Play Ideas

Our favorite screens are the ones that get switched off. Here are simple things to do together, using stuff you already have at home.

AllIndoor PlayOutdoor AdventuresKitchen HelpersWater & Bath PlayGet the Wiggles OutCalm & QuietScience ExperimentsMe & My Community

Indoor Play

Living-room games for when you are stuck inside.

Sock Match-Up10 min · Tidy Cushion Island20 min · Tidy Tape Road City30 min · Tidy Blanket Fort Story Time30 min · Tidy Color Treasure Hunt15 min · Tidy Toy Hospital25 min · Tidy

Outdoor Adventures

Fresh-air play for the yard, park or sidewalk.

Nature Paint Chips25 min · Tidy Shape Hopscotch20 min · A little messy Backyard Bug Safari30 min · A little messy Puddle Science20 min · Bring a towel! Shadow Tracing20 min · A little messy Mud Kitchen Café40 min · Bring a towel!

Kitchen Helpers

Little jobs and tasty experiments with food.

Fruit Rainbow Snack15 min · A little messy Shape Sandwiches15 min · A little messy Pour & Measure20 min · A little messy Magic Milk Colors15 min · A little messy Little Baker Muffins45 min · Bring a towel!

Water & Bath Play

Splashy learning in the tub, sink or a big bowl.

Sink or Float?20 min · Bring a towel! Bath Color Mixing15 min · A little messy Ice Animal Rescue30 min · Bring a towel! Paper Boat Race25 min · A little messy

Get the Wiggles Out

Big-body movement for high-energy moments.

Move Like an Animal10 min · Tidy Freeze Dance Statues10 min · Tidy Balloon Keepy-Up15 min · Tidy Living Room Obstacle Course30 min · Tidy Pals Say10 min · Tidy

Calm & Quiet

Gentle activities for winding down.

Balloon Breathing5 min · Tidy I Spy With Colors10 min · Tidy Story Stones30 min · A little messy Cloud Watching15 min · Tidy Playdough Squish20 min · A little messy Happy Jar10 min · Tidy

Science Experiments

Simple, safe experiments with things from the kitchen and backyard.

Mystery Feely Bag15 min · Tidy Listening Walk15 min · Tidy Smell Detectives15 min · Tidy Living or Not Living Hunt20 min · Tidy Bean in a Bag15 min · Tidy Thirsty Celery10 min · A little messy Pine Cone Bird Feeder20 min · Bring a towel! Pasta Butterfly Life Cycle20 min · A little messy Animal Home Hunt25 min · Tidy Rain Cloud in a Jar15 min · A little messy Make a Rain Gauge15 min · Tidy Four Seasons Tree30 min · A little messy Sun or Shade Melt Race30 min · A little messy Ramp Races20 min · Tidy Foil Boat Challenge20 min · A little messy Magnet Hunt15 min · Tidy Shadow Puppet Show20 min · Tidy Shoebox Guitar20 min · Tidy Pepper and Soap Germ Trick10 min · A little messy Hear Your Heartbeat10 min · Tidy Recycled Robot40 min · A little messy Help the Earth Walk30 min · A little messy Moon Watch10 min · Tidy Balloon Rocket15 min · Tidy

Me & My Community

Activities about feelings, family, friends, helpers and the wider world.

Mirror Self-Portrait20 min · Tidy Feelings Charades15 min · Tidy Calm-Down Jar15 min · A little messy Family Handprint Tree30 min · Bring a towel! Family Reporter15 min · Tidy Kindness Rocks30 min · A little messy Compliment Circle10 min · Tidy Red Light, Green Light15 min · Tidy Learn My Phone Number10 min · Tidy Community Helper Dress-Up30 min · Tidy Thank-You Cards for Helpers20 min · Tidy Cardboard Box Town45 min · A little messy Neighborhood Walk30 min · Tidy Treasure Map Hunt25 min · Tidy Bird’s-Eye View15 min · Tidy Pretend Shop30 min · Tidy Save, Spend, Share Jars20 min · Tidy Long Ago Interview20 min · Tidy My Life Timeline25 min · Tidy Traffic Count15 min · Tidy Cardboard Box Car40 min · A little messy Paper Lanterns25 min · A little messy Family Tradition Show-and-Tell20 min · Tidy Hello Around the World15 min · Tidy