Epic Water Balloon Sports!

Water balloons aren’t just for throwing. They are the secret to the coolest backyard games ever! First try playing water balloon baseball with a plastic bat. Then have the kids play water balloon badminton and volleyball. Just have the kids slip into their bathing suits, slather on sunscreen, and invite their friends over to get […]

Sink or Float Game

Looking for a simple, engaging game that sparks curiosity and giggles? Try this Sink or Float Game. Why do kids love it? Because it’s science disguised as play. They get to gather random household items, make predictions (“Will this spoon sink?” “What about this crayon?”), and then test their hypotheses in water. It’s hands-on, a […]

Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting

As a professional snack distributor, argument negotiator, and CEO of Mess Containment (aka, nanny), I’ve seen my fair share of creative chaos. But nothing — nothing — prepared me for Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting! From the brilliant brain of Louise McMullen in “Fun Painting Projects for Kids,” this fun activity is part Jackson Pollock […]

Patriotic Sensory Tray

Children love sensory trays because they provide a fun and engaging way to explore different textures and sights through hands-on play, stimulating multiple senses at once. I loved creating this 4th of July sensory tray theme for a toddler in my care.  Although I could have easily purchased red, white, and blue colored sensory rice, […]

Hopscotch With a Twist

You can get the kiddos active by drawing a typical foursquare court, an obstacle course, or hop scotch with sidewalk chalk. But we love this idea from JrImagination. Instead of playing a normal hopscotch game, add different activities to boxes.  Use sidewalk chalk on your Nanny Family’s driveway or sidewalk to draw boxes similar to […]

Patriotic Star Sun Catcher

The little ones on your care will love making and displaying these patriotic sun catchers for Memorial Day and summer holidays. Be sure to share children’s books about the holiday with the little ones too: “Memorial Day” by Emma Carlson Berne, “Why do We Celebrate Memorial Day” by Kirsten Lake, and “A Day for Rememberin’” […]

Homemade Sensory Spaghetti Sorting 

Use a little oil to help food coloring stick to pasta and make the it ideal slippery sensory spaghetti for toddlers and preschoolers. Use your imagination to include toys for sorting colors for preschoolers.  You Will Need: Sensory Tray or Sectioned Tray Primary Colored Plastic CupsPasta Pot Spaghetti, Oil, SaltFood Coloring ColanderFine Motor Toys Gallon Ziploc Bags What […]

“The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” and Lamb Craft

To prepare for Easter, read “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” by Kellie Hurley with the children in your care and make a doily lamb craft.  “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” is a children’s picture book by Kellie Hurley, aimed at children aged 2 to 6. Through the perspective of a curious lamb, the story introduces […]

Easter Sensory Tray

Kids love sensory trays because they provide a fun and engaging way to explore different textures and sights through hands-on play, stimulating multiple senses at once. I loved creating this Easter-inspired sensory tray theme for a toddler in my care.  Although I could have easily purchased colored sensory rice, the little one in my care […]

Easter Window Sun Catchers

This is an easy, fun, and colorful Easter project to make with children as young as toddlers. Using high quality self-adhesive laminating sheets is easier than using contact paper so I recommend purchasing some by tapping the link in the supplies list. I also like using pre-cut paper otissue squares but colored cellophane sheets look […]