8 Quick-to-Prepare Classic Play Ideas for Preschoolers

One thing I keep reminding myself is that my 3 year old doesn’t need difficult or complicated play ideas. She’s 3 and it’s the simple, classic play ideas that she likes best! So today I am sharing eight classic play ideas that each take less than 10 minutes to prepare. They’re fun for preschoolers and even toddlers and kindergarteners, and this list is a perfect one to bookmark or pin for those times when you’re wondering what to do next when you’re home for the day!

1. Make Puppets
The humble paper bag is easily transformed into any character you choose with felt tipped markers or collage materials and a spot of glue.

Or check out these fun puppet making ideas – 3 Simple Puppet Ideas, Fabric Puppet Ideas, Wooden Spoon Puppets

2. Hopscotch
Have you taught your child to play? Tape or chalk your grid down, inside or outside, then grab a marker and get hopping!

Here are more ideas for JUMPING INTO FUN.

3. Water Play
Fill a tub, paddle pool or the bath-tub for some water play. Add a dash of bubbles for extra special fun. Use warm water if it’s cool.

Here are some more ideas for water play – 10 Easy Ways to Extend Water Play, Duplo + Bubbles, Fun Summer Activity Ideas and Ink & Ice Paint.

4. Tumbling Towers
Set a building challenge – build a tower as tall/long/wide as a … Build with blocks or a stack of plastic cups. Then have fun knocking it down!

Here are some more challenge ideas – 5 Construction Challenges, Ideas for Building & Constructing and 5 Ways to Play & Learn with Duplo

5. Raid the Recycling
What fun hides inside your recycling basket? With scissors and tape the choice is yours!

Or try one of these fun ideas for playing with tape.

6. Treasure Hunt
Can you find something … green? … bumpy? … that smells nice? … round? … that starts with R? Treasure hunts are heaps of fun both indoors and out. Extend your hunt by encouraging your child to take a photo of each thing they find.

7. Tea Party Time
Indoor or outdoors grab your teddy and enjoy a tea party for morning or afternoon tea.

Or have fun with one of these three imaginative play ideas.

8. Hide and Seek
It’s your turn to count! Get the entire family involved for lots of fun and laughter.

What is your favourite idea for simple, classic play?

A version of this post first appeared in Issue 1 of Play Grow Learn. Click on the image below to check out all four issues of our fabulous ezine. They’re FULL of fabulous play ideas for kids of all ages.