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Funny Faces

Prep Time: 5-15 min

This activity turns a plate into a canvas for creativity—using cut veggies to build silly faces, animals, or even abstract art. It's a low-pressure way for kids to interact with vegetables through arranging, naming, and pretending. This playful setup supports food exposure, visual exploration, and positive food experiences—no eating required.

Skills Supported

    Fine Motor

    Gross Motor

    Messy Play

Age Range

2+ Years

Mess Level

Low Medium High

Supervision Level

Light Moderate Close

Things You'll Need

  • A plate or tray
  • Pre-cut vegetables (e.g., cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomato halves, shredded carrot, peas, corn, etc.)
  • Optional: hummus, yogurt, or cream cheese for "gluing" pieces
  • Child-safe knife or cookie cutters (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Set out a variety of colorful veggie pieces in small bowls or on a tray.
  2. Invite your child to create a funny face on their plate—eyes, nose, mouth, hair, and more!
  3. Encourage storytelling: What’s their name? Are they happy, sleepy, or surprised?
  4. Let your child build, rearrange, and get silly with it.

Tips:

  • Model the activity by making your own face first—it can spark ideas.
  • Use dips to help stick pieces in place and add sensory variety.
  • Encourage naming the veggies and talking about their textures or colors.
  • No pressure to eat—just explore, laugh, and connect through food play.
  • Great for picky eaters or kids hesitant to touch new foods.