Preschool Play
Preschool Play
What can I do to help encourage play in my child?
Each child is different and may enjoy different toys and activities. But the following are ideas that may work for your preschooler.
What preschoolers like to do
Keep in mind that a preschooler likes:
Space in which to run and explore
Simple sports and other activities
What you can do as a parent
Read to your child.
Take trips to the park, beach, and other places.
Encourage play with other children.
Limit your child's TV access. This means TV no more than 1 to 2 hours per day (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics).
Toys for your preschooler
A preschooler will enjoy:
Slides
Seesaws
Toys that can be ridden
A small, supervised pool
Wagons and wheelbarrows
Skates or scooters, if you keep a close eye while your child uses them
Dolls
Playhouses
Trucks, cars, and airplanes
Clothes to use to play dress-up
Healthcare provider play equipment
Nails, hammer, and saw
Play makeup and shaving supplies
Books
Puzzles
Toys that play music
Art supplies
Updated:  
February 23, 2018
Sources:  
Prevention of Falls in Children. UpToDate, The Importance of Play in Promoting Health Child Development. Ginsburg K. Pediatrics. 2007;1(119):182-91.
Reviewed By:  
Adler, Liora C., MD,Bass, Pat F. III, MD, MPH,Image Reviewed by Staywell medical art team.