Fun Ways to Learn Through Play: From Building Blocks to Science Experiments

Is there anything better than watching your little one get completely carried away with their imagination? One minute they’re stacking a few blocks, and the next they’re building an entire city, complete with roads, bridges and a very important story about who lives there! Using sensory toys to learn through play are so important for kids development and more importantly – it’s fun!

Playtime might look like a bit of a mess sometimes (especially when the toys end up all over the living room and under the sofa!), but it’s also a brilliant way for children to explore, try new things and learn without even realising it. The good news is that you don’t need loads of fancy equipment or a Pinterest-perfect playroom to make it happen. A few fun toys, a little time and plenty of room for imagination are all you really need. Our kids favourite toys have been open ended ones where they can make their own little worlds and stories.

If you’re looking for some fresh ideas to keep kids of all ages entertained at home, here are five easy activities to try together.

1. Challenge Them to Build the Tallest Tower

Building blocks are a firm favourite for a reason. They’re simple, versatile and can keep little ones entertained for ages. Plus, there’s no right or wrong way to play, which is part of the fun.

Why not kick things off with a little building challenge? See if your child can build the tallest tower possible, create a house for their favourite teddy or make a bridge that a toy car can drive underneath. Younger children might be happy stacking a few blocks before gleefully knocking them all down again, while older ones can experiment with different shapes and work out how to make their creations stand up without toppling over. And when that tower inevitably comes crashing down? Don’t worry! It’s all part of the fun. Encourage them to have another go and see if they can figure out what might make it sturdier next time. These little challenges are great for developing hand-eye coordination, practising fine motor skills and getting children thinking creatively.

Looking for something new to add to the toy box? Have a browse through these building blocks for ideas to suit different ages and interests.

2. Have Some Fun with Sensory Toys

Little ones love getting hands-on with the world around them, and sensory play is a lovely way to encourage that natural curiosity. Think bright colours, interesting textures, different shapes and toys that move, squeeze or make sounds. There’s so much for little minds to discover, and you don’t need to make it complicated.

Set up a little play area with a few age-appropriate sensory toys or sensory activities and let your child explore. You could turn it into a simple sorting game, grouping toys by colour or shape, or just sit together and chat about what you’re noticing.

If you’re looking to add something new to playtime, take a look at these sensory toys.

3. Get Curious with a Science Experiment Set

Got a little one who never stops asking “why?” and “how does that work?” Then a science experiment set could be just the thing to spark their curiosity!

Science doesn’t have to mean complicated instructions or a kitchen full of mysterious ingredients. With an age-appropriate experiment kit, you can introduce little ones to simple reactions, colour mixing and all sorts of fascinating discoveries in a fun, hands-on way.

Find a little space at the table, get your kit ready and ask your child what they think might happen before you begin. Will the colours change? What might happen when the materials are mixed? There’s nothing quite like seeing their faces when the results are different from what they expected!

The best bit is that things don’t always have to go to plan. If something surprising happens, have a chat about it and see what they think. Encouraging children to ask questions, make predictions and notice what’s happening is a lovely way to introduce early problem-solving skills. It’s also a great activity to do together. You can help with the trickier bits, explain what’s happening in simple terms and let your little scientist get involved in any steps that are suitable for their age.

Just make sure you follow the kit’s instructions, supervise throughout and use any recommended protective equipment. With a little preparation, you could have a brilliant afternoon of discovery on your hands!

4. Build a Little World Together

One of the best things about sensory small world toys is that they can become pretty much anything your child dreams up. A few pieces can turn into a castle, a farm, a busy town or even a rocket heading off on an adventure. Why not sit down and build something together? You could start with a little house, add some roads and bridges, then let your child decide what happens next. Playmobil is brilliant for this! Maybe their toy animals need somewhere to live, or a tiny car needs help getting across a river. Ask questions like, “What should we build next?” or “How could we make this even bigger?”

Try adding a few everyday bits and bobs to bring your child’s play world to life! You don’t need to buy lots of extra toys – sometimes the best additions are things you already have at home. For example, a little crushed Weetabix or some clean packaging could become hay or wheat for a pretend farm, while a handful of leaves could transform the garden into a grassy lawn for their Playmobil figures. You could even use small cardboard boxes to create barns, fences or little houses for their animals. These simple additions encourage children to think outside the box, use their imaginations and come up with their own creative ideas. They also add a whole new sensory element to playtime, with different textures, shapes and smells to explore. Let your little one take the lead and see what they come up with. It’s a lovely way to spend time together, and you might be surprised by the stories your little one comes up with along the way.

Just remember to supervise younger children closely, avoid small materials that could pose a choking risk, and check that anything you use is clean and safe for their age.

5. Turn a Rainy Afternoon into a Playtime Adventure

We’ve all had those days when the weather puts outdoor plans on hold and the kids start looking for something to do. Having a few easy activities up your sleeve can be a real lifesaver. Why not plan a mini indoor adventure? Start with a building challenge, move on to some sensory exploration, then finish with a science experiment or a creative game that brings everything together.

You could build a home for some toy animals, explore different sensory toys to decide which animals might live there, then use your science kit to introduce a simple experiment inspired by your imaginary world. Of course, you don’t have to stick to a plan. If your child becomes completely absorbed in one activity, let them carry on. And if they want to swap halfway through, that’s fine too!

Let the Fun (and Learning) Happen Naturally

The lovely thing about building blocks, sensory toys and science kits is that there’s so much you can do with them. They can inspire imaginative games, encourage children to try new things and give you some really special moments to enjoy together. And remember, you don’t need to organise an activity every minute of the day. Sometimes the best play happens when you simply put a few toys out and see where your child’s imagination takes them. One day, those blocks might become a skyscraper; the next, they’re a shop, a castle or a home for teddy. A science experiment might spark a whole stream of questions, while a sensory toy might become their new favourite thing to explore.

With Christmas creeping closer, it’s never too early to start gathering ideas for gifts the kids will genuinely love playing with long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away! Toys that encourage building, creativity and a bit of experimenting can make lovely presents, especially for curious little ones who love getting hands-on. If you’re already starting your Christmas list and need a little inspiration, have a look at Very’s guide to the best Christmas Toys packed with ideas for different ages, interests and budgets. You might just find something that brings plenty of fun, imagination and a little learning to Christmas morning!

So, embrace the slightly chaotic playroom, join in with the occasional adventure and enjoy seeing where those little imaginations lead. You never know what they’ll come up with next!