It’s beneficial to engage in creative play with your child at home, because it not only gives families the opportunity to play together but also fosters joy, togetherness, and for adults, that feeling of being a kid again!

Here at Peck, we take play very seriously. 

“Creative play is an outlet for exploration,” says Lower School Psychologist Ashley Tabor. “Kids can try on different behavioral and emotional hats in these environments and role-play different scenarios. All of these exercises are necessary for childhood, from supporting social-emotional learning and physical development to problem-solving and building confidence, to creative growth.”

Here are five unique ideas to foster creative play at home: 

BALLOON TENNIS: When was the last time you played with a balloon? A balloon is a simple, yet magical thing in the hands of a child. It provides them with endless fun hitting, kicking, and punching the balloon and then watching it soar, sink, or float down to the floor. For our family “ balloon tennis” is a staple sport. We use badminton rackets to hit the balloons across the living room—and there is nothing like the sound of a racket hitting a balloon!

FOIL ARMOR: When our children were growing up, aluminum foil was always on hand in the kitchen and the playroom! It easily transforms into Viking helmets, elaborate shields, and medieval armor. You can even cover a strip of cardboard for a sword, or make foil cannon balls!

COMMERCIAL DINNERS: Ask children to make an advertisement (either a voice pitch or with artwork) at the dinner table for a product like Gatorade or something that is on their plate. This playful activity may highlight skills students didn’t even think they had!

MYSTERY PROP: Take a goofy prop like a pool noodle, and see if everyone in your family can come up with a fantastical story as to what it might be used for. For example, maybe the pool noodle is a straw for giants!

THE DOCTOR IS IN: Kids love figuring things out, and who better to “figure and fix” than a doctor? You can create your own equipment with tape, string, cardboard tubes, and paper—and then give your child a checklist to ask about your symptoms.