20 Best Hands On Activities For Kids In 2025 Splashlearn

Leo Migdal
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20 best hands on activities for kids in 2025 splashlearn

In a world surrounded by digital influence, the importance of hands-on learning cannot be overstated. From experimenting in science class to reenacting historical events, hands-on activities immerse students in a vibrant learning environment, allowing them to retain more information and apply their newly acquired skills. Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum. While traditional classroom lectures have their place, studies have shown that kinesthetic learning, where students actively participate in physical activities related to the subject material, is the most successful way of learning. According to a study from The Thinking Kid, “Kinesthetic learning is where a student carries out physical activities rather than listening to a lecture, helping them gain a superior understanding of the material.” This... With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of the best hands-on activities that promise not just fun but also a rich, educational experience for your kids.

Dive in and discover the magic of hands-on learning! Here are our top picks of hands-on activities for kids: There are some hands on kids activities that are a ton of fun. Your kids will beg to play them, to do them over and over, and OVER again! These are the ones that would be on my kids short list. They love open-ended play ideas.

Parents will love how these activities reach a wide range of ages. My tots and elementary aged kids have an activity they can do – together! These hands on play ideas are not only fun, but many times educational in their own right. Many of them are actually STEM activities and ignites your child’s inquisitive side, as well as their creative side. Related: More hands on science activities Whether you have young children or older kids these learning activities are a fun way to encourage sensory play and explore the natural world.

Looking for a fun activity to practice fine motor skills? We have them! These fun ideas are a perfect time to encourage messy play, enjoy craft supplies, and enjoy learning fun with these easy science experiments. These kids activities are the best ideas for little learners and even younger children. Hands-on activities for kids make learning more fun and meaningful. By turning lessons into interactive experiences, kids stay engaged while exploring new ideas through play, movement, and creativity.

These activities don’t just entertain — they help build essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Whether it’s crafting, building, or experimenting, hands-on learning brings concepts to life in the most exciting way. So, let’s dive in! Now, let’s dive into the main part! These are must-try activities for kids to promote hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom: Sensory play stimulates a child’s curiosity and builds fine motor skills.

This activity lets kids explore textures, shapes, and objects through touch. How to Do: Fill bins with rice, water beads, or kinetic sand and hide small objects, letters, or numbers inside. Ask students to dig, sort, and classify what they find. In the STEM Building Challenge, students use everyday materials to design and build creative structures. It encourages teamwork, engineering thinking, and trial-and-error learning. Keeping children engaged, learning, and entertained at home can often feel like a monumental task.

Whether you're navigating a rainy weekend, a school holiday, or simply looking for ways to foster quality family time, the search for fresh, stimulating activities is a constant for parents and caregivers. The challenge isn't just about filling the hours; it's about making those hours count with meaningful interactions that spark curiosity and create lasting memories. This guide is your go-to resource, moving beyond generic suggestions to provide a comprehensive, categorized collection of ideas that are both fun and enriching. This is more than just a list. It's a practical toolkit filled with actionable activities to do with kids at home, complete with step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and tips for adapting play to different age groups. We will explore a dozen diverse categories, from turning your kitchen into a science lab with simple STEM experiments to orchestrating an imaginative living room play.

You'll find everything from indoor scavenger hunts that sharpen problem-solving skills to creative arts and crafts projects that unleash artistic expression. Each activity is structured to not only entertain but also support crucial developmental milestones. We will highlight the specific cognitive, motor, and social-emotional benefits behind the fun, empowering you to facilitate purposeful play. Forget endless screen time and the dreaded chorus of "I'm bored." This collection offers a wealth of opportunities to transform ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, strengthening family bonds and fostering a lifelong love of... Let's dive in and unlock the potential for endless fun right within your own walls. Unleash your child's inner artist with creative activities using everyday household materials.

DIY arts and crafts projects are a fantastic way to engage children's imaginations, offering endless possibilities from painting and drawing to sculpting and collage. This classic at-home activity is popular for a reason: it’s incredibly versatile, requires minimal setup, and provides kids with a tangible sense of accomplishment. This is one of the most adaptable activities to do with kids at home, suitable for a quiet afternoon or a structured learning session. It powerfully supports developmental milestones, enhancing fine motor skills through cutting and gluing, promoting problem-solving as kids figure out how to assemble their creations, and boosting self-esteem when their finished artwork is proudly displayed. High-Performing PreS-12 Independent School In today's world, it's important to help kids love STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Hands-on STEM activities boost understanding of complex ideas. They also spark curiosity and creativity. This article shares fun STEM activities for you and your child. You can try simple science experiments or take on exciting hands-on challenges. These activities promote exploration and spark innovation. You don’t need fancy tools or pricey materials for kids' STEM activities.

Many easy STEM activities can be conducted using common household items. For instance, you can create a simple catapult using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon. This hands-on activity shows basic engineering principles. It also demonstrates Newton’s third law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Kids will enjoy launching small items like marshmallows or cotton balls. They can try different angles and distances.

This makes it a fun STEM project. It also helps boost critical thinking skills. Creative STEM projects can cater to kids of all ages and can be adapted to suit younger kids or older kids. Making a simple water cycle model is fun and looks great, too. Children can use a clear plastic container, soil, and small plants. They can then simulate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

This hands-on learning helps kids grasp environmental science. It also shows them why water conservation matters. These projects engage kids and help them think critically about science. When selecting hands-on STEM activities, consider your child’s interests and age group. Younger kids often love colorful activities. For example, they enjoy making slime.

It’s easy to make with glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution. This simple STEM activity offers a fun sensory experience. It also introduces basic chemistry concepts. On the other hand, older kids might appreciate more complex challenges, such as building a simple machine with LEGO or recycled materials, which fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Tailoring activities to fit individual preferences can significantly enhance engagement and learning outcomes. Looking for ways to make STEM feel like play?

This guide gathers 40+ hands-on STEM activities kids love at home and in the classroom. You’ll find quick wins and deeper projects across science, technology, engineering, and math, each designed to spark curiosity and build real problem-solving skills. For parents and educators, Superspace brings extra lift: its modular, giant magnetic tiles turn ideas into buildable challenges, encouraging iteration, collaboration, and confidence while keeping learning fun. We’ll show you simple setups, seasonal ideas, and age-appropriate picks so you can start today with what you have. Explore, test, and tinker because the best STEM moments begin with a single, playful question. STEM learning—focused on science, technology, engineering, and math—plays a vital role in preparing kids for a world driven by innovation.

But to truly spark a child’s interest, learning needs to go beyond textbooks. That’s where hands-on activities come in. Subscribe now and get access to exclusive recipes, meal plans, podcasts and more. Warm up this season with a 6 months all access subscription to Good Food for just £9.99. Warm up this season with a 6 months all access subscription to Good Food for just £9.99. When it comes to engaging children in STEM activities, the possibilities are endless.

From hands-on projects to exciting experiments and thought-provoking challenges, there are numerous ways to spark their interest and foster their love for science, technology, engineering, and math. Here, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best STEM activities for kids that will captivate their imagination and ignite their curiosity. These are just a few examples of the best STEM activities for kids that will engage, inspire, and empower them to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math. By providing them with hands-on experiences, encouraging their curiosity, and celebrating their achievements, you can unlock their full potential and set them on a path of lifelong learning and discovery. So, let’s dive into the world of STEM activities and watch as your child’s love for STEM grows and flourishes!

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In a world surrounded by digital influence, the importance of hands-on learning cannot be overstated. From experimenting in science class to reenacting historical events, hands-on activities immerse students in a vibrant learning environment, allowing them to retain more information and apply their newly acquired skills. Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically d...

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Dive in and discover the magic of hands-on learning! Here are our top picks of hands-on activities for kids: There are some hands on kids activities that are a ton of fun. Your kids will beg to play them, to do them over and over, and OVER again! These are the ones that would be on my kids short list. They love open-ended play ideas.

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Parents will love how these activities reach a wide range of ages. My tots and elementary aged kids have an activity they can do – together! These hands on play ideas are not only fun, but many times educational in their own right. Many of them are actually STEM activities and ignites your child’s inquisitive side, as well as their creative side. Related: More hands on science activities Whether y...

Looking For A Fun Activity To Practice Fine Motor Skills?

Looking for a fun activity to practice fine motor skills? We have them! These fun ideas are a perfect time to encourage messy play, enjoy craft supplies, and enjoy learning fun with these easy science experiments. These kids activities are the best ideas for little learners and even younger children. Hands-on activities for kids make learning more fun and meaningful. By turning lessons into intera...

These Activities Don’t Just Entertain — They Help Build Essential

These activities don’t just entertain — they help build essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Whether it’s crafting, building, or experimenting, hands-on learning brings concepts to life in the most exciting way. So, let’s dive in! Now, let’s dive into the main part! These are must-try activities for kids to promote hands-on experiences both in and out of the clas...