The latest social media craze is TikTok, which operates a little differently than, say, Instagram or Facebook. There's a "For You Page" (FYP) that autopopulates with content TikTok thinks users will enjoy based on other videos they've already liked and interacted with, and these videos are often filled with amazing hacks for all aspects of our life — especially parenting hacks. Something TikTok is great at featuring are tons of kid-friendly activities that children of all ages will enjoy.
There are TikTok accounts that specialize in sensory play, crafts, DIYs, snacks, and more for kids. Because so much of the app's content is randomized via the FYP, it can be hard to track down these types of videos simply by searching. That's why we've rounded up 15 of TikTok's best activities for kids. Whether there are teens at home or toddlers, there's something for everyone.
Mess-Free Easter Eggs
CD Painting
Looking for an activity to do with a teen? Pull out some old CDs and use duct tape to pull off the existing cover art. Then decorate with Sharpies or paint markers to create fun wall decor. Now that we all listen to music via streaming, this is the best way to turn our old CD collection into something new. Reduce, reuse, recycle, right?
"Free the Bugs" Ice Block Activity
This actvity is sure to occupy kids for a while. All parents need to do is freeze some plastic toys in a dish and then hand the children some (safe!) tools (like a spoon, warm water, etc.) to try to "free" the toys. It's the perfect long-lasting activity for when everyone is bored, stuck at home, and wants something new to do.
Edible Sensory Foam
This one's for the babies and toddlers who put everything in their mouths. Genius TikTok-er Taymarieesk came up with a recipe for edible sensory foam. It's made out of chickpeas and food coloring, so if the little ones decide they want to stop playing and start eating, no one gets hurt. It's perfect for kids who can't yet be trusted around shaving cream.
DIY Shrinky Dinks
Need a way to resuse a plastic takeout container? Let kids draw on the plastic with Sharpies and then cut out their designs and place on a baking tray. Put them in the oven at 300 degrees until the plastic heats up and shrinks. They're like the Shrinky Dinks we used to make as kids, but for free!
Glow Stick Dancing
This one is fun for the whole family. Tape glow sticks to the kids' clothes in the shape of a stick figure, put on their favorite song, and turn out the lights for the show. This is a great before-bedtime activity to wear the little ones out so they sleep well. And Mom and Dad can get in on the dancing too!
Ice Painting
All that's needed for this activity is a watercolor set. For the "canvas," freeze a large ice block in a plastic container and once frozen, let the kids go to town. As the ice melts, the water will interact and blend with the different colors for hours of fun. And the highlight? The art disappears when the ice melts so no need to find more room on the fridge for this one.
