Children's Waiting Room Activities & Toys

Importance of Waiting Room Activities

• Waiting room activities are beneficial in many ways. They discourage children from running around the doctor's office, disrupting other sick patients who are waiting to see the doctor. Since children can become anxious when seeing a doctor, waiting room activities may help lessen their fear. Children will be less likely to be bored if they are distracted with activities while waiting. Having these activities available gives children a sense of security, helping them to not fear a visit to the doctor's office.

Waiting Room Activities for All Ages

• When deciding on the type of toys to have in the waiting room, it is important to keep in mind the different ages of the children. Someone who is 10 will not be entertained by toys geared towards a 2-year-old. The goal is to find activities that will satisfy every age group. An easy way to figure out what activities to offer is to observe kids of different ages and see what they enjoy. You can also ask fellow doctors what activities they offer for kids in their waiting rooms or ask some kids about the type of quiet activities they would do while waiting for the doctor.

Waiting Room Activities That Suit Everyone

• Some waiting room activities should provide entertainment to everyone. Putting on a kid's movie will grab the attention of most children in the waiting room. Movies are a favorite activity for kids of all ages. Another activity kids of all ages will enjoy is drawing and coloring. Coloring and learning to draw give all children the opportunity to use their imaginations and create masterpieces of their own. These traditional activities are something kids are used to and will make them more comfortable when visiting the doctor's office.

Educational Waiting Room Activities

• The activities and games that are offered in the waiting room should provide the kids with learning skills that will be useful to them. Kids can learn important skills even when waiting for the doctor. Offering problem-solving games or activities such as puzzles, blocks, and matching games gives children a chance to use their minds. Incorporating activities that provide creative play is also beneficial to kids. Activities and games such as a train table, a table covered with paper for children to draw on or a small kitchen area will provide children with such an opportunity.