Toddlers are busy, aren’t they?! I’m constantly finding new ways to keep my toddler occupied and busy. Busy bags have been a lifesaver for me. Have you used them before? Busy bags are simple activities for your toddler or preschooler that are stored in a bag so they are always ready to go! They are made with inexpensive materials, usually taking $1 or so to make. Today, I am sharing 5 fall themed busy bag activities.
1. Mama and Baby Owl
This activity is my toddler’s favorite! He has played this game numerous times in the last couple days. To play this game, your child matches the mama owl to the baby owl. They are basically finding the same colored owl and placing the large one (mama owl) in the big square and the small one (baby owl) in the little square. I put velcro tabs
He really loved the sound the velcro tabs made when he pulled up an owl!
To get your own game board and owls click here —-> owls
2. Monster Color Match
This is also a really fun game. The goal of the game is to match the monster to the right color. You will need some paint swatches (which are free at any paint store or Walmart), velcro tabs, and these monsters. To set up, you’ll cut out each monster, place a velcro tab on the back of the monster card and color swatch. Then mix up the cards and have your child find the matches.
My toddler’s favorite part was when he would put the monster on the color, he would “SMASH, SMASH, SMASH” the monster with this hand.
To get your own copy of the monster cards, click here —-> monster cards game
3. Candy Corn Match
This game is simple…just match the 3 colored shapes to the numbers to make a picture of a candy corn! You can put velcro tabs on them if you’d like (we ended up doing this because it made it easier for my toddler).
To get the candy corn printable, click here —–> Candy Corn
4. Spider Poke
For this game, you’ll need an empty container and plastic spiders (found at Target). Then cut an opening at the top of the container. Have your child poke spiders through the hole to get into the container. It sounds simple, but my kids loved it!
This game also practices fine motor skills! And it kept him busy for a while! 🙂
5. Jack-o-Lanterns Puzzle
For this game, you are creating a simple pumpkin puzzle for your child to complete. To set up, you’ll just print the pumpkins from this jack-o-lanterns printable, cut them out, and cut them all in half. Then put velcro tabs on the back of each card. Print out another copy of the printable and place velcro tabs on this. Mix up the cards and have your child match the two pieces to make each jack-o-lantern.
This activity is the hardest one. You’ll probably want to help your toddler with this the first couple times.
To download the printable, click here —-> jack-o-lanterns
After you’ve introduced these busy bags to your little one, they should be able to do them by themselves. I like to use them when I’m doing preschool with Troy. Wes loves that he has own activities and doesn’t bother us as much. Hope you’ll try these busy bag activities out!
All the cute graphics were designed by Prettygrafik Designs on Etsy…they have such cute clip art! If you have time and resources, I suggest laminating the printables.
I can’t wait to make these for my 2 year old!! Thank you so much for the great ideas and the printables 🙂
Thank-you so much! This will be mine and my daughter’s first time using a busy bag. They are perfect for train/bus/car rides, and wait times when we go to see the doctor! An alternative way to play the pumpkin-matching game I know she will enjoy is this: mix up the different pieces to make them look funny! Thanks again!
-Melissa
Thank you for all your clever ideas.
Love these ideas! Pinned it! Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Debbie @ http://kidsbibledebjackson.blogspot.com/ recently posted…Moses: Manna & Quail to Eat!
Great ideas! I especially like the spider one. I know my little one will enjoy it. (Saw this on Life with Moore Babies.)
http://www.mamagetsitdone.blogspot.com
Thanks, Janell! Yes, my kids loved playing with the spiders!
I love the pumpkin puzzles, my kids are desperate to get ready for Halloween, so we can make those! I suspect doing anything with spiders would be good fun as well. Thank you.
Wonderful! Happy to hear that!
Love the one with the spiders in the container! Those simple activities really do keep them busy! Pinned it!
OneMommy recently posted…Halloween Sensory Bin
I’m stopping by from the Hearts for Home hop. Love these busy bag ideas! I think my two preschoolers will love having these fall-themed activities as part of their learning time (or even just when they get bored!). Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jen Stults recently posted…Like a Proud Big Brother
These are great. I have a bunch of busy bags for my toddler because he loves them so much. I’ll definitely be adding a few of these to the collection! Thanks for the printables. 🙂
Kirstylee recently posted…20% off Sale!
Stopping by from the Pinning for Play linky party! Such cute ideas. The school I work for doesn’t celebrate Halloween, so some of these ideas are great for a touch of ‘Hallween Lite’ in my classroom. Thanks!
MamaVonTeacher recently posted…Peek @ the Week – 5 Senses
These are great! Thanks so much for linking up to Tuesday Tots. I’m featuring this post on Learn with Play at Home this week 🙂
Debs recently posted…10 Quiet Activities for Kids
Thanks so much for sharing. I can’t wait to try these with my 2 yr. old daughter. She will love them!!
These printables are wonderful & will be great fun for my twin daughters! Thank you for your creativity!