Most children love art and craft activities. I personally find it easier to keep girls busy because they tend to enjoy the same kinds of things I enjoy. But the important thing is to provide relevant materials and show an interest. If you start with ‘Let’s see if we can make…. what do you think we should make?’, the child will often come up with ideas.
Don’t worry if you cannot draw. If you are drawing with a small child, the child will not be critical. And drawing is excellent preparation and practice for writing.
For young children I cannot recommend Playdough highly enough. But even older ones still like it. They will often volunteer to play with younger siblings when it gives them the chance to have a go at playdough. You can buy it ready made in different colours or you can make your own. If you are buying it, I would strongly recommend you get the Play-Doh tubs rather than any cheaper alternative. The colours are perfect for children, the consistency of the dough is perfect, and since you can put it back in the plastic pots with well-fitting lids, the dough doesn’t dry out and can be used again and again.
You can also make your own playdough.