115 Things To Do While Your Child Is Still Little

Everyone knows childhood doesn’t last forever. But the things your child wants to do with you will change as they grow. Though we may look forward to the phases and stages that await us down the winding road of raising tiny humans, we shouldn’t take for granted the magic of life with them while they’re young.

When your kids are little, there’s a good chance they believe you’ve hung the moon and stars. At the very least, they probably think you’re somewhat cool. Even on the hardest of days, you’re their hero. There are plenty of small moments to soak up and enjoy together. Time doesn’t slow down, but it doesn’t have to be rushed. Here is a list of simple things to do and enjoy while your child is still little.

Pick something that fits your child’s age, interests, and what you have time for today. There’s no need to do everything on the list.

Playtime at Home

1. Dance with them.

2. Have family movie nights in the living room.

3. Watch all the classic Disney movies.

4. Crank up the music for pre-bedtime pajama dance parties.

5. Sing to them. Sing with them. Just sing.

6. Make up a secret handshake.

7. Let them see you and your partner being goofy.

8. Build pillow forts.

9. Play dress up with them.

10. Play with them while they’ll still let you.

11. Play hide and seek with them.

12. Let them win.

13. Laugh at their jokes.

14. Tell them your silliest jokes. Need ideas? Try these knock-knock jokes and jokes for kids.

15. Have tea parties.

16. Make up songs together.

17. Get in the ball pit with them.

18. Let them do your hair.

19. Let them paint your nails.

20. Lead them in daily self-love affirmations in front of the mirror.

21. Speak highly of them in front of them. Be loud and proud.

22. Play I Spy.

23. Play pretend with them.

24. Give them a big bubble bath.

25. Wash their favorite bath toys together.

Outdoor Play and Nature

26. Jump in rain puddles.

27. Stop and smell the flowers.

28. Pick daffodils.

29. Jump over waves with them.

30. Build a sandcastle.

31. Dance in the rain with them.

32. Let them get muddy and messy.

33. Roll down grassy hills.

34. Stare at the clouds.

35. Cheer them on as they slide, and stay nearby to help.

36. Swing on the swings.

37. Go on walks around the neighborhood.

38. Blow bubbles with them.

39. Play hopscotch with them.

40. Jump rope.

41. Explore nature.

42. Fly a kite together.

43. Watch seagulls swoop over the water.

44. Watch the ducks paddle and dive.

45. Draw with sidewalk chalk.

46. Look for dragonflies by the water.

47. Take them fishing.

48. Go hiking with them.

49. Go on bike rides with them.

50. Get in your swimsuit, get in the pool, and splash with them.

51. Run through the sprinkler together.

52. Admire the starry night sky with them. Make wishes on the first stars you see.

Outings and Adventures

53. Take the trip. Even if they don’t remember it, they’ll be living their best life at the moment. And you’ll never forget it.

54. Visit the beach. Or the local creek. Whatever you have access to, just go.

55. Plan weekly or monthly “mommy and me” dates.

56. Go mini-golfing.

57. Visit the arcade.

58. Go camping.

59. Pitch a tent and have a sleepover in the backyard. Invite their teddy bears.

60. Take them to all the parks and playgrounds.

61. Ride the carousel with them.

62. Take them to the carnival.

Food and Cooking Together

63. Say yes to the kids’ meal.

64. Go out for ice cream just because.

65. Make homemade pizzas.

66. Bake cookies.

67. Say yes to one more bite of their favorite treat before bedtime (okay, within reason!).

68. Make s’mores around the campfire with them. Or in the microwave.

69. Let them come up with the dinner menu.

70. Make Sunday pancakes. Chocolate chips, whipped cream, and all.

71. Make cinnamon buns. Let them lick the extra icing off the spoon.

Seasonal Fun and Family Traditions

72. Build gingerbread houses.

73. Wear matching family pajamas on the holidays.

74. Wear matching pajamas (or matching anything) just because.

75. Build a snowman. Better yet, a whole snow fort.

76. Have a snowball fight.

77. Make snow angels.

78. Go berry picking.

79. Go apple picking.

80. Go pumpkin picking.

81. Decorate pumpkins.

82. Ride all the hayrides with them.

83. Have fun with the wonder of the holidays.

84. Go to parades. Help them gather all the candy their little hungry heart desires.

85. Go trick or treating.

86. Wake up early on Christmas morning with them.

87. Start a Christmas tradition of your own.

88. Dress up on Halloween with them.

89. Let them wear their costume while running errands with you.

Books, Crafts, and Keepsakes

90. Take all the photos with them. Selfies, posed portraits, candids. Whatever you can get. Just take the pictures.

91. Take up scrapbooking together.

92. Read to them.

93. Tell them stories of your childhood.

94. Make all the handprint crafts.

95. Make the footprint crafts, too.

96. Tuck sweet notes into their lunchbox.

97. Make cards for loved ones.

98. Take the home videos. iPhone camera coverage counts!

Cuddles and Connection

99. Hold their hand.

100. Smother them with kisses.

101. Give them piggyback rides.

102. Sneak in all the snuggles as they drift off to sleep.

103. Have a tickle game if they enjoy it, and stop when they ask. That little laugh is the best.

104. Rub noses together.

105. Give butterfly kisses.

106. Share in the biggest bear hugs.

107. Let them crawl into your bed for snuggle sessions in the morning.

108. Enjoy an awake cuddle with your baby resting against your chest.

109. Have them sit on your shoulders as you both go explore.

110. Lie on the floor and fly them like an airplane on your feet.

111. Kiss all the boo-boos that magically make things better.

112. Breathe in that baby scent while you hold them.

113. Hold them for as long as you both want.

114. Pinky promise to never stop loving them just as they are.

115. Enjoy the small moments, the big moments, and everything in between.

You won’t enjoy every second of parenting, and you don’t have to. Some days, reading a favorite book or sharing a laugh is what you have time for. Those moments belong on this list, too.