April play ideas: Easy ways to connect and have fun
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April always brings a fresh energy — longer days, brighter moods, and kids who are so ready for something fun.
It’s the kind of month that makes you want to shake things up a little, try something new, and soak in all those little moments that make childhood feel extra special.
That’s why this month, I’m sharing four simple, low-prep play ideas that are easy to set up, fun for the kids, and perfect for adding a little extra play (and maybe even a little calm) to your days.
No stress, no overthinking — just easy, playful moments to bring more joy to your days with the kids. Let’s jump in!
April play ideas: Easy activities to try with your kids this month
Each month, you’ll get four easy ideas:
- one for independent play (because sometimes we just need five minutes of quiet)
- one for connecting with your kids
- one for creative fun
- one for quality family time.
Think of it as a little toolkit to make your month more joyful and connected — without adding more to your to-do list.
These aren’t just activities — they’re little pockets of joy you can sprinkle into your month, no matter how busy it gets.
PLAY: Pretend play toy store
This pretend play activity is easy to set up with items you already have at home, so you can prepare it several times throughout the month if your kids enjoy it.
Materials
Here are a few other things you can include:
- small books to create a book section in the toy store
- paper bags for the kids to wrap the toys
- pen and paper to create “receipts” for the customers
- (optional) pretend cash register
- (optional) pretend money.
To prepare this activity, you will need some of your kids’ toys, a few labels, and (optional) a pretend cash register.
It is best to set up the pretend toy store while the kids are not around so you can surprise them when everything is ready.
Use a few small shelves to display the toys and add colorful price labels and store signs.
This activity is not only a fun pretend play idea for the kids, but also an opportunity for them to practice their writing skills (by creating the labels, the store signs, and the receipts) and math skills (by using the cash register).
CONNECT: Homemade trading cards
This activity is inspired by the Artist Trading Card movement started in 1997 by Swiss artist M. Vanci Stirnenmann, and it’s a wonderful way to encourage creativity.
Inspiration
Artist Trading Cards are small pieces of art that kids can create and trade with other kids.
The only rule set by the creator of this movement is that the cards need to measure 2.5 x 3.5 in (6.5 x 9cm), the same size as the classic baseball trading cards.
Instructions
To prepare this activity, you only need a set of blank cards (that you can buy or create) and a few drawing and painting supplies. (If your kids prefer to paint the cards, it is best to use watercolor paper to make the cards.)
Set up the supplies on a small table or shelf so the kids can easily access them throughout the month. You can also prepare small boxes for them to use to store their collections.
Invite the kids to get creative preparing a set of trading cards (by creating abstract designs or drawings inspired by things they like or persons they admire).
The kids can add to their collection over time and invite their friends to create cards as well so they can explore each other’s collections and trade cards.
An alternative to trading the cards is to encourage the kids to offer them as gifts to their friends.
CREATE: Coffee filter flowers
These coffee filter flowers are easy to make, fun for siblings to create together, and add a bright pop of color to your home.
Materials
- coffee filters
- watercolor paint
- craft pipe cleaners
- straws
- (optional) beads
Instructions
Invite the kids to use watercolor paint to paint the coffee filters.
Then, fold the coffee filter to create the flower shape and use the craft pipe cleaners to make the stems (by wrapping them around the bottom part of the flowers).
Place straws on the pipe cleaners to make the stems more steady, or use beads to decorate the stems and make them more colorful.
Bonus:
Want more quick & easy ideas for creative play? Playful Prompts gives you instant inspiration for the days when you just need something fun — fast! Grab it here.
FAMILY FUN: Spring-inspired creative day
Some of the best family moments happen when everyone gets a little creative together — and this simple setup makes it easy.
Pick a rainy weekend day, clear off a table, and set out your favorite art supplies: markers, crayons, paints, paper, even some craft materials if you have them.
There’s no right or wrong way to do this — just an open invitation for the whole family to create something inspired by spring.
Leave the materials out all day so the kids can come back whenever inspiration strikes.
At the end of the day, display everyone’s creations in the living room — it’s like bringing a little bit of spring sunshine indoors, no matter what the weather looks like outside!
More ways to keep the fun going this month
Want even more ideas? Here are two fantastic resources to help you create happy moments with your kids — without extra stress.
- 25 Days of Play and Connection [poster]
Looking for quick, easy ideas to make your days more playful?
- 25 simple activities that spark creativity & connection
- Perfect for busy days when you need an instant idea
⭐ Grab your free poster here — so you always have a fun idea ready when you need it!
- The Playful Spring Guide
Want to take the guesswork out of planning fun, creative activities for your kids?
The Playful Spring Guide gives you 31 simple, engaging ideas designed to make playtime easy and stress-free — all with minimal prep and materials you can easily get.
The activity cards inside the guide will help you can build a go-to collection of screen-free, creative play ideas your kids will love!
⭐ Get the Playful Spring Guide and make this spring easy, fun, and playful for you and your kids!
Make springtime fun, easy, and playful with activities your kids will love.
With quick, creative ideas, the Playful Spring Guide helps you fill your child’s days with joy and connection – without the stress of planning.
Both resources are here to help you enjoy meaningful moments with your kids without adding extra stress to your day.
I’d love to hear which activities you try and how they bring joy to your home!
