K.I.
Finger painting (with either washable paints or pudding) is one of my favorites! I make a spot on my dining room/kitchen floor, lay down and old sheet, dress the kids in clothes you want to donate to the cause or just the diaper and then let them go at it! Fun,Fun, Fun! When they are done put them in the bath, the sheet in the washer and the art on the fridge!
I have also:
~ set up tubs with warm water, given them measuring cups and spoons and let them have at it in the kitchen.
~Given them big bowls of rice or beans (sometimes cheerios) and some empty water bottles and a funnel and let them have at it in the kitchen.
See my pattern? I am all about utilizing the kitchen floor...keeping them away from walls and other furniture, to minimize the mess:) Most things are washable these days and there ain't nothing my shop vac can't suck up!!