5 Educational Kitchen Sink Activities for Kids
Fascinating, fun, and educational, water play is a popular activity with young children. Yet, for parents, water play is not always practical. That’s where the kitchen sink comes in!
Educational kitchen sink activities allow you to supervise your child while taking care of other kitchen tasks or enjoying a much-deserved cup of coffee or tea. Not only will these activities keep your little one busy rain or shine, but they also help your child develop important skills and build basic knowledge related to science and math.
Are you ready to get started?
First, make sure your sink area is clear of any hazards such as glass, hot pots, or sharp knives. Then, set up a Mini Chef Convertible Helper Tower or our Foldable Helper Tower so that your child can step up to the sink independently. In a pinch, a sturdy step stool or wooden chair will also work to help your child access the sink. You may also consider putting an apron on your child to protect their clothing.
Now, here are some activities to choose from:
Materials: Invite your child to gather water-safe items from around the house. Choose a variety of items such as coins, rocks, twigs, plastic toys, corks, spoons, sponges, small bowls, etc. You’ll also need a slotted spoon.
Instructions: Fill up the sink with some water. Invite your child to drop the items into the sink and notice which items sink and which ones float. Then, your child can remove the floating objects with the slotted spoon. Encourage your child to continue to experiment with the objects, putting items that sink into the small bowl to see if they float, etc.
This activity introduces children to the scientific method and encourages observation, among other skills.
Materials: Ahead of time, freeze some water (dye it with food coloring if desired) in a plastic container. Add some plastic figurines to the water so that they freeze inside the block of ice. You’ll also need tweezers, salt, pipettes, droppers, basters, spoons, etc.
Instructions: Place the block of ice in the sink. Invite your child to excavate the icy block to find the toys inside. Give your child the tools and invite them to use salt, water droppers, etc. to uncover the toys.
In this kitchen sink activity, children work on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, they enjoy a rich sensory experience.
Materials: Root vegetables like potatoes or carrots, scrub brushes
Instructions:Show your child how to gently brush and wash the root vegetables to clean them. This Montessori-inspired practical life activity can help your child grow in independence and confidence as they help in the kitchen. There are many benefits to be gained from cooking with children, among which include a greater likelihood that they’ll try fruits and vegetables.
Materials: Dish soap, whisk, measuring cups, funnels, etc.
Instructions:Fill the sink partially with water. Add dish soap and show your child how to make bubbles by using the whisk. Invite your child to play with the bubbles using the measuring cups, funnels, etc.
This activity seems simple. However, while playing your child learns about cause and effect and quantities, while also experiencing new textures.
Materials: Five or more small white cups or saucers, food coloring, pipettes or droppers
Instructions: Prepare colored water in the three primary colors. Then, invite your child to experiment with creating new colors using the pipettes to mix colors in empty cups or saucers. By doing this experiment directly within the kitchen sink, you can contain the mess and avoid getting water and colors everywhere. Using the pipettes helps your child develop hand strength and hand-eye coordination.
Which of these educational kitchen sink activities will you try first? Let’s discuss! Talk to us on our social media accounts and let us know.
Are you looking for more fun activities to enjoy in the kitchen? Try these too!
