Fun things to do for 5 year olds: The 4-6 Year Olds Must Do List

32 Fun Things to Do in Houston with Kids for 2022 (Family Friendly!)

From housing one of the world’s most renowned opera houses to its close links with NASA, lovely Houston has quite a reputation, making it one of The Lone Star State’s busiest metropolitan cities as well as a major tourist draw.

Downtown perfectly fuses the old and new, whereas a ‘Space 101’ awaits at NASA’s Space Center Houston.

For a list of more fun things to do in Houston with kids, read on!

1. Children’s Museum of Houston

Click Here To See Ticket Price

Why You’ve Got to Go

This museum has quite a noble beginning—the founding members of the museum were parents who sought to improve childhood development in the community, back in 1980.

What to Do

Check out the range of interactive exhibits.

The Market is a play-area-cum-learning-center; there’s also another outdoor area with water pipes and toy boats for the tots to enjoy.

For

Ages 3 and up

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown

2.

Express Children’s Theater and Main Street Theater

Why You’ve Got to Go

Both Express and Main Street Theater are among Houston’s best and most well-established theater institutions, known for their engaging and stimulating performances.

What to Do

Catch a performance!

Express Theater and Main Street perform at many public venues in the city and also run a range of residencies and workshops for kids of all ages.

Many are even free of cost.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston – Memorial Park Area

Related: Best Restaurants in Houston

3. Houston Zoo

Why You’ve Got to Go

This 55-acre zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing 900 species; unsurprising then, it’s the country’s second-most visited zoo!

What to Do

The super-large elephant exhibit, the primate section and a section modeled after Texas’ wetlands are all must views.

The lion exhibit is also pretty unique.

There are also plenty of great places to grab a bite.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Houston Medical Center Hotel and Suites

4. Space Center Houston

Click Here To See Ticket Price

Why You’ve Got to Go

Home to over 400 artifacts, both permanent and traveling, this popular tourist spot documents, in detail, America’s journey in the Space Race.

What to Do

Check out the range of kid-friendly exhibits and extensive movie collections.

Visitors also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, home to a host of historic moments in America’s space journey!

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Houston Medical Center Hotel and Suites

5. Houston Symphony

Why You’ve Got to Go

A Grammy-Award-winning orchestra, the world-renowned Houston Symphony performs at The Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, located in downtown Houston, the symphony’s seat since 1966.

What to Do

The symphony is one of the city’s most popular attractions for families, sweeping audiences away with their rich repertory of classical music.

Dress up and catch a concert!

For

Ages 6 and up

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Americas – Houston

Related: Free Things to Do in Houston, TX

6. Houston Grand Opera

Why You’ve Got to Go

Founded in 1955 by the legendary Walter Herbert, the Houston Grand Opera is one of the country’s most highly-acclaimed opera companies.

What to Do

A great option if you’re looking for things to do at night in Houston, TX; apart from an opera, guests can enjoy pre-performance lectures or enjoy discussions with the cast.

For

Ages 9 and up

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown

Also See:
Fun Things to Do in Dallas with Kids
What to Do in San Antonio with Kids

7.

Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)

Click Here To See Ticket Price

Why You’ve Got to Go

The HMNS is one of the most fun places to visit in Houston, having opened shop as far back as 1909, and is still extremely popular.

What to Do

Explore the extensive collection of skeletons, mineral specimens, space station models, and the fun planetarium.

Tots will love the fascinating grasshopper clock at the museum’s entrance—the legs and seconds synchronize!

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft Houston Downtown

Related: Best Beaches Near Houston, TX

8. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Why You’ve Got to Go

If you’re wondering what to do in Houston with kids, the 155-acre center that protects the native flora and fauna and educates visitors is an excellent choice!

What to Do

Walk the 5 miles of trails, enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Room, shop at the Nature Shop, and explore The Wildlife Garden and the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden!

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria

Related: Fun Things to Do Near Houston

9.

Miller Outdoor Theater

Why You’ve Got to Go

A must feature on your list of “things to do with family today in Houston”, this theater offers an outstanding range of culturally and artistically-rich concerts, plays, and shows for all ages.

What to Do

Catch a free performance during the theater’s free productions season, or take along a blanket and food for a picnic!

You can also purchase seating.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Americas – Houston

Also See:
Family Things to Do in Fort Worth
Things to Do with Kids in Austin
Things to Do in Galveston, TX with Kids

10. Discovery Green Park

Why You’ve Got to Go

An 11.78-acre public park that’s frequented by locals and visitors alike, Discovery Green has a little something for everybody!

What to Do

Enjoy free yoga classes, concerts, movie nights, storytime for toddlers, and open-air reading rooms.

You can also rent games for use in the playground, or just laze about on the green—there’s free Wi-Fi too!

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Whitehall Houston

11. The Chocolate Bar

Why You’ve Got to Go

The Chocolate Bar is as close to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory as it gets; satisfy all those sweet cravings in this restaurant that pays tribute to all things chocolate.

What to Do

Dig into delicious cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream and the must-try ‘trompe l’oeil’ pizza, stock up at the traditional candy counter and enjoy live music and swing dancing on Thursdays.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown

12. The Mad Potter

Why You’ve Got to Go

The Mad Potter is where you head for all things pottery related; this fun studio has on offer a ton of fun kids activities that will leave tots spoilt for choice!

What to Do

Choose your vessel, paint it, and take it home!

The studio also organizes summer camps and painting parties for kids and adults (and for pets, too!).

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft Houston Downtown

Related: Best Things to Do in Houston

13. The Health Museum

Why You’ve Got to Go

If you’re a family of science lovers, you’ll love the range of interactive exhibits that combine fun and learning.

What to Do

Tots can explore the human body in a hands-on experience involving actual organ dissections!

The exhibits keep changing, so there’s always something new on offer.

For an extra fee, tots can visit the cell lab and try simple, fun experiments.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Houston Medical Center Hotel and Suites

Also See:
Corpus Christi Attractions for Kids
Kid Friendly Things to Do in Amarillo
Things for Kids to Do in Waco

14. The Galleria

Why You’ve Got to Go

A near replica of the gorgeous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, The Galleria is Houston’s largest and most popular answer to all self-confessed shopaholics!

What to Do

Check out the 400-plus stores and the full-sized ice rink—there’s also an excellent play area for tots.

Refuel at one of the many eateries that include favorites such as The Cheesecake Factory and Chili’s.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Omni Houston Hotel

15. Hermann Park

Why You’ve Got to Go

Occupying nearly 450 acres of land in the heart of the city, Hermann Park is a free public space, even recognized as one of America’s best.

What to Do

Hermann Park has a range of fun activities on offer, such as the train ride along the Hermann Park Railroad, pedal boats on McGovern Lake, plenty of trails, and a lovely Japanese Garden.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Houston Medical Center Hotel and Suites

16. Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)

Why You’ve Got to Go

The MFAH packs in over 6,000 years of history in its 64,000-plus pieces of art from 6 continents.

What to Do

View world-renowned artwork such as Monet’s Water Lilies, Glieze’s La Femme, and sculptures and paintings from the Roman period.

Taking the 45-minute tour is the best way to cover all the highlights.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown

17. Kemah Boardwalk

Click Here To See Ticket Price

Why You’ve Got to Go

60 acres of family-friendly fun awaits those who visit Kemah Boardwalk, where “the fun never stops”!

What to Do

Enjoy all-time-favorites such as the Ferris Wheel and Carousel or more adventurous rides such as the Boardwalk Bullet and Tower, as well as a rainforest exhibit and stingray reef, where visitors can touch and feed live stingray.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boardwalk Inn

18. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Why You’ve Got to Go

A part of the MFAH, Bayou is the museum’s 14-acre facility that houses American furniture, paintings and decorative art.

The building was once home to Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg.

What to Do

Open through the year, Bayou Bend offers a range of interesting activities to visitors, such as Family Days, Detective Days, history book discussions and a summer history camp.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Omni Houston Hotel

Also See:
Things to Do in Fredericksburg for Kids
Kids Activities: El Paso
Things to Do in Frisco with Kids

19. Moody Gardens

Why You’ve Got to Go

Moody Garden is an entertainment hub, with a humongous aquarium, a lovely botanical garden, 2 cutting-edge theaters, and a number of playgrounds and pools.

What to Do

Visit the 13-story Rainforest Pyramid to learn about the flora and fauna of Asia and Africa, the Discovery Pyramid for its 40-plus interactive exhibits, or take a private cruise on an 1800s paddlewheel boat replica.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center

20.

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Why You’ve Got to Go

One of the top family-friendly hubs in the state, Schlitterbahn appeals to both the adrenaline junkies and the more sober of disposition, too.

What to Do

Ride the uphill Dragon Blaster water coaster, or catch lovely views of the park while riding the Soaring Eagle Zipline.

You’ll have to navigate the park through its lazy river—quite a fun, unique feature!

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Resort at Schlitterbahn

21. Houston Area Live Steamers

Why You’ve Got to Go

Dedicated to live steam modeling, the Houston Area Live Steamers is “the” organization for free rides aboard steam engine and diesel model trains, along a 4,700-foot track.

What to Do

Take the Cypress Creek and Southern Railroad track for a scenic ride through the Northwest Harris County park, replete with miniature bridges and windmills.

You can also picnic in Zube Park.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin at The Woodlands

22. Old MacDonald’s Farm

Why You’ve Got to Go

Old Macdonald’s is an activity center featuring a range of fun things to do, from mini-train rides to pumpkin patches to swimming pools to a petting zoo.

What to Do

Pet a range of animals including cows, sheep, emus and llamas.

In addition to playgrounds and pony rides, there are slides for the young ones and a volleyball area for older kids.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Houston Intercontinental Airport East, TX

23. Houston Urban Air Trampoline Park

Why You’ve Got to Go

Urban Air is one of the city’s best indoor adventure parks, setting the stage for a day of family fun!

What to Do

There’s something for everyone here, from rope courses to tube playgrounds to climbing walls to a DropZone to plenty of trampolines to a tumble track and even dodgeball!

There’s also a dedicated area for tots under 7.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston NW

24. Buffalo Bayou

Why You’ve Got to Go

With multiple biking and walking trails, Buffalo Bayou Park is a great spot to breathe in the fresh air and get in some healthy exercise.

What to Do

Spread over 124 acres, catch lovely views of the skyline from here, in addition to enjoying the play area, displayed artwork and the live performances that take place.

Pets are welcome here, too!

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown

25. SplashTown

Why You’ve Got to Go

There are countless ways to hit the water in SplashTown, including jumbo slides and plenty of wading pools and tubes that would freshen up your kids on a hot day.

The best part is that each ride or swimming pool is appropriate for different age brackets, so everyone in your family has something fun to do on a warm day.

What to Do

Try the 75-foot drop into a ginormous pool of swirling water in The Tornado, or the 5-story Texas Freefall for a serious adrenaline rush!

There are also many family rides, such as a lazy river, and many kid-friendly eateries that make it a fun spot for your kids to enjoy in Houston.

For

All ages

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Americas – Houston

26. Minute Maid Park

Why You’ve Got to Go

This huge stadium is a haven for any sports lover, and even if you don’t like sports that much, the high energy and delicious food here might just change your mind.

Watching baseball on TV is different than in real life, and this is the perfect place to catch a home run live (you might even catch a baseball yourself from the game.)

What to Do

Watch and cheer for your favorite teams in baseball, grab a bite to eat, or explore the press boxes and scoreboard before a game if you have the star tour. The kids might want a hotdog or two, a box of popcorn, or a picture and autograph of their favorite baseball player after the game.

For

Ages 6 and up.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Houston Downtown

27. Cockrell Butterfly Center

Why You’ve Got to Go

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is directly next door to a glass-enclosed butterfly habitat that has a model rainforest and dozens of beautifully colored butterflies that are guaranteed to wow you and your children while also teaching them something new.

Butterflies aren’t the only insects they feature here, and you’ll be surprised at how much you learn from the little crawlies you find here.

The massive dome not only features insects, but so many different plants you and your kids can learn from (you might even learn how to differentiate a poison ivy from a normal vine.)

What to Do

You start the tour by sitting down and listening to a quick, informative, five-minute video before you go on ahead and explore by yourself.

You can explore the Rainforest Conservatory, which is like a mini rainforest filled with different plants surrounding a 50-foot waterfall you’ll want to take pictures at.

Then head to the Brown Hall of Entomology, which is where they house the different insects and butterflies, and a myriad of information regarding their habitats, what they look like as babies, and more.

Finally, visit the Pollinator Garden, which is where you’ll learn about how butterflies and bees interact with flowers.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection

28. Toyota Center

Why You’ve Got to Go

This modern stadium is a colorful, cheery, festive place to cheer for your favorite teams and spend quality time with family. With all the lights, cheering, noise, and food; what kid wouldn’t be excited here?

The Toyota Center is home to the Houston Rockets, a basketball team in the NBA, and even celebrities come by to watch basketball games between world-famous teams.

Grab your popcorn, wear your team colors, and watch basketball and hockey games.

They also hold concerts here, so you might just catch your favorite singer or boy band performing here. Just check their website for the schedules, and you won’t have to miss a single event.

What to Do

Grab a chicken tender and a drink of your choice while cheering with the crowd for your favorite team (or just go with the flow and enjoy the moments of victory). You might even get to meet your favorite basketball player after the game.

As for the concerts, try to get front row seats so you can see your favorite singer or celebrity up close. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures or videos to keep as memories.

For

Ages 3 and up.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton

29. Rodeo Houston

Why You’ve Got to Go

This is an all-around rodeo and carnival your family could spend a whole day in, with excitement from different animals, rides, and rodeos all around. It’s both entertaining and educational, to say the least.

Rodeo Houston isn’t just another rodeo, however. It’s also the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the entire world, and so if you’re interested in the elite breeds of horses and the likes, you’ll find them here.

What to Do

Take your kids to see the petting zoo, grab a bite to eat, have some laughs at the carnival portion, and watch the rodeo with a box of pizza.

For

Ages 3 and up.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District

30. The Hobby Center

Why You’ve Got to Go

This is a non-profit that showcases Houston’s best-performing arts scene alongside some of the biggest traveling Broadway hits, so if you’ve got a few singers in your family, you’ll want to sing along here.

They have iconic Disney hits such as Winnie the Pooh and the Little Mermaid, as well as shows the older kids would enjoy more, such as Hamilton or the Wicked.

Did we mention the views are also spectacular? This theater features 60-foot-glass walls with views of Houston’s great skyscrapers, so you can admire the bustling city after you exit one of their shows.

What to Do

What kid can resist a stage adaptation of Frozen or Wicked? This massive complex has two performance chambers, so if Elsa isn’t for everyone in your family, your group can still go to the same venue (and see different shows).

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Club Quarters Hotel Downton, Houston

31. Downtown Aquarium

Why You’ve Got to Go

An aquarium that holds 500,000 gallons of water and an entertainment complex that has carnival-style activities, an aquatic carousel, a café, and a Ferris wheel can be found here. It’s practically an underwater paradise.

You’re going to need all your strength, plenty of water, and a thirst for sea creatures and adventure, because this place is a whopping six-acre of aquatic wonderland you’ll want to explore.

They’ve got over 300 species of aquatic life from oceans all over the world, and the fact that your children can see it up close and personal is going to be a memory they won’t forget.

What to Do

A Shipwreck exhibit, a tropical rainforest, the Shark Voyage, and the Discovery Rig, which gives an opportunity to get a close-up experience with horseshoe crabs and stingrays, are just a few of the dazzling habitats and attractions that can be found at the Downtown Aquarium.

Children will absolutely adore the Downtown Aquarium.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown

32. Brazos Bookstore

Why You’ve Got to Go

Books have always been an imaginary escape for children, and this is Houston’s premier locally-owned bookstore with a wonderful children’s section that has more than enough magic for their creativity.

Even though this bookstore has been operating since 1974, the stories and poems are no less updated, and can expect to be up-to-date with the latest book releases still.

What’s even more impressive is that you’ll find a huge selection of international literature, and it’s perfect for broadening your child’s horizons and perspectives on the world.

What to Do

In addition to housing a wonderful collection of books for kids, Brazos often hosts entertaining activities that are geared specifically for youngsters – there are story-times, author signings, book-themed parties, and more, which is perfect if you’re looking for fun things to do in Houston with kids.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Post Oak Hotel

Map of Things to Do in Houston, TX with Kids

List of image sources

32 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Houston

• Children’s Museum of Houston
• Express Children’s Theater and Main Street Theater
• Houston Zoo
• Space Center Houston
• Houston Symphony
• Houston Grand Opera
• Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
• Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
• Miller Outdoor Theatre
• Discovery Green Park
• The Chocolate Bar
• The Mad Potter
• The Health Museum
• The Galleria
• Hermann Park
• Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)
• Kemah Boardwalk
• Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
• Moody Gardens
• Schlitterbahn Water Park
• Houston Area Live Steamers
• Old MacDonald’s Farm
• Houston Urban Air Trampoline Park
• Buffalo Bayou
• SplashTown
• Minute Maid Park
• Cockrell Butterfly Center
• Toyota Center
• Rodeo Houston
• The Hobby Center
• Downtown Aquarium
• Brazos Bookstore

FAQ

What Are The Best Things To Do In Houston With Toddlers?

The Best Things To Do In Houston With Toddlers, Based On Family Destinations Guide Staff Recommendations, Are:

• Children’s Museum of Houston
• Express Children’s Theater And Main Street Theater
• Houston Zoo
• Space Center Houston
• Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Discover All The Toddler-Friendly Things To Do In Houston On Family Destinations Guide

What Are The Best Things To Do In Houston With Teens?

The Best Things To Do In Houston With Teens, Based On Family Destinations Guide Staff Recommendations, Are:

• The Galleria
• Hermann Park
• Museum Of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)
• Kemah Boardwalk
• Moody Gardens

Discover All The Teen-Friendly Things To Do In Houston On Family Destinations Guide

What Are The Best Things To Do In Houston With A Baby?

The Best Things To Do In Houston With A Baby, Based On Family Destinations Guide Staff Recommendations, Are:

• Old MacDonald’s Farm
• Cockrell Butterfly Center
• Downtown Aquarium
• Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
• Discovery Green Park

Discover All The Baby-Friendly Things To Do In Houston On Family Destinations Guide

What Are The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Houston At Night?

The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Houston At Night, Based On Family Destinations Guide Staff Recommendations, Are:

• Bowlmor
• Huntsville State Park
• Miller Outdoor Theater
• Houston Grand Opera
• Houston Urban Air Trampoline Park

Discover All The Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Houston At Night On Family Destinations Guide

What Are The Best Free Things To Do With Kids In Houston?

The Best Free Things To Do With Kids In Houston, Based On Family Destinations Guide Staff Recommendations, Are:

• Gerald D. Hines Water Wall Park
• Hermann Park
• Miller Outdoor Theater
• Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
• Houston Arboretum And Nature Center

Discover All The Free Things To Do With Kids In Houston On Family Destinations Guide

70 Best and Creative Indoor and Outdoor Ideas

The Best Ideas for Kids/Dream a Little Bigger

The phrase parents dread the most comes in a short, two-word statement, but it packs a gut punch: “I’m bored.” Those words can come at any time, at any place, no matter how many toys they have or no matter what the screen-time situation is.

But parents don’t have to fear boredom any longer with this list of the best activities for kids in 2022, meant to cut ennui off at the pass. Most of them only require materials that are probably already somewhere around the house (though you might have to supplement with a specific art supply or two). They’re designed to get kids to use their creativity and imaginations, or get them up and active, or have them practice certain skills like matching or memory or some combination of all of the above. But most of all, they’re designed to be fun, which means they’ll get so lost in their projects that they’ll forget they were ever at a loss for something to do to begin with.

Not enough boredom-busters? If the kids in question are more into crafts than activities, we have suggestions for all kinds of crafts for kids in every season, including summer crafts for kids, fall crafts for kids and winter crafts for kids (and also projects for holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day). If they’re drawn more to the activities than the crafts, you can find more ideas for backyard games, at-home science experiments, learning activities for preschoolers, learning activities for toddlers, fun activities for toddlers and activities for 1-year-olds. No matter what they’re into, they’ll find something to amuse themselves.

Avengers Bookmarks

Crafts by Amanda

Turn their love of superheroes into a love of reading with these clever craft-stick bookmarks. Just note that they work best with jumbo craft sticks. (Don’t worry if you can’t draw free-hand — the tutorial has patterns.)

Get the tutorial at Crafts By Amanda »

Bucket-List Wreath

Design Improvised

This is an activity that sparks ideas for future activities. The clothespins that make up this wreath have suggestions for fun days out written on them, like “beach day” or “go to the museum” — aka some “bucket list” items — and every time your family is staring down a day with nothing to do, you can always head over together and pick one out. Refresh the clothespins for summer vacation, for winter break or any other time you expect a lot of downtime.

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »

Bubble Refill Station

Hello, Wonderful

Those bubbles? They run out in a heartbeat. By creating (and, if the mood strikes, decorating) a DIY bubble refill station, kids will have a useful work of art and a way to re-up their bubble solution supply without parental involvement.

Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »

DIY Bath Bombs

A Beautiful Mess

Tweens and teens will love making their own homemade bath bombs (which is a great idea for a birthday party with a built-in favor). Once they’ve perfected the technique, they’ll love experimenting with shapes and fragrances.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »

Felt Flower Bouquet

Happiness Is Homemade

The best thing about these felt flowers is they don’t require any sewing. Kids can use them to decorate their rooms, put in a pencil cup or use as a bookmark, but they also make good Mother’s Day gifts!

Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade »

Backyard Treasure Hunt

Alice & Lois

Give them early map-reading skills by giving them a homemade path to treasure or prize. Then, flip it and have kids make their own maps for you to follow.

Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »

Pool Noodle Pom-Pom Launcher

Kid Friendly Things to Do

What do you get when you combine a pool noodle slice and a latex balloon? You get something that sends pom-poms flying across the sky! The poms are so soft, you don’t have to worry about damage as kids send them everywhere!

Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »

Spider Web Search

Jamie Reimer/Hands on As We Grow

These kids were challenged with finding bug stickers hidden along the string web. Stepping in and around the web is great gross motor practice, and they were given a list of bugs to find, which also made it a matching activity.

Get the tutorial at Hands On as We Grow »

Finger Puppets

Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

There’s no sewing involved to make these fun finger puppets (but kids might need some help with the hot glue gun). Then they can make up their own stories and put on a puppet show.

Get the tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom »

Bath Paint

I Heart Arts ‘n’ Crafts

With just two ingredients, you can whip up some DIY paint that doesn’t stain bathtubs and rinses down the drain. Then your toddler artist will be so busy making a masterpiece that they won’t notice their hair being scrubbed.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts ‘n’ Crafts »

Craft Stick Trivia Game

Dream a Little Bigger

Kids will love answering (or even coming up with) the questions for this extremely portable game. Once it’s done, you can break it out while waiting for dinner, at a doctor’s office or anywhere else they might need to kill a few minutes. (Not a trivia fan? Don’t worry — the tutorial has plenty of questions.)

Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger »

Rainbow Walking

Emma Owl

This is the type of art project that also gets kids up and moving — a win-win. The developer of this craft even did another version on an apron as a gift for Granny.

Get the tutorial at Emma Owl »

Backpack Tags

Handmade Charlotte

Kids will be able to spot their backpacks a mile away when they have a personalized charm dangling from the zipper. They can also make some to give away to friends.

Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »

Summer Fun Journal

Makes and Takes

The boredom-busting capacity of this homemade journal is two-fold: First, they get to make and decorate it themselves. Then, they can use it to record their best summer memories.

Get the tutorial at Makes and Takes »

Paper House Village

Club Crafted

If the kids have so many toys, they might need a whole village to roam around in — and this one can be made with colored cardstock (littler ones might have to lose some of the definition in the window panes if they are too young to use a craft knife, but squares work just fine). A rainbow of houses is certain to look great in a playroom. This one was created to be a holiday village, but without the festive elements it’ll just be a colorful town.

Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »

Sensory Sorting

Jamie Reimer/Hands On as We Grow

For this activity, two colors of buttons were placed in a storage bag filled with clear gel. Pushing the buttons into the proper spaces is a sorting activity, a color-recognition activity and a sensory activity all in one.

Get the tutorial at Hands On as We Grow »

Faux Flower Garland

Mike Garten

The secret to this flower garden is cupcake liners! When it’s done, kids can use them as garlands around their rooms, or as a summery table decoration for a party.

To make: Have kids fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Then fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.

Melted Pony Bead Wind Chimes

No Time for Flash Cards

Kids love seeing the cause-and-effect, before-and-after of melting down pony beads into different molds. When they’re in a proper shape, the melted beads can be strung into wind chimes.

Get the tutorial at No Time for Flash Cards »

Fairy Leaf Puppets

Willowday

To start off this project, send kids off on a nature walk to have them gather materials and supplies. Then, they can unleash their creativity at home to make these beautiful puppets.

Get the tutorial at Willowday »

RELATED: Autumn-Inspired Leaf Crafts That Can Be Made with Real or Paper Leaves

Pool Noodle Boats

The Best Ideas for Kids

When those pool noodles start to get worn out, give them a second life by cutting them into floating boats, decorated with straws and sails. The good thing is one noodle can make a whole fleet, which you can then sail in a bath or kiddie pool with small toys as the passengers.

Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

Colored Salt Art

Buggy and Buddy

With food coloring, salt and squeeze bottles, your family can hit the driveway, sidewalk or patio and make masterpieces inspired by artist Motoi Yamamoto. It’s the perfect upgrade when sidewalk chalk gets boring.

Get the tutorial at Buggy and Buddy »

Marbled Paper

Studio DIY

This is a fun activity that gives kids a chance to dig in their hands as they make art. Fill a tub with foaming shaving cream, add food coloring or paint on the tip, then swirl with a butter knife or stick, and when you lay a piece of paper on top, it comes away with a cool, marbled pattern.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »

Novelty Snow Globes

Aww Sam

With oven-bake clay, kids can put trendy items into globes and make a desk accessory with a cactus, donut, hot dog, pineapple or whatever they can imagine.

Get the tutorial at Aww Sam »

Sensory Bin

SDI ProductionsGetty Images

Fill a plastic tub with dry rice, raw pasta, Kinetic Sand or water beads, and let the kids go to town scooping, pouring and digging for little treasures you’ve hidden. These sensory bins expose them to different textures and helps them work on their fine motor coordination.

Get the tutorial »

RELATED: 13 DIY Sensory Bin Ideas to Get Kids Used to New Textures

Orange Peel Bird Feeder

Typically Simple

Kids can whip up these bird feeders from birdseed, popcorn and an orange peel. When it’s hung, give them a sketchbook and some art supplies and see if they can draw and identify the visitors that stop by.

Get the tutorial at Typically Simple »

Ice Dye Hoodie

Alice and Lois

You’ve done tie-dying, now see what happens when you ice-dye your hoodies and tote bags. A project best attempted with older ones, ice-dying involves pre-treating fabric, then putting powdered dye on top of ice, which makes cool patterns when it melts.

Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois »

RELATED: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Tie-Dye Anything (and Everything) In Your Closet

Paper Chain Wall Hanging

White House Crafts

We know tweens and teens love nothing more than personalizing their rooms, and wall art made from paper chains is a versatile DIY for these purposes. They can use the tutorial to get the rainbow pattern, or sketch out their own ideas on graph paper.

Get the tutorial at White House Crafts »

Color Scavenger Hunt

I Heart Crafty Things

Help toddlers learn to recognize colors by sending them off on a hue-based scavenger hunt. This can work as an indoor or outdoor activity — all you have to do is send them off with a sheet of colors, and they have to find nearby objects that match.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Crafty Things »

RELATED: Creative Scavenger Hunt Ideas to Hone Your Kids’ Observational Skills

“Space” Crayons

Minieco

There’s just something about sparkly crayons in made in celestial-shape molds that makes coloring time extra exciting. Plus, you make them with the ends of old crayons that kids never want to color with anyway!

Get the tutorial at Minieco »

Pool Noodle Obstacle Course

Andrea Yi

You don’t actually need to change into your swimsuit to have fun with pool noodles — you can use them to create obstacles that kids have to climb through, crawl under, balance on, or jump over.

Get the tutorial at Raising Dragons »

Jellyfish

Craftiments

Paper plates and yarn transform into these denizens of the deep. If you use glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint, you can even see their “bioluminescence” in action when you turn out the lights.

Get the tutorial at Craftiments »

Tattoo-Patterned Planter

A Kailo Chic Life

If you have a printer, you can get some printable temporary tattoo paper and use it to dress up old planters, mugs, pencil cups and the like. (And if you don’t have a printer, you can just use a lot of little, store-bought temp tattoos.) Tweens will have a great time finding patterns that match their bedrooms or school supplies.

Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »

Lava Lamp

Aww Sam

Lava lamps are back, baby, in a groovy new way. And if you want the homemade look, you can do it yourself with vegetable oil, food coloring and antacid tablets.

Get the tutorial at Aww Sam »

Fairy Bells

Buzzmills

Decorate twigs with embroidery floss, beads and jingling bells to add a bit of whimsy to your yard. Listen to see if the fairies come out to ring the bells.

Get the tutorial at Buzzmills »

Sun Print Leaf Art

Design Improvised

It’s an art project and a chance to brush up on their STEM skills all at once. Gather leaves or other interestingly-shaped natural materials on an outdoor adventure, and then use them to make prints on sun-sensitive paper.

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »

“I Spy” Bag

Six Sisters’ Stuff

Transform a windowed pencil case into an armchair treasure hunt with this no-sew project. Fill the case with poly pellets to obscure the treasures.

Get the tutorial at Six Sisters’ Stuff »

Mini Lid Banjos

The Craft Train

These may not sound like the real thing, but they look adorable — and you can dress them up basically any way you want. They’re the perfect doll-sized instrument for a pretend band.

Get the tutorial at The Craft Train »

Friendship Bracelets

Marisa Edghill

These old camp crafts are back and better than ever. See if your fingers can remember how to make spiral staircases, chevrons, diamonds and waves, then teach your kids and let them pick their own color combinations.

Get the tutorial at Omiyage Blogs »

RELATED: Easy Friendship Bracelet Patterns to Dress Up Any Outfit

Flight School

Philip Friedman/Studio D

These paper planes are perfect for kids — just fold and let your imagination fly. Increase the challenge by making some cardboard targets for the planes to fly through.

Get the tutorial »

Paper Bracelets

Picklebums

We love a two-for-one activity: First, paint abstract shapes with watercolors, and then have older kids cut the paper into strips and fold them into wearable art.

Get the tutorial at Picklebums »

Thumbprint Family Tree

Philip Friedman/Studio D

Get in touch with your roots via a hands-on genealogical project. Dot the print-out template with thumbprint leaves, then start mapping extended relatives galore.

Get the tutorial »

Felt Elastic Bookmarks

Cutesy Crafts

With bookmarks this cute, they might even be motivated to do more reading. You can whip these up in a snap with some felt, googly eyes, glue and elastic.

Get the tutorial at Cutesy Crafts »

Glowing Fairy Jar

MomDot

Glitter and glow sticks make it possible to “capture” a fairy and watch as her magic illuminates a colorful jar. Shake it up for some more magic.

Get the tutorial at MomDot »

Owl Puppet

Merrilee Liddiard

Handprint turkey, step aside: A new paper craft can rule the roost. Add string to the cup’s sides, and you’ve got yourself a feathered cap, too.

Get the tutorial »

Race Track

Juliette’s Garden

Take your washi tape stash to the floor to create a colorful, customizable race track for tiny cars — and a place to park them when playtime is over.

Get the tutorial at Le Jardin de Juliette »

Foam Paint

Dabbles & Babbles

This three-ingredient recipe is a little bit of art, a little bit of science. The paintable foam (which kids can pipe out of plastic bags) hardens overnight into super-cool, puffed-up masterpieces.

Get the tutorial at Dabbles & Babbles »

Temporary Tattoos

Hello, Wonderful

You can use printable tattoo paper to celebrate your kid’s love of doodling by making temp tats out of her own art. (And, go ahead: Let her put a few on you, too.)

Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »

Glow Bubbles

Paging Supermom

Adding ink from a highlighter to some bubble solution makes bubbles that glow under a blacklight. Ready for some glow-in-the-dark fun?

Get the tutorial at Paging Supermom »

Polka Dot Slime

Fun at Home With Kids

Slime is the trend that’s never going away, and the only thing better than making a mom-approved mess is doing so with the extra fun of polka dots. (Can you guess what they’re made from? That’s right, more slime!)

Get the tutorial at Fun at Home With Kids »

Mini Volcanoes

Momdot

This explosive science experiment (disguised as permission to make a mess) is a lot more palatable when contained in a glass dish. Add food coloring for colorful lava.

Get the tutorial at MomDot »

Artsy Collages

MollyMooCrafts.com

It’s amazing how a piece of paper loaded up with watercolor doodles, stickers and pictures from thrifted design books becomes instant art when framed.

Get the tutorial at Molly Moo Crafts »

Window Art

And Next Comes L

Don’t worry — we’re not suggesting you surrender your patio doors to your kids’ artistic ambitions. This activity only requires transparency sheets and water, so it’s totally removable.

Get the tutorial at And Next Comes L »

Tissue Box Monsters

The Best Ideas for Kids

You probably have empty tissue boxes lying around the house already. When you’re done, use the extra pom-poms to “feed” the monster. Turn it into a minute-to-win-it game by seeing how many pom-poms players can toss into the monster’s mouth in 60 seconds.

Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

RELATED: Fun Things to Do at a Sleepover to Keep Them Busy All Night Long

Story Stones

Handmade Mood

Take rock painting a step further: After the paint’s dry, the images on the stones become characters in a story everyone can tell together.

Get the tutorial at Handmade Mood »

Spiky Sponges

Endlessly Inspired

When skipping through the sprinkler loses its charm, pull out these homemade spiky sponges for a riff on water balloons that won’t cause bruising.

Get the tutorial at Endlessly Inspired »

Nature Craft Bugs

The Craft Train

Your kids can use things they find in nature to replicate what they see in the great outdoors. The secret to this craft is using a coat of Modge Podge to make the bugs shiny (and keep the leaves from drying out).

Get the tutorial at The Craft Train »

Tie-Dye Spin Art

Mike Garten

Transform your salad spinner into a carnival-style spin art machine. Just make sure you fill squeeze bottles with washable paint, in case splatters land outside the coffee filter canvases.

Get the tutorial »

Origami Frogs

Itsy Bitsy Fun

These paper frogs really jump! When the fun of folding origami frogs is over, extend playtime with sidewalk games to see which hopper can leap the farthest.

Get the tutorial at Itsy Bitsy Fun »

Fairy Garden

Mike Garten

To you, it’s just glitter; to them, it’s magical pixie dust. Sprinkle some over your pint-sized garden and wait for the fairies to come out and play!

Get the tutorial »

Outdoor Concert

Fun at Home With Kids

Thrift store finds become a backyard music station (and save your everyday cookware from your little maestro’s enthusiastic playing). With a few modifications, you can probably set up an indoor version of this one-man band wall, too.

Get the tutorial at Fun at Home With Kids »

Magic Bubble Wands

Babble Dabble Do

Fashion straws into 3D shapes for an activity that’s one part at-home science experiment, one part silly fun with bubbles. With practice, you can make square and triangular bubbles!

Get the tutorial at Babble Dabble Do »

Water Balloon Batting Station

iCandy Handmade

Because nothing says “summer” quite like a bucket of water balloons and America’s pastime. Play ball! (And get soaked!)

Get the tutorial at iCandy Handmade »

Skee Ball

Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Dump out the laundry baskets for an indoor arcade game. Launched off a cardboard ramp, plastic balls score major points with bored kiddos.

Get the tutorial at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls »

Funfetti Play Dough

Smart School House

Skip the cupcakes and make this sprinkle-packed, two-ingredient play dough instead. The mixture is even edible (but nearly all sugar, so don’t turn your back on little ones for too long).

Get the tutorial at Smart School House »

Pool Noodle Water Wall

Teaching Mama

When they start using pool noodles as makeshift swords, tie the toys to a pegboard and hold a good, clean water race instead. Just be sure to keep the towels handy.

Get the tutorial at Teaching Mama »

Soap Boat

I Heart Naptime

File this under genius parenting hacks: A piece of rain gutter picked up at the hardware store becomes a slick racetrack when you add water and an adorable soap boat. All kids get to make their own flag!

Get the tutorial at I Heart Naptime »

Rainbow Bubble Snakes

Housing a Forest

In a bit of bubble magic, a dish soap solution morphs into a crazy-cool growing snake. Add some food coloring to watch the snake emerge in cool colors.

Get the tutorial at Housing a Forest »

Kiddie Car Wash

Mom Endeavors

The old backyard sprinkler gets a major upgrade with this kiddie car wash, which uses PVC pipes and a hose connector to become the ultimate backyard car wash. Your kids will have endless fun running between the sponges and pool toys.

Get the tutorial at Mom Endeavors »

Falling Leaves Snow Globe

The Soccer Mom Blog

Who says snow globes are just for the winter? Kids can make this autumn variety with foil leaves and glycerin, and then use it when they need a moment of calm focus.

Get the tutorial at The Soccer Mom Blog »

Dress-Up Mermaid Tail

Ikat Bag

You’ll probably have to help with the sewing on this one, but the kids can help design and craft their own slip-on, slip-off mermaid tail for pretend undersea adventures.

Get the tutorial at Ikat Bag »

Marisa LaScala
Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother.

Lauren Piro
Senior Web Editor
Overseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies).

30 educational and entertaining games

Every mother of a five-year-old often feels the same as the heroine of the cartoon “Go Monkeys!”. Preschoolers simply have inexhaustible reserves of energy that need to be directed in the right direction. As the well-known song rightly says, every small child must “run and jump, grab everything, kick with his feet, otherwise he will explode: bang bang – and he’s gone.” Therefore, we suggest that parents study games with a child of 5 years old – firstly, the baby will be busy with work, and secondly, it is in the process of playing that children develop and learn something new. In addition, joint classes contribute to the creation of close contact between parents and children. Time spent together is the best gift you can give your child. nine0003

What kind of games for a child of 5 years to choose? If your kid is active and regularly puts the whole house on his ears, then dance or sports games will come to the rescue. Does your five-year-old like to sing, dance, and put on home theater performances? Here you need fun that will help develop creativity. Assiduous kids who love to think, read, learn, intellectual entertainment is suitable (for example, board games, games in English, psychological games, etc. ).

Kidpassage will tell you what games parents should take into account with children of 5 years old. With our tips, every adult can easily entertain a bored child, teach him something new and just have fun together. nine0003

Contents

1. Games with a 5-year-old child at home together
2. Games for children 5 years old at home
3. Didactic games
4. Music games
5. Board games
6. Games for a group of children aged 5
7. Logic games
8. Educational games
9. Math games
10. Christmas games
11. Speech therapy games
12. Attention games
13. Role play
14. Outdoor games for children 5 years old

Games with a 5-year-old child at home together

You don’t need a big company to have fun. There are many educational and interesting games for two. It can be a game of a mother with a child of 5 years old or joint activities of two children.

Quiet games for two – checkers, chess, Sea Battle, Tic-Tac-Toe and more. However, it is recommended to alternate calm and active games, because children cannot sit still for a long time, they definitely need to move around, throw out excess energy. nine0003

1. “Fish, birds, animals”

Props : rubber ball.

This is a game that is very similar to “Edible – Inedible”, but in a newer, unhackneyed interpretation. The leader throws the ball to the participant and says one word: “fish”, “birds” or “animals”. The participant must answer the corresponding name of the representative of the fauna. So, the leader says “fish”, the participant answers “pike” and returns the ball.

2. “Sumo Tournament”

Props : two large home t-shirts, rope, two pillows, two straps.

This game is suitable for two children of about the same age. A rope is made into a circle, and with the help of pillows, straps and T-shirts, children turn into sumo wrestlers. The task of young sumo wrestlers is to push the enemy out of the circle.

Interesting games for two at home are easy to come up with on your own: it can be tug of war, and basketball with a wastebasket and hand-made balls from A4 sheets, and entertainment with dressing up, and dancing. nine0056