A collection of ideas for infant/toddler play, recreation, and games
Play and games help keep children’s minds and bodies healthy and lively.
They nurture physical activity, thinking skills, imagination, and the ability to get along with friends.
Here, we’ve gathered activities and games that preschoolers can enjoy.
There are many kinds: group games, traditional play, pretend and make-believe activities, and sensory play.
You’ll find lots of favorites from nurseries and kindergartens, as well as easy games you can do at home.
Choose fun activities that match your child’s age and development, and enjoy them together!
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Ideas collection for toddler play, recreation, and games (41–50)
Copycat Animals
Here’s a copycat animal game that kids of different ages can enjoy while moving their bodies.
Along with a piano melody, the teacher says the name of an animal and imitates it.
The children enjoy moving like the animal in their own way, at a level that suits their age.
You might even see the younger children copying the movements of the older ones.
It could also be fun to ask the children what animals they can think of as you go along.
This copycat animal play is a great way to get kids moving indoors—give it a try!
Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors
Here’s a game called “Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors” that helps children of different ages interact and become friends.
At the cue, “Copycat animal, rock-paper-scissors—go!” everyone strikes an animal pose.
If both partners choose the same animal pose, they earn 1 point; if they choose different poses, they spin around once on the spot.
It’s recommended that teachers and children decide the set of animal poses in advance.
You may see older children teaching the animal poses to younger ones.
Come up with lots of pose variations and have fun!
Mimic Rhythm Play
Here’s a follow-the-leader rhythm activity you can enjoy while copying movements.
As you hum the rhythm, the teacher demonstrates by clapping hands and gently tapping their own head or arms.
After watching the teacher’s example, the children play along with the rhythm by copying the movements they’ve learned.
During this time, the teacher should also move together with the children to serve as a model.
Younger children can participate within their abilities.
Older children, once they’re used to it, should try making their expressions bigger and more exaggerated.
Have fun by adjusting the tempo as you go.
riddle
Riddles that both adults and kids love! Let’s have fun with riddles that are a bit like puns and involve a little clever wordplay.
For children around kindergarten age, riddles with simple, familiar themes are recommended.
If they learn riddles at kindergarten, have them try asking their dad or mom at home next time! You might be surprised—parents may not be able to answer as easily as you think.
Drop the Handkerchief
Choose one person to be “it.” Everyone else sits in a circle facing inward.
The person who is “it” walks around the outside of the circle holding a handkerchief and, at a moment of their choosing, quietly places the handkerchief behind someone in the circle without being noticed.
“It” continues around the circle once.
If the person with the handkerchief behind them doesn’t notice by the time “it” completes the lap, the role of “it” changes to that person.
If the person notices, they chase “it.” If they catch “it,” the same person remains “it” for another round.
If they don’t catch “it” and manage to sit back down in their original spot, then the roles switch and the chaser becomes “it.”