Fireworks in a Bottle

Here is a perfectly safe activity that can occupy your child's imagination long past the fourth of July. Together you can make "Fireworks in a Bottle" using:

*An empty water bottle with the label removed

*glitter, sequins and/or scraps of metallic ribbon

*vegetable oil, mineral oil or baby oil

*food coloring (optional)

*glue

Fill the bottle with water, leaving a couple of inches empty at the top. Let your child sprinkle a little glitter, sequins, or ribbon into the mix. A tiny drop of food coloring will jazz it up and several tablespoons of oil will make pretty bubbles. Finally, glue the lid on the bottle and allow it to dry. Now shake the bottle and watching the contents shift and change. Older ones can learn about the scientific principles of density and states of matter, while the toddlers can enjoy the mix of colors and shapes.

Learning Tower Pizzeria

Need a quick last-minute summer meal? Let the whole family pitch in to cook up these perfect little pizzas with the help of the Learning Tower. This is a great way to use up leftover veggies and even extra sauce from last night’s pasta. Kids will love making these miniature masterpieces, topping them themselves and eating them up!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and gather ingredients:

Flour tortillas

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Pizza (or Spaghetti) Sauce

Toppings

Thinly spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each tortilla. Sprinkle lightly with cheese and toppings as desired. You can try pepperoni, chicken, olives, pineapple, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms or onions. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching closely until they are just crisp and cheese is melted. Allow the pizzas to cool for about five minutes before enjoying them!

Peanut Butter Bites

Peanut Butter Bites

Mixing, rolling, sprinkling and dipping. Here is a recipe that is almost as messy and fun as playing with clay! Keep the project safely contained with the Learning Tower and clean-up will be a breeze. Let the children wash their hands in the Learning Tower while you gather:

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered milk
½ cup honey
Optional: Coconut flakes, raisins, candy sprinkles, cocoa powder, graham cracker crumbs or wheat germ

Help your child blend the ingredients together by hand and form it into balls about the size of walnuts. Next, roll the tasty treats in whatever add-ins your little one likes best. Refrigerate until firm, then enjoy with a tall glass of milk!