Simple and Fun Learning Activities for Preschoolers Over Weekends

The Weavers Preschool
Mar 26
3 min read

Introduction

Weekends are the perfect time for parents to engage in fun and educational activities with their preschoolers. Learning doesn’t have to stop when school is out—in fact, weekends provide a great opportunity for hands-on, creative, and interactive learning experiences that foster curiosity and development.

Here are simple yet engaging learning activities for preschoolers that will keep them entertained while reinforcing essential skills in literacy, math, science, and creativity.

1. Storytelling and Puppet Play

Skills Developed: Language, imagination, communication

Encourage your child’s creativity by setting up a storytelling session with puppets or toys. You can:

Read a book together and act out scenes with stuffed animals.
Create simple puppets using socks or paper bags.
Let your child make up their own stories to enhance language and cognitive skills.

2. DIY Science Experiments

Skills Developed: Critical thinking, problem-solving, early STEM learning

Simple science experiments can spark curiosity and excitement. Try:

Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano: Teach chemical reactions with a fun fizzing volcano.
Sink or Float Experiment: Let your child predict which household items will sink or float in water.
Ice Melting Race: Place ice cubes in different bowls and observe which melts first under various conditions.

3. Counting and Sorting Games

Skills Developed: Early math, pattern recognition, problem-solving

Make math fun with everyday objects:

Count and sort different colored buttons, beads, or LEGO pieces.
Use a deck of playing cards to match numbers and shapes.
Have a “grocery store” game, where your child can buy and count toy fruits and vegetables.

4. Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt

Skills Developed: Observation, nature awareness, motor skills

Take a walk outside and create a scavenger hunt list with simple items like:

A red leaf
A smooth rock
A flower
A bird feather

Encouraging children to explore nature enhances sensory skills and their connection to the environment.

5. Art and Craft Time

Skills Developed: Creativity, fine motor skills, self-expression

Art allows children to express their emotions and develop coordination. Set up:

Finger painting with non-toxic paints.
Collage making with old magazines and stickers.
Homemade playdough for sculpting different shapes and objects.

6. Music and Movement Activities

Skills Developed: Coordination, rhythm, listening skills

Dancing and music-based games improve motor skills and memory. Try:

Freeze Dance: Play music and have your child freeze when it stops.
Homemade Musical Instruments: Make shakers with rice and plastic bottles.
Sing-Along Sessions: Teach rhymes and songs with hand motions.

7. Cooking Together

Skills Developed: Counting, measuring, following instructions

Turn the kitchen into a learning lab:

Let your child help mix pancake batter while counting ingredients.
Arrange fruit slices in different patterns.
Bake cookies and shape them into letters or numbers.

8. Sensory Play Activities

Skills Developed: Fine motor skills, sensory awareness, cognitive development

Create hands-on experiences with:

Sand or rice bins for scooping and pouring.
Water play with cups and toy boats.
Texture trays with items like cotton, sandpaper, and sponges.

9. Gardening Together

Skills Developed: Responsibility, science awareness, patience

Introduce children to nature and sustainability by:

Planting simple herbs or flowers.
Observing how seeds grow over time.
Watering plants and learning about their needs.

10. Building and Construction Play

Skills Developed: Engineering skills, problem-solving, creativity

Use blocks, cardboard boxes, or recycled materials to build simple structures. Encourage:

Designing a house or castle.
Stacking and balancing towers.
Creating bridges and ramps for toy cars.

Final Thoughts on Activities for Preschoolers

Weekend learning doesn’t have to be structured—it should be fun, engaging, and filled with discovery! By incorporating these interactive and hands-on activities, you can nurture your preschooler’s development while creating cherished family memories.

At The Weavers Preschool, we believe in play-based learning that extends beyond the classroom, helping children explore and grow every day.