The Pretend Box
Set out a large carton and see who can come up with the most creative uses for it (i.e., fort, TV, car, refrigerator). A variation is to give each child a carton and crayons to transform their box into anything they want.
On Safari
Hide different sizes of stuffed animals throughout the room and let children see how many they can find. Not only must they refrain from touching/moving any of these animals, they also have to be able to describe them in detail to the rest of the group. An evening variation is to do the safari with flashlights.
Mittens and Socks
Put a large pile of colorful mittens and socks in the middle of the floor. The challenge is to see who can collect the most matching pairs. Be sure to throw in lots of black and navy socks, as well as different styles (tube, knee-highs, ankle).
Mood Music
Provide paper and crayons to each child, and put on some classical music. Have them draw a picture inspired by the melody and orchestral sounds they hear. A variation is to have each child make up a short dance routine to perform.
The Supermarket
Save empty boxes and cans and affix a price label on each one. Let kids take turns being shoppers, baggers and cashiers. Math comes into play in staying within a set budget and totaling up purchases.
Who Am I?
Pin the names of fairy tale characters, historic figures or celebrities on the back of each child's shirt. Kids ask yes/no questions of their peers in order to guess their identities in as few questions as possible.