Fill the cans with water. Have the children see which will empty first and which will empty last. Before they try this, ask them to predict which will empty first. Take a trip to the playground, park, or basketball court. Do errands together, or plan field trips to the library, bank, or newspaper office.
Music is fun for everyone.
You can make and play instruments with preschoolers and elementary school-aged children. To make shakers, gather some cans with plastic lids. Fill the cans with buttons, bells, and beads. Glue on the lids. Make drums from old coffee cans with plastic lids.