Simple Autumn Sensory Play Idea: Pumpkin ‘Soup’ for Toddlers and Preschoolers

an overhead image of the simple autumn sensory 'soup' that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. The blog post contains information on how to set up this sensory play idea

This simple Autumn sensory play idea is just perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It doesn’t require expensive resources to set the activity up – in fact, you can find all of the ‘ingredients’ you need by going on a walk with your children. During the Autumn months, we always find an abundance of nature treasures […]

Autumn Mud Kitchen: 20 Simple Resource Ideas

a cover image for the blog post about Autumn mud kitchen play ideas

The colder weather needn’t be a reason to stop playing outdoors so why not try some Autumn mud kitchen ideas to help prolong play?     Why Is A Mud Kitchen Beneficial? The main benefit is that a mud kitchen will help to encourage authentic play. It’s particularly great for when your children are entering […]

Sunflower Sensory Play: Easy Play Idea for Toddlers and Preschoolers

It’s early September so now is the perfect time for a sunflower sensory play idea. Sunflowers typically bloom between late August and early September. The florists here in Vienna are filled with bouquets of this happy, vibrant flower and we always love the addition they make to our dining room table. Every year, we visit […]

10 Easy Farm Playdough Ideas to try with toddlers & Preschoolers

In this blog post we’ll be exploring 10 Farm playdough ideas to try with your farm-obsessed toddlers and preschoolers. All three of my children went through a phase of being absolutely delighted by anything to do with farms and animals.  For my children, this love was sparked by plenty of farm stay holidays in their […]

Autumn Play Space Tour

Autumn play space tour website cover

Welcome to our Autumn play space tour. Each season, we rotate our toys, books and resources to celebrate the months ahead. It’s a simple way to learn about the seasonal changes in nature at an age appropriate level. Whilst we also do plenty of seasonal activities, our Autumn play space allows the children to explore […]

Autumn Loose Parts Play: 20 Resources to Collect

Autumn loose parts play honestly couldn’t be simpler. You don’t need to go far outside your own front door to find a treasure trove of natural collectables that you can use in play during the Autumn season. As the leaves change colours and the air gets cooler, Autumn provides a magical setting for outdoor play. […]

Pumpkin Cafe! A fun and simple dramatic play idea for Autumn

a boy hands over change at a pumpkin cafe. This is the website header for the post

This pumpkin cafe is the perfect dramatic play idea for Autumn. It requires minimal preparation from you and your children will just love using real pumpkins in their play space. Not only is dramatic play joyful and creative, it’s also brilliant for cognitive development too. According to research more advanced socio-dramatic play emerges from the age of […]

How to Make Lavender Sensory Rice

How to make lavender sensory rice - a cover image for the blog post featuring a tray of lavender sensory rice and a wooden puzzle board

Lavender sensory rice is one of our favourite go-to activities for calmer play. Not only does it smell gorgeous, but it looks pretty too! Now that lavender season is over (late June to mid August, in case you’re wondering), it’s the perfect time to think about using some lavender in your play activities. In our […]

Summer Bucket List: A Free Printable For Toddlers & Preschoolers

a 7 year old boy paddles on an orange kayak during the summer

Summer is the perfect opportunity for children to build up to longer durations of independent play and so for the most part, our Summer rhythm is rather relaxed. The children spend a large amount of their time outdoors, creating their own games and activities as they go. As summer approaches and I see more and […]

Spring Scavenger Hunt: A Simple Nature Printable for Young Children

a young girl inspects the blossoms on an apple tree in spring. There is also a CTA for the free spring scavenger hunt printable

I’m not a fan of themed learning, instead preferring to ‘follow the child’ and adapt a flexible approach to learning. All too often themes can be overdone with the child long since losing interest in topics like ‘People who Help Us’ or ‘Under the Sea.’ With that being said, the one thing we love to […]