Blog

Nursery kids love to play. But what if playtime also became learning time? That’s where the magic happens.

You don’t need fancy toys. Or expensive setups. Just a bit of creativity, patience—and this list.

Here are 25+ fun activities for nursery that make learning feel like play.

1. Colour Sorting

Simple but effective. Give kids colored buttons or paper bits. Let them sort by color.

It teaches:

•    Observation
•    Colour recognition
•    Fine motor skills

This is a perfect easy activity for nursery class—needs just basic things from home.

2. Water Play

Fill two tubs. One with water. One empty.

Give them cups, spoons, or small bottles. Let them pour. Splash. Transfer.

Great for:

•    Hand-eye coordination
•    Understanding volume

Water = fun. Add learning = double win.

3. Match the Socks

Dump a bunch of socks on the floor. Ask your child to match them in pairs.

It’s a brilliant activity for nursery class. It makes them think, observe, and learn sorting.

4. Finger Painting

No paintbrush? No problem.

Just some paper. Some non-toxic paint. And little fingers.

Let them paint anything—trees, the sun, a rainbow. There are no rules here. Only joy.

5. Story Time with Puppets

Use socks or paper bags to make simple puppets. Act out stories together.

It builds:

•    Vocabulary
•    Listening skills
•    Imagination

That’s the power of pretend play.

6. Ice Excavation

Freeze small toys inside an ice cube tray. Hand your kid a spoon. Watch them try to “rescue” the toys.

They learn:

•    Patience
•    Sensory awareness
•    Cause and effect

Who said activities for nursery kids can’t be thrilling?

7. Shape Hunt

Give them a shape to find. Like a circle.

Ask: “Can you find something round in the room?”

Helps them:

•    Observe
•    Compare
•    Describe

And the best part? They feel like little detectives.

8. Build a Tower

Blocks. Cups. Books. Use anything. Let them stack it high.

Then knock it down.

Then build it again.

This is a go-to easy activity for nursery class—builds spatial thinking and motor control.

9. DIY Musical Instruments

Fill a bottle with rice. Seal it tight. Boom. You’ve got a shaker.

Stretch a rubber band on a box. Now you have a guitar.

Let them create beats. Dance around. Learn rhythm.

Music lights up the brain.

10. Sensory Bins

Use rice, pulses, sand, or cotton balls.

Hide small toys or letters inside. Let them dig and find.

They learn:

•    Texture
•    Focus
•    Vocabulary

It’s messy. But worth it.

11. Animal Sounds Game

Say an animal name. Ask them to mimic its sound.

Or make a sound. Ask them to name the animal.

A fun activity for nursery that also teaches memory and listening.

12. Play Dough Fun

Let them roll, flatten, cut, and squish.

Make fruits. Shapes. Even letters.

Play dough builds:

•    Creativity
•    Hand muscles
•    Focus

It's tactile. Calming. Super fun.

13. Alphabet Treasure Hunt

Hide alphabet cards around the room.

Ask them to find “A” or “B.”

They learn:

•    Letter recognition
•    Matching
•    Active learning

One of the most loved activities for nursery kids at home.

14. Sorting Buttons by Size

Not just by colour. But also by size. Big ones. Small ones.

They’ll learn:

•    Classification
•    Comparison

Simple. Quiet. Perfect for indoor afternoons.

15. Nature Walk Collection

Go outside. Collect leaves. Sticks. Pebbles.

Talk about each item. Where it came from. What it does.

Builds curiosity. Awareness. Connection with nature.

16. Paper Tearing Art

Give old newspapers. Let them tear and stick pieces onto shapes.

A butterfly. A tree.

Great for fine motor skills. And creativity.

Also a wonderful activity for nursery class craft period.

17. Balloon Volleyball

Blow up a balloon. Tap it across to each other.

Keep it from touching the ground.

They’ll laugh. Run. And build motor skills.

18. Fruit and Vegetable Stamping

Cut apples, okra, or potatoes. Dip in paint. Stamp onto paper.

Watch them go “Wow!” at every print.

Great sensory art.

19. Mirror Drawing

Sit in front of a mirror. Ask them to draw what they see.

Or copy simple expressions.

Builds self-awareness and observation.

20. Counting with Snacks

Use biscuits, grapes, or puffed rice.

“Can you count five?”
“Now eat one. How many left?”

Math. With snacks. They won’t forget this.

21. Dance and Freeze

Play music. Ask them to dance. Stop music. They freeze.

Builds control. Listening. And giggles.

22. DIY Flashcards

Draw shapes, animals, or numbers on cards. Show. Ask. Repeat.

Flashcards = quick and fun learning.

Also very handy for travel time.

23. Name the Colour Game

Point to anything around the room. Ask them to name the colour.

It’s a fun activity for nursery that works anytime, anywhere.

No prep needed.

24. Wash the Toys

Give a small tub of water and a sponge. Let them wash their plastic toys.

They feel responsible.

And learn cleanliness, too.

25. Matching Shadows

Draw objects and their shadows. Mix them up. Ask kids to match.

Sharpens observation. Builds early science skills.

And One More… Box Play!

Got a big cardboard box?

It becomes:

•    A car
•    A rocket
•    A shop

Just hand them crayons. Watch the magic.

These activities for nursery kids aren’t just play. They’re tools for growth.

They help kids:

•    Build confidence
•    Develop skills
•    Stay curious

And the best part? They don’t need much. Just time. And your company.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver—pick any of these. Rotate them weekly. Mix and match.

Because learning starts early. And yes—it can be fun.

Looking for more ideas? Bookmark this list. Share it. Try one today.

Let the learning (and fun) begin!