As a fellow parent, I understand the challenge of finding new and exciting activities to keep children entertained. It can be tough! And as they grow up, their interests and preferences can change so quickly! Luckily, 3 year old activities are one of my specialties.
As someone who has always been passionate about teaching, I pursued a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and became a certified teacher. Over six years, I had the privilege of teaching third grade and kindergarten in public schools, and it was during this time that my love for teaching grew even stronger.
Although I left the classroom to focus on being a mom to my first child, my desire to make a difference in young children's lives never faded. In fact, it led me to start a preschool out of my own home, where I've spent the last four years creating my own curriculum.
What drives me in my work is the belief that all parents should have the tools and resources to engage with their children and foster a love for learning. I absolutely love making it easy for parents to create an environment of learning in their home, and help set their little ones on a path to academic success.
Don't worry! Activities for toddlers is my whole business. I create plans that are fun and easy for parents and that kids love! There are many fun and educational activities to keep a 3-year-old engaged for hours. First of all, you could absolutely hit the easy button and order our activity boxes!
So, in this post, I'm excited to share with you 20 of my favorite activities that are perfect for 3-year-olds. Not only are they super entertaining, but they also help promote learning and development.
Here are 20 awesome activities for your 3-year-old: they are fun and educational to try with your child.
1. Sensory play:
Set up a sensory bin with rice, beans, or water beads for your child to explore and play with. This type of play stimulates the senses and enhances fine motor skills. You can make it super easy by grabbing one of our may sensory boxes!
2. Coloring:
Give your child some crayons and coloring books or paper to unleash their creativity. Coloring helps develop hand-eye coordination and encourages creativity.
3. Playdough:
Use playdough to encourage your child’s imagination and fine motor skills. Playdough is a tactile material that enhances sensory development.
4. Puzzles:
Introduce your child to puzzles with larger pieces that are easy to handle. Puzzles help develop problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
5. Hide and seek:
Play a game of hide and seek around the house or backyard. This classic game promotes physical activity and enhances cognitive development.
6. Building blocks:
Use blocks to build towers, bridges, and other structures. Block play enhances spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
7. Obstacle course:
Create an obstacle course with pillows, furniture, and other household items. This type of play promotes physical activity, gross motor development, and problem-solving skills.
8. Puppet show:
Use puppets or stuffed animals to put on a show for your child. This type of play enhances creativity, language development, and socialization skills.
9. Musical instruments:
Let your child explore different musical instruments like drums, shakers, and xylophones. If you don’t have any, make your own using things like pots and pans and wooden spoons. This type of play promotes auditory development, creativity, and enhances fine motor skills.
10. Nature walk:
Take a walk outside to explore nature and collect items like leaves and rocks. This type of play promotes exploration, sensory development, and gross motor skills.
11. Dress-up:
Allow your child to dress up in costumes and pretend to be different characters. This type of play enhances socialization skills, creativity, and language development.
12. Baking:
Help your child bake simple treats like cookies or muffins to teach them about measuring and following instructions. This type of play promotes math skills, following directions, and creativity.
13. Storytime: Read books aloud to your child. Let them read to you if they can. If they can't read yet, encourage them to make up stories with the pictures. This type of play promotes language development, imagination, and creativity.
14. Ball games:
Play simple ball games like catch, rolling the ball, or a game of kick ball. This type of play promotes physical activity, gross motor development, and socialization skills when played with other kids.
15. Water play:
Set up a water table or use a small pool for some water play. This type of play promotes sensory development, creativity, and gross motor skills.
16. Painting:
Use washable paints and let your child create their own masterpiece. This type of play promotes creativity, fine motor development, and sensory development.
17. Play kitchen:
Set up a play kitchen with toy food and utensils for your child to play chef. This type of play promotes imagination, creativity, and socialization skills.
18. Bubble play:
Blow bubbles and let your child pop them or try to catch them. This type of play promotes gross motor development, hand-eye coordination, and sensory development.
19. Scavenger hunt:
Create a scavenger hunt around the house or backyard for your child to find hidden items. This type of play promotes problem-solving skills, gross motor development, and imagination.
20. Playdates:
Organize playdates with other 3-year-year-olds to encourage socialization and playtime. This type of activity promotes socialization skills, language development, and imagination.
They will help them develop important skills and abilities. These benefits will last for years. Plus, you are your child’s first teacher after all. I wrote about it here.
Remember, children learn best through play, so give them plenty of opportunities to explore, create, and imagine. If you don't want to put in much effort, purchase one of our activity boxes. Our boxes have everything done for you.
Bonding with your little one can create memories to cherish forever. I created Learning with Kelsey to provide this opportunity. Go ahead and get started and have some fun!
