Do your kids have a million stuffed animals like mine? Somehow they just accumulate, don’t they?!
But, here’s the silver lining to all those plush toys . . . stuffed animal mean hours of pretend play. And, pretend play helps them develop social, language, and thinking skills. Win-win!
Get your kids started playing by suggestion a pretend play idea. Here are seven to try. Add in props, suggest play roles, and read theme-related stories.
Pretend Play with Stuffed Animals
Birthday Party
Kids Activities Blog
Kids love their birthdays so why not celebrate all year? “Happy Birthday” to you again and again.
Recently my daughter’s whale has been quite ill. Something my daughter can’t explain but she just knows. Right now Whale is resting in the hospital. I’ll give whale your good wishes.
I wish I had these cute sleeping bags to send to nap time with my kiddos. Sadly, now they’ve outgrown naps. What a fun idea!
Sometimes we visit pet stores just like we’re at a zoo. Cheap fun, slightly odd perhaps. Buy your wish list of pets at your pretend pet store.
Toy Store
No Time for Flashcards
This play is fantastic for practicing numbers and money. We mark everything in cents so my kids can use pennies to buy everything. Have your own penny toy store and see how much money you can make or spend.
Veterinarian
My Small Potatoes
This is my daughter’s favorite thing to pretend. Lots of broken wings and tummy troubles come into her office. Luckily, she has the supplies to take good care of all the animals.
We’ve never played zoo – but I bet my kids would enjoy it. Have your kids played zoo before?
What will your play this weekend? Tell us below!
