As an early childhood educator and a mom of two energetic kids, Emily and Nethan, I’m always on the lookout for creative and fun ways to keep my children active, engaged, and learning. One of the simplest and most versatile tools we have at home is the humble stuffed animal. Here are some delightful games you can play with your kids using these soft toys, perfect for any time of the year.
The Stuffed Animal Surplus
If your kids are anything like mine, they have an abundance of stuffed animals. Every trip to the store or a special event seems to result in another cuddly companion joining the family. So, what can you do with all these stuffed animals beyond just collecting them?
Why These Games Are Great
These activities are designed to be quick, easy, and most importantly, fun. They help develop gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and encourage active play, all while using items you likely already have at home. Whether it’s a cold winter day, a rainy afternoon, or just a day when you need something new to do, these games are perfect.
Stuffed Animal Game 1: Feet Toss
What You Need
- Stuffed animals
- A laundry hamper
How to Play
- Set Up: Have your child lie on their back with a pile of stuffed animals at their feet. Place a laundry hamper near their head.
- The Challenge: Have your child pick up one stuffed animal at a time with their feet and place it into the laundry hamper over their head.
- Repeat the Fun: Keep repeating until all the stuffed animals have been transferred into the laundry basket.
This game is a great workout and tons of fun. My daughter, Emily, giggled quite a bit, especially when the stuffed animals went flying. It’s an excellent way to practice foot-eye coordination and have a good laugh.
Stuffed Animal Game 2: Target Toss
What You Need
- Stuffed animals
- A hula hoop
- A laundry hamper/bin
- String and painters tape
How to Play
- Set Up: Suspend a hula hoop in a doorway using string and painters tape. Place a laundry hamper on one side of the hula hoop and a pile of stuffed animals on the other.
- The Challenge: Have your child throw the stuffed animals through the hula hoop and into the laundry hamper.
- Added Challenge: For younger children, you can eliminate the laundry hamper and just focus on tossing through the hula hoop. The spinning hula hoop adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement.
Both of my girls loved this game, spending about 30 minutes throwing all our stuffed animals through the target. It was fascinating to watch them time their tosses to hit the spinning hoop.
Stuffed Animal Game 3: Tummy Toss
What You Need
- Stuffed animals
- A large area like a living room
- A table or chair
How to Play
- Set Up: Move your coffee table away from the couch or turn dining room chairs sideways. Have your child lie on the table or chair with a pile of stuffed animals in front of them.
- The Challenge: Have your child throw the stuffed animals to a target, such as the couch. This is trickier than it sounds, as throwing while lying on your stomach requires coordination and practice.
- Adjust as Needed: If the distance is too great, you can move the coffee table closer to the couch to make it more manageable.
This game was a hit with my girls, despite the initial shock of being told to lie on the coffee table. It was a fun and challenging activity that they repeated multiple times.
Bonus Activity: Crab Walk Stuffed Animal Transfer
What You Need
- Stuffed animals
- A designated area for crab walking
How to Play
- Set Up: Scatter stuffed animals across the floor in a designated area.
- The Challenge: Have your child crab walk to pick up the stuffed animals and transfer them to a designated basket or bin.
- Variations: You can add obstacles or make it a team effort to make it more engaging.
This activity combines gross motor skills with fun and is a great way to get your kids moving and laughing.
Encouraging Creativity and Participation
These games are not just about physical activity but also about encouraging creativity and participation. Here are a few tips to make the most out of these activities:
- Involve Your Kids in Setup: Let your children help with setting up the games. This can include placing the hula hoop, moving furniture, or arranging the stuffed animals.
- Encourage Teamwork: Turn these activities into team games where children work together to achieve a goal.
- Add Music or Storytelling: Play some fun music while the games are on, or create a simple storyline around the activities to make them more engaging.
What Games Have You Played?
We’d love to hear about your favorite games and activities with stuffed animals. Share your ideas and let’s keep the fun going!
Conclusion
Stuffed animals are more than just cuddly companions; they can be the starting point for a world of fun and learning. These games are easy to set up, promote physical activity, and are adaptable to different ages and skill levels. So next time you’re looking for something to do with your kids, why not give these stuffed animal games a try?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Group Are These Activities Suitable For?
These activities are suitable for preschoolers and early elementary school children. However, they can be adapted for younger or older children by adjusting the difficulty level.
Do I Need to Buy Special Equipment?
No, you can use items you already have at home such as laundry hampers, hula hoops, and of course, stuffed animals.
Can These Games Be Played Outdoors?
While these games are designed for indoor play, you can easily adapt them for outdoor activities. For example, you could hang the hula hoop between two trees or use a larger target like a picnic blanket.
How Can I Make These Games More Challenging?
You can add obstacles, increase the distance between the child and the target, or require the child to toss the stuffed animals in a specific way (e.g., using their non-dominant hand).
Are These Games Good for Developing Gross Motor Skills?
Yes, these games are excellent for developing gross motor skills such as coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness. They also help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
