Finding time to learn

I am really into sensory play...that is, I am really into PINNING sensory ideas. 

Last night I found some scrap fabric, cut it in pieces and shoved it into an empty wipes box. C was interested in it for a few mins, he pulled the scraps out then ended up smashing his hand in the snap lid, threw a fit (granted, it was near bedtime and he was sleepy) and he was done. 

Then this morning we woke up early and i made him oatmeal, smashed banana in it and dumped it in a pile on his tray and let him dig in. He was fascinated by the texture (Nailed it!)...but then soon started throwing a fit. I had to toss his oatmeal covered self into the shower.

Being a working mom, its tough to find the time to get in all those fun projects. Really we only have an hour after work for fun time before dinner and bath and bed then on weekends his dad has him on Saturdays so I feel I really miss out. 

To my other single co-parenting mom's...what do you do?