Encourage imagination with these pretend play ideas for kids!
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Pretend play is incredibly beneficial in so many areas of social and intellectual development as well. You can learn more about the benefits of pretend play in these great articles from Scholastic and Parents. Pretend play does not need to cost a lot, as children can turn a cardboard box or a sheet draped over a table into a whole new world.
Be inspired by these amazing ideas for dramatic and pretend play - just click on each link to see the full post.
Dramatic Play Set Ups
DIY Magic Show Table
Dog Eye Doctor
Pet Grooming Salon
Grocery Store Dramatic Play from Busy Toddler
Doctor Pretend Play with Free Printables from Craftulate
Pretend Play Garden and Farm Stand from Pre-K Pages
Dramatic Play Animal Shelter from Pre-K Pages
Library Dramatic Play from Growing Book by Book
Airport from Play to Learn Preschool
Flower Shop from Play to Learn Preschool
Post Office Play with Printables from Picklebums
Post Office Center from Buggy and Buddy
Cardboard Post Office from Kitchen Floor Crafts
Candy Store Pretend Play from Toddler Approved
Pretend Play Toy Store from Toddler Approved
Pretend Play Hospital from Little Worlds
Pretend Play Veterinary Center from Little Bins for Little Hands
Cardboard Box Grocery Center from Little Bins for Little Hands
Pretend Play Dog Park from A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Homemade Grocery Store from A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Learning While Pretending from Dabbling Momma
Costumes and Props
No Sew Super Hero Cape
Puppy Dog Pals Inspired Collars
Master Lego Builder Costume from The Umbrella Tree Cafe
DIY Costumes from The Umbrella Tree Cafe
Design Your Own Play Money from Picklebums
DIY Pirate Hat from Sand In My Toes
How Kids Can Play Doctor from What's Up Fagans
Felt Doctor Kit Play from Toddler Approved
Baby Doll Pretend Play from A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Doll Camp Fire from There's Just One Mommy
Make Your Own Trolls Hair Headband from Wunder Mom
Pretend Food Play
Salt Dough Play Food from Kitchen Floor Crafts
Homemade Menu from Kitchen Floor Crafts
Ice Cream Shop from Crafty Moms Share
Cookie Shop from Play to Learn Preschool
Restaurant from Play to Learn Preschool
DIY Donut Shop from Munchkins and Moms
Thanksgiving Feast Pretend Play from Toddler Approved
Tea Party Dramatic Play from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
Five Currant Buns Imaginative Play from Messy Little Monster
Easy No Sew Felt Cake from Pre-K Pages
Dramatic Play Pizza Center from Pre-K Pages
Free Printable Groceries for Pretend Play from Moms and Crafters
Outdoor Play
Make a Backyard Pumpkin Patch
Picnic Pretend Play from Fun With Mama
Outdoor Library Play from Toddler Approved
Outdoor Dress Up Center from Squiggles and Bubbles
Fairy Play from Squiggles and Bubbles
DIY Backyard Explorer Kit from A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Outdoor Cafe from Teach Preschool
Mud Kitchen Food from Munchkins and Moms
Favorite Pretend Play Toys
Play Kitchen and Food: We love our play kitchen because it is compact and fits in the corner of our playroom. If I had more space and a bigger budget I would love to have a wooden kitchen. A good supply of play food is a must, and I add in our outgrown baby spoons, cups, and mismatched plastic containers too.
Play House: Our play house is one of my absolute favorites. Ours is in the backyard and my boys spend hours in there. Definitely worth the investment.
Shopping Play Supplies: Shopping cart and cash register. Perfect for store dramatic play!
Costumes & Dress Up: If you can't or don't want to DIY, I love Melissa and Doug costumes. So many great choices for role play. You can also raid your own closet or your local thrift store for great pieces.
Doctor Kit: We love our pretend veterinarian kit and it can do double duty for pretend people doctors too.
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