24 Practical Pretend Play Ideas + Why Pretend Play is So Important

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I have always thought my kids weren’t into doing any pretend play ideas.

I’ve never been one to make things extravagant, right?

I go simple, and easy — which is why there are so many simple activities that I share.

But that goes beyond activities, I don’t go all out for birthdays or holidays and kind of just let my kids do their thing.

I have never made a dramatic play scene in my life.

And small worlds… they’ve just never interested me.

I’ve always just assumed (because of my lack of providing it) that my kids were not interested in pretend play ideas. At all.

But then I started watching my kids. And holy cow! Their imagination is incredible!

They are constantly playing out scenes from the farm (over and over), imagining break down scenarios and what to do when such-and-such happens.

They are doing pretend play at its finest!

I wanted to share with you some not-so-extravagant pretend play ideas that you can help engage your child’s imagination a bit if you’re stuck like I was.

But first…

Why is pretend play so important?

Kids aren’t just living in what many adults would call a fantasy world, instead most of their play has deep roots in reality, and it offers them a chance to practice social situations, adult roles and even play out fears and anxiety in a safe place. – Allison McDonald, No Time for Flash Cards

That pretty much sums it up perfectly!