Preschoolers are growing and developing rapidly. They are learning critical thinking and problem solving, along with social skills like teamwork and collaborative play.
This is an age of really rapid growth, and a fun time to engage your 3 or 4 year old in more structured activities. Sensory play, science, arts and crafts and quiet time activities are all great for this age group.
What to look for in Preschool activities:
Because preschoolers are learning pre-academics such as letters, colors, numbers and shapes as well as honing fine and gross motor skills, the activities for this age group are abundant.
However, it’s important to remember that the very best way for children to learn is through play. Therefore, all activities should have an element of playfulness and be open-ended, encouraging imagination, creativity and ownership of the child’s learning.
Pretend play, more intricate play and play with loose parts are now options when moving past the ‘activities for toddlers‘ stage.
Activities for 3 year olds and activities for 4 year olds should be:
- open-ended in nature
- stimulating to the senses
- rooted in play
Activities for Preschoolers
For the purposes of this list, ‘preschooler’ will encompass children from ages 3-4. You will be able to determine at what age your toddler might be able to start engaging in more advanced activities, with greater concentration and more experienced motor skills.
These are activities to do year-round. In addition to these lists, we have holiday and seasonal lists for this age group too! Find them here:
Here is a list of various compilations of activities for this age group. Some include different themes, or are more specific to the ages within this age range.
For 3 year olds:
- Activities for 3 Year Olds
- Bug Activities for Preschoolers
- Preschool Sensory Play
- 10 Inexpensive Busy Bags to Make for Kids
- 3 Rainbow Busy Bags Made from Dollar Tree Foam Sheets
- Free Printable Playdough Mats for Kids
- 3 Little Pigs STEM Challenge
- 20 Bubble Wrap Crafts and Activities for Kids
For 4 Year Olds:
- 10 Fun Play Ideas for 4 Year Olds
- Reading Activities for 4 Year Olds
- Fun Games for 4 Year Olds
- Activities for 4 Year Olds to do at Home
- 4 Year Old Activities
- 65+ Fun Activities for 4 Year Olds
- Free Printable Board Games for Kids
- Free Printable Playdough Mats for Kids
- 20 Bubble Wrap Crafts and Activities for Kids
- 13 Awesome Cat in the Hat Crafts
- 11 Fun Red Fish Blue Fish Crafts & Snacks