3–6 years Picture story
Look at a picture in a book or a family photo and build a short story together.
Details
You will need A picture book or family photo Step by step Pick a picture and ask: “What can you see here?” Ask questions: “Who is this? Where are they going? How do they feel?” Repeat your child’s sentence and stretch it a little: “Yes, the red car is going fast.” Give the story a title and retell it from the start together. May help develop Building sentences Imagination Telling events in order
2–5 years Telephone game
Make a pretend phone call – say hello, talk about your day and say goodbye.
Details
You will need A toy phone or remote control A soft toy (optional) Step by step Say “Ring ring!” and hand the phone to your child. Say hello and ask simple questions: “What did you eat? Who did you play with?” Take turns talking and wait patiently for answers. Then let your child “call” grandma or a teddy. May help develop Holding a conversation Taking turns Polite words
Safety: If you use a real phone, lock the screen first.
4–6 years Find a rhyme
Look for rhymes for simple words: “cat – hat”, “sun – fun”. You can play on the way somewhere.
Details
Step by step Say a word: “cat”. Ask your child for a word that sounds similar: “hat, bat, mat”. Made-up words are fine – the point is hearing similar sounds. Swap roles: your child says a word and you find a rhyme. May help develop Hearing sounds in words Word play Attention
3–6 years What’s missing?
Look at 4–6 objects, your child closes their eyes, you hide one – which is missing?
Details
You will need 4–6 familiar objects or toys A cloth Step by step Lay the objects on a table and name them together. Your child closes their eyes while you hide one under the cloth. Ask: “What’s missing?” As it gets easy, add more objects or change their places. May help develop Memory Attention Observation
4–6 years Continue the pattern
Build a pattern with spoons, forks or pasta: spoon–fork–spoon… what comes next?
Details
You will need Plastic spoons and forks, pasta or buttons Step by step Lay out a simple pattern on the table: A–B–A–B. Ask your child to place the next item. Make it harder step by step: A–A–B, A–B–C. Let your child create a pattern for you to continue. May help develop Logical thinking Spotting patterns Early maths
Safety: Use small pasta and buttons only with close supervision.
Cardboard box house
Turn a big cardboard box into a house with windows, a car or a rocket, then decorate it.
Details
You will need A large cardboard box Markers, crayons Glue and coloured paper (optional) Step by step Decide together what the box will become: a house, a car, a rocket. Draw windows and a door – the adult does any cutting. Your child colours and decorates the box. Play “visitors” with a favourite toy in the new house. May help develop Imagination Planning Fine motor skills
Safety: Only an adult should cut with knives or sharp scissors.
Nature collage
Collect leaves, petals and twigs in the park and glue them onto paper.
Details
You will need A small bag Thick paper or card Child-safe glue Step by step On a walk, collect fallen leaves, petals and twigs. Compare what you found by colour and size. Arrange a picture on the paper: a hedgehog, a tree, a butterfly. Glue it down and talk about where you found each piece. May help develop Observing nature Creativity Vocabulary
Safety: Remind your child not to put mushrooms, berries or unknown plants in the mouth, and wash hands afterwards.
3–6 years I spy...
Describe something nearby by its colour or shape – your child tries to guess it.
Details
Step by step Pick an object nearby without naming it. Say: "I spy something red and round." Give new clues until your child guesses. Swap roles – now your child picks the object. May help develop Vocabulary Attention Describing
5–6 years Word chain
Each new word starts with the last sound of the previous one: cat – table – egg...
Details
Step by step Start with a word, e.g. "cat". Your child finds the last sound ("t") and says a word with it. Take turns. If it is hard, give a hint: "An animal that starts with T..." May help develop Phonological awareness Vocabulary School readiness
3–6 years Continue the story
Start a story with one sentence and take turns adding a sentence each.
Details
Step by step Begin: "One day a little bunny in the forest..." Your child says the next sentence. Take turns for 8–10 sentences. At the end, give the story a title together. May help develop Storytelling Imagination Cause and effect
4–6 years Riddle time
Tell simple riddles, let your child solve them, then make up their own.
Details
Step by step Give riddles about familiar things and animals: "Long ears, loves carrots..." Give your child time to think. Praise the answer. Then your child makes up a riddle for you. May help develop Logical thinking Describing Vocabulary
3–6 years What's in the clouds?
Lie down, watch the clouds and talk about what they look like.
Details
You will need Step by step Find a safe, shady spot to lie or sit. Pick a cloud: "What does it look like?" Build on your child's idea: "Where is this elephant going?" As clouds change, find new shapes. May help develop Imagination Language Calming down
Safety: Never look directly at the sun; wear a hat in hot weather.
3–6 years Count the steps
Guess and count the steps or jumps to a target.
Details
Step by step Choose a target: a door, a tree, the sofa. Ask: "How many steps do you think?" Walk together counting aloud. Try giant and tiny steps – how does the number change? May help develop Counting Estimating Comparing
4–6 years Odd one out
Say four words – your child finds the one that doesn't belong and explains why.
Details
Step by step Say: "Apple, pear, car, banana." Ask: "Which one doesn't belong? Why?" Listen to the reason – a different answer can be right too. Then let your child quiz you. May help develop Classifying Explaining Language
2–5 years How many fingers?
Show a number on your fingers – your child counts and claps the same number.
Details
Step by step Show 1–3 fingers (1–10 for older kids). Your child counts them. Then claps or jumps that many times. Swap roles. May help develop Counting Number sense Coordination
3–5 years Shape hunt
Look for circles, squares and triangles around you.
Details
Step by step Draw a shape in the air: "Circle!" Find 3 things of that shape indoors or outside (clock, plate, wheel). Move on to squares and triangles. Count: which shape did you find most? May help develop Shapes Observation Counting
3–6 years What changed?
Line up some toys and change one while your child's eyes are closed.
Details
You will need Step by step Line up the toys and name them together. Your child closes their eyes – remove or move one toy. Your child finds what changed. Add more toys as they get better. May help develop Visual memory Attention Observation
Safety: Keep small parts away from children under 3.
3–6 years Sort leaves and stones
Collect leaves and stones on a walk and sort them by size and colour.
Details
You will need A bag for collecting (optional) Step by step Collect 8–10 leaves and stones on your walk. Line them up from biggest to smallest. Then sort them into groups by colour or shape. Ask: "Which group has more?" May help develop Ordering Sorting Exploring nature
Safety: Make sure nothing goes in the mouth and wash hands afterwards.
3–6 years Puzzle time
Do an age-appropriate puzzle – start with corners, then edges.
Details
You will need A puzzle (age 3: 12–24 pieces, ages 4–6: 24–60) Step by step Lay the pieces picture side up. Find the corners and edges together first. Give hints: "What do you see on this piece?" When done, tell a story about the picture. May help develop Patience Visual perception Problem solving
Air drawing
Draw shapes, letters or objects in the air with your finger – the other one guesses.
Details
Step by step Slowly draw a house, the sun or a circle in the air. Your child guesses what it is. Then your child draws and you guess. For ages 5–6, draw letters and numbers. May help develop Imagination Visual memory Hand-eye coordination
Body shapes
Make letters, numbers and shapes with your bodies – you can take photos.
Details
Step by step Say: "Let's make a circle with our bodies!" Use arms, legs or lie on the floor to make shapes. Move on to letters and numbers: "T", "O", "1". Guess each other's shapes. May help develop Body awareness Letters and numbers Creativity
Safety: Choose a roomy, non-slippery spot.
Body percussion
Make rhythms by clapping, stamping and patting knees – your child copies.
Details
Step by step Show a simple rhythm: clap-clap-stamp. Your child copies it. Gradually make it harder and change the speed. Then your child makes a rhythm and you copy. May help develop Sense of rhythm Attention Memory
Imaginary animal
Invent an animal nobody has ever seen: its name, sound and walk.
Details
Step by step Ask: "How does an animal with an elephant's trunk and bunny ears walk?" Give it a name. Make its sound and walk like it. Make up where it lives and what it eats. May help develop Imagination Language Creative thinking
Water painting
Paint with water on pavement or stones – it disappears as it dries.
Details
You will need A bowl of water, a brush or sponge Step by step Pour water into a bowl and wet the brush or sponge. Paint lines, circles or a sun on the pavement. Watch together as the painting disappears. Paint again – bigger this time. May help develop Fine motor skills Creativity Cause and effect
Safety: Never leave your child alone with water.
Leaf rubbing
Place a leaf under paper and rub over it with a crayon – the veins appear.
Details
You will need Paper Crayons or coloured pencils Different leaves Step by step Collect leaves of different shapes on a walk. Place a leaf veins up and cover it with paper. Rub the side of the crayon over the paper. Make a colourful "leaf tree". May help develop Fine motor skills Exploring nature Choosing colours
Salt dough animals
Make soft dough from flour, salt and water and shape animals.
Details
You will need 1 cup flour ½ cup salt ½ cup water Bowl and spoon Step by step Mix flour, salt and water and knead a soft dough. Roll balls, "sausages" and flat circles together. Turn them into a cat, a snake, a turtle. Dry the figures for a day and paint them if you like. May help develop Fine motor skills Creativity Shapes
Safety: The dough is salty – not for eating; wash hands afterwards.
Paper planes
Fold paper planes together and see whose flies the furthest.
Details
You will need Step by step Fold the sheet in half lengthways and open it. Fold the top corners to the middle, then the edges to the middle again. Fold the wings down. Throw, measure the distance in steps; change the wings and test again. May help develop Fine motor skills Following steps Simple experiments
Safety: Don't throw planes towards people's faces.
2–6 years Balloon breathing
Fill your tummy like a balloon and slowly let it out – to calm down.
Details
Step by step Sit comfortably with a hand on your tummy. Breathe in slowly through the nose – the "balloon" fills up. Breathe out gently through the mouth – the "balloon" empties. Repeat 5 times, then ask how your child feels. May help develop Managing emotions Calming down Body awareness
3–6 years Whisper game
Whisper a word into each other's ear – a quiet game that needs attention.
Details
Step by step Whisper a word into your child's ear. They whisper it to the next person or a toy. The last one says it aloud – did it change? Let your child choose a word too. May help develop Careful listening Taking turns Calming down
2–5 years Sleepy bears
Everyone becomes a "sleepy bear" and you gently wake them up.
Details
Step by step Your child lies down with eyes closed – a bear hibernating. Say softly: "The bears are sleeping, breathing slowly..." After 30 seconds say: "Spring is here!" – the bear wakes slowly and stretches. Repeat a few times. May help develop Relaxation Self-control Attention
3–6 years Saying hello game
Practise greetings, thank-yous and apologies with toys or family.
Details
Step by step Act out short scenes: going into a shop, guests arriving, meeting a friend at kindergarten. Take turns playing roles: "Hello, what's your name?" Use "please", "thank you" and "sorry". Praise your child after each scene. May help develop Social skills Politeness Self-confidence
3–6 years Toy theatre
Put on a short show with toys – about friendship and sharing.
Details
You will need 2–4 toys A sofa or table as a "stage" Step by step Choose toys and give them names. Suggest a simple plot: "Bear lost his ball and friends help." Your child speaks in the toys' voices. At the end ask: "How did the friends feel?" May help develop Empathy Language Imagination
2–6 years Little gardener
Your child waters the house plants or garden plants on their own.
Details
You will need A small watering can or cup of water Step by step Pour a little water so it's easy to carry. Check together which plants are thirsty (touch the soil). Your child gives each plant a little water. Pick a weekly "gardener day". May help develop Responsibility Fine motor skills Caring for nature
Safety: Some house plants are toxic – no leaves in the mouth.
4–6 years Folding clothes
Your child learns to fold their own T-shirts and trousers the simple way.
Details
You will need 3–4 of your child's clothes Step by step Lay a T-shirt flat on the table. Fold the sleeves to the middle, then fold it in half from the bottom up. Your child repeats the same steps. Put the folded clothes away together. May help develop Independence Sequencing Fine motor skills
3–6 years Setting the table
Before a meal, your child sets out plates, spoons and napkins.
Details
You will need Unbreakable plates Spoons and forks Napkins Step by step Count together how many people will eat. Your child puts a plate at each place. Then a spoon, fork and napkin next to it. After the meal, they carry their own plate to the kitchen. May help develop Independence Counting Helping at home
Safety: Keep knives and glass away from your child.
4–6 years Buttons and zips practice
Your child practises doing up buttons and zips on shirts and jackets.
Details
You will need A shirt with big buttons A jacket with a zip Step by step Start with the clothes on the table – it's easier. Push a button halfway through, your child pulls it the rest. Start the zip together, your child pulls it up. Then practise while wearing them. May help develop Dressing independently Fine motor skills Patience
3–6 years Simon says
Only move when you hear "Simon says" – an attention and movement game.
Details
Step by step Say: "Simon says – hands up!" – your child raises their hands. Sometimes give a command without it: "Jump!" Then your child must stay still. If they slip up, laugh and start again; then let your child give commands. May help develop Attention Self-control Coordination
4–6 years Stand like a stork
Stand on one leg and count the seconds – try to beat your record.
Details
Step by step Lift one leg like a stork, arms out to the sides. Count aloud together – who can stand longer? Switch legs. Make it harder: eyes closed or holding your nose. May help develop Balance Attention Counting
Safety: Make sure there are no sharp corners nearby.
3–6 years Shadow tag
On a sunny day, try to step on each other's shadows.
Details
Step by step Choose a sunny, open space. Look at your shadows: "Where is your shadow?" Take turns trying to step on each other's shadow. Then "dance" with your shadow – what does it do? May help develop Running and agility Observation Understanding shadows
Safety: Play somewhere safe away from cars; wear a hat in the heat.
4–6 years Mini relay
Set up a little course in the park: run, jump, touch a tree, come back.
Details
Step by step Choose a start and finish. Plan the course together: run 5 steps, jump 3 times, touch a tree. Your child does the course while you count the seconds. Try again – can they beat their time? May help develop Running Remembering a sequence Persistence
Safety: Make sure the ground is flat and clear.
4–6 years Hopscotch
Draw a hopscotch grid in chalk and hop on one and two feet.
Details
You will need Step by step Draw squares numbered 1 to 8 in chalk. Throw the stone into square 1. Hop over it: one foot on single squares, two feet on pairs. Pick up the stone on the way back; next time throw it to square 2. May help develop Balance Numbers Coordination
Safety: Play where no cars pass.
2–6 years Keep the balloon up
Tap a balloon to keep it in the air – don't let it touch the floor.
Details
You will need Step by step Blow up and tie a balloon. Take turns tapping it upwards. Try to keep it off the floor and count the taps. Make it harder: left hand only or head only. May help develop Coordination Reaction Counting
Safety: Play only with an adult watching; pick up burst balloon pieces right away – they are a choking hazard.
Trace the shadow
Place a toy against the sun or a lamp and trace its shadow on paper.
Details
You will need Paper A pencil A few toys (figures, animals) A sunny spot or desk lamp Step by step Put the paper on the floor or table with the toy beside it. Watch the shadow fall on the paper. Your child traces the outline of the shadow with a pencil. Colour it in to make the toy’s “portrait”. May help develop Observation Hand–eye coordination Creativity
Safety: Watch that the lamp doesn’t get hot, and don’t let your child look straight at the sun.
2–5 years Animal walks
Hop like a bunny, walk like a bear, slither like a snake – which animal is who?
Details
Step by step Say an animal’s name and move like it. Your child copies you, then picks an animal. Change the speed: “slow tortoise”, “fast rabbit”. Finish by lying down to rest like a “tired cat”. May help develop Gross motor skills Balance Imagination
Safety: Choose a space without sharp corners or slippery floors.
3–6 years Pillow obstacle course
Build a mini obstacle course with cushions, a blanket and chairs: step over, crawl under.
Details
You will need Sofa cushions A blanket 1–2 sturdy chairs Step by step Lay cushions on the floor as “stepping stones”. Drape the blanket over chairs to make a “tunnel”. Go through the course together: cushion steps, then the tunnel. Let your child change the route and lead you. May help develop Balance Body coordination Planning
Safety: On slippery floors put a rug under the cushions, and keep clear of furniture corners.
2–6 years Freeze dance
Dance while the music plays and freeze like a statue when it stops.
Details
You will need Step by step Put on cheerful music and dance together. Stop the music suddenly – everyone freezes. Whoever moves does a funny move. Let your child be in charge of stopping the music. May help develop Self-control Attention Movement
3–6 years Basket toss
Use a box or basket as a target and try to throw a ball or rolled-up socks into it.
Details
You will need A box or basket A soft ball or rolled-up socks Step by step Place the box 1–2 steps away. Take turns throwing the ball into the box. As it gets easier, step back or try throwing on one leg. Count the hits together. May help develop Aiming Hand–eye coordination Counting
Safety: Don’t use hard balls indoors.
3–6 years Feelings faces
Draw happy, sad, angry and scared faces and talk about each one.
Details
You will need Step by step Draw four circles and a different face in each. Ask: “How does this child feel? Why might that be?” Make the same faces together in front of a mirror. Ask your child to show which feeling they had today. May help develop Recognising and naming feelings Empathy Speech
3–5 years Teddy doctor
Take care of a “poorly” teddy: listen, put on a bandage, comfort it.
Details
You will need Soft toys A cloth or piece of bandage A toy doctor’s kit (optional) Step by step Say that teddy “hurts” and ask your child to help. “Examine” teddy together: listen to its breathing, check its temperature. Put on a bandage, give “medicine”, tuck teddy into bed. Ask: “What else can we do so teddy feels better?” May help develop Caring for others Empathy Role play
Safety: Never play with real medicines or medical tools.
4–6 years Friendship drawing
Your child draws a friend or family member, then you talk about how to make them happy.
Details
You will need Step by step Ask: “Who would you like to draw?” While drawing, ask what makes that person special. Write one sentence your child says under the picture. Give the drawing to that person as a gift. May help develop Social connection Expressing feelings Creativity
3–6 years Little chef
Your child washes vegetables, slices a banana with a child-safe knife and arranges a plate.
Details
You will need Vegetables and fruit A plastic or child-safe knife A plate and bowl Step by step Wash hands together and put on aprons. Your child washes the vegetables in a bowl. They slice soft foods like banana or cucumber with the child knife. Arrange a “smiley face” on the plate and serve it to the family. May help develop Independence Doing tasks in order Fine motor skills
Safety: Keep the hob, hot water and sharp knives out of reach, and never leave your child alone in the kitchen.
2–5 years Toy tidy-up
Make tidying a game: cars to the garage, dolls home, blocks in the box!
Details
You will need Step by step Put a picture or label on each box: cars, dolls, blocks. Set a timer: “Let’s tidy up before the song ends!” Your child carries toys to the right box. At the end, enjoy the tidy room together. May help develop Responsibility Sorting Everyday habits
4–6 years Morning routine cards
Draw morning steps (wash, get dressed, breakfast) on cards and put them in order.
Details
You will need Paper or card Crayons Child-safe scissors Step by step List together what you do in the morning. Draw each step as a simple picture on its own card. Stick the cards in order on a wall or door. Each morning, your child flips a card when a step is done. May help develop Sequencing Independence Sense of time
Safety: Use scissors only with adult supervision.
3–6 years Nature treasure hunt
Look for “treasures” from a list in the park: a round stone, a yellow leaf, a long stick…
Details
You will need A small bag or basket A picture list (optional) Step by step Before the walk, say or draw 5 things to find. Search together in the park and tick off each find. Compare the treasures: which is bigger, which is lighter? At home, count and arrange your treasures. May help develop Observation Comparing Counting
Safety: Don’t touch broken glass, rubbish or unknown plants, and wash hands afterwards.
