Jelly Sensory Play – Make a Zombie Brain with Bugs

Jelly Sensory Play – How to Make a Zombie Brain with Bugs

jelly sensory play spooky halloween fine motor skills bugs brain zombie with oobleck

This jelly sensory play is all about making an ooey gooey zombie brain that is full of creepy critters! Keep on reading to find out how to make it, as well as an alternative version with frozen oobleck!

A Spooky Jelly Sensory Play

Kiddos will channel their inner surgeon with this spooky jelly sensory play set-up! Creating a jelly brain is anything but complicated – it takes all of a few minutes to mix up and then just pop it in the fridge to set!

Once set, the texture is so fun to explore and poke syringes full of colored water! Plus, including bugs inside the brain is a fun way to work on fine motor skills using tongs and a knife as a tool!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make This Jelly Sensory Play Activity

Watch the video to see how easy this jelly brain is to make, and how fun it is to play with!

You’ll see how my daughter, age 3, enjoyed injecting the brain with colored water, using the tongs to pick out each bug and wash them! These tools are so great for fine motor skills!

Once she removed all the bugs she explored the sensory properties of the leftover jelly!

How to Make This Jelly Sensory Play Activity

Watch the video to see how easy this jelly brain is to make, and how fun it is to play with!

You’ll see how my daughter, age 3, enjoyed injecting the brain with colored water, using the tongs to pick out each bug and wash them! These tools are so great for fine motor skills!

Once she removed all the bugs she explored the sensory properties of the leftover jelly!

jelly sensory play spooky halloween fine motor skills bugs brain zombie

Tips for Making This Ooey Gooey Sensory Activity!

Whether you want a spooky, creepy activity for Halloween, or you simply have a bug fan who will love digging for bugs, this will be a fun activity for you!

Keep in mind that gelatin takes time to set, so be sure to look at the directions on your packaging and plan accordingly!

There is no need for sugary gelatin! We used the most simple, non-flavored gelatin. After all, sensory play is not about eating sensory bases, so we wouldn’t want to encourage that with presenting a yummy jello! Instead, we opted for a flavorless brand. The good news for young toddlers and older babies is that if they do happen to put the jelly in their mouth, it is harmless and taste-safe!

If your kiddo absolutely loves all things bugs, we have a few activities you won’t want to miss! Like our DIY Mud Bug Activity, a spider handprint craft, and our printable all about insects!

Materials

Tongs, Knife, Medicine Dropper, or other Tools
Food Colored Water

Brain Shaped Mold
Gelatin
Insect Figurines
Tongs, Knife, Medicine Dropper, or other Tools
Food Colored Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

If using Gelatine brand of gelatin, pour 1 cup water into the brain mold and sprinkle one packet of gelatin on top. (a box of Gelatine comes with 4 packets and you will use them all!).

Step 2

Arrange the insects into the mold.

Step 3

Mix 3 cups water and the remaining 3 packets of Gelatine into a saucepan or microwave safe container and bring to a boil. We used the microwave method.

Step 4

Pour the gelatin mixture into the mold.

Step 5

Pop it in the refrigerator for several hours until the gelatin is set.

Step 6

Once set, use a spatula to carefully remove the gelatin brain from the mold. If necessary, place the mold in warm water to loosen. Set up the activity with a few surgical tools and colored water, and it’s time to dissect!

Step 1

If using Gelatine brand of gelatin, pour 1 cup water into the brain mold and sprinkle one packet of gelatin on top. (a box of Gelatine comes with 4 packets and you will use them all!).

Step 2

Arrange the insects into the mold.

Step 3

Mix 3 cups water and the remaining 3 packets of Gelatine into a saucepan or microwave safe container and bring to a boil. We used the microwave method.

Step 4

Pour the gelatin mixture into the mold.

Step 5

Pop it in the refrigerator for several hours until the gelatin is set.

Step 6

Once set, use a spatula to carefully remove the gelatin brain from the mold. If necessary, place the mold in warm water to loosen. Set up the activity with a few surgical tools and colored water, and it’s time to dissect!

Frozen Oobleck Brain Alternative

This jelly sensory play isn’t the only way to explore the brain! We’ve also hidden bugs inside a frozen oobleck brain!

This activity great for learning about the states of matter and viscosity. In other words, playing with oobleck can teach kids about how solids and liquids can change states, as well as learn about the thickness of the oobleck.

Here’s how you can make this version!

Step 1

Combine 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water.

Step 2

Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like.

Step 3

Add creepy critters to a mold.

Step 4

Pour the oobleck mixture into the mold.

Step 5

Pop it in the freezer for an hour.

Step 6

Once frozen, set it up with a few surgical tools and it’s time to dissect!

Frozen Oobleck Brain Alternative

This jelly sensory play isn’t the only way to explore the brain! We’ve also hidden bugs inside a frozen oobleck brain!

This activity great for learning about the states of matter and viscosity. In other words, playing with oobleck can teach kids about how solids and liquids can change states, as well as learn about the thickness of the oobleck.

Here’s how you can make this version!

Step 1

Combine 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water.

Step 2

Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like.

Step 3

Add creepy critters to a mold.

Step 4

Pour the oobleck mixture into the mold.

Step 5

Pop it in the freezer for an hour.

Step 6

Once frozen, set it up with a few surgical tools and it’s time to dissect!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Beyond this creepy jelly sensory play. Here are some more sensory bases to explore!

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

SHOP NOW

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

SHOP NOW

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

SHOP NOW

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

SHOP NOW

What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Spider Handprint Craft – Fantastic for the Spooky Season

This spider handprint craft is such a fun keepsake for the insect lover or as a spooky art project for Halloween! The materials are simple and the multi-step process keeps kids engaged. Keep on reading for all the details on how you can make this too!

Spider Handprint Art Collides with Fine Motor Skills!

If creating a spider handprint wasn’t cool enough, this activity goes the extra mile and allows kids to strengthen their fine motor skills in more ways than one!

Creating the spider web gives them the chance to use a hole punch and squeeze it to make a bunch of holes around the perimeter of the plate. This is a tricky task that will be sure to exercise those hands and fingers. Plus, threading the yarn through those holes is amazing for hand-eye coordination. It may look easy, but it will be challenging, yet rewarding hard work!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Make This Spider Handprint Craft!

In this video you’ll see the process of creating a handprint spider craft!

You’ll see the various techniques from coloring the paper plate, to hole punching, and finally threading the yarn to make a spider web!

Depending on the type of hole punch you have, you may need to help your kiddo push it down all the way! My daughter, age 3, definitely needed us to do this part together!

Watch How to Make This Spider Handprint Craft!

In this video you’ll see the process of creating a handprint spider craft!

You’ll see the various techniques from coloring the paper plate, to hole punching, and finally threading the yarn to make a spider web!

Depending on the type of hole punch you have, you may need to help your kiddo push it down all the way! My daughter, age 3, definitely needed us to do this part together!

When to Make This Spider Handprint Craft

While the most likely time of the year you may think to do this is Halloween, the spooky season isn’t the only time! Perhaps your kiddo loves all things creepy crawlers, or you are doing an insect-themed unit, or want to pair this craft with a book like Charlotte’s Web! There are lots of excuses to paint those hands and make spiders!

For those covering an insect-themed unit, or if you simply have an insect lover, don’t miss our printable bundle that includes all things insects along with learning lots of early childhood education skills!

Do you need to stock up on arts and crafts supplies? Visit our comprehensive list!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Paper Plate
Paint Stick or Other Color/Paint Choice
Black Paint

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Color the paper plate! We used tempera paint sticks because we love how they have the vibrancy of paint, but roll on like a crayon and dry in seconds! Use one color, or many!

Step 2

Paint your kiddo’s hands (except for the thumb!), we chose the color black, and make a handprint in the center of the paper plate.

Step 3

Use the hole punch to make circles around the circumference of the paper plate.

Step 4

Tie a piece of yarn to one of the holes, and have your kiddo thread the rest through all the other holes, spider-web style!

Step 5

Add googly eyes once the paint has dried to bring your handprint spider to life!

Step 1

Color the paper plate! We used tempera paint sticks because we love how they have the vibrancy of paint, but roll on like a crayon and dry in seconds! Use one color, or many!

Step 2

Paint your kiddo’s hands (except for the thumb!), we chose the color black, and make a handprint in the center of the paper plate.

Step 3

Use the hole punch to make circles around the circumference of the paper plate.

Step 4

Tie a piece of yarn to one of the holes, and have your kiddo thread the rest through all the other holes, spider-web style!

Step 5

Add googly eyes once the paint has dried to bring your handprint spider to life!

Beyond Making Spider Handprint Art!

Painting is a great fine motor activity for kids because it teaches them to see with their eyes while painting with their hands. Holding a paint stick or paint brush is a great first step for strengthening grip and hand control before using pencils!

But as I mentioned above, there is so much more to this handprint art project in terms of fine motor skills! Squeezing a hole punch and threading yarn through those small holes is fantastic at strengthening hand grip, finger muscles, and hand eye coordination!

Beyond Making Spider Handprint Art!

Painting is a great fine motor activity for kids because it teaches them to see with their eyes while painting with their hands. Holding a paint stick or paint brush is a great first step for strengthening grip and hand control before using pencils!

But as I mentioned above, there is so much more to this handprint art project in terms of fine motor skills! Squeezing a hole punch and threading yarn through those small holes is fantastic at strengthening hand grip, finger muscles, and hand eye coordination!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Want more projects after doing this spider handprint activity? Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

SHOP NOW

Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

SHOP NOW

Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

SHOP NOW

String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

SHOP NOW

What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Make Oobleck with a Pumpkin Autumn Twist

make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

This fun sensory activity is where you’ll make oobleck and inspire your kiddo to tap into their inner chef to whip up some pumpkin spice goop soup!

This is one of those set ups that will have kids engaged for a long time! Keep on reading to find out all the loose parts we included and how to make orange oobleck!

What is Oobleck and How Do You Make It?

Never heard of oobleck (aka goop)? Don’t wait another day! It’s so easy to make! Plain oobleck has a 2 to 1 ratio of corn starch to water! For this set up, I added a pinch of orange food coloring too. The consistency is the coolest — it’s both a liquid and a solid, depending on how you are playing with it. (Rest your hand on top of it: liquid. Squeeze it in your fist: solid.)

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make and Play with Pumpkin-Themed Oobleck

It takes all of a few minutes to whip up a batch of oobleck! Adding in some orange coloring and providing other fun items likes pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and rosemary really enhances the sensory experience!

Of course, try to save a pumpkin shell too because it makes for the perfect bowl to hold your kiddo’s pumpkin soup creation!

How to Make and Play with Pumpkin-Themed Oobleck

It takes all of a few minutes to whip up a batch of oobleck! Adding in some orange coloring and providing other fun items likes pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and rosemary to chop up really enhances the sensory experience!

Of course, try to save a pumpkin shell too because it makes for the perfect bowl to hold your kiddo’s pumpkin soup creation!

Tips on Embracing the Mess!

Oobleck can definitely make a mess, but heres’ the good news – it’s relatively easy to clean up!

If you can, do it outside, like us. This will allow you to likely be able to spray down the play table with a hose and have everything cleaned up in minutes.

If doing it inside is the only option, lay down some towels to catch anything that falls from the table. Then, make sure you either dispose of the oobleck in the trash can or thoroughly dilute it with water so that it is no longer bound together. I have heard that if you dump it in the sink before diluting oobleck, it can clog pipes!

When oobleck dries, what you are left with is powdery corn starch which can also be easily cleaned up off the floor with a vacuum or broom!

Materials

2 cups Corn Starch
1 cup Water
Food coloring
Pumpkin Shell

Pumpkin Seeds
Cinnamon
Rosemary

2 cups Corn Starch
1 cup Water
Food coloring
Pumpkin Shell
Pumpkin Seeds
Cinnamon
Rosemary

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

To make the oobleck, mix in a bowl 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water plus food coloring. The consistency should allow one to squeeze the oobleck in the hand to make a solid and when released it turns into a liquid and will fall from the hand.

Step 2

For the set up, provide Fall-themed objects like pumpkin shells for bowls, a spoonful of pumpkin seeds, sprigs of rosemary, and some cinnamon. Also provide a bin of water nearby so kids can clean the oobleck off their hands throughout the time playing!

Step 1

To make the oobleck, mix in a bowl 2 cups corn starch with 1 cup water plus food coloring. The consistency should allow one to squeeze the oobleck in the hand to make a solid and when released it turns into a liquid and will fall from the hand.

Step 2

For the set up, provide Fall-themed objects like pumpkin shells for bowls, a spoonful of pumpkin seeds, sprigs of rosemary, and some cinnamon. Also provide a bin of water nearby so kids can clean the oobleck off their hands throughout the time playing!

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play is not only great for having the kids learn about their senses and how important they are, but it’s also great for working on fine motor skills too.

Every time the kids scoop, pinch, pat, or just squeeze anything in this sensory activity, they’re using their hands, eyes, and other senses to learn.

These are skills that they can quickly grow upon as they get older and will use in their everyday lives.

This activity also helps the kids learn about creativity and shows the importance of using their imagination as well. The more they can play and create, the more their love for learning and play will grow.

For more sensory play ideas, visit our comprehensive list!

The Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory play is not only great for having the kids learn about their senses and how important they are, but it’s also great for working on fine motor skills too.

Every time the kids scoop, pinch, pat, or just squeeze anything in this sensory activity, they’re using their hands, eyes, and other senses to learn.

These are skills that they can quickly grow upon as they get older and will use in their everyday lives.

This activity also helps the kids learn about creativity and shows the importance of using their imagination as well. The more they can play and create, the more their love for learning and play will grow.

For more sensory play ideas, visit our comprehensive list!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy!

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic sand is moldable! This bulk pack of sensory sand comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

SHOP NOW

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

SHOP NOW

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

SHOP NOW

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

SHOP NOW

What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Q-Tip Skeleton Craft with Easy Play Dough Recipe

q-tip skeleton craft cotton swabs sensory play dough

This Q-Tip skeleton craft is where sensory play and anatomy collide! Cotton swab bones and DIY black play dough combine to look like x-rays! Keep on reading for the simple recipe!

Where Sensory Play Meets Q-Tip Skeleton Craft

Making and playing with play dough is such a fun sensory activity in and of itself! Adding cookie cutters shaped like people or animals along with Q-Tips as bones is a fun way to make mini x-rays and spark conversations all about skeletal systems!

It is never too early to start learning about our bodies and bones, and this is a fun hands on way to do it! Plus, definitely download our free printable worksheets all about the Systems of the Human Body. It has a skeletal system page that will allow kids to discover and better visualize how the bones look inside our bodies!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make Black Play Dough for This Q-Tip Skeleton Craft

In this video you’ll see how to make this easy play dough. It takes all of 10 minutes to make and pairs perfectly with this Q-Tip skeleton craft!

You can easily use this recipe to make play dough in any color you like!

Stretch it, mold it, pull it, push it – play dough is an amazing tool to strengthen fine motor skills at the youngest of ages!

How to Make Black Play Dough for This Q-Tip Skeleton Craft

In this video you’ll see how to make this easy play dough. It takes all of 10 minutes to make and pairs perfectly with this Q-Tip skeleton craft!

You can easily use this recipe to make play dough in any color you like!

Stretch it, mold it, pull it, push it – play dough is an amazing tool to strengthen fine motor skills at the youngest of ages!

Invitation to Create a Skeleton

We love setting up trays that organize all the materials in different sections! This truly invites them to participate without getting overwhelmed and to explore with full understanding of what items they have to work with.

You can grab a tray like the one pictured sometimes at Dollar Tree, or one of our favorites has removable sections!

Make sure to cut up the Q-Tips into varying lengths – small, medium, large, and just the cotton ends too! Just like the bones inside bodies, there should be a lot of variety! Plus, throw in some googly eyes to make your mini skeletons come to life!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Invitation to Create a Skeleton

We love setting up trays that organize all the materials in different sections! This truly invites them to participate without getting overwhelmed and to explore with full understanding of what items they have to work with.

You can grab a tray like the one pictured sometimes at Dollar Tree, or one of our favorites has removable sections!

Make sure to cut up the Q-Tips into varying lengths – small, medium, large, and just the cotton ends too! Just like the bones inside bodies, there should be a lot of variety! Plus, throw in some googly eyes to make your mini skeletons come to life!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of fine salt
2 tablespoon of cream of tartar
2 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

3/4 cup of boiling water
Food coloring
Q-Tips / Cotton Swabs
Googly Eyes
Cookie Cutters

1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of fine salt
2 tablespoon of cream of tartar
2 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
3/4 cup of boiling water
Food coloring
Q-Tips / Cotton Swabs
Googly Eyes
Cookie Cutters

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Mix together all of the ingredients into a bowl except the water and food coloring.

Step 2

Add black food coloring to water and boil.

Step 3

Wear gloves and mix the *very hot* water into the play dough mixture by hand to make sure that the dough is kneaded thoroughly.

Step 4

Provide Q-Tips, cookie cutters, and googley eyes to complete the invitation to create skeletons!

Step 1

Mix together all of the ingredients into a bowl but don’t add in the water.

Step 2

Add black food coloring to water and boil.

Step 3

Wear gloves and mix the *very hot* water into the play dough mixture by hand to make sure that the dough is kneaded thoroughly.

Step 4

Provide Q-Tips, cookie cutters, and googley eyes to complete the invitation to create skeletons!

More Ways to Explore Skeletons with Q-Tips!

If your kiddo is interested in the skeletal system, you have to try our free printable cotton swab skeleton puzzles!

This printable skeleton activity includes 6 different skeleton puzzles that use cotton swabs for the puzzle pieces! From a human skeleton, to a fish, dog, cat, bird, and snake – this is a great way to introduce skeleton systems! Plus, it’s definitely a fun one for Halloween time!

Speaking of Halloween, don’t miss our printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities which is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

skeleton printable cotton swab activity for kids halloween anatomy

More Ways to Explore Skeletons with Q-Tips!

If your kiddo is interested in the skeletal system, you have to try our free printable cotton swab skeleton puzzles!

This printable skeleton activity includes 6 different skeleton puzzles that use cotton swabs for the puzzle pieces! From a human skeleton, to a fish, dog, cat, bird, and snake – this is a great way to introduce skeleton systems! Plus, it’s definitely a fun one for Halloween time!

Speaking of Halloween, don’t miss our printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities which is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

More Ways to Learn About the Human Body

Here are my top picks for toys that are all about the body, anatomy and human biology!

Organ Apron

Here is a life-size puzzle you can wear and learn all about anatomy! The set includes removable organs and an apron!

SHOP NOW

Human Body System Set

These magnetic pieces are a 3D puzzle! It has anatomically correct pieces for both boys and girls for learning body systems!

SHOP NOW

3D Human Model

This fun set includes soft, squishy organs and hard, removable bones. It is an interactive and sensory based puzzle!

SHOP NOW

Anatomy Doll

Science has never been so cuddly! Explore organs and the human body with this doll that unbuttons at the chest to reveal organs and body sounds!

SHOP NOW

What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

DIY Firefighter Costume – How to Make a Fire Truck

diy firefighter fireman firewoman firetruck costume parade float

This cardboard-made fire truck is the best accessory to a DIY firefighter costume! Plus, it’s a fun way to cart off the kids during Halloween or a local parade!

The Ultimate Pretend Play DIY Firefighter Costume

Imaginative play for kids is really important. This not only gives them a way to think creatively, but it helps them expand and use their imagination in new and fun ways. A DIY fire truck allows kids to take pretend play to the next level!

Once made, this DIY fire truck can be played with year round, but it could be especially fun during Halloween or as local float during a Thanksgiving Day parade!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

See Us Create a DIY Firefighter Costume Wagon!

Once you see how we created this fun fire truck wagon, you’re going to be motivated to make one, too! I was amazed at how quickly it came together to create a really fun look and activity. Plus, the supplies couldn’t be more simple and budget-friendly!

Once it was finished, the kids couldn’t wait to put on their fireman costumes and take their new favorite vehicle for a spin! They were the hit of the neighborhood for sure!

See Us Create a DIY Firefighter Costume Wagon!

Once you see how we created this fun fire truck wagon, you’re going to be motivated to make one, too! I was amazed at how quickly it came together to create a really fun look and activity. Plus, the supplies couldn’t be more simple and budget-friendly!

Once it was finished, the kids couldn’t wait to put on their fireman costumes and take their new favorite vehicle for a spin! They were the hit of the neighborhood for sure!

Tips for Making This DIY Firefighter Costume Wagon

Save all the Cardboard! The main supply we used for our DIY fire truck was cardboard! I am a cardboard hoarder, so it wasn’t hard for me to piece all of it together to make the costume, but in case you are an avid cardboard recycler, make sure you start saving!

The Paint. There are lots of different ways you could color your fire truck, but one of the quickest approaches is to use spray paint. The paint comes out evenly, fast, and dries quickly. Of course, you will want to keep the kiddos away for this process and do it outside (or in the garage with the doors open, like I did) for proper ventilation!

If you love making your own costumes, you’ll have to check out our DIY Astronaut Costume and DIY Artist Costume!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Gather your cardboard pieces and cut out the following shapes: 2 rectangles (to wrap around the side of the truck), 4 squares (for the top of the truck – alternatively if you have a square box, just remove 2 of the sides), 2 right triangles (for the side windows). Plus, cut out the details: circles for lights, small rectangles for the grill, 2 x ladders, and 2 x badges.

Step 2

For the top of the truck, be sure to cut out windows (as pictured) within the 3 square pieces and within the 2 right triangles.

Step 3

Spray paint all of the pieces. We kept the top white, the bottom red, and the details yellow and white for the most part.

Step 4

Once dry, add the painted pieces to the wagon, securing them with tape.

Step 5

Put the red solo cups on top as the sirens and let the kids have fun!

Step 1

Gather your cardboard pieces and cut out the following shapes: 2 rectangles (to wrap around the side of the truck), 4 squares (for the top of the truck – alternatively if you have a square box, just remove 2 of the sides), 2 right triangles (for the side windows). Plus, cut out the details: circles for lights, small rectangles for the grill, 2 x ladders, and 2 x badges.

Step 2

For the top of the truck, be sure to cut out windows (as pictured) within the 3 square pieces and within the 2 right triangles.

Step 3

Spray paint all of the pieces. We kept the top white, the bottom red, and the details yellow and white for the most part.

Step 4

Once dry, add the painted pieces to the wagon, securing them with tape.

Step 5

Put the red solo cups on top as the sirens and let the kids have fun!

The Benefits of Pretend Play

This DIY fire truck is a fun way to create a lasting vehicle that can be used for pretend play, aka imaginative play, aka dramatic play!

Imaginative play has so many benefits. It allows kiddos an opportunity to strengthen so many skills through play. Think: language development, social, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and self-regulation skills, to name a few. It really spans the spectrum!

The amazing thing about pretend play is how children often act out real-life scenarios allowing them an incredible opportunity to encounter social and emotional situations and roles.

The Benefits of Pretend Play

This DIY fire truck is a fun way to create a lasting vehicle that can be used for pretend play, aka imaginative play, aka dramatic play!

Imaginative play has so many benefits. It allows kiddos an opportunity to strengthen so many skills through play. Think: language development, social, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and self-regulation skills, to name a few. It really spans the spectrum!

The amazing thing about pretend play is how children often act out real-life scenarios allowing them an incredible opportunity to encounter social and emotional situations and roles.

More Ways to Explore Pretend Play

If your kiddo loved this DIY fire truck, there are so many other fun ways to have fun with imaginative play. Here are some top gift picks!

Doctor’s Kit

This adorable doctor’s kit is made of mostly wooden parts. It includes a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, blood pressure gauge, and more!

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dress up pretend play career imaginative

Dress Up Kit

Inspire your little ones to role play with this dress-up kit that includes 3 different careers – scientist, explorer and gardner! Great for any and all genders!

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Play Kitchen

This play kitchen is not only adorable but will inspire such fun imaginative cooking play with it’s stove, oven, microwave, and storage areas!

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Cleaning Set

It is surprising how much kids love this 6 piece pretend play cleaning kit! A fun way to motivate independence and a love for cleaning!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Skeleton Printable Activity – Unique Puzzle Using Cotton Swabs

skeleton printable puzzle using cotton swabs sensory bag

This skeleton printable activity, is a unique way to play and learn using cotton swabs as puzzle pieces! Keep on reading to learn about the different ways you can enjoy this puzzle, including turning it into a sensory bag!

Many Ways to Play with This Skeleton Printable

First off, this skeleton printable pack comes with 6 skeleton puzzles to choose from – a human, dog, cat, bird, fish, and snake!

Setting up this activity can be as simple as printing, and providing cotton swabs to match! Alternatively, you can create a sensory bag like we did! Filling up a bag with hair gel and placing the cotton swabs inside is a challenging way to match puzzle pieces while strengthening fine motor skills!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Skeleton Printable as a Sensory Bag Activity

Here’s how you can easily set up this skeleton printable using a sensory bag!

By putting the cotton swab pieces inside the sensory bag, kids can use their fingers to push the cotton swabs to the correct locations. This is great for fine motor skills and hand eye coordination!

Sensory bags are so much fun, it’s hard not to squish it!

Watch the Skeleton Printable as a Sensory Bag Activity

Here’s how you can easily set up this skeleton printable using a sensory bag!

By putting the cotton swab pieces inside the sensory bag, kids can use their fingers to push the cotton swabs to the correct locations. This is great for fine motor skills and hand eye coordination!

Sensory bags are so much fun, it’s hard not to squish it!

Get the FREE Set of Skeleton Printables!

This printable set of 6 skeletons with cotton swab bones is totally FREE!

We enjoyed playing with the pages using a sensory bag, but we also enjoy an even quicker set up by just matching the cotton swabs to the paper directly. You could even use glue to keep the cotton swabs in place, or you could place a piece of adhesive paper (sticky side up!) over the printable to have the cotton swabs adhere.

This is a great way to get kids excited about anatomy and learning about the bones inside our bodies and other creatures!

For another anatomy-themed activity, you have to check out our Systems of the Body for Kids. Not only is this also a free printable activity, but children will get a thrill out of revealing all the different systems of the human body – it’s like magic!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Grab our free printable skeletons!

Step 2

To make a sensory bag activity, grab a plastic bag and use nail polish remover to remove the white label on the front of the plastic bag (allowing you to view the inside of the bag without obstruction!).

Step 3

Add clear hair gel into the plastic bag.

Step 4

Cut cotton swabs in half and in quarters as well as keeping some whole, and place them in the plastic bag.

Step 5

Choose a skeleton page from the bundle, and place the sensory bag on top. Tape it down to prevent it from sliding around.

Step 6

Task your kiddo with moving the cotton swab pieces to match the skeleton!

Step 1

Grab our free printable skeletons!

Step 2

To make a sensory bag activity, grab a plastic bag and use nail polish remover to remove the white label on the front of the plastic bag (allowing you to view the inside of the bag without obstruction!).

Step 3

Add clear hair gel into the plastic bag.

Step 4

Cut cotton swabs in half and in quarters as well as keeping some whole, and place them in the plastic bag.

Step 5

Choose a skeleton page from the bundle, and place the sensory bag on top. Tape it down to prevent it from sliding around.

Step 6

Task your kiddo with moving the cotton swab pieces to match the skeleton!

More Halloween Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

For more printable activities, visit our full collection!

More Halloween Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

For more printable activities, visit our full collection!

More Ways to Learn About the Human Body

Here are my top picks for toys that are all about the body, anatomy and human biology!

Organ Apron

Here is a life-size puzzle you can wear and learn all about anatomy! The set includes removable organs and an apron!

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Human Body System Set

These magnetic pieces are a 3D puzzle! It has anatomically correct pieces for both boys and girls for learning body systems!

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3D Human Model

This fun set includes soft, squishy organs and hard, removable bones. It is an interactive and sensory based puzzle!

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Anatomy Doll

Science has never been so cuddly! Explore organs and the human body with this doll that unbuttons at the chest to reveal organs and body sounds!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Pumpkin Activities – Being Creative with a Real Pumpkin

pumpkin activities growing pumpkin seeds in a pumpkin making a pumpkin flower pot growing plants in a pumpkin

These pumpkin activities are a fun way for kids to crack open a pumpkin and create some fun festive decor while learning about plants!

Using a pumpkin as the pot, you can use it to contain a bouquet of cut flowers, or be the home to flowers still growing in dirt, and our absolute favorite, growing pumpkin seeds inside the pumpkin itself! Keep on reading to find out how to make each!

Pumpkin Activities Double As Fall Decor

From planting seeds, to replanting flowers, and assembling cut flowers, so much can be learned about gardening and pumpkins while making Fall decor in the process! We love using these as centerpieces on our Thanksgiving table, and on our front porch during Halloween!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See How to Make 3 Pumpkin Activities!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make festive floral arrangements inside the pumpkin itself!

Plus, you’ll see how fun it is to plant the pumpkin’s seeds right back inside the pumpkin! It takes less than 7 days to see the pumpkin sprouts arise from the dirt.

This is a great opportunity to talk about living plants, cut plants, and planting seeds!

Watch the Video to See How to Make 3 Pumpkin Activities!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make festive floral arrangements inside the pumpkin itself!

Plus, you’ll see how fun it is to plant the pumpkin’s seeds right back inside the pumpkin! It takes less than 7 days to see the pumpkin sprouts arise from the dirt.

This is a great opportunity to talk about living plants, cut plants, and planting seeds!

How to Make a “Hairy Pumpkin” and Other Pumpkin Activities

The supplies are simple and super adaptable! Grown ups should do the cutting of the top of the pumpkins, but kiddos can lead the rest!

Each activity has it’s own process, but the results for each are stunning and the perfect Fall decor!

For the “Hairy Pumpkin,” not only is it fun to plant the seeds and see sprouts grow within a week, but you could also extend the activity by treating it like a chia pet and giving the pumpkin a haircut! Alternatively, if your weather permits it, you can plant the pumpkin and perhaps grow your own pumpkin patch for next year!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Pumpkins
Carving Tools
Tin Can
Soil

Cut Flowers
Potted Flowers
Permanent Marker

Pumpkins
Carving Tools
Tin Can
Soil
Cut Flowers
Potted Flowers
Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Instructions

To Make the “Hairy Pumpkin”

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds, add dirt into the pumpkin shell, sprinkle seeds on top, and cover seeds with dirt. Give water and sunlight, and within a week, you should see sprouts!

For a Halloween look, use a black permanent marker to create eyes, a nose, and a mouth for a pumpkin face!

Keep in mind that the pumpkins will start to decompose (the warmer the climate, the quicker). We had to keep ours inside with air-conditioned temperature. When we tried this outside, the pumpkins rotted very quickly, and birds ate the seeds!

To Use the Pumpkin as Pot for Plants

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds and add a potted plant. You can use flowers or herbs for example! Add extra dirt if necessary and water regularly. We keep these inside as table centerpieces and bring them outside during the days leading up to Halloween!

To Use the Pumpkin as a Vase

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin. Then, have your kiddos remove the seeds, add a tin can inside the pumpkin, fill with water, and add the cut flowers into the can! This beautiful arrangement also makes for a great centerpiece!

To Make the “Hairy Pumpkin”

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds, add dirt into the pumpkin shell, sprinkle seeds on top, and cover seeds with dirt. Give water and sunlight, and within a week, you should see sprouts!

For a Halloween look, use a black permanent marker to create eyes, a nose, and a mouth for a pumpkin face!

Keep in mind that the pumpkins will start to decompose (the warmer the climate, the quicker). We had to keep ours inside with air-conditioned temperature. When we tried this outside, the pumpkins rotted very quickly, and birds ate the seeds!

To Use the Pumpkin as Pot for Plants

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds and add a potted plant. You can use flowers or herbs for example! Add extra dirt if necessary and water regularly. We keep these inside as table centerpieces and bring them outside during the days leading up to Halloween!

To Use the Pumpkin as a Vase

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin. Then, have your kiddos remove the seeds, add a tin can inside the pumpkin, fill with water, and add the cut flowers into the can! This beautiful arrangement also makes for a great centerpiece!

Don’t Miss Our Halloween Printable Activities!

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

Don’t Miss Our Halloween Printable Activities!

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

More Ways to Explore Gardening with Kids

Here are my top picks for gifts for a little one who has a green thumb!

science-experiment-food-earth-day-activity

Plant Growth Kit

This kit provides the perfect view of the plant life cycle. It comes with this self-standing planter that can be placed on a tabletop or window sill.

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science-experiment-food-growing-planting-kids

Kid’s Workbench

This 2-in-1, child-sized potting bench has a flat work surface for seed starting, potting up plants and maintaining potted plants.

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Veggie Garden Kit

This egg carton garden includs 6 packages of heirloom seeds, starter soil, wooden stakes, instructions, a journal, and the egg carton planter!

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science-experiment-food-growing-gardening-kids

Wooden Gardening Pretend Play Toy

This adorable set is a great way to spark a young gardener’s imagination. It comes with 3 seed packets, 3 flower pots with a sunflower, carrot and tomato plant!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Halloween Activity for Toddlers – Make a Shape Sorter

Halloween Activity for Toddlers – Make a Pumpkin Shape Sorter

halloween activity for toddler pumpkin shape sorter learning play craft

This pumpkin shape sorter is a fun Halloween activity for toddlers! It is where crafting, playing, and learning collide with a pumpkin twist! Keep on reading to find out how we made it!

A Halloween Activity for Toddlers with Lots of Emotions!

Not only is this activity great for fine motor skills and learning the early math skill of shape recognition, but I love how you can create a collection of pumpkins to showcase so many emotions!

This is a great opportunity to talk about feelings and put a name to each emotion. If you are looking for more emotion-related activities, be sure to check out our Easy DIY Feelings Cup activity!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch How Fun This Halloween Activity for Toddlers is!

Making a DIY shape sorter is super easy. Get the kids involved in crafting the pumpkins and making them orange with a green stem!

I love how this activity involves so many fun skills. They can tap into their creative side while crafting the pumpkins, learn about emotions, recognize and distinguish between a bunch of different shapes, all the while working out their small muscles in their hands and fingers as they push the shapes through the sorter (this is so great for fine motor skills!).

Watch How Fun This Halloween Activity for Toddlers is!

Making a DIY shape sorter is super easy. Get the kids involved in crafting the pumpkins and making them orange with a green stem!

I love how this activity involves so many fun skills. They can tap into their creative side while crafting the pumpkins, learn about emotions, recognize and distinguish between a bunch of different shapes, all the while working out their small muscles in their hands and fingers as they push the shapes through the sorter (this is so great for fine motor skills!).

Tips for Making Pumpkin This Shape Sorter

This DIY toy is super adaptable! Since we had such an odd sized box, I decided to use it and have the kiddos make a bunch of pumpkins stacked vertically on top of each other, but feel free to adjust based on the kind of box you have! If it is a small one, then just make 1 pumpkin, if it is a big one, make a bunch. It is up to you!

Make sure that you have an opening for the blocks to fall out (my kids love hearing them fall on a metal pan!), or if you prefer they don’t fall out, just make sure you leave an opening in the box so you can retrieve the blocks so the kids can play over and over again!

If your are learning shapes with your toddler or preschooler, be sure to check out our Shapes Monster Craft. It’s perfect for the spooky season and can be even used as a Halloween decor gardland!

Materials

Cardboard Pieces and Cardboard Box
Paint Sticks
Pencil
Hot Glue

Sharp Craft Knife
Shapes
Tape (if you want to secure the box to the wall)

Cardboard Pieces and Cardboard Box
Paint Sticks
Pencil
Hot Glue
Sharp Craft Knife
Shapes
Tape (if you want to secure the box to the wall)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Using cardboard, cut out the shapes of pumpkins.

Step 2

Provide art supplies for the kids to decorate the pumpkins. We used orange and green paint sticks.

Step 3

Once dry, use a pencil to trace the shapes for the eyes and mouths of the pumpkins. Make them each look different so you can talk about emotions! Plus, add a nose!

Step 4

Glue the pumpkins to your box.

Step 5

Use a sharp craft knife to cut out the eyes and mouths, cutting all the way through both layers of cardboard so that the block pieces will enter and fall into the box.

Step 6

Tape to the wall for a vertical set up! And now this Halloween activity for toddlers and preschoolers is ready to be played with!

Step 1

Using cardboard, cut out the shapes of pumpkins.

Step 2

Provide art supplies for the kids to decorate the pumpkins. We used orange and green paint sticks.

Step 3

Once dry, use a pencil to trace the shapes for the eyes and mouths of the pumpkins. Make them each look different so you can talk about emotions! Plus, add a nose!

Step 4

Glue the pumpkins to your box.

Step 5

Use a sharp craft knife to cut out the eyes and mouths, cutting all the way through both layers of cardboard so that the block pieces will enter and fall into the box.

Step 6

Tape to the wall for a vertical set up! And now this Halloween activity for toddlers and preschoolers is ready to be played with!

More Halloween Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

For more printable activities, visit our full collection!

More Halloween Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

More Ways to Play with Shapes

Here are my top picks for shape themed gifts!

Wooden Block Shape Train

This wooden stacking train is a fun way to combine block play, shape learning, and building! This set comes with the train car and 15 blocks.

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Wooden Gemoetric Shape Puzzle

This set comes with 155 pieces of different color blocks for creating different forms contained in 24 design cards.

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Wooden Shape Puzzle

This wooden puzzle includes 18 shape pieces a cotton bag. I love that it features so many types of shapes!

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Shape Sorting Truck

This versatile shape sorting tooy includes 15 shapes and a laser engraved pull-a-long truck!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

DIY Ghost – Easy & Inexpensive Halloween Decoration!

This DIY ghost is so simple to make! It takes all of a few minutes to assemble and is made up of budget-friendly materials! Keep on reading to find out how to make it yourself!

A Budget-Friendly DIY Ghost

You can likely find all of the supplies to make these DIY ghosts at a store like the dollar tree! To be completely honest, I originally went searching for decorative ghosts that I could buy at the store, but I either couldn’t find anything, or the price was outrageously high! (For example, I saw a set of 6 glowing LED ghosts for nearly $80 – yikes!!).

Rest assure, these DIY ghosts are super inexpensive and are so easy to make that the kiddos will want to make them too. Plus, you won’t have to stop at just making one, and they will last for many Halloween seasons to come!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch This Video to See How to Make DIY Ghosts

In this video, you’ll see just how easy it is to assemble these budget-friendly supplies to make a DIY ghost.

Don’t stop at just one! We decided to line our trees with multiple ghosts. During the day they are white and glide with the wind, but at night, once the lights are turned on, they look just like glowing ghosts with their black eyes visible!

Watch This Video to See How to Make DIY Ghosts

In this video, you’ll see just how easy it is to assemble these budget-friendly supplies to make a DIY ghost.

Don’t stop at just one! We decided to line our trees with multiple ghosts. During the day they are white and glide with the wind, but at night, once the lights are turned on, they look just like glowing ghosts with their black eyes visible!

Tips on Making This DIY Ghost

This project can be super adaptable based on what you have! Below I’ll share examples on other items that can be used if you don’t happen to have the ones we used! Also worth noting is that most of these supplies are available at stores like Dollar Tree!

The Ghost’s Body. We used plastic jars, but you can use other items like a water bottle or an empty plastic ornament bal!

The Ghost’s Eyes. We used black velcro stickers, but you could cut out circles in felt or even glue on black pom pom eyes!

A White Sheet. We used cheese cloth, but you could use a white rag or an old white t-shirt! The thinner the material the better!

The Light. The key is to make sure it fits through the opening of whatever container you choose for your ghost’s body. We used string lights, but battery operated candles can work well if you can fit them!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

On a plastic jar, place dot stickers as eyes.

Step 2

Open the lid of the jar and insert the battery-powered light.

Step 3

On the lid, hot glue a pipe cleaner.

Step 4

Thread a piece of cheese cloth through the pipe cleaner so it hangs longer than the container.

Step 5

Tie the pipe cleaner into a hook, and close the lid.

Step 6

Your DIY ghost is now ready to be used as Halloween decor! Be sure to turn it on when it is dark out and turn it off to preserve the battery for the next day!

Step 1

On a plastic jar, place dot stickers as eyes.

Step 2

Open the lid of the jar and insert the battery-powered light.

Step 3

On the lid, hot glue a pipe cleaner.

Step 4

Thread a piece of cheese cloth through the pipe cleaner so it hangs longer than the container.

Step 5

Tie the pipe cleaner into a hook, and close the lid.

Step 6

Your DIY ghost is now ready to be used as Halloween decor! Be sure to turn it on when it is dark out and turn it off to preserve the battery for the next day!

Beyond a DIY Ghost – Printable Halloween Activities!

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of opportunities for kids to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

For more printable activities, visit our full collection!

Beyond a DIY Ghost – Printable Halloween Activities!

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of opportunities for kids to learn early childhood education skills! It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

For more printable activities, visit our full collection!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

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Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

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Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

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String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

DIY Artist Costume – Easy and Budget-Friendly Dress Up

DIY Artist Costume – Easy & Budget-Friendly Dress Up

Are you looking for a fun dress-up outfit or a simple way for your little one to create their own DIY Halloween costume? This DIY Artist costume is perfect! If they have a love for all things art, this is a fantastic way to create a costume for them that lets them show that off!

A Simple and Budget-Friendly Alternative to Store Bought Costumes!

Why spend all that time and money shopping for a Halloween costume when you have the ability to make one right at home? You can easily have your little ones join in on all the creating fun!

They’ll be able to create their own artist costume with just a little bit of creativity and supplies. They can also use this costume as a way to dress up like an artist anytime that they want to right at home!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Make a DIY Artist Costume

The more creative that they want to be let them! An artist can be messy or not, and using the paints that you have at home is a way to let your little one go wild. If you plan on washing it though, you’ll want to be sure to use fabric paints!

Make certain that they enjoy this project and have a fun time creating as well. The outcome is going to give them so much confidence when it comes to making a costume to wear and love.

Watch How to Make a DIY Artist Costume

This costume can be totally kid-made! The more creative that they want to be let them! An artist can be messy or not. They can create designs, patterns, real-life pictures, or just tap into their inner Jackson Pollock and create their costume splatter-style!

It’s all about having fun! The outcome is going to give them so much confidence when it comes to making a costume to wear and love.

Tips for Making a DIY Artist Costume

Fabric Paint. To make this costume washable, you’ll want to use fabric paint.

Accessories. In addition to the painter’s apron, we added a DIY accessory of a cardboard paint palette. And to complete the costume we also added a red scarf, beret, and black and white shirt!

Halloween or Year Long Dress Up. Not only does this costume make for a super creative and special Halloween costume, but it’s great for wearing year-round for pretend play and dress up!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Invite your kiddo to decorate a plain art apron with paint and other supplies of your choice.

Step 2

Provide paint brushes, rollers, or other tools if you like!

Step 3

Allow to dry over night.

Step 4

To make the paint palette, cut a palette shape out of cardboard and make colorful paint marks around it!

Step 1

Invite your kiddo to decorate a plain art apron with paint and other supplies of your choice.

Step 2

Provide paint brushes, rollers, or other tools if you like!

Step 3

Allow to dry over night.

Step 4

To make the paint palette, cut a palette shape out of cardboard and make colorful paint marks around it!

The Benefits of Pretend Play

This DIY artist costume is a fun way to create a lasting outfit that can be used for pretend play, aka imaginative play, aka dramatic play!

Imaginative play has so many benefits. It allows kiddos an opportunity to strengthen so many skills through play. Think: language development, social, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and self-regulation skills, to name a few. It really spans the spectrum!

The amazing thing about pretend play is how children often act out real-life scenarios allowing them an incredible opportunity to encounter social and emotional situations and roles.

If your kiddo loves making their own costume, you’ll have to try our DIY Astronaut Costume too!

The Benefits of Pretend Play

This DIY artist costume is a fun way to create a lasting outfit that can be used for pretend play, aka imaginative play, aka dramatic play!

Imaginative play has so many benefits. It allows kiddos an opportunity to strengthen so many skills through play. Think: language development, social, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and self-regulation skills, to name a few. It really spans the spectrum!

The amazing thing about pretend play is how children often act out real-life scenarios allowing them an incredible opportunity to encounter social and emotional situations and roles.

If your kiddo loves making their own costume, you’ll have to try our DIY Astronaut Costume too!

Beyond a DIY Artist Costume – More Ways to Explore Pretend Play

Here are my top picks for more ways kids can engage in imaginative play.

Doctor’s Kit

This adorable doctor’s kit is made of mostly wooden parts. It includes a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, blood pressure gauge, and more!

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Dress Up Kit

Inspire your little ones to role play with this dress-up kit that includes 3 different careers – scientist, explorer and gardner! Great for any and all genders!

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Play Kitchen

This play kitchen is not only adorable but will inspire such fun imaginative cooking play with it’s stove, oven, microwave, and storage areas!

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Cleaning Set

It is surprising how much kids love this 6 piece pretend play cleaning kit! A fun way to motivate independence and a love for cleaning!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Shapes Craft – Make a Monster and Learn Shapes

This Monster Shapes Craft is such a fun way to craft and learn with shapes! The supplies are simple and the results are adorable! These are great for a Halloween-themed learning activity, but are awesome any time of the year! Keep on reading to see how simple it is to set up, or to get our free printable version!

Learn and Craft with Shapes!

What’s better than crafting? Learning something in the process! This shapes craft monster does just that, with every body part and facial feature being a distinct shape!

A great way to extend this shape learning is with our printable bundle All About Shapes! With over 25 pages of activities, it explores a dozen different shapes!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch This Shapes Craft in Action!

In this video, you’ll see how fun my kiddo had constructing his shape monsters! One of the best ways to enhance the learning is to talk about the shapes and ask questions to reinforce that vocabulary.

The great thing about this shape activity is that kids can be really hands-on. Cutting out the shapes and then adding on the fun monster face and body features is a great way to keep them involved.

Watch This Shapes Craft in Action!

In this video, you’ll see how fun my kiddo had construction his shape monsters! One of the best ways to enhance the learning is to talk about the shapes and ask questions to reinforce that vocabulary.

The great thing about this shape activity is that kids can be really hands-on. Cutting out the shapes and then adding on the fun monster face features is a great way to keep them involved.

printable shape activity monster shape craft

FREE Printable Shapes Craft Monster Alternative

If your short on time, or construction paper, we have a solution for you with our Shapes Monster printable. It is free and easy to set up!

Kids can work on their scissor skills, cutting out the shapes while being guided by a dotted line. And then they can use tape or glue to assemble all the shape pieces into monsters!

And as I mentioned above, we also have a bundle All About Shapes. Plus, if it happens to be the spooky season, we have a bundle filled with Halloween Activities that cover lots of early childhood education skills including tracing, counting, the alphabet, writing, matching, phonics, and 2 DIY Halloween masks to color and wear!

Materials

Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

To begin, cut out the shape parts! Adults can prep this in advance, or kiddos can do this themselves! If doing themselves, it is best to provide lines for them to cut along. We created a different shape for each body of the monster – a circle, triangle, square, and rectangle. Then we created rectangles for the legs and arms, circles for the eyes in both white and black, semi-circles for the mouth, and triangles for the teeth!

Step 2

Now that all the parts have been cut, provide glue or tape for your kiddo to assemble their monsters. Use this opportunity to talk about the shapes to reinforce language development and an understanding of shape vocabulary!

Step 1

To begin, cut out the shape parts! Adults can prep this in advance, or kiddos can do this themselves! If doing themselves, it is best to provide lines for them to cut along. We created a different shape for each body of the monster – a circle, triangle, square, and rectangle. Then we created rectangles for the legs and arms, circles for the eyes in both white and black, semi-circles for the mouth, and triangles for the teeth!

Step 2

Now that all the parts have been cut, provide glue or tape for your kiddo to assemble their monsters. Use this opportunity to talk about the shapes to reinforce language development and an understanding of shape vocabulary!

The Importance of Learning Shapes!

This shape activity is really great for hands on learning. Not only are the going to learn how to cut out shapes and learn how to identify, sort, and match those shapes, but there is even more going on!

Shape learning is a foundation of early math. Yup, this is the beginning of geometry! Working with shapes allows kids to get exposed to geometric concepts such as shapes, size, space, and position.

Understanding shapes also helps with recognizing the alphabet and numbers because, after all, letters and numbers are shapes in and of themselves!

Finally, as mentioned above, naming the shapes as kids craft them will reinforce language development. Being able to describe objects based on their shapes will benefit communication skills.

The Importance of Learning Shapes!

This shape activity is really great for hands on learning. Not only are the going to learn how to cut out shapes and learn how to identify, sort, and match those shapes, but there is even more going on!

Shape learning is a foundation of early math. Yup, this is the beginning of geometry! Working with shapes allows kids to get exposed to geometric concepts such as shapes, size, space, and position.

Understanding shapes also helps with recognizing the alphabet and numbers because, after all, letters and numbers are shapes in and of themselves!

Finally, as mentioned above, naming the shapes as kids craft them will reinforce language development. Being able to describe objects based on their shapes will benefit communication skills.

More Ways to Play with Shapes

Here are my top picks for shape themed gifts!

Wooden Block Shape Train

This wooden stacking train is a fun way to combine block play, shape learning, and building! This set comes with the train car and 15 blocks.

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Wooden Gemoetric Shape Puzzle

This set comes with 155 pieces of different color blocks for creating different forms contained in 24 design cards.

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Wooden Shape Puzzle

This wooden puzzle includes 18 shape pieces a cotton bag. I love that it features so many types of shapes!

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Shape Sorting Truck

This versatile shape sorting tooy includes 15 shapes and a laser engraved pull-a-long truck!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Kids Halloween Party – The Ultimate List of Fun Ideas

kids halloween party ideas and activities

Everything you need to know to throw a fun kids Halloween party! From spooky-themed activities, to decor and party favors, we got you covered!

When planning a kid’s birthday party, I always have a handy checklist so I don’t forget something important! Here are the main areas:

Food & Beverages
Dishes and Utensils
Activities
Decor
Outfits
Trash Can
Party Favors
First Aid and Other Essentials Basket

Keep on reading to get all the details! And also be sure to check out our printable bundle of Halloween Activities, a fun way to learn so many early childhood education skills including letters, numbers, shapes, scissor skills, writing, and so much more.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

dinosaur party theme for kids ideas and inspiration

Kids Halloween Party Activities

Since we LOVE kid’s activities, I always try to include 3 or 4 different ones for kiddos to explore whenever we have parties.

We like to keep them budget-friendly getting bulk supplies online or from places like Dollar Tree or Target’s Bullseye section.

Keep on reading to see the different activities we set up at this particular Halloween Party!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Kids Halloween Party Activities

Since we LOVE kid’s activities, I always try to include 3 or 4 different ones for kiddos to explore whenever we have parties.

We like to keep them budget-friendly getting bulk supplies online or from places like Dollar Tree or Target’s Bullseye section.

Keep on reading to see the different activities we set up at this particular Halloween Party!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Sandbox Pumpkin Patch

We turned our sandbox into a farm with tractors to pick up pumpkins from a patch!

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Spider Threading Game

Kiddos had the opportunity to thread spider rings through a straw to strengthen their fine motor skills!

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Craft a Pumpkin

This foam pumpkin craft kit comes with 18 packs for kids to decorate different silly pumpkin faces!

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Witch’s Brew!

In a cauldron, water and insects (both big and small) collide for a fun sensory play, where kids can make spooky potions!

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Kids Halloween Party Guest Surprise!

Have a cousin, Uncle or Aunt, or friend who would be open to making a special appearance during the kids Halloween party?

Pictured is my brother who dressed up like Blippi one year and the kids thought it was a hoot! During a Halloween party it is likely that all the kids and some adults will be dressed up, but it is always a fun treat when a new character joins the party and entertains the kids for thirty or so minutes!

Kids Halloween Party Guest Surprise!

Have a cousin, Uncle or Aunt, or friend who would be open to making a special appearance during the kids Halloween party?

Pictured is my brother who dressed up like Blippi one year and the kids thought it was a hoot! During a Halloween party it is likely that all the kids and some adults will be dressed up, but it is always a fun treat when a new character joins the party and entertains the kids for thirty or so minutes!

Decor and Other Details for a Kids Halloween Party

Here are some simple ways to give off some major Halloween vibes! Obviously Halloween decor is so adaptable and so dependent on the kind of items you’ve been collecting over the years.

As you can see with this party, the decor is super young kid friendly – meaning no scary or bloody decor. But if your kiddos are ready for that, then go for it!

Also worth noting, I wanted our party favor to be both practical and non-candy related, more on that below! And while we didn’t have candy inside our party favor, we did make sure to have a yummy treat for them to eat while they were at this kids Halloween party.

Table Decor

A reusable orange table cloth cover and a black and white cloth runner gave this kids Halloween party a spooky vibe!

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Halloween Balloons

We used some simple black and white and orange balloons to decorate our party favor space, but you can have even more fun with this set that has eyeballs, pumpkins & spiders!

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Party Favors

These party favors are practical because kids get to use the bag for trick or treating later, but also candy free with a Spooky Pookie book inside!

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Something Sweet!

Now listen, I’m not against sweets. I just figured they’d be trick or treating after the party. But rest assure, serving yummy Halloween themed cupcakes is a must!

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More Party Ideas!

Looking for more fun ideas for your Kids Halloween Party? Here are some more ways to have fun with this theme!

Face Paint Kit!

This is a fun activity to include during a Kids Halloween Party! The kit comes with a guide to help grown ups create the perfect characters!

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Halloween Ring Toss

This is a fun Halloween-themed game for kids. The set comes with both a spider and a witch’s hat for ring tossing fun!

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Halloween Egg Hunt

As a possible alternative to (or in addition to) trick-or-treating, a Halloween egg hunt is sure to be a hit! This set comes with 36 pieces of varying designs.

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Squishy Paint Kit

This set of Halloween-themed squishy toys are either great party favors or a fun activity they can do at the party!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

DIY Astronaut Costume – How to Make it for Kids!

This DIY Astronaut Costume is such a fun homemade costume for kids. It’s perfect for dressing up and is also great for Halloween!

If your child loves all things space, they’re going to love it when you make this adorable DIY astronaut costume for them. It’s literally “out of this world” amazing!

Imaginative Play with A DIY Astronaut Costume

What little kid doesn’t dream about being an astronaut at some point in time? This easy DIY costume idea is a fun and simple way to make that dream turn into a reality.

Oh the magic of imaginative play, aka pretend play! Seeing kids get excited about dressing up is literally one of the best parts of seeing their imagination come to life. Even though this is great for a Halloween costume, I think this would be perfect for a simple dress-up outfit at home!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Make This DIY Astronaut Costume

The great thing about a DIY costume is you can adapt it easily! Choose colors that your kiddos love most, and use clothing that you already have at home to save costs on supplies!

The water bottle jetpack makes for such a fun accessory! Kiddos will have so much a great time pretending they are flying through the sky! You could even take it one step further and make a paper bag helmet!

Watch How to Make This DIY Astronaut Costume

The great thing about a DIY costume is you can adapt it easily! Choose colors that your kiddos love most, and use clothing that you already have at home to save costs on supplies!

The water bottle jetpack makes for such a fun accessory! Kiddos will have so much a great time pretending they are flying through the sky! You could even take it one step further and make a paper bag helmet!

Tips for Making This DIY Astronaut Costume

Recycle and Reuse. To save on costs of supplies, use what you’ve got! A plain t-shirt that you don’t mind dedicating to this costume is perfect to use! Check your supply cabinet to see if you have bits and pieces of felt that can be used instead of a buying a new pack.

Space-Themed Patches. We love these space theme patches because they really made the costume look official! However, you could also save on costs by printing official images from the internet and gluing them to the costume instead.

Fabric Glue. Speaking of gluing, make sure you use a strong fabric glue so all your details will stay in place even after washing!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Making This DIY Astronaut Costume

Recycle and Reuse. To save on costs of supplies, use what you’ve got! A plain t-shirt that you don’t mind dedicating to this costume is perfect to use! Check your supply cabinet to see if you have bits and pieces of felt that can be used instead of a buying a new pack.

Space-Themed Patches. We love these space theme patches because they really made the costume look official! However, you could also save on costs by printing official images from the internet and gluing them to the costume instead.

Fabric Glue. Speaking of gluing, make sure you use a strong fabric glue so all your details will stay in place even after washing!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

White shirt and pants/leggings
Felt – we used pink and black for the costume, and red and yellow for the rocket flames;
Fabric Glue

NASA-Themed Patches
2 empty large water bottles
Spray Paint

White shirt and pants/leggings
Felt – we used pink and black for the costume, and red and yellow for the rocket flames;
Fabric Glue
NASA-Themed Patches
2 empty large water bottles
Spray Paint

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

For the astronaut costume, Cut a piece of felt into strips. Two long strips and four short strips.

Step 2

Use fabric glue to secure the long strips on both sides of the front of the shirt.

Step 3

Glue the short strips around the cuffs of the shirt and the pants.

Step 4

Cut a black piece of felt, gluing several pieces together if necessary to form a belt around the bottom of the shirt and securing with glue.

Step 5

Glue NASA-Themed patches on the shirt sleeves, chest, and center of the belt.

Step 6

For the rockets, spray paint two large plastic water bottles.

Step 7

On red and yellow felt, create a fire shape and cut it out.

Step 8

Glue the yellow fire pattern inside the red fire pattern.

Step 9

Repeat for each bottle and glue inside the lid of the bottle.

Step 10

Cut black felt strips for the straps, measuring enough to fit comfortably like a backpack.

Step 1

For the astronaut costume, Cut a piece of felt into strips. Two long strips and four short strips.

Step 2

Use fabric glue to secure the long strips on both sides of the front of the shirt.

Step 3

Glue the short strips around the cuffs of the shirt and the pants.

Step 4

Cut a black piece of felt, gluing several pieces together if necessary to form a belt around the bottom of the shirt and securing with glue.

Step 5

Glue NASA-Themed patches on the shirt sleeves, chest, and center of the belt.

Step 6

For the rockets, spray paint two large plastic water bottles.

Step 7

On red and yellow felt, create a fire shape and cut it out.

Step 8

Glue the yellow fire pattern inside the red fire pattern.

Step 9

Repeat for each bottle and glue inside the lid of the bottle.

Step 10

Cut black felt strips for the straps, measuring enough to fit comfortably like a backpack.

Space-Themed Printable Worksheets

If your kiddo loves all things space and astronauts, definitely check out this space-theme printable bundle of worksheets. It’s a great way to compliment this fun DIY astronaut costume!

It is filled with over a dozen playful activities that touch upon different early childhood education skills. Perfect for preschool and kindergarten.

From scissor skills, to the alphabet, number recognition, counting, phonics, writing, coloring, patterns, shapes, and memory games – there is so much to explore and learn!

space themed worksheet astronaut diy printable early childhood education skills preschool kindergarten

For more printable resources, check out our entire collection in this Printable Section.

Space-Themed Printable Worksheets

If your kiddo loves all things space and astronauts, definitely check out this space-theme printable bundle of worksheets. It’s a great way to compliment this fun DIY astronaut costume!

It is filled with over a dozen playful activities that touch upon different early childhood education skills. Perfect for preschool and kindergarten.

From scissor skills, to the alphabet, number recognition, counting, phonics, writing, coloring, patterns, shapes and memory games – there is so much to explore and learn!

For more printable resources, check out our entire collection in this Printable Section.

Beyond a DIY Astronaut Costume – Exploring Imaginative Play

Here are my top picks for more ways kids can engage in pretend play.

Doctor’s Kit

This adorable doctor’s kit is made of mostly wooden parts. It includes a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, blood pressure gauge, and more!

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Dress Up Kit

Inspire your little ones to role play with this dress-up kit that includes 3 different careers – scientist, explorer and gardner! Great for any and all genders!

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Play Kitchen

This play kitchen is not only adorable but will inspire such fun imaginative cooking play with it’s stove, oven, microwave, and storage areas!

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Cleaning Set

It is surprising how much kids love this 6 piece pretend play cleaning kit! A fun way to motivate independence and a love for cleaning!

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