10 Fun and Engaging Nursery Activities
The best nursery activities combine learning with play, helping children to develop skills while having fun!
Early years childcare is about more than just looking after children while their parents work. It bridges the introduction of children to socialisation and peer-to-peer play with early learning, skills building, and finding both physical and mental ways of channelling creativity.
Of course, what all of this means is that the average nursery day is packed full of different activities - all of which strive to stimulate or engage another area of development. While activities are selected and engineered to support the children in our care, our child-led ethos enables the children themselves to take control of their day and how it plays out by choosing between different activities that are on offer and available.
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What Type of Activities Are Recommended for Early Childhood?
One of the first questions that parents and guardians have when they first visit a My Ohana nursery revolves around the curriculum - how their child will spend each day at the nursery.
With a balanced approach to learning and play, we believe that the most beneficial activities for early childhood are the ones which combine fun with learning.
It could be using our outdoor spaces to invite discovery or choosing a book at storytime that showcases an underlying message. It could even extend into snack time and lunchtime - both of which offer an opportunity to discuss nutrition and health.
By introducing learning through these indirect routes, we tend to find that messages stick and become more relatable to children. They get to bridge learning with tasks that are hands-on and exciting, fostering both curiosity and development.
And it’s this foundational principle that guides all of our My Ohana nursery activities - including these 10 fun activities for children that we know offer value to their growth and learning.
10 Fun Activities for Children in Nursery
1. Building a Bug Hotel
There’s a reason why bug hotels are so popular. They combine time spent outside with an introduction to the natural world, the concept of different habitats for different creatures, and an appreciation for the smallest animals in our world. This is one of our favourite outdoor activities in a nursery setting, encouraging both teamwork and curiosity.
2. Build a Ball Pit
A ball pit is a great sensory play activity that can be enjoyed year-round. During the winter, it can be set up indoors, while in the summer months, it can be moved outside and even filled with water for an extra splash of fun. This activity introduces colour recognition, counting, and encourages children to be brave as they dive in!
3. Baking
Baking is a fantastic hands-on childcare activity that engages multiple senses. At My Ohana, we recently took inspiration from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, baking delicious fruit crumbles based on the story. This not only brought the book to life but also allowed children to explore textures, tastes, and measurements while creating a tasty snack.
4. Dance
We are big fans of movement here at My Ohana and use dance as a way to explore individuality, creativity, and ignite a love for exercise. Through dance, we see children’s confidence grow and appreciate each child’s unique way of self-expression. Plus, it’s a great way to burn some energy!
5. Visits to Outside Venues and Destinations
Some of our most popular nursery activities involve day trips and visits to local venues. Exploring new places introduces children to the wider world, inspires different interests, and fosters a sense of adventure. Local libraries, racecourses, care homes, and farms are just a few of the destinations we love to visit.
6. Performances
Music, dance, and storytelling performances are fantastic for building confidence and creativity. Children love taking centre stage, whether acting out a favourite book or putting on a musical show. Inviting parents to watch performances also strengthens the community aspect of nursery life.
7. Arts and Crafts
Crafting is a staple in our nurseries, offering children complete freedom to experiment with different materials and express their creativity. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or making jewellery, arts and crafts provide a great way to develop fine motor skills and spark imaginative play.
8. Dress Up
Fancy dress is a brilliant way for children to explore different roles, characters, and scenarios through play. This type of role-playing activity fosters storytelling skills, confidence, and social interaction - all while having lots of fun!
9. Exploring the Garden
Gardening is one of the best outdoor nursery activities for teaching children about nature, patience, and responsibility. Whether planting flowers, watering plants, or spotting wildlife, spending time in the garden helps to develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for the natural world.
We encourage children to embrace all seasons, so wellies and waterproofs are always handy!
10. Quiet Time
The nursery day is filled with excitement, but quiet time is just as important. Whether it's reading a book, resting in a cosy corner, or simply enjoying a moment of calm, quiet time helps children recharge and develop their ability to self-regulate emotions. This balance of active and restful periods supports all personalities and learning styles.
Enriching Childcare Activities at My Ohana
At My Ohana, we believe that the best nursery activities blend education with play, helping children develop important life skills in a fun and engaging way. Whether through creative activities, outdoor adventures, music activities or sensory play, every day in our nursery is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.
Find out more about how we incorporate these fun activities for nursery children by getting in touch with your local My Ohana nursery today!