2 years, 4 months old
Little Explorers, Big Discoveries
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 28 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
If you’re here, you’ve reached a delightful stage where curiosity knows no bounds. Everything is fair game for exploration, and “What’s that?” is probably a phrase you’re hearing a lot! Your little one is discovering, climbing, throwing, and yes, making messes, but their enthusiasm and sense of humour shine through, from silly faces to little antics that make you laugh.
You may be finding your toddler reliving everyday experiences through their imaginary play. When my eldest, Remi, was this age, she loved forest school fire-making and marshmallow roasting. For weeks, she would randomly sit down, mid-dinner, on a walk, or during bedtime, and “make a fire,” going through every step: building it, lighting it, roasting a marshmallow, then moving on. It was hilarious waiting patiently in the middle of the supermarket watching her; but it perfectly shows how toddlers replay experiences, practise problem-solving, and make sense of life through play!
Making a fire in the middle of York, UK
You are doing an amazing job keeping up with those endless bursts of energy and wonder, giving them time and space to be themselves and figure things out in their own way, even if you’re not always sure what that looks like.
Dress-Up Fun
How: Use things you already have at home; scarves, hats, belts, sunglasses, or fabric scraps, and let your child explore and choose what to wear (you have probably already found them rummaging through your cupboard, walking around in your shoes or wearing your undies as a hat or necklace!)
Bits and pieces from a charity shop (hats, costume jewellery, shoes) work brilliantly too. Avoid relying on full costumes; a mix of loose parts and everyday items sparks creativity; my girls love dressing up in each others clothes, pretending to be each other. Invite them to act out roles, invent stories, dance, and explore in front of a mirror, celebrate their creations and watch their confidence grow!
Why: Dress-up builds imagination, creativity, and independence. Choosing and putting on clothes helps toddlers practise decision-making, problem-solving, and self-help skills, while acting out roles strengthens language, social skills, and emotional understanding. Loose parts and everyday items encourage thinking outside the box and show that play can be fun, inventive, and entirely their own.
Activity 2: Tunnel Crawl
How: If you don't have a play tunnel, set up a simple tunnel using a large blanket over chairs or a low table. Invite your little one to crawl through, cheering them on as they navigate to the other side. It doesn't seem like a big thing, but it can be a bit scary for little one. to encourage them you could roll a ball through, and encourage them to chase it, or go through yourself, waiting and cheering them on at the at the other end.
Why: Crawling through tunnels strengthens coordination and motor skills. It’s a little obstacle course adventure that taps into their natural love of moving and exploring new spaces.
You may even find yourself in a little game of crawling chase. When my girls where this age we would crawl around the sofa and through the "tunnel" we had made with a blanket over the back of the lounge and some chairs.
Song of the month :🐇 Sleeping Bunnies
Children (and adults) curl up and pretend to be asleep
"See the little bunnies sleeping till it’s noon…
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
Oh so still… are they ill?
Wake up soon!"
"Sshhh sshhhh" (encourage to stay asleep a little longer to build anticipation)
"Wake up little bunnies! Wake up!
(start hopping around the room)
"Hop little bunnies, hop hop hop,
hope little bunnies, hop hop hop,
hop little bunnies hop hop hop,
hop, hop, hop!
Children of all ages love this fun little tune. They love the anticipation of waking up and hopping. The slow build up and big surprise make it irresistible for lots of giggles as they hop around the room; while the movements support listening skills, coordination, and big body play.
Book of the Month: Mr Mcgee and the perfect nest
Following with the Pamela Allen theme, this is such a fun one for little ones! Any shared reading moment is a wonderful one, even if it’s a magazine or a cereal box!
Did You Know?
Around 28 months, many toddlers start showing a playful sense of humour. They might tell little “jokes,” do silly things on purpose, or repeat funny actions to see your reaction. This shows they’re learning about social connection and how their actions affect others.
Social & Emotional Skill Building: Celebrate Effort
This month is a lovely time to celebrate effort over results.
When your child attempts something challenging, like building a tall tower with blocks, acknowledge their hard work. “Wow, you worked hard on that tower!” helps them value effort and persistence.
Little moments of encouragement can light up their day and let them know their work is not only seen, but appreciated too.
Remember, the joy is in the journey and the discoveries along the way. They’ll never need everything to be perfect; they just need you, present and loving, as you are.
Your presence and those everyday moments you share... that’s the real treasure.
You’re doing wonderfully, every single day.