Games and Activities
Looking for activities to show your child the fun side of learning? From science experiments and math games to writing projects and more, we've got you covered! Use the selector on the right to browse around, or narrow your search by grade and subject area.
Take a regular old beach ball, a sharpie marker, and a first grader. What do you get? An outdoor activity that works on reading comprehension, in the midst of a game of catch!
Textbook studying doesn't have to be a slog. Here's a simple activity you can do at home before your middle-schooler begins those long end-of-the-chapter review questions.
More activities:
Play Musical Motor Stations
Take some of the spirit of musical chairs and incorporate it into an indoor obstacle course of sorts. You'll set up 8 stations and invite a bunch of your child's friends. When the music stops, each child jumps up and switches to the next station down the line.
Hands-on Measurement!
Forget the measuring stick! This fun math activity uses a body part, your child's hand, as a ruler.
Go on a Direction Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt is like a revamped version of the childhood game, "Hot and Cold". Instead of telling the seeker if he's getting "warmer" or "colder" as he narrows in on a hidden object, you'll use words like up, down, over, and under.
Homemade Beads: 3 Ways
Stringing beads is a fun way to give boredom the boot. Plus, it helps kids practice a key skill...patterning. You can buy a sack of beads at any craft store. But here are 3 inexpensive ways for kids to make their own beads, from scratch.
Go Label Crazy: Games that Help Kids Learn to Read
Building fluency is the key to learning to read smoothly, and learning sight words can help. This activity lets you and your child go label crazy! You'll pick a set of words to work with, and then play a series of games to help your child remember what they look like.
Mix Colors with Cookies!
Young kids love to bake. This activity lets them go frosting crazy, while experimenting with colors, and how they mix. Once the science experiment is done, it's time for milk and cookies!
Divvy it Up: A Counting Game
You've probably been to a party where one of the appetizers was veggies and dip, in a plastic tray. This tray is great for snacking. But it's also the perfect tool for a little counting practice!
Make an Alphabet Book
Let your child play with scissors! Put her to work, creating a book that will keep her busy, and help her practice her letters, too.
Make Rice Pictures
Forget markers or crayons. For a really unusual art project, close the art supply cabinet, and crack open the pantry!
Go on an Alphabet Photo Shoot!
Most preschoolers love to pretend. You can use this to your advantage, with an activity that will make them feel all grown up. As your child plays photographer, snapping pictures around the yard, he'll also be practicing recognizing letter sounds, which will help him learn to read.
