TOP 10 PLAY BASED LEARNING IDEAS
Preschool learning activities.
— By Julie Hodos on April 11, 2024; Updated on March 23, 2025.
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Are you seeking play based preschool learning activities that will ignite your child’s imagination and capture their curiosity? Look no further. These ten activities will encourage the most apprehensive learner to explore, create, and engage.
From smashing geodes with hammers to feeding birds to arts and crafts activities I know you and your child will be excited to dive into these activities. Also, if you wish to create a full lesson around each activity you can follow the link provided. On the other hand you can keep the lesson short and sweet by simply reading the suggested book and then doing the activity.
Play based preschool learning activities.
1. Apple Dissection and Stamping
Apples by Gail Gibbons
Firstly, let’s cut open an apple. I know it sounds simple enough. But now, we can investigate what makes up an apple. Once we identify the seeds that will lead us into discussing an apple’s life cycle and how plants grow. Be sure to check out the free printable that includes twelve extension questions to really capture your child’s curiosity.
Then, after you have finished the dissection, use those same apple halves for an art project. Pull out the paint and paintbrushes and demonstrate how stamping works. Consequently, we now have beautiful art to display on our fridge.
2. Pinecone Bird feeders
Birdsong by Audrey Wood
Secondly, you can inspire your child to become an avid birdwatcher by bringing the birds to you. After a nature walk to hunt for pinecones return home to create bird feeders. All you need to pair with the pinecones are peanut butter, seeds, and twine.
After creating the bird feeders, it’s now time to return the pinecones to nature. You can do this in a tree or bush and wait for the feathery friends to come. In short, the craft is super simple and you begin and end in nature. As a result, this is my favorite type of learning opportunity scenario.
3. Dancing Grapes Experiment
A Song of Frutas by Margarita Engle
What is it about grapes bobbing up and down in a glass that is so fascinating to a child? Maybe it’s simply because an inanimate object is moving seemingly on its own. In this learning activity we explore density and buoyancy. I enjoy setting up the control glass with grapes and then showing what we need to add to make those grapes dance as well. Because every grape should get to dance!
4. Play Act the Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
We read about butterfly life cycles and see their diagrams but have you had your child become a caterpillar and then a butterfly? By taking your child step by step through the stages they will take much more away than simply reading a book. And consequently, it will spark your child’s imagination. As a result, they will want to repeat it again and again.
There is more nuance to acting out than simply squirming around on your belly and, after metamorphosis, flapping your wings. Because of this, be sure to check out the activity instructions to learn all the details and use with your child.
5. Send Hearts by Mail
The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
Show family and friends some love while teaching your child about the components of a letter. Your child will learn how an envelope is addressed and mailed out while designing their own unique creation.
This activity is also perfect for making your own valentines and mailing out but we enjoy sharing the love anytime of year.
6. Make a Bird Kite
Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
I enjoy this STEM activity because the materials are simple and as long as your child runs, this kite will fly. There’s no technical expertise when it comes to creating this kite but your child will observe how the wings are folded allowing the air to catch and lift.
It’s also easy to make. A few staples, tape, and string later – we’re ready to fly. To keep the kite aloft they run circles around our house, thoroughly tiring them out. A win, win for everyone.
7. Leaf Rubbing
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Another arts and crafts activity that doesn’t disappoint. Study the design of leaves with nature and crayons. This is a colorful learning activity in the fall and a fun art project anytime. Furthermore it takes practice to glide the crayon across the paper and leaf to obtain the desired affect. But your child will appreciate the challenge if you give them a little guidance and help. To clarify, I have found they love seeing the subtleness of their artwork and creating different patterns and textures on their paper. Best of all, it begins with a nature walk!
8. Dissect Owl Pellets
Owl Pellets to dissect with your child.
The Barn Owls by Tony Johnston
Gross but sanitary, these owl pellets are always a hit. Your child will be fully engaged in carefully tearing apart the pellets to reveal the various bones and intact skulls inside. The fascination with an owl’s diet and digestive system will be just the beginning for your child. Consequently, they will desire to learn more about owls and other nocturnal creatures.
9. Smash Geodes
Volcano Dreams: A Story of Yellowstone by Janet Fox
Volcanoes and lava are extremely fascinating for children. This learning activity gives you and your child the opportunity to explore the beauty that volcanoes produce, in geodes. But what are geodes? You ask. Geodes are rocks that form with a hollow cavity and inside are crystals.
Furthermore, pair these rocks with a hammer and safety glasses and you’ll have an eager learner. And after you’ll have a pretty token to display with your nature collection or simply on a shelf.
10. Frog Dissection
The Tale of Jeremy Fisher by Beatrix Potter
Lastly, but by no means should be saved for last I propose dissecting a frog. This is a wonderful activity to learn about the anatomy of a frog. To clarify, a fake frog is perfect be sure to grab the kit. Also, use under careful adult supervision.
What preschool learning activities will you try with your child?
Let me know in the comments. Whether it’s a part of their scheduled homeschool lesson or spontaneously chosen as an extra activity, my boys and I enjoy these preschool learning activities so much that we do them at least once a year.
More preschool learning activities on the homeschool blog.
