Let the fun begin!

I want to be like my friend Meredith. She's always planning fun, enriching things for her kids to do. The problem is, where do such great ideas come from? Well, if you're willing to help out, they can come from us! Post ideas of fun things you can do with your kids, labeled by the appropriate age and the resource it came from (if applicable) and let the fun begin! If this works out, we can get a lot of Moms involved and end up with some great ideas. So lets get started!

FOR THE VERY YOUNG
Just as she loved peek-a-boo as a baby, your toddler will love to play simple games of hide-and-seek. First thing in the morning take turns hiding under the bed sheets; at bath time, use a big towel. For extra fun and giggles you can gently prod her as she hides. "Hmm, is this a leg? Or is it an arm?" Games like this help teach your toddler that just because she can't see something, doesn't mean it isn't there. For a change, while she's wrapped up in the towel, carry her into another room. She'll be delighted when she pops her head out to discover she's in a new spot.
from babycenter.com

FOR OLDER KIDS
House of Cups
What to do with those pesky, unrecyclable disposable cups? Save them, wash them, then break them out for a stacking game. Stacking cards may be fun for some, but stacking cups is sometimes a better bet when it comes to keeping young hands and attention spans engaged. The game is great fun when two or more play, but it can also be a great solo diversion. Perhaps you and your child can take turns placing the cups on top of one another. If your child gives in to a sudden desire to seize the bottom cup, that's okay! How high can you make them go before they tumble on their own? Can you stack different types of cups without causing an avalanche? Can you make a replica of a familiar building? Only time, patience, and a good chunk of table space will tell.