Growing a Jeweled Rose: Play Recipes, Science and Kids Activities

No Carve Pumpkins

One pumpkin. More than fifty different possibilities. And a child who has already decided it needs purple hair. Who says Halloween pumpkins have to be carved? Give the kids some paint, a few craft supplies, and a pumpkin of their own, and there is no telling what they will dream up. From silly monsters and favorite characters to swirling colors, sparkling glitter, and pumpkins that glow in the dark, there's something here for every little artist. Some take just a few minutes. Others invite an entire afternoon of painting, experimenting, and seeing what happens. For more pumpkin-filled fun, explore our Pumpkin Activities for Kids collection, packed with playful experiments, crafts, and hands-on ideas. For more playful ways to celebrate, visit our Halloween Activities for Kids collection.

Christmas Activities for Kids

A little flour on the kitchen table. Red and green rice spilling from one cup into another. Someone asking if we can make the ornaments again, even though the first batch isn't dry yet. Sometimes it's the smell of cinnamon drifting through the house. Sometimes it's a candy cane that mysteriously grows overnight. And sometimes it's the excitement of watching a tray of baking soda erupt into bright Christmas colors. We've gathered our favorite Christmas activities for kids, from homemade ornaments and sensory play to colorful science experiments, Christmas crafts, games, and family traditions. There are plenty of ways to make, explore, and play together while the season unfolds. For more handmade Christmas treasures, explore our Ornament Crafts for Kids collection. If your children love mixing, pouring, and discovering new textures, browse our Play Recipes for Kids . Christmas Sensory Play and Play Recipes A little peppermint, a handful of Christmas treasures, and s...

Winter Activities for Kids

The first snowfall has a way of changing everyone's plans. Suddenly, there are boots by the door, mittens scattered across the floor, and children who can't wait to get outside. But some of our favorite winter activities happen right at the kitchen table. From building snowmen and exploring colorful ice to erupting snow volcanoes and making wonderfully squishy snow, winter is full of possibilities. And you don't need a backyard covered in snow to enjoy them! We've gathered our favorite winter activities for kids, including snow crafts, sensory recipes, science experiments, art projects, and indoor games. There's plenty to explore, whether the snow is falling outside or you're bringing a little winter magic indoors. If your children love experimenting with snow and ice, visit our Winter Science for Kids collection. For more homemade snow, slime, dough, and sensory materials, browse our Play Recipes for Kids .

Salt Dough Keepsakes

Little hands have a way of growing before we're ready. One Christmas they're small enough to fit inside a piece of rolled-out dough, and a few years later, you're holding that same ornament against a hand that's grown too big. That's what makes these salt dough keepsakes so special. Children can press their hands into the soft dough, then turn their prints into Santa ornaments, colorful decorations, or little gifts for someone they love. And every Christmas, those handprints are waiting in the ornament box, just as small as the day they were made. If your children love making handmade Christmas treasures, explore our ornament crafts for kids or browse our collection of Christmas activities and crafts for more holiday inspiration.