of water (big enough to hold the mirror)

A flashlight (or sunlight) 

A piece of white paper or a white wall

1. Put the mirror in the glass of water.

2. Turn off the lights and draw the curtains. Make sure the room is totally dark.

3. Shine the flashlight on the mirror and check out the cool mini-rainbows that appear above the mirror. Put your hand behind the glass for extra fun. 

 

2. The Garden Hose Technique

Trini3680 via Pixabay

Lesson: Refraction, as above. This time, instead of using a mirror to reflect the light, you are going to basically mimic the natural formation of a rainbow by causing the water to hit the light in a fine mist.

You will need:

A spray bottle or a hose

Sunlight

1. Put the hose on mist or grab your mister and spray it into an area of your yard/house/garden that has natural sunlight hitting it.

2. Let the kids ooh and ahh over your rainbow-making skills, then let each of them take a turn.

3. Water Density Rainbow

Sugar water density science experiment is a good way to make a rainbow.
Little Bins for Little Hands

Lesson: By adding more or less sugar to each water solution you are creating different density levels. When you add coloring to the glasses you will be able to see which solution is the heaviest. Add the colors in rainbow order to impress the kids. Visit Little Bins for Little Hands for the experiment that shows you how to make a rainbow. 

You will need:

Food coloring

Tablespoon

Five glasses or plastic cups (clear)

Water

4. The Glass o’ Water Approach

Giorgio Trovato via Unsplash

Lesson: The most simple form of light bending, this lesson in the light waves is similar to #1 above.

You will need:

A glass of water

A piece of paper

Sunlight

1. Put the glass of water in the sunlight.

2. Put the paper next to it.

3. Let the sunlight stream through the water and create a rainbow on the paper.

 

5. Advanced Glass o’ Water Approach:


You will need:

A glass of water

A spray bottle

A piece of paper

Sunlight

1. Put the glass of water on a table or windowsill where there is sunlight.

2. Put the piece of paper on the floor where the sunlight hits, in the line of the glass.

3. Spray the window with warm water where the sun is coming through, and so it lines up with the paper. 

4. Move the glass and paper around until you see a neat little rainbow on the paper.

6. The Bubble Method

boys blowing bubbles, which is one way to make a rainbow
photography (c) by Carl Tremblay, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

It doesn't get any easier than making a rainbow by blowing bubbles. You can use regular dish soap and a bit of water and shake ingredients inside a bottle, or just blow bubbles and observe. Want to up the fun factor? Make your own bubble mixture out of ordinary kitchen ingredients.

 

We’ve got “Paw Patrol,” unicorns, dinosaurs, trucks and more!

It’s easy to make your toddler’s birthday celebration extra special with free printable coloring pages. We’ve gathered up birthday coloring pages featuring toddlers’ favorite things (Think dinosaurs and unicorns!). These free printables are perfect as placemats, and you can also print them on card stock and pair them with new crayons as an affordable take-home party favor for your kiddo’s buddies.

Birthday Cupcake

Lena London via Super Coloring

What could be better than a delicious birthday cupcake? We love this sprinkle-covered cupcake from Super Coloring pages that's ready for coloring and looks good enough to eat. This free birthday printable coloring page is a simple classic; to download a yummy cupcake or two, head over to Super Coloring.

"Paw Patrol" Coloring Pages

Paw Patrol and Friends

Everybody's favorite rescue pups are ready for action on these free printable Paw Patrol birthday coloring pages. We love the badges that feature each of the Paw Patrol pups because once decorated they become wearable badges with a little tape. Find the Paw Patrol coloring badges and other birthday printables here.

A Birthday Bulldozer

Super Coloring

This bulldozer coloring page is perfect for toddlers who wear their hard hats to breakfast and can tell an excavator from a cement mixer. Drive on down to Super Coloring to find all the construction vehicle coloring pages you need for your little one's birthday, including this big bulldozer.

A Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday

Eric Carle via Read Brightly

Eric Carle's beloved ravenous caterpillar climbs on the candles atop the cake on this birthday-ready coloring page. We love that this coloring page's simple illustration features one of our favorite picture book characters. You can find this and more The Very Hungry Caterpillar coloring pages on Read Brightly. Pair this free printable with a copy of Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration that will make your favorite two-year-old smile.

DInomite!

Craft Play Learn

These dinosaur birthday coloring pages feature a party-ready T-Rex and a festive stegosaurus. Though these are printable puzzles, when printed in black and white, dino-loving kids can color them before you cut them into strips to make number puzzles. Download five different puzzles at Craft Play Learn.

An Elephant for Your Birthday

Super Coloring

If your toddler's favorite activity is a visit to the zoo, then we have the perfect birthday coloring page for you. This festive elephant wishes your little one a happy birthday with a trunk full of balloons. You can find this free coloring page at Super Coloring.

A Friendly Farm

Samantha Jade Duque via Jessie Jade

Whether you're taking a birthday trip to a petting zoo or waving at cows from the car, animal-loving toddlers will adore this farm birthday coloring page. We love that it doubles as a placemat and party decoration, too! Find all the cows and sheep your toddler needs at Jessie + Jade.

Magical Birthday Unicorn

Super Coloring

Lovers of all things magical will leap for this adorable unicorn birthday coloring page. Featuring a friendly unicorn, this page is ready to print and drench in glitter. Fly over to Super Coloring to print out your copy.

Birthday Favorites

Taylor Heery via Unsplash

Add a memorable element to birthday coloring with a birthday questionnaire. We love this free printable that gives you an easy way to capture your little one's favorite food, color and toy, year after year. Print out a copy and, while you quiz your toddler, give them a blank piece of paper and crayons to make a self-portrait that you can put in their memory box alongside the filled-out form.

Rainbow Bright

What Mommy Does

A rainbow coloring page will keep away dark clouds on your toddler's birthday. We love the simplicity of the extra-large rainbow featured on this birthday coloring page that can be decorated with watercolors, crayons or markers. Download and print a dozen rainbows at What Mommy Does.

Wild Birthday

PBS Kids

Wild Kratts lovers will roar for an animal-themed birthday certificate. We love that you can turn this into a birthday morning placemat or a special surprise sign on the birthday kid's door. Printing it in black and white gives kids a chance to add in their favorite colors. Head over to PBS Kids to download and print a free birthday certificate to celebrate your animal fanatic.