Build a Barn That Holds the Most Animals

Every farm needs a barn, and today your little one is the builder. The challenge: build a barn that fits as many toy farm animals as possible, then count them. It's building, problem solving and counting to 6 all in one.

What you need

• Building blocks, small cardboard boxes or plastic cups

• 6 or more toy farm animals (big enough not to be a choking hazard)

• Optional: a piece of cardboard or a board book for the roof

• Optional: painter's tape to mark out the barnyard

How to do it

1. Set the challenge. Line up the animals: "The animals need a barn for the night. Can you build one that fits them all?"

2. Build the walls. Let your child stack and arrange the blocks however they like. A simple square of walls is a great start.

3. Bring the animals in. Walk the animals inside one at a time and count: "One, two, three..."

4. Count how many fit. "Six animals fit in your barn!" If some are left outside, ask, "How could we make it bigger?"

5. Build it again. Try a longer barn, a taller barn or one with a roof. Did more animals fit this time?

Why we love it

There's no one right barn. Kids test an idea, see what happens and try again, which is exactly how builders and engineers work. Counting each animal as it walks in builds one-to-one counting, too.

Tips from our table

• Two-year-olds can start with three animals and a ring of blocks.

• Older kids can sort the animals first: cows on one side, pigs on the other.

• No toy animals? Use stuffed animals and a laundry basket barn.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Jumbo farm animals

• Wooden building blocks

• ScotchBlue painter's tape

• Shop everything for Week 6: Farm

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Farm activities, Letter F activities and Number 6 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.