Longer days, changing routines and school breaks often leave parents searching for ways to keep little ones entertained without relying on screens. But it’s the everyday activities like exploring outside, reading books or helping in the kitchen that support healthy development in the early years. Children learn best through play.

Whether you have a baby, toddler or preschooler, these simple screen-free ideas can help keep your child learning, moving and having fun.

DIY learning activities: Creating invitations to play

It’s easy to get “cabin fever” when staying inside, especially with young children. And honestly, sometimes parents need time to do the dishes, answer an email, switch the laundry or prepare dinner. That’s where “invitations to play” can be helpful. 

An invitation to play is just a thoughtfully prepared activity placed within your child’s view that sparks curiosity and encourages independent exploration. Rather than directing the play, you set the stage and allow your child to take the lead. 

It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for their imaginations to follow.

Babies (birth to 12 months) learn by exploring the world through their senses.

DIY activities for babies

• Create a sensory basket with safe household items like a wooden spoon, silicone spatula, soft washcloth and textured ball. Babies can explore different textures, shapes and sounds while building sensory awareness.
• Set up a shallow water tray with floating toys, measuring cups or plastic bowls. Splashing, pouring and reaching help strengthen developing muscles.
• Before the sun gets too bright, spread a blanket somewhere shady and let your baby watch the leaves or grass move in the wind. Point out the sounds and sights as you explore.

Toddlers (1-3 years) are natural explorers who learn through movement and hands-on experiences.

DIY activities for toddlers

• Use sidewalk chalk in the shade to draw roads for toy cars, giant shapes to jump between or a winding trail to follow around the yard.
• Fill a large container with dried beans, scoops and other small toys. Children can dig, pour, sort and create their own imaginative worlds in this sensory bin.
• Create a “car wash” station with a small container of water, a sponge and a few toy vehicles. Toddlers can scrub, rinse and repeat while practicing coordination and focus.

Preschoolers (3-5 years) thrive when play encourages curiosity and imagination.

DIY activities for preschoolers

• Build an obstacle course using couch cushions, pool noodles, buckets and chalk lines. They can hop like frogs, tiptoe across bridges (don’t step in the lava!) and crawl through tunnels.
• Using boxes, containers and stuffed animals, your preschooler can pretend to be a zookeeper and care for the animals. Use a washcloth and hairbrush for the animals’ hygiene or have your preschooler draw “tickets” for you to visit their zoo.
• Set up a pretend restaurant, grocery store or ice cream shop using toys and household items. Imaginative play builds language, problem-solving skills and social understanding.

Learning happens everywhere

When young children are engaged, curious and having fun, they’re building important developmental skills. It can look like playing “I spy” on a car ride or setting up a water sensory station. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or perfect.

As Arizona’s early childhood agency, we know parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why we provide free resources, tools and information to help families support learning and development from birth to age 5. 

From developmental milestones and early learning activities to parenting resources and local programs, families can find support to help children grow, learn and thrive all year long.