Hands-on Fun with Homemade Play Materials

When it's too cold to enjoy a great mud pie outside, try this activity in the house—without the mess! You'll need the following supplies:

• Medium-sized tub or tote preferably with lid
• Roll of toilet paper
• Bar of ivory soap
• Knife or vegetable peeler
• Borax
• Water
• Measuring cups, water/sand toys

Have the children shred toilet paper into the tub or tote. Next, shave the bar of ivory soap into the tub. Add enough water so that the toilet paper is well soaked but not drowning. Add just a touch of Borax (this helps keep the "mud" from molding and will allow the mixture to keep longer). Place a lid over the box and let the mixture sit over night. The mixture will turn into a slimy consistency much like real mud once the toilet paper has disintegrated.

Have the kids use their hands to manipulate the gooey mess or use measuring cups and other sand and water toys. When finished, place the lid back on the container, and your "mud" will keep for several days of clean fun.

If the short, cold days of winter have got your family feeling blue, too, try these great activities to boost your mood and keep your kids busy for hours. Old Man Winter won't have us all scratching at the doors to get out this year—we're prepared!