How to Play Pretend

Playing pretend is something so simple that it only takes your imagination. But if you're struggling for inspiration to make play fun, set up a play space. Let your child explore their surroundings or engage in imaginary play with them. Sometimes all your child needs are a few fun toys or the encouragement to just be silly.

EditSteps

EditEncouraging Pretend Play

Follow along with your child's storytelling. Let your child guide the action and be the one that's in charge. Remember that pretend play doesn't have to make sense or be realistic. Instead of asking the kid too many questions or overwhelming them with ideas, say "yes" when they think of something they want to play.
- For example, if your kid wants to play underwater astronauts, don't discourage them or ask them if they mean scuba divers.
Initiate pretend play by suggesting a scenario. You don't have to wait for your child to start imaginary play. For example, if you've just arranged couch cushions all over the floor, call your child over. Say, "Let's pretend the floor is covered with lava and we can only step on the cushions to get to the boat (the couch)."
- For a simpler way to start play, tell them what you'd like to play and ask them how you should begin. You could say, "Let's pretend we're making a movie! Where should we play? What do we need?"
Make up imaginary scenarios during active play. If your child is bored or feeling stuck inside the house, get them outside and think of a silly, funny, or scary scenario to play. For example, go in the yard and run around as though a giant or monster is chasing you. Have your child hide while you seek. To give your child some control, tell them to chase you!
- To make hide and seek more entertaining, tell your child to pretend that they're a mouse hiding from a big cat.
Give your child an imaginary task to do. If your imaginary play scenario is running out of steam and your child is getting bored, think of fun ways to involve them in playing pretend. Some play scenarios include:^[1]
- Giving them the tools to plant an imaginary garden
- Asking them to make you a pretend meal
- Directing them to build a fire in your fort or couch castle

EditCreating a Play Space

Build a fort. Decide if you'd like to make an indoor or outdoor play fort. It's easy to make a temporary play fort by draping sheets or blankets over chairs and tables. Fill the fort with cushions, blankets, flashlights, and stories. Imagine you're both inside a frosty igloo or deep in a dark cave.^[2]
- You can also stack up cardboard boxes or large play blocks to make a fort or castle.
- Outdoor play forts can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Make one out of snow, leaves, or wooden boards.
Use your couch as a play base. Remove the large cushions from the couch and prop them up around the couch. Arrange them to make an obstacle course or drape a blanket over the cushions to create a couch fort. You can also stack the cushions to create towers for a castle. Pretend that the base is surrounded by a moat or beasts that you and your child have to get past.^[3]
- Consider using the couch as a base when you're playing chase or tag.
Set up canopies or tents to make a simple play space. Pop-up play tents or canopies over the bed can develop your child's imagination. Encourage your child to use the space for whatever they want to play. Your child might pretend they're on a boat with a canopy of stars above them or they might imagine they're inside a tent camping on the side of a snowy mountain.^[4]
- Buy or create your own circular canopy by draping fabric over a hula hoop. Suspend the hula hoop from the ceiling to make a fun play space.
- To make a quick tent, lay a large sheet over a basic wooden frame or chair.
Create a play corner. Designate a corner of your child's bedroom or the living room to be a fun play space. Choose a theme for the space and fill it with toys or comfy items. For example, fill the corner with stuffed animals to create a small zoo. You could also hang fairies to make a fantasy setting.^[5]
- Play corners are great play spaces since they don't have to be in the center of the room and your child can always access it.

EditFacilitating Play with Toys

Put out blocks, legos, and dress up clothes. In addition to your child's usual toys, set out material for them to build and express themselves. Large cardboard stacking blocks are easy for younger children to use, while legos are better for older children. For kids that enjoy creating a character to be, set out dress up clothes. They can dress up and then play in their cardboard block fort.^[6]
- Thrift-store finds, clothes you've outgrown, and old costume clothing make great dress up clothes. Include hats, accessories, and play shoes.
Fill a toy box with stuffed animals, dolls, trucks, and action figures. Offer your child a variety of toys regardless of their gender. You'll find that kids enjoy having a variety of toys to play with. Instead of keeping the types of toys separate, let your child mix them up if they want to.^[7]
- For example, your child may set up a village of action figures and have a large stuffed bear be the king.
Get out a dollhouse. Set out a dollhouse with miniature furniture, decorations, and figurines. Remember that you don't have to limit your child's play to dolls. You can set out action figures, stuffed toys, and figurines in the dollhouse.
- If you don't have a dollhouse, fill a bookshelf or shoebox with the figurines and accessories.
Give your child packing supplies. You've probably seen a child open a gift only to spend more time playing with the box it came in. Save boxes, sheets of bubble wrap, and ribbons to let your child play with.^[8]
- Ensure that there aren't any sharp stables or small parts that a child could choke on.
Raid your kitchen for play toys. Consider designating a drawer in your kitchen full of kid-safe items. Let your child reach for these toys to play with on their own or lay out a towel and scatter the items on it. Kitchen items that kids love to play with include:^[9]
- Lids
- Measuring cups
- Spoons
- Pots they can bang
- Oven mitts and aprons