Centre Closed? Our Top At-Home Play Ideas for the Holidays

Estimated read time: 4 minutes

From our family to yours. We are taking some much needed, valuable time this Christmas to be with our own little ones. Bear and Cub is everything to us, but our children and families are even more. We expect January to be wonderfully hectic and we want to come back fully refreshed so we can give our best to you all. Wishing every family a gentle, joy filled Christmas and a calm start to the New Year. While we are closed, here are our favourite at home play ideas to keep things simple and happy for under fives.

Quick sensory set-ups

• Water tray with cups and spoons

What you need: Shallow tub, cups, spoons, a small towel. Add a festive touch: A sprig of eucalyptus or a drop of child safe vanilla for scent.

Why it works: Pouring and scooping builds focus and fine motor skills. Keep it 15 to 20 minutes.

• Play dough potion bar

What you need: Play dough, muffin tin, a few “ingredients” like buttons, pasta, cut straws. Optional: Cinnamon, star anise, or a leaf to press textures.

Why it works: Open ended, soothing, and great for hand strength. Store dough in an airtight container and rotate tools.

• Frozen treasure rescue

What you need: Freeze small toys in an ice tray. Offer warm water, a squeezy bottle, and a spoon. Why it works: Captivating and simple science. Ideal for the backyard or bath to manage drips.

Open-ended play that lasts

• Loose parts baskets

What you need: Cups, rings, pegs, wooden blocks, cardboard tubes.

Play ideas: Fill and dump, towers, ramps, “shops,” or “tea parties.”

Tip: Put out 6 to 10 pieces only. Less out means deeper play.

• Box worlds

What you need: A cardboard box, crayons, tape, a tea towel.

Play ideas: Car garage, post box, puppet theatre, or a cozy den.

Tip: Cut a door and add a small pillow for instant magic.

• Small world trays

What you need: A tray, a tea towel river, blocks for houses, animal or people figures.

Play ideas: Build a town, a beach, or a farm. Narrate their story with simple words.

Movement without the chaos

• Cushion stepping stones

What you need: 4 to 6 cushions or folded towels.

Play ideas: Cross the river, counting steps, colour calls.

Why it works: Big body movement regulates energy indoors.

• Tape roads

What you need: Painter’s tape on the floor or a table for roads and parking spots.

Play ideas: Deliveries, car wash, traffic lights.

Tip: Keep it compact and remove tape within a day or two.

• Obstacle loop

What you need: A tunnel made from chairs and a sheet, a box to crawl through, and a soft landing mat.

Why it works: Predictable loops calm the nervous system and burn wiggles.

Calm corners and quiet resets

• Book basket and lamp

What you need: 3 to 5 board books, a floor cushion, and a soft lamp.

Play ideas: Lift the flap, touch and feel, or singing a page.

Tip: Rotate books every few days to keep interest high.

• Matching baskets

What you need: Pairs of socks, lids and containers, or identical spoons.

Play ideas: Find the match, sort by size, stack and nest.

Why it works: Sorting is satisfying and builds attention.

Festive but gentle add-ons

• Nature ornament threading

What you need: Big beads or pasta, chunky string, thick paper stars to thread. Supervise closely.

• Kindness countdown

What you need: 5 envelopes with simple ideas: draw a picture for a neighbour, donate a toy, bake for a friend.

• Simple wrapping station

What you need: Kraft paper, washi tape, fabric ribbon. Invite your child to stick, pat, and place.

Make it work for you

• One tray at a time: Set out one invitation, then pack away before the next.

• Short and sweet: 10 to 20 minutes is a win in holiday mode.

• Repeat the hits: If something worked yesterday, do it again today with one tiny twist.

• Expect mess, contain it: Use a mat, keep wipes handy, and finish with a tidy song.

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When you need to get out

• Early park visit: Shady swings, five pushes, then home.

• Library browse: Even if storytime pauses, borrow a fresh stack for your calm corner.

• Gentle lights walk at dusk: Pram, water bottle, and a short loop.

Gift vouchers

Looking for a simple present? Purchase a Bear and Cub gift voucher of any amount, available as a digital voucher or a physical card. The perfect gift for calm play and happy memories.

We cannot wait to welcome you back Thank you for supporting a small, family run space. We will reopen in January feeling recharged and ready to bring the calm, connection, and creativity your little ones love.