Age-Appropriate Activities for Children

Developmentally appropriate activities for infants.

0 - 3 months

• Staring at your face (seriously!)

• Looking at highly contrasted images (i.e. black and white pictures)

• Chatting using high-pitched baby voices

• Spending time on the floor

• Reading

• Tummy Time

4 - 8 months

• Playing peek-a-boo

• Introducing bubbles

• Water play

• Banging blocks together

• Outdoor nature walks

• Reading new picture books

9 - 12 months

As your baby learns to master crawling, standing, and even taking steps, some activities to try include:

• Playing in the grass or on different textured surfaces

• Using the bucket swing on the playground

• Making faces in the mirror

• Tummy time floor play

• Playing with objects

• Enjoying nursery rhymes that include clapping and dancing

Developmentally appropriate activities for Toddlers.

Toddlers (1 - 2 years old)

• Engage in imaginary play such as pretending to put stuffed animals to bed (which can also help prepare toddlers for their own bedtime routine)

• Hands-on activities including water play, board puzzles with knobs

• Practicing putting on hats, socks, and other simple dressing tasks

Developmentally appropriate activities for Preschoolers.

Preschoolers (3 - 4 years old)

• Imaginative play

• Go Fish

• Cooperative play

• Sports

• Dance

• Music