Play is serious business for toddlers — they’re learning to communicate and work together, rather than side by side. These early interactions with peers are the precursor to skill development throughout childhood. Play forges connections between children, teaching them how to share and negotiate, explains pediatrician Regina M. Milteer. While it may be serious business, there’s no reason you can’t incorporate plenty of fun with exciting and entertaining play date themes.
Music theme
Garden or Springtime theme
Springtime heralds in warm weather and the opportunity to take a play date outdoors, so organize a backyard garden-themed picnic for your group of toddlers. You can section off a small area of garden and have the kids plant flowers to care for throughout the spring and summer, or decorate little flower pots or plastic cups and plant flowers to bring home.
If your kiddos are a crafty bunch, make Shere’s blossoming spring trees to take home instead. Made from a tree branch or twig, the tree is stabilized with a ball of modeling clay and decorated with tissue paper flowers. Voilà—beautiful, blossoming trees. When everyone’s stomachs are rumbling, spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch and a spring-themed storybook.
Olympic theme
If you have an energetic little play group, surprise them with a day of Olympic events in the backyard. Start with a simple craft activity to let each kiddo decorate their very own banner (or miniature flag) and then open the Olympic ceremonies with a parade around the yard. Shere’s list of Olympic events for youngsters includes an egg-on-a-spoon race, loudest singer competition, push-car races, balloon badminton and a long-jump contest—with plenty of plush mats or cushions, of course.
When the events are finished, reward each competitor with a handmade medal and an Olympian-worthy snack of fruit circle Olympic rings and star-shaped sandwiches.
