Calgary Zoo–Canadian Wilds Bingo Free Printable

My friend and I were thinking for an activity for our kids to do while they were at the Calgary Zoo. I couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I decided to make something myself.

I made up 5 different zoo bingo cards using Animals found in the Canadian Wilds area. We were also having an orange day (wear orange clothes, eat orange things etc) so that’s why the middle square is orange. We had the kids each find something orange for that ‘free play’ square. We gave each of the kids one of the cards and when they found one of the animals on their card they got a sticker to put on it.

The kids aged 2-5 had a really good time so I thought I’d share the cards I made so other people could use them too.

You can find a free 5 card zoo bingo card printable here.

Easy Outdoor Fun–Spray Bottle

As part of our “Life Outside – Fall Challenge” I’m trying to find simple things to do outside. I had a spray bottle hanging around the house (used only for water) that I gave to Gordie to try out.

  

It was seriously, the best thing ever! For something so simple, it amused him all week. It was a little difficult for him to figure out at first, especially since it was a bit too big for him to handle but he persevered. The best thing is, because we were outside it didn’t matter what got sprayed (well except for when it was me!)

Fall Sensory Box

While Gordie and I were out on a walk, we picked up leave, pinecones and sticks to use for a Fall sensory box. It was a little harder than I had expected to get the leaves, most of the trees still hadn’t started to drop them, but it was still fun. We also used some other items from around the house.

What’s inside?

• leaves
• pinecones (check them for sticky sap)
• sticks
• fork (rake)
• small bowl
• small gourds
• decorative corn
• large rock

This bin wasn’t as bit a hit as the last one. The process of creating it was a lot more engaging for him than the bin itself. I also think it would have been better with a larger quantify of leaves so you could really run your fingers through them and rake them around.  I think we’ll try it again when more leaves have fallen.

 

Construction Site: Sensory Bin

Gordie loves construction vehicles. We go around spotting them whenever we drive around. I can now identify all kinds of different vehicles by name instead of calling them all “diggers”. So I decided to use that as the theme for our first sensory bin.

What’s Inside

• Base – Mixed dry beans
• Construction trucks and figures
• Small cups
• 2 spoons (shovels)

That was it, but it held his attention for a long time. I had to be right there with him but he was actually pretty good about the “keeping the beans in the bin” rule.