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Activities

Looking for fun activities to make or to do with babies, toddlers and preschool kids?

Have a read of our Hot Topics articles on kids activities and our wide range of things to make and to do to help keep them entertained.

Plus have a look at our articles on Kids Parties, Kids Sports and Kids Travel section too.

Check back regularly for our latest updates.
 
9 Tips on kids party preparations

9 Tips on kids party preparations

Throwing a party for your toddler or preschooler? Planning and preparation are key. Once you’ve organised the date of the party, the venue, theme and invitations, it’s time to start thinking about the party day itself. Here are 9 tips on party day planning to help ensure your little one’s party is as stress-free as possible and goes off without a hitch.
Physical education in the early childhood years

Physical education in the early childhood years

Research has shown that early childhood physical education is important and improves more than just physical wellness. It also assists and improves mental and emotional development in children too. The earlier the age physical education is taught, the earlier children begin to develop the ability to think critically.
The cognitive benefits of swimming for babies

The cognitive benefits of swimming for babies

There are many benefits of introducing your child to swimming whilst they're still a baby, including improved physical development as well as social development – not to mention fun! However, the benefit that is overlooked most often is that of cognition or mental benefits which are incredibly important for the development of children as a whole.
5 Benefits of starting swimming lessons as a baby

5 Benefits of starting swimming lessons as a baby

Starting swimming lessons as a baby comes with many benefits including improved physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. It also sets a positive foundation towards a lifetime of participation and enjoyment in a variety of water sports and time spent on, in and under the water. On the whole, children who start swimming lessons early are far more relaxed and happy in the water, and in a country as water-loving as New Zealand, this is vital.
The importance of drawing

The importance of drawing

It may look like just a whole lot of scribbles to you, but drawing is an important part of your children's development. Find out about the importance of drawing for young children and the many benefits it offers.
Make your own paper stickers

Make your own paper stickers

Make your own paper stickers with the kids with these easy instructions. Homemade paper stickers are a cheap and fun craft activity that toddlers and preschoolers will love doing.
Importance of exercise for kids under 5

Importance of exercise for kids under 5

We all know that physical activity is important for young children for their whole development, building their confidence, strength and improving balance. Being active is what kids are born to do! Find out more about the importance of exercise for preschool kids.
Make your own edible finger paints

Make your own edible finger paints

OK a bit messy, but lots of fun! Make your own edible finger paint for your kids. It’s cheap to make and safe to use and if there’s any left over, store it in the fridge or freezer to use for another day.
Painting with potato stamps

Painting with potato stamps

A tried and tested classic! Painting with potato stamps is lots of fun and cheap and easy to do at home. Toddlers and preschoolers will love getting their hands messy and creating some great pieces of art.
14 ideas for recognising Children’s Day

14 ideas for recognising Children’s Day

Celebrating Children’s Day is something we can all do with our children at home, but why not celebrate this year’s Children’s Day with friends, family and other members of your community too. Here are 14 fun ideas for you to try.
The swim safe benefits for your baby

The swim safe benefits for your baby

We are a culture that thrives on being able to spend time at play on our beaches and waterways, but we still need help when it comes to staying safe. Entering the water safely at an early age is a great way to begin, and the benefits of 'baby-friendly' swimming classes are unique, uplifting and contribute to the positive development of the whole child.
Kids party planning tips

Kids party planning tips

There's lots to think about when it comes to organising and planning a party for your toddler or preschooler, and at times it can be quite stressful. So here is a quick guide to help plan your next party in 6 easy steps.
Guide to opening kids birthday presents

Guide to opening kids birthday presents

So what is the guide when it comes to kids opening their birthday presents? Opening them straight away or opening them later? While most children like to rip into their presents as soon as they can, some people like to collect the presents in a central location to be opened later in the party or after everyone has gone home. Is there a right or wrong way?
Party food tips for toddlers & preschoolers

Party food tips for toddlers & preschoolers

Not sure where to start when it comes to serving party food for toddlers and preschoolers? Here are a few easy tips you can use next time your organising their birthday party.
Kids indoor & outdoor party games

Kids indoor & outdoor party games

All kids love playing party games! So here are some tips and suggestions on fun-packed indoor and outdoor games which are sure to be a big hit.
The emotional benefits of swimming for babies

The emotional benefits of swimming for babies

Swimming lessons can help babies develop an emotional bond through interaction with other children in their class and positive encouragement from their parents. Early swimming also fosters a growing sense of self-esteem, confidence, independence and as a child’s ability to freely move through the water increases - so does their sense of wellbeing.
Physical benefits of teaching babies to swim

Physical benefits of teaching babies to swim

There are many physical benefits of teaching babies to swim, as well as helping them to overcome their initial fear of water. Swimming helps babies physical progress later in life, along with providing them with some essential social skills.
The social benefits of swimming for babies

The social benefits of swimming for babies

A weekly swimming lesson is often a child’s first social experience out of the home that involves their peers. They learn to relate and interact with each other and look forward to seeing their classmates each week, and even watch them for cues when it comes to taking risks and learning something new. The best way for babies to learn is by example, and as they are with children their own age, a lot of fun goes along with it.
Sensory bags for babies & toddlers

Sensory bags for babies & toddlers

Sensory bags are easy to make and perfect for sensory play for babies and toddlers – without all the mess! Sensory bags help young children to develop their sense of touch and fine motor skills as they manipulate the small objects around the bags. The types of sensory bags you can make is endless! Get creative and use things from around your home or from the craft shop.
Make your own rainbow salt tray

Make your own rainbow salt tray

Have a go at making your own rainbow salt tray. Toddlers and preschoolers will have lots of fun watching the colours come through when they draw pictures, create patterns and write their name in the salt. It is cheap to set up and you will already have the items at home.
Make your own erupting snow

Make your own erupting snow

Erupting snow is a simple sensory and messy play activity you can make at home. It's easy to set up using basic household ingredients and will keep your kids entertained for ages. The snow is soft and powdery and even feels cool to the touch. It’s just like playing with real snow, but without the frostbite!
Christmas gingerbread reindeers

Christmas gingerbread reindeers

The kids will love these Christmas gingerbread reindeers! Use this basic gingerbread men recipe or buy plain shop-bought gingerbread men to create your own festive biscuits.
ANZAC Biscuits Recipe

ANZAC Biscuits Recipe

This ANZAC biscuits recipe is easy to make and a traditional way to commemorate ANZAC Day or to enjoy on any other day. The first ANZAC biscuits were made by women on the home front and sent overseas to the New Zealand and Australian soldiers fighting in World War 1.
Christmas gift ideas for 0-5 year olds

Christmas gift ideas for 0-5 year olds

Have you ever bought a gift for your baby, toddler or preschooler and realised that it was not suited to their age? Are you not sure what to buy for them this Christmas or do you want to buy something that is not only fun, but is also educational? Here are some Christmas gift ideas that will suit your child’s age, hold their interest and encourage learning through play.

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