Simple Kids Activities for Mixed Ages

These simple kids activities are chosen to work well with a group of mixed-age children. They are open-ended and can be enjoyed at different levels.

Updated September 2021

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

We hope you are having a lovely day filled with whatever you like to do on Thanksgiving.

Since many of us have a range of ages in our houses over the holiday, we thought we’d put together some simple kids activities that work for a mix of ages.

First, we’ll give you a nice short list of ideas and then we expand on many of the ideas. Stick with the short list if you just want a something quick; head on to the longer list if you want a few more ideas for simple kids activities.

11 Simple Kids Activities for Mixed Ages (the quick list)

1. Playdough play and modeling

2. Toothpick construction

3. Open-ended drawing activities

4. Drawing games

5. Sensory exploration and play

6. Build a fort!

7. Smaller scale building

8. Get started on holiday crafts

9. Play some favorite games

10. Read some seasonal books together

11. Light table play

11 Simple Kids Activities for Mixed Ages (the longer list)

1. Playdough Play and Modeling

• Playdough turkeys (on Mama. Papa. Bubba.)
• Small world play with playdough
• Our favorite playdough play ideas for kids’ everyday creativity

2. Toothpick Construction (lots of different ideas here, including edible ones)

3. Open-Ended Drawing Activities

• Family draw and doodle (cover the table with paper and gather around)
• Observational drawing
• Creative drawing prompts
• DIY art activity pages
• Double doodle

4. Drawing Games

• Back and forth drawing game
• Simon Says! drawing
• Quiet-time art game
• A fun family drawing game

5. Sensory Exploration and Play

• Cloud dough
• Water beads
• Playdough
• Oobleck or goop
• More sensory play materials
• Try a Fall themed sensory bin!

6. Build a Fort!

• Simply use furniture + sheets + pillows
• Fort Magic fort-building kit (if you have one!)
• Straw builders
• Outdoors with sticks and

7. Smaller Scale Construction

• Magnet tiles
• Make a house of cards
• DIY cardboard building toys
• Blocks (of course!)
• Make a marble run

8. Get Started on Holiday Ornaments or Decorations

• Make salt dough ornaments
• Create some holiday crafts

9. Play Some Favorite Games

• The best kids games for family fun, connection, & learning
• The BEST family board games by age

10. Read Books Together 

• Work on a seasonal library together
• The best kids picture books to inspire children’s art

11. Light table play 

• Remember you can make a super simple light table with a transparent plastic storage box and a string of white lights!

How about you? What are your favorite simple kids activities for mixed ages? Will you try one of these this holiday season?

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