Wash the toys
Colour and wash toys (like cars or figurines) for a fun sensory and fine motor play experience that can keep them busy for ages
This simple and engaging activity combines creativity, sensory play, and fine motor skills! Set up a 'bath' or 'car wash' by colouring toys with washable paint or markers, then scrubbing them clean in a water tray with sponges, brushes, or spray bottles. Kids of alll ages will love this mark, rinse and repeat game and making their favourite toys shine again.
Set up outside or lay down a waterproof mat indoors. We love using a cheap plastic potting mat (the kind you get from garden centres)...
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Set up a workspace with the toys, and markers or washable paint.
Step 2:
Fill a water tray with soapy water and place it nearby.
Step 3:
Provide scrubbing tools like brushes or cloths to clean the toys.
Play
Step 1:
Let kids paint the toys with brushes, sponges, or their hands.
Step 2:
Once the toys are painted, encourage kids to drive them into the ‘car wash' or ' bath' and scrub them clean again.
Extend
Foam Wash: Use a small amount of shaving cream instead of paint for a foamy wash experience.
Spa day: Add calming music and some nice-smelling soaps for a calming spa day pretend play
Phonics Car Wash: Write letters or simple words on cars with a dry-erase marker and ‘wash away’ each one as kids sound them out.
