Messy Activities for Toddlers

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Does your toddler like to make a mess? I have joined up with Swiffer and Mom It Forward to bring you these messy activities for toddlers. Have fun getting messy!

Last week, I shared with you how beneficial it is for toddlers to get messy, and why we say “Yes!” to the mess. M and I then went in to Maman bakery in Tribeca, New York (it was beautiful!) to go make a mess with Swiffer there to clean up after us. Swiffer and actress Sarah Michelle Gellar are encouraging moms like us to say “yes” more to messy activities. Swiffer helps us clean up quicker.

I thought I’d share with you some fun, messy activities for toddlers – some that we did at the event, some that we love doing at home, and some that my friends have shared with me that they love doing with their toddlers.

This list of messy activities for toddlers will give you plenty of sensory exploration, creativity, and most importantly good old toddler fun!

12 messy activities for toddlers:

1. Painting something to wear: M had a blast decorating his apron at out party with Swiffer. So did the other kids! There is a pride in taking home something that they can wear,  and his face genuinely glowed when he showed it to Daddy afterward. It made me so happy to see my son take pride in something that HE made. 
2. Finger painting just for fun: Alternatively, you can do finger painting on a sheet of paper, and then make something fun out of it! I did this with M’s first painting. I decoupaged it onto a ceramic plaque and hung it in his bedroom.
3. Handprint art: Kids love seeing their hands on paper! Try this fun handprint art craft that Evelyne from Nemcsok Farms did with her little one.
4. Fizzy science: At the event, the children mixed together a baking soda and vinegar concoction, mixed it really quickly with a straw, and it fizzed over!
5. Decorating cookies: The children also had so much fun painting colored icing onto cookies and then decorating it with sugar crystals!
6. Tots in the Kitchen: My friend Jeniffer at Sugar Spice and Glitter has a mini chef-in-training. A creative recipe to get your toddler into the kitchen with you is her sandcastle cake.
7. Sand and water play: Kids love mixing sand and water! It allows for a multi-dimensional sensory activity, and does not require a beach! We have a fun toy to help us along, but you can mimic ours. Just place a small bowl with sand and another with water into a flat bucket. Add in some toy cars and boats, and you’re good to go!
8. Washing dishes: M loves “washing dishes” – he literally asks me “want wash it dishes?” Place some toy dishes into a flat tub, add water, and you’re all set up! I avoid soap as it can irritate from too much playin and because M likes to scoop up some of the water and drink it. You can add in a soft sponge to the mix too.
9. Water balloon stomp: Laura from Sunny Day Family lets her twin toddlers get messy with their feet, with this fun water balloon stomp!
10. Paint bombs: Georgina over at Craftulate does paint bombs with her kids! Try it indoors this winter on a smaller scale, on a floor not carpet, so that you can clean up easily. You can do it in a baby pool to keep it more contained.
11. A snow bath: Susie from Busy Toddlers is the queen of messy toddler activities! One of my favorite ideas of hers, that I am gathering the courage to say “yes” to, is this “snow” bath. M was so sad when the snow melted (though it was quickly replaced) that I think we’ll do this the next time around.
12. Jello Party – this one is another fun one from Susie that you just need to try! Toddlers simply love it, and it’s taste-safe too.

As you can see, these messy activities for toddlers are so full of learning opportunities and creativity!

We love getting messy (especially when it’s wet!) and Swiffer makes cleanup easier for me. I just pop a new pad onto my WetJet, and within minutes all the mud that comes along with a “dish-washing” session is gone! The specially formulated solutions help really break up the tough mess, and the pads offer great scrubbing power.

Swiffer gave me a chance to share the love with another family so that they can say “yes” to the mess too. When I gave my sister-in-law this starter box, she squealed with delight! Well, she was already excited when she saw the box (because it’s awesome for organizing) but then when she saw what was inside, she was thrilled. Now they can say “Yes” to the mess along with us because cleanup will be much easier. 

Enter to Win: 

Enter to win your own Swiffer Green Box!

1. Just post a photo or video on social media (must be public) of your child doing a favorite messy activity that can be cleaned up easily thanks to Swiffer.
2. Use the hashtag #YesToTheMess when you post your photo.
3. Comment below with your favorite messy activity for toddlers, including the link to your photo or video.

I will draw the winner from the comments. Winner will be notified by email. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends 2/23/16. Giveaway will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email before a new winner is drawn. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the sponsor (Swiffer).

What are your favorite messy activities for toddlers? Comment below!

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