Anything can be anything in a child’s world–provide kids with natural pretend play materials and toys they can use to fuel their imaginations and build their brains with this list of ideas. (First published September 14, 2015; this post is regularly updated and republished to improve the content.)
Play is the most critical work of early childhood, and natural materials for open-ended dramatic play can provide the vehicle every child needs to build a healthy brain and a creative imagination. Anything can be anything in the world of a child. Provide toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners with natural play materials and toys that are open-ended enough to meet their needs with each new creative imagining. You might also enjoy this list of nature craft ideas and art activities.
How DO Children Learn Through Play?
Children learn to understand the world as they move and play. But it’s up to parents and caregivers to provide creative play environments that allow children to discover the world at their own pace.
The first stages of pretend play usually occurs once a child reaches three, four, or five years old. You will notice a toddler entering the imaginative play years when they begin trying on all the activities and roles they see happening around them.
As preschoolers pretend to be mommy, daddy, doctors, teachers, and cooks, they show us the world as they are experiencing it. And children will continue to play through each new experience until they have understood it. So, they will often repeat behaviors multiple times to take in each new role until they have learned enough about it to move on.
If play is the work of early childhood, then providing toddlers and preschoolers with the tools and resources they need to play through these developmental stages is a parent’s and educator’s primary duty. As Fred Rogers said,
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood,”
Mr. Rogers
When considering free play materials for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners, it is important to remember that young children learn about their world through play. Toys that can be imagined to be anything thus make the best open-ended toys for dramatic play.
Why Are Natural Materials the Best Toys for Open-Ended Play?
Natural materials are the best toys for open-ended play for several reasons. Unlike store-bought plastic toys made to look like real items, items found in nature (that are clean and a safe size and shape) can provide preschoolers with toys they can use to learn through play in creative new ways.
It can be hard for children to flex their creative muscles when their toys are designed to be something specific because they limit their imagination. This makes keeping open-ended natural materials on the toy shelf essential for a young child’s creative development and intellectual growth.
Children will always be better off imagining that a large flat stone or a big wood slice is a pizza instead of using a piece of plastic that looks like a pizza in their dramatic play. Why? Because a pretend pizza can only be a pretend pizza–otherwise, it is pretty much useless!
It’s also difficult to imagine that a plastic toy phone is anything but a phone. In comparison, a large smooth shell can be a phone to talk on, money to buy something with, animals grazing on a farm, cars driving down the road, houses on a street, etc. And a big round piece of smooth, natural wood can be a pizza (shells and rocks make great toppings), a steering wheel, a plate, and so much more!
Because children must first use their imagination to turn the item from the natural world into something to play with, natural play materials can ignite a preschooler’s creativity the second they start playing with them. A stick is just a broken tree limb until a child imagines it to be a fishing pole, right? Speaking of fishing poles, try magnet fishing! You can see my daughter fishing with magnets in the photograph below.
Natural Play Materials Develop the Imagination and Stimulate the Sensory System
Another primary reason that items from nature make the best open-ended toys for kids is their ability to stimulate the sensory system and assist with sensory development. Using natural materials in pretend play provides the sensory stimulation your child’s developing body desperately needs.
Plastic toys can not fill toddlers’ and preschoolers’ need for sensory stimulation like natural materials can. We recommend going on nature hunts to find these items with your children in your biome to increase your connection with the natural world around you. My daughter and I find a lot of our natural play materials on our daily nature hunt.
Make sure that the natural materials you find are clean and in a safe size and shape for toddlers and preschoolers before allowing them to use them as a toy. And be sure to teach toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners not to abuse or misuse them. In our home, eating these items, throwing them at others, or abusing them in any other way is not tolerated, and the children in our care know they can no longer play with them when they are misused.
Best Natural Toys for Open-Ended Imaginative Play
Sticks and stones are two of the most classic and the best natural toys of all time–but there are so many more! And, best of all–most of them are FREE! Here’s a list of 15 natural materials used in Waldorf and Montessori Education and the Reggio Emilia approach to promote open-ended imaginative or pretend play.
*Note: Please do not give any small natural items to toddlers that are still mouthing objects–they are a choking hazard.
1. Acorns
Acorns are one of those natural objects that preschoolers can imagine being a great many things. Step into the whimsical world of acorn wonders, where these tiny treasures become delightful toys for children. With their charming caps and petite size, acorns are perfect for endless imaginative play.
Build adorable acorn people, creating a whole acorn family with unique personalities. Challenge kids to design tiny acorn villages with leafy homes and acorn critters, enhancing their fine motor skills and creativity. My daughter also enjoys using them as food in her dollhouse and likes to pretend that they are pieces of money. We also like to make them into acorn necklaces and acorn marble ornaments.
An acorn can also be an animal or anything your children can imagine. Arrange acorns as game pieces for nature-inspired board games where little adventurers navigate through forest-themed challenges. Don’t forget the timeless acorn-rolling races that guarantee giggles and fun. As children discover the magic hidden within these humble nuts, they’ll develop a profound appreciation for nature and its tiny treasures. So, gather a basket of acorns, and let the enchanting play begin.
- Acorns – Natural acorns with caps.
- Wooden acorns – large wooden acorn counting and sorting toys for kids.
2. PlaySilks
Playsilks are some of the best things around when it comes to a toddler’s imaginative play habits. And they will grow with your children from babyhood all the way through childhood and into the teen years. But please don’t be fooled by cheap imitation fabrics and play scarves.
Choose 100% silk play scarves to provide your child with the sensory stimulation their developing nervous system needs and requires. Real silk always makes the best accessory–from peek-a-boo with the baby to a teenager’s gorgeous scarf. There is nothing more fashionable or better for your children and our planet than choosing 100% silk play scarves.
Playsilks are also great for dress-up play and can be draped on play stands and nature tables. And real silk play scarves also make excellent capes, baby blankets, baby carriers, and so much more! Make your own by purchasing silk by the yard, cutting it into 34 – 36 inch squares, and sewing up the edges. Or buy play silks at the following Amazon affiliate links. (If you click to purchase, Rhythms of Play will earn a small commission at no extra cost.)
3. Pine cones
Pinecones also make a great natural play toy for kids. These adorable, spiky treasures offer endless opportunities for creative adventures. A young child can imagine a pine cone to be so many things; animals, bushes, etc. Pine cones also make lovely sparkling evergreen trees in a Winter Wonderland Fairy Garden. Encourage preschoolers and kindergarteners to play with pinecones in a multitude of creative ways.
Craft colorful pinecone animals with pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and felt, bringing the woodland critters to life. Use pinecones as bowling pins and watch the giggles as kids roll balls to knock them down. Create sensory bins filled with pinecones, leaves, and other natural elements for tactile exploration. Paint and decorate pinecones to make charming decorations or seasonal ornaments, igniting artistic flair. Or, challenge kids to a scavenger hunt to find the park’s biggest, smallest, or most unique pinecone.
And there are several other ways to play and learn with pinecones. With pinecones, the possibilities are as vast as the forest itself, making playtime a delightful journey into nature’s embrace. Dive into the world of pinecone magic and let your imaginations bloom amidst the splendor of the great outdoors! Look at this list of pinecone crafts and activities for even more ideas.
4. Rocks & Stones
Stones and rocks are some of the most classic natural toys for kids and offer a treasure trove of playful possibilities. A simple stone can be anything in a child’s mind. They can be painted or used as they are in a number of fun and useful ways, including stacking and skipping. Build rock towers in your backyard sandboxes like modern architects, testing balance and patience.
Colored floral stones and gemstones also make fantastic natural toys for dramatic play–they can be jewels, treasures, windows, rivers, pools, etc. (But please make sure they don’t have cadmium on them because it is toxic and can pose a health hazard.)
Paint and decorate rocks to create colorful characters or inspirational paperweights for their study desks. Painting rocks is fun for kids and adults of all ages, but remember that toys are best when they can be anything. Watch their imaginations soar as they create rock pet homes with miniature furniture and mossy gardens.
Stones are also a great tool for learning. Invite kids to sort and classify rocks for a simple science lesson. Let little geologists discover different types of rocks, from smooth river pebbles to sparkly gemstones, igniting a passion for earth sciences. Organize a backyard rock hunt and turn it into a thrilling adventure as children seek hidden gems amidst the soil.
With rocks as their allies, kids can embark on endless quests, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and a love for the wonders that lie beneath our feet. So, let’s rock and roll into a world of geological fun!
5. Feathers
Bird feathers offer a delightful glimpse into the world of winged wonders. There are so many things a young child can do with a feather, especially when it comes to dress-up time, making mudpies, and building sandcastles. Encourage your children to put a feather on their hat, use it as a quill, or anything else they can imagine!
Encourage your little explorers to go birding and identify different bird species by their distinct feathers, sparking an interest in ornithology. Organize a feather hunt in the park and watch their excitement as they collect all shapes and sizes of feathers.
Create whimsical feathered masks and headbands to transform into colorful avian characters, igniting imaginative play. Craft feather mobiles or dream catchers to hang above their beds, bringing a touch of nature’s beauty indoors.
Let them build nests for toy birds using feathers, leaves, and twigs, mimicking nature’s architectural wonders. With feathers as their guide, kids will soar to new heights of curiosity and wonder, cherishing the marvels of the feathered world around us.
- Colored turkey quill feathers
- Natural pheasant feathers
- Colored ostrich feathers
- Natural peacock feathers
6. Sticks, Twigs, and Bare branches
Step into the fantastic world of nature’s playthings, where twigs, sticks, and bare branches become extraordinary toys for kids! These humble treasures offer a boundless realm of imaginative exploration. Kids can engage in endless role-playing adventures with these simple elements, becoming nature’s heroes.
I am in constant amazement at how I see preschoolers using sticks and small logs. Sticks can be so many things–a fishing pole, sword, flag, broom, and of course, you can use them to build almost anything, including a thankful tree or an Easter egg tree. Or, turn sticks into magic wands to cast imaginary spells, unlocking doors to enchanted kingdoms.
Look for twigs, sticks, and bare branches to add to your toy closet on a nature hunt into the great outdoors in your neck of the woods. Organize a scavenger hunt for the most intriguing branches, sparking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the great outdoors.
Encourage your little adventurers to become architects as they construct intricate stick forts and twig houses, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Watch as they create stick people with googly eyes and yarn hair, bringing their woodland friends to life. Embrace the charm of nature’s toys and embark on a whimsical journey through forests of imagination.
7. Shells
Get ready for some beachy fun with shells as fantastic toys for kids. A shell can be so many things. These little treasures from the sea offer a world of imagination and discovery. A shell can be a phone, and shells can be money, food, animals, and so many more things in the creative mind of a child.
Encourage your little ones to create their own mini-kingdoms by using shells as dollhouse furniture or miniature bowls for their toy animals. Stack them up like building blocks, construct sandy fortresses, or arrange them in artistic patterns for unique art projects. Let their creative minds roam wild as they turn shells into magical wands or tiny boats to sail on imaginary oceans.
Shells can also teach kids about different marine species and ecosystems, sparking their interest in the natural world. So, the next time you’re at the beach, don’t forget to scoop up some shells and watch the endless fun unfold! It’s time to dive into a world of seashell enchantment! But please use caution. Some shells can be sharp, while others are a bit too small for a young child to play with.
8. Corncobs
Yes, you read that right–corncobs. Remove the kernels and dry them out before use. They can be fishing poles, logs on a pretend fire, toothbrushes, building supplies, or anything else your child imagines them to be.
9. Wood Pieces and Natural Tree Blocks
Wood slices and pieces of wood are delightful natural toys for kids of all ages. These natural treasures offer a plethora of playful possibilities. Use wood pieces to construct imaginative structures as building blocks, encouraging fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Or, arrange wood slices as puzzle pieces for brain-teasing challenges, stimulating problem-solving abilities. Turn them into DIY tic-tac-toe games for friendly competitions, or use them as bases for nature-inspired figurines.
With wood as their canvas, kids can explore their artistic flair and engineering prowess, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Encourage young artists to unleash their creativity by painting and decorating wood slices, transforming them into unique masterpieces or adorable fridge magnets.
Natural wooden blocks are easy to make by cutting small limbs of a tree into pieces. Wood pieces from nature make excellent pretend play toys for dramatic play activities. Preschoolers and kindergarteners can use them to build or become anything the child desires. You can see my daughter’s tree blocks in the photograph below. We keep them in a small basket inside and a large bin outside.
- Use small tree limbs and branches to make DIY Waldorf-Inspired tree blocks. Learn how to make nature blocks–> HERE.
- Tree Blocks – this is a lovely set of tree blocks if you don’t want to make your own.
- Wood slices -slices of wood make fantastic plates, steering wheels, pizzas, pies, etc.
10. Sand bags and Bean Bags
Sandbags are a wonderful natural play material for kids of all ages. They can be used for hand toss games like Hopscotch, Target Toss, Cornhole, etc., in addition to many other creative purposes.
- Cornhole bean bags – these sandbags are made to be used for the game of cornhole, but they are also a wonderful toy for pretend play.
- Mini-toy bean bags – Perfect way for kids to develop the skills of throwing and catching in a fun way.
11. Boot or shoe laces
Boot laces are not exactly a natural material, but I couldn’t leave this fantastic resource off this list of toys for kids. Boots and shoelaces can be used as tow ropes, circles for simple games, the string for a fishing pole, and you name it.
Make sure you choose laces that are thick enough to untie easily. Little ones can get these all wound in knots, and thick ones are a lot easier to undo. You can also provide toddlers and preschoolers with finger-braided ropes or crochet lengths of yarn instead of laces to play with.
12. Baskets
You will need some sturdy baskets to hold all these natural materials. The dollar store has baskets, but we discovered they were often too weak, so we needed to replace them. Instead, we bought some of the baskets below after tossing too many of them into the waste bin.
13. Play Stands
Play stands are perfect for setting baskets full of these natural materials for dramatic or pretend imaginative play. They are also wonderful hideaways that can have a silk scape or cotton sheet draped over the top.
- Single play stand
- Complete play stand playroom set
- Or use a play tent with a small wooden shelf inside or nearby.
14. Silk Scapes
Silk scapes are wonderful for pretend play. They are larger than play silks and are often draped over play stands, chairs, headboards, etc. Silk scapes make it easy to create a beautiful hideaway for young children. They can also be used for dress-up play.
15. Cotton sheets
Cotton Sheets are great for building forts, boats, trains, and secret hideaways. A bunk bed with a sheet tucked under the top bed provides an enchanting place to hide, while a sheet draped over a chair, table, or sofa can be almost anything a child imagines: a boat, car, house, castle, or ghost. Any old cotton sheets can be used if you don’t have any, and thrift stores usually have a large supply. If none of these options work, try the affiliate link below.
Natural Materials Make the Best Toys for Kids
Children need play spaces where anything can be anything to flex their creative muscles. They need play materials that are open-ended enough to meet their needs with each new imagining. These natural materials for pretend play provides the perfect solution.
You can include many other toys with these natural materials to create an imagination-rich play space. You might also enjoy this list of Open-ended Toys for Pretend Play.
This post is a part of the A to Z of Pretend play blog hop. If you click through, this post is under “N” for Natural Materials. Click on the link to see all of the other amazing posts about pretend play.
You might also enjoy this list of outdoor learning, nature activities for kids, and arts and crafts you can make with natural materials.
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