Kids with great imaginations and boundless creativity may test your patience at times, but they are the ones with the brightest futures – the ones most likely to invent something fantastic or solve one of the world’s biggest problems.  And they are great problem solvers!

It’s in the early years that we adults have the greatest opportunity to support and foster imagination and creativity in a child.  That’s one of the things we Kindermusik educators love about Kindermusik – it’s all about being creative, thinking outside the box, and using our imaginations as the children learn about music and explore making music in all kinds of ways.

But it’s during play time at home that parents can really fuel the creativity and inspire the imagination – without a lot of expense, mess, or toys.  Just some simple DIY play time ideas will do.  So here are some DIY play time activities we lovingly recommend.

Build a Cardboard Castle

We promise, it will provide hours of entertainment, and you’ll probably want to join in the play too!  Here’s how to make your own cardboard castle with a big box, a few simple tools, and a little bit of “royal” decor.

Try out Some Homemade “Playdough”

Kids love playdough, and playdough is great for developing those muscles in their hands and fine motor skills in their little fingers. Watch the video below: instructions for simple no-bake playdough or if you want playdough that lasts a little longer, here is a recipe for the baked method.

Create Your own Homemade Instruments

In fact, make a couple of them, and you’ve got the makings of a family band!

How to Make an Oatmeal Bongo

How to Make a Carton Bango

How to Make Ankle Bells

We hope you have hours of fun making memories and inspiring your child’s imagination!  And one last tip… adding a little music along with the play will only make the creating and playing that much more fun and enjoyable.

Shared by Theresa Case, whose award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios is located in Greenville, South Carolina