20 Ways To Encourage Imaginative and Creative Play in Kids
Imaginative and creative play in kids is a skill worth encouraging from an early age. Never before have there been so many simple and effect ways to engage kids in forms of play that build skills and character.
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Benefits of Imaginative and Creative Play
There are many compelling reasons to encourage imaginative and creative play in kids. These may include:
- stress and anxiety relief
- increased self-regulation
- increased storytelling skills
- more creativity and innovation
- increased problem-solving skills
- social and emotional development
- language and communication skills
- Increased motor-skills development
- increased curiosity, exploration, and experimentation
- improvement with cognitive and critical thinking skills
Given the benefits associated with imaginative and creative play, now is a good time to incorporate more of these simple activities into your daily routine.
20 Simple Imaginative and Creative Play Activities
Looking for a way to get started? Check out these fun and simple ideas:
1
Books
“That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement and high ACT scores is reading to children. Not flash cards, not workbooks, not fancy preschools, not blinking toys or computers, but mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books.”~ Unknown
Whether reading aloud to your child, or letting them engage with books on their own, books offer an endless array of activities for kids.
Babies and toddlers enjoy picture books, with their bright and bold images. Board books are especially ideal for this age, to prevent torn pages. Here are a few favorites:
More Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
Young children enjoy simple, short stories with engaging images. My young children enjoyed hearing the humorous and character-building stories found in the In Grandma’s Attic Series. As they get older, children are often drawn to reading the Boxcar Children Series, with its suspenseful storylines and occasional illustration.
Family read-alouds and storytelling bring families together in ways that deepen familial bonds and increase a love for books and reading. Whether it’s the father making up bedtime stories for his children each night, or the mother reading from the pages of a classic book, such as Little House On The Prairie, reading together as a family is a time-proven activity that creates lasting memories.
2
Bake Cookies
Baking cookies is always a favorite activity, especially when the child dons a fun apron and chef’s hat. Whether baking sugar, chocolate chip, or gingerbread cookies, the results are bound to be delicious. Memories made in the kitchen are truly priceless!
Baking Essentials
Baking and Fractions Project Kit
3
Board Games
Board games offer hours of instant entertainment. Throw in a bit of strategy and creativity and you have the recipe for non-stop fun. Games like Memory, Candy Land, Sorry, and Scrabble have been family-favorites for generations.
Newer games like Catan and Tapple are quickly becoming new favorites:
More Game Ideas
- Uzzle – Block Puzzle Games
- 7 Wonders – Stragegy Game
- WildCraft – An Herbal Adventure
- Continent Race – Geography Game
- Chess Set – Magnetic Wooden Chess Board
- Telestrations – The Telephone Game Sketched Out
- HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game
- Ticket to Ride Rails & Sails Board Game – Train Route-Building Strategy Game
Shop our Gift Guide!
- Hobby-Related Gifts
- Survival and Preparedness
- Movies and Books
- Arts and Crafts
- Toys and Games
- Sporting Gear
- Seasonal Gifts
- Birthday Gifts
- Stocking Stuffers
4
Build Forts
Blanket forts. Outdoor forts. Store-bought forts. Most of us have memories of building one type of fort or another. Give your child the same memories. Check out these awesome fort ideas on Pinterest:
Creative homemade fort ideas for kids
5
Building Blocks
Who doesn’t love stacking blocks as high as you can reach? Or creating a unique design out of simple colored shapes? From basic wooden blocks to magnetic tile blocks, these ideas have you covered:
More Block Ideas
- Letter and Number Blocks Ages 2+
- Lego Friends Heartlake City Organic Cafe >> Amazon
- Lego City Tow Truck and Sports Car >> Heavy-Duty Tow Truck with Crane
- Discovery Kids 50-Piece 3D Magnetic Tile Set in 6 Colors, Construction Building Block Creativity Kit
More Building Gift Options
Homeschool Gift Guide
For all your homeschool gift-giving needs!
6
Crafts
“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” Albert Einstein
“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” Pablo Picasso
“Making something with your hands is one of the most satisfying things you can do.” – Unknown
If we want our kids to have happy, productive lives, we must allow more time for play, not less.
peter grey
Glycerin Soap Project
More Craft Inspiration
- Arts & Craft Vault: Ages 4-12
- Nature Projects for Kids: Pinterest
- Modern Arts and Crafts Kit: Ages 8+
- Build-A-House Craft Project: Tutorial
7
Decorate for Holidays and Seasons
The holidays and seasons are times to celebrate with food and decorations. Why not let the kids help?
- Easter Inspiration for Christians: Pinterest
- Holiday Decorations Kids Can Make: Pinterest
- How To Create A Resurrection Garden: Easter Tutorial
- 40 Festive Christmas Crafts for Kids to Make: Tutorials
“Play is often talked about as if it were relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. ”
fred rogers
8
Dress Up
Boys and girls alike enjoy playing dress up. Use clothing and accessory items that you already have on hand, or stock up on items for the future:
![Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk Deluxe 21 Piece Officially Licensed [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51V47QiXWgL._SL160_.jpg)
- Costume Organizer For your organizational needs
- Princess Dress Up Clothes The perfect princess costumes!
- Boys 11-Piece Dress Up Costume Set Lots of costume options for boys!
- TRISH SCULLY Dress Up Costumes for Kids (website)
9
Learning Games
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson, Ph.D., play researcher
33 Master Artists Activity Pak–So Fun! CLICK HERE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
10
Mud Pies
Playing in the mud is a given during childhood. Elevate the fun with a mud kitchen:
- Check out this Mud Kitchen DIY. A super fun project!
- Mud Kitchen Inspiration: Pinterest
“Children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, sticks and tadpoles.” – Brook Hampton
Water and Sand Sensory Table
11
Musical Instruments
My children and I are taking a historical music course and are learning about Renaissance Period music. Some time ago, I found myself sitting in a room where a harpsichord was being played.
The sound was absolutely mesmerizing. My “spirit’s harp” must have been in tune, because the music truly resonated with my spirit.
After reading the following deeply profound thoughts shared by C.E. Sargent, my relationship with music will never be the same:
“We always hear music at second hand, just as we see beauty. Hence it has been said that ‘beauty is in the eye of the gazer, and music is in the ear of the listener.’
There is philosophy in this saying, for all the music that we hear is that which the soul itself produces when it responds to the myriad voices from without. These sounds and voices from nature, God’s great orchestra, must be reproduced by the soul’s response before they can become music to us. It is not the music without that we hear, but the spirit’s imitation of it.
The secret of human joy, then, is to keep the spirit’s harp in tune.” ~ C.E. Sargent
The following music-themed books are based a true WWII story and are truly inspiring. Highly recommended!
Hold Onto Your Music: The Inspiring True Story of the Children of Willesden Lane (Children’s book)
The Children of Willesden Lane: A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II (Adolescent and adult book)
Children love to make music. Allow them to use items around the house to create their own musical instruments, invest in music lessons, or collect instruments to be used at home:
“I always loved music; whoso has skill in this art is of good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skill in music, or I would not regard him.“
Martin Luther
12
Nature Walks
The book Henry Builds A Cabin is a child’s story about the adventures Henry David Thoreau had while building his cabin in the woods. After reading the book to a group of children, I asked how many of them enjoy spending time in nature:
“Do you like to eat dinner outside by the garden like Henry?“
“Do you like to read books outdoors like Henry?“
“Wouldn’t it be so fun to dance down by the pond like Henry?“
Heads began to nod and hands flew into the air as the children began recounting the fun memories they’d had spending time in the great outdoors: eating, reading, and playing.
That weekend, reflecting on the conversation my students and I had had about spending as much time as possible outdoors, I made the spontaneous decision to eat my lunch in the backyard by the garden, and to read a book out on the grass, with the sun shining down on me. I even did a few twirls on the lawn in celebration of the beautiful weather.
Henry Builds A Cabin reminded me of Thoreau’s inspiring experiences with nature and, after a weekend of my own spent in the great outdoors, I’m grateful for that.
Christianity vs. Transcendentalism
Curious how Christianity compares to the transcendentalism of author Henry David Thoreau? Then you won’t want to miss this post.
13
Outdoor Activities
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir
- Bike ride
- Hopscotch
- Climb a tree
- Have a picnic
- Go stargazing
- Bird watching
- Build a birdhouse
- Bug collecting
- Baseball game
- Plant a garden
- Play in the water
- Lie in a hammock
- Build a fairy house
- Read a book in the garden
- Catch butterflies in a butterfly net
“Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play.”– Penny Whitehouse
14
Play Kitchen
Your little chefs and bakers can let their imaginations run wild in their own play kitchen. Ofttimes a child’s favorite kitchen is created with their imagination using items you already own around the house. If you need more ideas, check out these suggestions:
15
Picnic
Whether you spread a blanket on the ground, or spread a tablecloth on a park bench, having a picnic just might be the highlight of your day.
Family Picnic Finds
- LITTLE TYKES PICNIC TABLE: Sturdy picnic table
- WILLOW PICNIC BASKET SET: Insulated cooler bag
- BACKPACK PICNIC SET: Insulated cooler in this handy backpack
- EXTRA LARGE PICNIC BLANKET: Perfect size for the whole family!
16
Puppet Shows
Few activities spark the imagination of a child like that of a puppet show. Let them bring their stories to life with puppets in a theater. Whether the theater is homemade, with sheets and boxes and paper and glue, or purchased from the store, puppet theaters bring hours of fun:
17
Puzzles
Pegged puzzles. Jumbo Puzzles. Easy puzzles. Challenging puzzles. Unique puzzles. The options are endless:
- Dinosaur Puzzle: Ages 3-5
- Sea Turtle Jigsaw Puzzle
- Six Premium Toddler Puzzles with Rack
- Mudpuppy Happy Plants Puzzle: Age 8+
- Barn-Shaped Jumbo Puzzle: (32 pcs, 2 x 3 feet)
- Nature-Themed Pegged Wooden Puzzles: Ages 1-3
18
Stations
Stations for kids provide an element of fun that is not found in traditional learning. Adding a bit of mystery to the stations only increases the fun. In our family, we call this activity “Mystery Stations”.
Mystery Stations require minimal preparation and create lasting memories. You can learn the five simple steps for creating Mystery Stations HERE.
19
Tea Party
Whether you incorporate stories or poetry, tea or juice, Tea Parties are perfect for almost any occasion—or no occasion at all. Consider preparing a tea party for your little ones, or allow them to create their own:
- Jewelkeeper Tea Set for Little Girls
- Stainless Steel Pretend Tea Party Set
- Tea Party Inspiration for Kids: Pinterest
- Children’s Tea Party Ideas in 5 Easy Steps (Inspiration)
20
Wooden Train Tracks
Wooden train sets ignite the imagination of boys and girls everywhere for hours of year-round fun.
More Play Resources
Discover additional playtime resources by clicking this image:
Conclusion
When my oldest child was four, our family made the decision to get rid of all battery-operated and electronic toys. We also got rid of our screens, including television. Today, with a dozen photo albums filled with priceless family memories, I’m reminded that getting rid of our electronic toys and television fifteen years ago was one of the best decisions our family ever made.
Encourage imaginative and creative play in your children and you will reap the rewards for years to come.
