Keeping kids occupied and happy can be a challenge when a busy mom is on the go. If she's waiting in a doctor's office or in line at the grocery store, she just might realize how quickly idle little hands can get into trouble! What if moms could store some tote-bag-sized activities that'll provide kids with tons of fun? Well, now she can, thanks to these awesome DIY ideas that crafty bloggers came up with to keep the kids busy while moms are on the move!
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What to do when in traveling or in a restaurant and the kids are bored … and letting Mom know it? Why not give some of these crafting ideas a go? From themed toy kits, DIY tic-tac-toe, and fun ways to use felt — these are crafty ideas for the mom who already owns a hot-glue gun. She may want to compile these crafts herself, or bring the whole family on board for a big crafting brainstorm. The little ones will love having a fun and unique toy that one can't buy from Target. Take that, doctor's office boredom!
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Take a look at these creative and fun crafting ideas that are thankfully portable. It isn't easy to keep the little ones entertained, but a crafty kit like this just might help!
Image via allfortheboys.com
DIY Portable Lego Kit
This DIY Portable Lego Kit, created by Asia of Fun at Home With Kids, is perfect because the colorful little building blocks are loved by boys and girls alike and span a pretty big age range. It's a lifesaver when you're stuck waiting somewhere for longer than anyone would like! And don't forget to download her FREE Printable Activity Cards to go with your kit, too!
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Story in a Bag
Want to help your kids develop their imaginations? Try this brilliant Story in a Bag idea from the super-creative moms at How Does She? The clever mamas suggest that kids use the toys in the bag to make up their own tale, complete with a beginning, middle, and end, and encourage them to include a moral or lesson as well.
DIY Dry Erase Board
A small photo album, some family pics, and erasable markers can mean tons of fun for any kid! This portable DIY Dry Erase Book, created by Allison of All for the Boys, allows your budding artist to doodle all over the family.
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Play Board
This versatile Play Board, created by Kristina of Toddler Approved, is made out of a cereal box! So clever! With a handy ribbon, it becomes even easier for little hands to carry. You can use a magnetic chalkboard or felt — or one on each side.
Take-Along Cars & Roadmap
Katie of Happily Ever Mom suggests using empty wipes containers to store toy cars. Add your standard roadmap and you've got plenty of entertainment in a tiny package. Toss it in your diaper bag and you've got a handy Toy Car Carrier kids will love.
Alphabet Pictionary
Laura Lynn of Laly Mom created this Printable Pictionary Travel Game, which is not only fun but a great way for kids to practice their letter sounds and fine motor skills.
Floating Ball Activity
This simple Floating Ball Activity, created by Allison of All for the Boys, will keep the kids entertained for a while as they watch the ping-pong ball float weightlessly above the funnel. (Let's face it: Any chance you get to defy gravity is a good time!) A straw, some paper, a ball, and bit of tape is just about all you'll need to put this cool DIY toy together.
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DIY Paddle Ball
Don't recycle that pizza box just yet! This DIY Paddle Ball is lots of fun when you're standing in line at the grocery store or post office. An online tutorial from Simple Kid Crafts illustrates just how quickly you can pull it together. The kids will love decorating this one!
Tic-Tac-Toe-on-the-Go
This Travel Tic-Tac-Toe is the work of genius because it uses Velcro so the pieces won't roll away on the go. Carolyn of The Pleasantest Thing recommends tying it together with string so it takes up barely any room in your bag! So clever!
Wee Mouse in a Tin House
If you've got an empty mint tin and a little creativity, you can whip up this adorable Wee Mouse in a Tin House (Etsy, $8) in no time! Think of it as the small, travel version of a dollhouse. The super-cute idea comes from Larissa at mmmcrafts and the pattern is available via Etsy.com.
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