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Home » Play Ideas

Simple Play Wednesday: Brown Bags

Dara came up with brown bags as a Simple Play Wednesday idea.  A brown bag - or two or three or four - can bring all sorts of creative play into your day.

I can think of craft ideas needing a pile of supplies, but we'll leave those up to the experts. Have you ever visited the No Time for Flashcards website? She's got AMAZING ideas, including making a cowboy vest out of a big paper bag.

Take the kids to a park or out in your yard and give them a small pile of paper lunch bags. I wonder what they'll do?

  • Our guest blogger, Alii, had two ideas involving paper bags in her "Five Fun Things at the Park" post: 1) Pick up trash and 2) Take the bags into the kitchen to pack a picnic lunch - except let your child help this time.
  • A childhood favorite of mine - add just a few crayons they can make a simple puppet show. Or bring glue and make a nature puppet (pebbles for eyes, a leaf for the nose, etc.)
  • Bags are perfect for treasure collections or sorting - big rocks in one bag, small rocks in another, fallen leaves and flowers in another?
  • What about letting your child find a gift from nature for mom? Have them hide it in the bag to surprise you.
  • Draw pictures of 5 things to discover on the outside of the bag and send them out on a scavenger hunt.

I'm sure your kids can come up with much more creative ideas than these - but your imaginations should be working now.

Have fun, play often!

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About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. Humbly sharing playful OC outdoor places to fit your tight budget through this unofficial and free community resource filled with time-tested recommendations from parents/caregivers like you.

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