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Ready Play Days

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Indoor play for ages 3–5

Rainy-day activities for preschoolers

A rainy afternoon does not need a special kit. Choose an idea that fits what you have and do it together.

Stay with your child, choose supplies and a space that suit them, and skip anything that does not fit. Keep loose or broken pieces away from younger children.

Mirror faces

You need: no supplies. Adult's role: sit together and demonstrate.

  1. Sit comfortably facing each other.
  2. Make a gentle expression and invite your child to copy it or make a different one.
  3. Swap who leads.

Make it simpler: start with a smile or describe an expression aloud. Your child can watch or respond in their own way. Cleanup: none.

Picture detective

You need: an intact picture book. Adult's role: hold the book and stay beside your child.

  1. Open a page with a few clear pictures.
  2. Describe something you see, such as an animal with a tail.
  3. Invite your child to point, name it or describe another picture. Take turns choosing what to find.

Make it simpler: point to two pictures and name them together. Cleanup: return the book.

Road drawing

You need: one full sheet of paper and one large, child-appropriate crayon. Adult's role: remain beside your child and manage the supplies.

  1. Place the paper on a stable table. Check that the crayon is intact and suitable for your child.
  2. Draw a line as a pretend road. Invite your child to add a turn, destination or marks.
  3. Follow the road together with a finger.

Make it simpler: draw the road yourself and invite your child to point where it could go. Cleanup: collect and store the paper and crayon.

If an idea does not fit

Try another idea or stop. Your child can take part by watching, pointing, speaking or making their own choice. There is no required duration.

For more ideas without materials, see quiet play with no supplies. You can also browse the activity finder.