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Pretend play is one of the essential preschool activities for children. When I would meet a new student who did not know how to engage in pretend play my heart would sink and immediately I’d run through all my ideas in my head to see which would spark their interest and open the door to a world of limitless possibilities. That is what pretend play is but that isn’t why it’s so important. Kids aren’t just living in what many adults would call a fantasy world, instead most of their play has deep roots in reality, and it offers them a chance to practice social situations, adult roles and even play out fears and anxiety in a safe place.

See why it’s so important?

Still starting this journey can be hard for families so below I have some easy to set up scenarios and easy to make props to serve as launching pads. Don’t make the boundaries too rigid, just use these ideas to set the scene and let your child run with it, you sit back and play along. There is no need for specific goals – just play. Trust me they are learning more than we think they are.

1. Superhero Props & Play
2. Playdough Cupcake Bakery
3. Vet Clinic
4. Laundry Basket Sail Boat
5. Airplane Voyage
6. Princess Wand
7. Pretend Play Elevator
8. Robot Costume
9. Weather Man
10. Pizza Parlor Play
11. Music Stand for Kid Concerts
12. Kitchen Camp Out
13. Cowboy Vest
14. Pretend Play Art Gallery
15. Coffee Shop Play
16. Cereal Box Laptop
17. Fire Truck
18. Restaurant Play
19. Science Lab
20. Bubble Wand Lightsabre
21. Library Play
22. Knight’s Shield
23. Santa’s Workshop – Be An Elf !
24. Grocery Store Play.
25. Post Office Play .

These are just our favorites . Browse through all our Pretend Play Ideas Here.

What does your child like to pretend to be?