Activities to Boost Imagination in Toddlers

Dressing up and pretend play start at around 15-18 months. Your toddler might enjoy pretending to be a grown-up, using props like old clothes and hats. For example, your toddler might imagine they’re driving a bus or serving in a shop.

Your toddler learns by copying what others do – especially you or older children. For example, by the time your toddler is 2 years old, they might pretend to cook dinner using leaves and grass they’ve found in the backyard. Or your toddler might say things like ‘You be baby, I’m mum’ or ‘I go to work, bye bye’.

At the same time, your toddler will also start creating their own pretend play stories and games. These might be from books you’ve read together or experiences they’ve had, like seeing a monkey at the zoo.

Music of all sorts can have your toddler imagining fantastic things like flying or floating in space. And your toddler will express themselves by singing, dancing and moving to their favourite songs and rhymes.

At this age, your toddler will probably also enjoy messy play. Digging sand, building with mud or squeezing paint between fingers and toes will all be popular activities.

Your toddler might enjoy playing and splashing in the bath too. Your toddler might test what their toys can do by pouring water from one to another, dunking the toys underwater – or using them to empty the bath! Remember to always supervise your toddler around water. Toddlers are naturally curious and often fearless, so they’re at particular risk of drowning.