by Connie Iwaszewski

Created on: May 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 02, 2008

As a mother of two and a volunteer at the local schools I've learned a lot of how to keep children from ages 2-12 and older entertained, whether it is on rainy days, cold winter days or home for summer breaks. It can be a daunting task but here are a couple of my all time favorites that I would like to share with anyone who has ever been in the position of finding something new for children to do that will last for longer than a few minutes.

Experts have told us that many children are tactile learners meaning they are exploring their world with their hands whether they are only two and exploring their surroundings or 12 and wanting to build and make things that have meaning, for this reason my number one choice to keep kids entertained is cooked play-dough. Yes, not only is it safe if ingested but fun to make and guaranteed to be hours of fun! The following is the recipe:

Cooked Play-dough

2 cups flour
cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
2 cups water
2 tbsp. oil
1 6 gram pkg. flavored drink mix (optional)

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Cook over medium heat until rubbery, adult supervision required. It will look like it's not turning out, but it will form a ball in the center of the pot. Turn and knead on a lightly floured surface until cool enough for kids to play with. Cooked play-dough can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks.

When adding the flavored drink mix I noticed how bold a color it would give the play-dough and the scent of whatever flavor you use is wonderful. The kids eyes will just light up when they see what they have made. Give the children some plastic cookie cutters and a plastic rolling pin which can be found in any dollar store and watch the fun begin and the time will fly!

My next favorite activity to do with children on indoor day activities days will involve creativity and their imagination which experts have long agreed upon is lacking in this day and age of computer games and video games. Camping or have an indoor picnic is always a winner with the kids. I would string up a skipping rope from one end of the room to the other. Then throw a light blanket over top and voila you have a tent! Put another blanket on the bottom for a sleeping bag, a flashlight or two, a couple of books, a favorite teddy, and watch as the children's imagination comes alive as they play and the giggling begins. The kids will find things to bring into the tent and a day of camping will start. I even let them eat their snacks or pack a picnic basket

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