Fun things to do with children - Activities for children 1-12 years
Are you looking for activities for children that are both fun and challenging? Here we have collected lots of tips on fun things to do with children, whether you are a parent or nanny. Our list is widely used by our babysitters and is full of ideas to stimulate children's motor skills, creativity and imagination.
Do you also want to know more about child development? Read more here!
Activities for children 1-2 years
Young children learn through play and repetition. Here are some simple and fun activities that develop their motor skills and language:
🟣 Singing movement songs - For example Head, shoulders, knee and toe or Imse vimse spindle.
🟣 Reading simple books - Point to pictures and talk about them.
🟣 Building towers of bricks - Helps the child understand turn-taking.
🟣 Mimic adults - Play shop, restaurant or pretend to cook.
🟣 Painting and crafting - Colour toilet rolls or build a house out of a shoebox.
🟣 Visiting a playground - Perfect for motor skills training and running around.
Fun things to do with children 2-3 years old
At this age, imagination games and simple tasks are exciting!
🟣Dressing up and playing role play - For example, in the case of mum, dad, child.
🟣 Using cuddly toys in theatre - Fun and developmental for the language.
🟣 Letting the child help at home - Wipe the table, sweep the floor.
🟣 Sorting things by colour and shape - Toys, blocks, pencils.
🟣 Painting and creating - With marker, crayons or play dough.
🟣 Playing in the sandbox and swinging - Outdoor play stimulates motor skills.
Activities for children aged 3-4
Children at this age are full of energy and curiosity!
🟣 Puzzles and memory - Strengthens concentration and memory.
🟣 Trolley - Play doctor, cook, take care of dolls.
🟣 Dance and music - Let your child choose their favourite songs!
🟣 Tell us about your day - Ask questions like What was the most fun today?
🟣 Learn about colours and letters - "What letter does Monkey start with?"
🟣 Run obstacle course and play tag - Exercises both balance and fitness.
🟣 Draw your favourite superhero - Imagination and creativity in focus.
Activities for children aged 4-5
Children are becoming increasingly independent, but still love to play!
🟣 Give small assignments - Fetch a fruit, put away their toys.
🟣 Sorting everyday objects - Toys, cutlery, clothes.
🟣 Game "Guess what" - Put up objects and let the child figure out functions.
🟣 Visit libraries and museums - Discover new worlds through books and history.
🟣 Run obstacle course and play ball games - Good for motor skills.
🟣 Playgrounds are still a hit - But give the child space to play independently.
Fun things to do with children aged 5-6
Children at this age start to show interest in numbers, letters and stories.
🟣 Tell your own stories - Let your child imagine their own endings.
🟣 Write a fairy tale together - A fun way to practise storytelling.
🟣 Practising on the clock - Paint or build your own clock.
🟣 Counting everyday things - "If I have 5 raisins and eat 2, how many do I have left?"
🟣 Reading books and explaining new words - Helps language development.
🟣 Play ball or have fun in the playground - Movement is important!
🟣 Try a sport together - Find your child's favourite activity.
Activities for children aged 6-7
Now the child is becoming more independent but still enjoys socialising.
🟣 Play board games - Educational and fun, but be prepared for the child to want to change the rules!
🟣 Discover nature - Look for cones, insects or pick flowers.
🟣 Visit the library - The desire to read grows at this age.
🟣 Be creative at home - Plant flowers or bake together.
🟣 Practising sports - Customise according to the child's interest.
🟣 Draw and paint - Have your child draw a picture of something they like, such as their favourite film.
🟣 Encourage your own reading - If the child shows interest.
Fun activities for children 8-9 years old
This is when friends become more important and children start to develop their own interests.
🟣 Ask questions about your friends - Show interest in the child's social life.
🟣 Let your child help out at home - Cleaning the room, cooking.
🟣 Play board games - Stimulates logical thinking.
🟣 Let the child show their skills - Maybe in sports or cooking?
🟣 Find interest-based activities - Space, animals, art? Adapt games to your child's curiosity.
🟣 Encourage hobbies - Music, sports, programming or something else the child is passionate about.
Fun things to do with children 10-12 years old
The child is learning to be independent but still needs support.
🟣 Encourage the child's style and interests - Clothes, hairstyles, music.
🟣 Watch an educational TV series together - Perfect for fun discussions.
🟣 Exercise together - Sport or another physical activity.
🟣 Help your child deal with stress - School and activities can be overwhelming.
🟣 Play board games together - Fun and sociable.
🟣 Creative activities - Drawing, baking, cooking.
🟣 Let the child help with siblings - But without taking full responsibility.
