Craft play date ideas

[Mamabear04]

Hello! Could anyone recommend a tried and tested crafting activity for newly turned 4 year olds? I know there are soooo many social media accounts out there with brilliant ideas but has anyone any tried and tested activities that keep kids amused for longer than 10 mins so I can chat to my friends without having to mediate sharing squabbles or stress about the noise levels while the baby sleeps?

For only a tenner I think something like this would be great if you're near a hobby craft?

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/kids/toys-games/colour-in-playhouses/

If you want it to last longer than 10 minutes and not have to be too involved in it, then something open ended is probably best.

Drawing/colouring - have different types of pens and paper for maximum engagement. Then when this gets boring bring out the stickers. They can add stickers to their pictures. When this gets boring bring out the blu tack and direct them to a window/wall/cupboards you don't mind being tacked and get them to make an art gallery to display their work.

Make paper chains - this can last for 10 seconds or five hours....depends on the kids.

Scratch art paper

Playdoh - this is always a good one here.

Necklace/bracelet making- get some elastic and way to thread (big hole) beads. Tie a bead on one end of the sting to stop the beads falling off and then all you'll need to do is tie a knot at the end. Similar to paper chains this can kill hours of minutes depending on the children.

The other thing I find always kills loads of time is to send them off into another room to work out a show they can put on for you later.