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

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...

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 .

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.

One drop of vinegar lands, and the entire tray of baking soda comes to life. Another squeeze of the pipette brings another burst of fizz. Before long, little hands are searching for the next spot to make bubbles appear. This candy cane experiment is such a fun way to bring a little Christmas magic into science play. With baking soda, vinegar, and a few simple supplies, kids can explore a colorful, fizzy reaction again and again. And the best part? Every drop brings something new to discover! Love experimenting together? Explore our science experiments for kids for more hands-on discoveries or visit our Christmas activities and crafts for even more holiday fun.