by Gillian Taber

Created on: June 29, 2009

It is easy to find fun activities to do with your pre-school child. They don't have to be expensive and involve complicated preparation. What is important is that the activities engage your pre-school child and make them want to join in.

Indoors - Sometimes it is too hot, too wet or too cold to play outside and those are the days when a parent can come close to tearing their hair out trying to keep their child occupied.

1 - Painting - Most of us have paints for our pre-school children but don't panic if you haven't got paint in the house. Hunt around your store cupboard and try this recipe to make your own cheap and cheerful paint at home.

It doesn't matter if you haven't got brushes either. Old toothbrushes can be sterilized and then used for painting as can old make-up brushes that have been washed out.And remember, fingers came before brushes.

No brushes? Not a problem. Cut a few big potatoes in half. Cut a shape or pattern into each half (so that it stands proud of the surface) and use them in the paint to make stamp patterns. This can also be done with a variety of hard fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots.

No paper? Storage is the answer here. Save every piece of paper that has a plain side. Flyers, letters and spam mail can be an excellent source of scrap paper. Old pieces of pale-colored or white sheets can be painted on. With a little imagination and forethought you can create an almost endless supply of painting surfaces.

2 - Modeling - Salt dough and playdough can both be made at home and for a fraction of the cost of bought products. Recipes can be found here and here. Just about anything can be made using modeling dough.

The best part of using salt dough is that the pieces can be baked, varnished and kept for years. Try making food, animals, vehicles, plants and even nameplates and Christmas tree decorations.

3 - Play house - Playing pretend is a major part of developing a child's imagination. Yes, adults may feel ridiculous dressing up and pretending to be whatever character their child wants them to be but try to put that aside and just enjoy being foolish for a little while. Your child will love seeing you do silly things and interacting with your child in this way is extremely positive.

The scope for imaginative, dress-up play is vast. From preparing for school by playing at going to school to taking a ride into outer space you will be teaching and having fun. Use your playdough food for a tea party. Be zookeepers with

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