How to Keep Kids Entertained with Items You Already Have on Hand

Any seasoned parent will tell you that although there are some super cool children's toys out there, kids can have the most fun with items that you already have on hand. If your kid is losing interest in their toy bin and you feel like you’re running out of activity ideas, try looking around at what you already have — you may be surprised by how easy it can be! Here are a few easy ways to entertain your kids with items you already have. ☺️

Create a Sensory Bin 🤩

Sensory bins are a great way to entertain kids and can easily be thrown together with items you have laying around your house. Simply find a large container, such as a tupperware, and fill it up with dry oats, uncooked rice, or some dry beans. Remember, younger children will need close supervision to ensure that they don’t try to eat anything. 

Next, you’ll just need to get some scoops and cups and let your kid practice scooping the contents of the bin into containers. This is a great activity to help with sensory development, and you can make your sensory bin as simple or as complex as you’d like. Sensory bins can also be made with water and water beads, which older kids will love.😎

Play with Pots and Pans👩🏼‍🍳

Not every adult wants their kid digging through the cabinets and making a mess of their home, but sometimes you have to pick your battles. Take out a few pots and pans, give your kid a wooden spoon, and they will likely be entertained for a while. They can practice putting the lids on the pots and pretending to mix with the spoon, or they can make some music by using the pots and pans as a drum. 🎶🥁

Break Out the Water 💦

Again, this activity may make your home a little messy, but you can simply designate a specific play area and be prepared to clean up afterward. Kids love to play with water and it is actually really great for their development as well. You can just get two plastic cups and put a little water in one of them. Your child will love to pour the water back and forth between cups or you can get them a little spoon to practice scooping the water. Full disclosure: you’ll definitely want to have some towels nearby. 😅

You don’t have to go out and spend money on elaborate toys to keep your little one entertained! Just take a look around at some of the items you already have, get a little creative, and you and your child will have a blast. 😜🙌🏼