Toddler

[MRedinger]

Does anyone have any suggestions for activities in the bathtub for toddlers 2-4 yrs old? My son is almost 3 and has always loved bath time, so I'm lucky, I have no issues there.  I just think he's getting bored and I'm out of ideas. Here's a few things we typically do (or have tried):

* Pouring water between cups/bottles

* Magnetic fish and fishing pole game

* Boat and animals 

* Foam shapes and fishing net (doesn't do much of this anymore, but he did when he was younger)

* Mr. Potato Head (This is actually a great bath time activity - his new favorite.)

* Bubbles

* I've thought about going to the hardware store and getting tubes and funnels that I can stick to the wall so he can experiment with pouring in water and watching it go down the tubes and through water wheels, but I haven't done this yet.

[Mary]

Have you tried using the color dots or crayons for the tub?  They may sound messy but they really aren't that bad.  I totally bathe the kids, wash hair, bodies, etc...  and then they plays with the crayons or color dots.  The dots are fun because they come in blue, red, and yellow so it's fun to "mix" the colors. 

We also sometimes make up silly songs for the kids to wash their bodies too.

We also have fun with squirty toys - but make sure you pitch them every few months as they get moldy inside.

Recently we added glow cubes to the tub.  You know that "ice cubes" that light up and are put into drinks?  We got some at a restaurant recently and now they love to put them in the tub and turn off the lights.  Super fun!!

[OnceUponaCanvas]

Give this recipe for Homemade Bath Paint a try!  My Little Man loves it :-)

http://onceuponacanvaskids.blogspot.com/2012/10/homemade-bath-paints-tutorial.html

[Heather]

Try adding a shaving mirror to the wall.  We also love to play with a sponge and a large plastic cup.  Oh, and a turkey baster can be fun...but can sometimes get messy.   Have fun!

[MRedinger]

Update: I just stumbled upon this website, which has some unique ideas. Passing it along in case anyone else can find it useful: http://www.bathactivitiesforkids.com/2012/12/bath-time.html

[Tamigal]

Hi! I love this topic! I work with toddlers with autism and I have a handout I made for parents I could share (I added icons of toys that are out there and where to find them and ideas to teach through play) I can send it to you (I can't figure out if I can upload to this). My email is aba4kids@yahoo.com. Just email and let me know what the email is in reference too. Have fun!