7 Imaginative Play Toys to Keep Little Ones Occupied
Published:
September 3, 2019
Contributor:
Misty Mendoza
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One of the biggest challenges when it comes to homeschooling multiple ages is keeping little ones occupied while you work with your older children. Of course it’s great to have them involved as much as possible, but allowing them time to just play benefits the entire family.
Young children learn best through play. They need time to imagine and re-create the world they are discovering. It’s helpful to keep a variety of toys available for your little ones to imagine with during your school days.
Doctor’s Kit
Combine some stuffed animals, baby dolls, or even siblings with a doctor’s kit and your preschooler will be entertained for awhile. Having a doctor’s kit available for your children to play with can really help ease their uneasiness about going to the doctor too.
Toy Food
Children love imitating daily life. Keep toy food on hand for them to “cook” with. Toy kitchens are always a huge hit too, if you have the space for one. Being able to use a pretend stove and sink and open different doors adds another element of fun.
Building Toys
Duplos, Lincoln Logs, and other building toys help develop your child’s fine motor and problem solving skills. Building toys can become whatever your child imagines them to be.
Dolls & Stuffed Animals
Playing with dolls and stuffed animals helps your child practice caring for someone else. They can be included with almost every kind of play too.
Dress-Up
Keep a toy box or container full of dress-up items readily available. Be sure to shop Halloween clearance for great deals on costumes.
Here are some other fun items to gather for your dress-up box:
- Binoculars
- Umbrella
- Jackets
- Hats
- Costume Jewelry
- Scarves
- Backpack
- Flashlight
- Apron
Playsets
Dollhouses or playsets are a wonderful outlet for creativity and can keep little ones playing for a long time. If you’re needing more focused time with your older children, consider saving certain playsets just for school hours. This will help your little one not get bored of it and even look forward to that time each day.
Tents
Set up a small tent indoors or make your own with blankets and furniture. Encourage your child to imagine they are in a spaceship, cave, or house and let their imaginations lead their play.
Do you want to have a space that invites your child to use their imagination? If so, check out this post.
