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What to Do With Littles When Big Kids are back to School

What to Do With Littles When Big Kids are back to School

Posted by Simplay3 on 28 Aug 2025

When big kids go back to school, it can be hard for their younger siblings to adjust. They may miss their siblings or just have an increased sense of boredom! This list only encompasses a few options, but here are some things to do with your toddler when their older sibling is at school this year.

Make a Snack

One way to curb a toddler’s boredom also involves curing their appetite! There are plenty of snack recipes out there that toddlers can help make or even make on their own. A favorite of ours is Bugs on a Log. All you’ll need is pretzel sticks, peanut butter and raisins. Spread the peanut butter on the pretzel sticks, place the raisins on top, and you’re good to go!

Toddler using Simplay3 Toddler Tower Folding Step Stool

Make Sensory Dough

Making sensory crafts like Play Dough and slime have become a very popular pastime for kids of all ages in recent years, and there are plenty of recipes out there that are designed to be easy to make and taste friendly.

Toddlers playing with dough

Building a Blanket Fort

An activity that stands the test of time, building a pillow and blanket fort is a great way to make use of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals that are laying around. Once the fort is made, you can always turn on a movie and encourage nap time in a new spot!

Toddler relaxing in bed with a Simplay3 Imagination castle headboard

Reading a Story

Learning how to read can start at home at any age! Reading with your child and allowing them to recognize words helps to build upon those skills and develop a lifelong love for reading.

Child reading a book in a Simplay3 Cozy Cubby Reading Nook

Making Artwork

The best way to encourage your child’s creativity is to give them art supplies and let them run wild! These works of art can be hung up on a fridge, in their room, or given to loved ones as special gifts.

Water painting craft

Play Outside

When the weather allows, going outside to play almost always cures boredom! Children can make believe, test their strength and have all kinds of fun while enjoying the great outdoors.

Parent and child playing outside with the Simplay3 Garden View Cottage

Like we mentioned, this is only a small fraction of the possibilities for what you and your child can do together. We hope this list inspires you to find even more ways to have fun and make memories together!