Gone are the days we could simply run over to the park or splash pad without a second thought and little planning. Gone are the impromptu picnics and jaunts to our favorite kid friendly activities. Fall is here. For my family that means spending more time indoors where it’s cozy and warm. It also means finding more ingenious ways to keep my daughter busy indoors. I thought of this idea after visiting the Ontario Science Centre this summer… and it kept my daughter busy all day long for a week! Yes, you read that correctly: 7 DAYS! And she’s asked me to set it up again and again for her since then.
Materials: Play food, empty food boxes, non-perishable items from your pantry & snack drawer, a toy shopping cart or basket, purse or wallet, play money & coins (Canadian Tire money works well), re-usable shopping bags, cash register, food group posters, shopping list (with pictures for non-readers), food store flyers.
Cost: Depends on what you already have in your kid’s toy box and in your kitchen. Use what you have and create what you’re missing to enhance the experience without spending additional money.
Make this day super educational by singing along to the catchy tune “Let’s go to Market”. Borrow a few books from the library, some suggestions: “My granny went to market: a round-the-world counting rhyme” by author Stella Blackstone or “Shopping for lunch” by author Susan Blackaby.
Activity Steps (kids can help with each step!):
- Gather up everything you’re going to use.
- Make the food group signs if you’re using them.
- Make the shopping list if you’re using one.
- Set up all the food items around your living room or playroom (kids can help with this).
- Set up your cash register area.
- Have fun!
Tips: Give your kids some dress up clothes and let them become a store customer. Or have them wear an apron and a nametag and let them be the cashier!
This At Home Activity was written by Nancy of Frilly Girly.
Thank you Nancy!
