My kids love being outdoors during the summer months, and I'm always on the lookout for fresh summer activities for kids to keep things fun and engaging. They recently has a great time playing in an Outdoor Color Station. Read on to find out how to make one!
It’s super easy to set up and gives little ones a fun way to explore color while practicing those fine motor skills. Simple, playful learning at its best!
I used cups, some water and liquid water colors to create this Outdoor Color Station. You can use food coloring for this if you don't have liquid water colors on hand. Be sure to get the kids in their play clothes because things can get messy and wet! While the kids are outside, be sure to make this Homemade Bubble Solution from Baby Savers to extend the fun!
- Liquid water colors or food coloring
- See-through cups or containers (large and small)
- Droppers
- Water
The set up for this color mixing activity is pretty simple. Get some small containers (I love reusing applesauce and fruit cups) and pour in a few drops of food coloring or liquid water colors. Add water to dilute the color somewhat. Set these colorful cups up outside along with some larger see- through containers filled halfway with water. Provide some droppers as well.
Now just let your kids explore with the colors.
There is so much to be learned in this activity. My daughter discovered if she added more drops of a color to the water, it would turn darker.
She also learned about what would happen when she mixed different colors together and she experimented with many different color combinations.
Color mixing can also be a collaborative effort. "Hey, what will happen if we mix your purple with my yellow?"
In addition, squeezing the droppers provided a great fine motor exercise. My daughter tried different grips when squeezing the water in and out of the dropper.
When the girls filled their large cups nearly to overflowing, they dumped them and refilled their cups with fresh water from the water table.
I was surprised that this color station occupied my kids for so long. They played all afternoon, mixing colors and creating concoctions.
If you enjoyed this be sure to check out our Duck Tape Boat Races.
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