St. Louis Children’s Hospital

FONT SIZEDecrease font-size Restore default font-sizes Increase font-size
Bookmark and Share
Preschool Play

Preschool Play

What can I do to help promote play in my child?

Picture of a father teaching his daughter to ride a bike

While all children are different and may enjoy different toys and interactions, the following are suggestions for activities and toys for the preschooler:

  • needs space in which to run and explore
  • swim lessons
  • enjoys 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
  • regulate your child's television watching

Toys for the preschooler:

  • slides
  • seesaws
  • toys that can be ridden
  • small pool
  • wagons and wheelbarrows
  • skates
  • dolls
  • playhouses
  • trucks, cars, and airplanes
  • clothes in which to play dress-up
  • doctor and nurse play equipment
  • nails, hammer, and saw
  • play makeup and shaving supplies
  • books
  • puzzles
  • toys that play music
  • art supplies

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Growth & Development

St. Louis Children's Hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

COPYRIGHT © 2010, ST. LOUIS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Directions | Contact Us | Site Map | Employment | Media | HIPAA | Terms of Use / Privacy

St. Louis Children's Hospital • One Children's Place • St. Louis, MO • 63110 • 314.454.6000