Games for Children Aged 2 to 4

Bubble Games

• Take the little ones outside and blow some bubbles for them. Tell the children to try to pop as many bubbles as they can. They can sit on them, poke them or bump them with their body. Award each child a bottle of bubbles for participation. For another bubble activity, allow the children to open their bottles of bubbles and blow their own bubbles. Tell the children to try to blow the biggest and smallest bubbles.

Relay Games

• Divide the children into two teams and have them line up at a starting line. Give the first child in each team line a large dump truck he can push. Place a cone about 15 feet from the starting line. When you say, "Race," the first two players must push the truck around the cone and back to the next teammate in line. Each child must do the same thing. The first team to finish wins the game; however, award all players for participation.

Dance Games

• Select one child to be the "leader" and have her stand in front of all the children. Play some music and tell the "leader" to dance. All the other children must copy the leader's dance moves. Keep playing until everyone has a chance to be the leader at least once. For another dance game, play dance freeze. Tell the toddlers to dance around the party area. When they music stops, they must freeze and be as still as possible. Award prizes to all players.

Ball Games

• Roll a large ball into a play area or backyard. Give each child a smaller ball and make sure each one has a different color ball. Tell the children they have to roll their balls as close as they can to the large ball. The child who rolls his ball closest to the large ball wins the game. For another ball game, play a game of toss the ball. Place a bucket or laundry basket about three feet from a standing line. Have the children line up at the standing line and take turns trying to toss a ball into the bucket or laundry basket.