Quiet play for ages 3–5

Quiet play with no supplies

When you have no materials to hand, try a game of expressions or build a story one idea at a time. Both need an adult to stay and join in.

Choose a comfortable space and follow your child's cues. Skip or stop an activity if it does not suit them.

Make faces together

Sit facing each other. Make a gentle expression and invite your child to copy it or invent a different one. Swap who leads. Start with a smile or describe an expression aloud if that is easier.

Your child can watch or respond in their own way. There is no cleanup.

Take turns telling a story

Choose a familiar or imagined place. Begin with a simple idea: “A little bear found a door.” Ask what happens next, then add one idea of your own. Keep taking turns for as long as you both want.

Accept a word, gesture or longer answer. If choosing is difficult, offer two places, such as a garden or a library. There are no supplies to put away.

Choose another kind of play

If talking or copying is not appealing, pause and try something else. Our rainy-day guide also includes a picture-book game and a paper activity.