Toddler Activity: Pudding Painting

I'm always on the hunt for simple activities to entertain Callum. A while ago, I came across one on Pinterest that involved painting with yogurt. For whatever reason, the yogurt aspect sort of grossed me out, so I decided I'd like to try it with vanilla pudding instead.

Callum's buddy, Ollie, was hanging out with us for the day, and I knew this would be the perfect thing to keep these busy-bodies occupied for a bit. 

To set up, I simply made a pack of instant vanilla pudding and let it set it the fridge for a bit. Then, I split the pudding into three different bowls and added food coloring: one blue, one green, and one red. I was a little nervous about using two much food coloring and causing staining, so I only added a couple drops of each color. If we do it again, I think I'd add a few more drops to create more vibrant colors.

I set the boys up outside on our plastic picnic table. Outside + plastic surface = super easy clean up. The two were a little 'What the heck is this?' at first, but after I dumped a little out and spread the pudding around, they were all about it.

They really enjoyed just dumping the pudding out of the bowls and trying to scoop it back in. I was expecting them to get elbow deep in pudding, but they just used their fingers to move it around. I think it may have been a little cold. Next time, I'll pull the pudding out of the fridge a little while before I need it.

They also didn't eat it at all! I was totally shocked. I even ate some in front of them to show them you could. They just looked at me like I was nuts. I'm totally ok with that. It's not like they need the sugar anyways.

Clean up was super easy, too. In fact, the dogs took care of most of it. ;) And, then, I just rinsed the table off with the hose. The boys were a little tricker, though. Both of their Buddha bellies were covered in pudding, so they needed a quick bath.

Overall, I deem this activity a success. It was inexpensive, easy to clean up, and kept the toddlers busy for a good 45 minutes, just enough time to enjoy an iced coffee.