Here's a fun bit of alchemy for toddlers. Scribble markers onto coffee filters, dab or spray them with water, then watch each turn into a unique, swirling pattern of watercolors.

Step 1: Cover a flat work surface, such as a picnic table, with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth, then lay out several plain white coffee filters. If you have time, flatten the filters in a book the night before. You can also tape them down with masking tape.

Step 2: Offer your child washable markers and let her color on the coffee filters.

Step 3: When she's done, set out a bowl of water and let her drop some over the scribbles with a pipette or a paintbrush. Or use a mister for a slightly different effect. Now watch as the colors blend and spread like magic. If you like, punch a hole in the tops and tie on string to hang them in a window as sun catchers. -- Catherine Newman