Pinecone Bird Feeder - Let your child smear peanut butter all over a pine cone. Roll it in some bird seed. Find a good tree, and watch the birds enjoy. (Remember, the birds don’t care if it’s uneven and lumpy, and neither does your toddler.) If your particular toddler doesn’t understand how or doesn’t want to smear the peanut butter on the pinecone, you do one and let him watch. He may try next time, and this time he can help you find just the right spot to feed the birds.

Bubble Art - Put a few drops of food coloring into a bottle of bubbles. Go outside, blow bubbles, and catch them on white paper. Instant art! Note: wear a smock or an old t-shirt since the colored bubbles may stain clothing.

Bottle Shaker- Fill an empty bottle or baby food jar (plastic, not glass) with beans, rice or dry noodles. Add a little glitter if you’d like! Put a top on the bottle, and shake, shake, shake. Turn on some music and groove!

The most important thing to remember is that perfection is not your goal. Your goal is to introduce your child to new textures, experiences, and ideas. Have fun with it, and enjoy your toddler’s wonderful personality and creativity shining through.