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30 Fun Small World Play Ideas for Kids

Create Small World Play scenes and watch your child’s imagination soar. Not only are mini worlds a great way to promote creativity, but they are fantastic for social and emotional development. Playing with tiny characters helps children to take the perspective of others and explore why they may react in different ways.

Many small worlds also double as sensory bins, which give children even more benefits. Such as sensory integration, fine motor skills, numeracy skills and more.

Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times. Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

Small World Play Ideas for Kids

1. Mermaid Sensory Bin and Small World

Completed mermaid lagoon sensory bin.

Dive into a magical underwater adventure with the Mermaid Sensory Bin. Perfect for pretend play, this activity is a hit for those who love a splash of fantasy and fun. It’s an enchanting way to engage in sensory exploration and so much fun for little ones.

2. Astronaut Sensory Bin

Completed astronaut sensory bin for kids.

Blast off into space with the Astronaut Sensory Bin. This activity combines real-life interest in space with child-friendly sensory play. It’s an out-of-this-world experience for kids fascinated by astronauts and the mysteries of the universe.

3. Farm Sensory Bin and Small World

Toy farm animals in a corn based sensory tub.

Get ready for farmyard fun with the Farm Sensory Bin. This activity brings the farm scene to life, complete with farm animals. It’s a fantastic way for kids to learn about farm life and engage in imaginative play.

4. Australia Small World and Sensory Bin

Explore the wonders of Down Under with the Australia Sensory Bin. This sensory play activity is not only fun but also aids in language development. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Australia.

5. Dinosaur Sensory Bin

Green tub filled with pumpkin seeds and toy dinosaurs.

Travel back to prehistoric times with the Dinosaur Sensory Bin. Ideal for younger children, this bin encourages imaginative play with its variety of dinosaurs. It’s a roaring good time for little dino enthusiasts!

6. Volcano Sensory Bin and Small World

Completed volcano sensory bin for kids.

Experience the thrill of a volcanic eruption with the Volcano Sensory Bin. This exciting activity sparks children’s imagination and introduces them to new materials. It’s an explosive adventure that’s both educational and entertaining.

7. Construction Sensory Bin for Kids

Children playing with a tub filled with brown moon sand and toy construction vehicles.

Build and play at the Construction Sensory Bin for Kids. This activity sets up a miniature construction site with various construction toys, perfect for little builders who love to create and imagine.

8. Insect Small World and Sensory Bin

Discover the tiny world of insects with the Insect Sensory Bin. This bin, filled with small figures, sparks great ideas and creativity in kids. It’s an excellent way for them to learn about different insects in an interactive manner.

9. Birds Nest Small World and Sensory Bin

Explore the beauty of nature with the Birds Nest Sensory Bin. This small world play activity enhances language skills and social skills, offering a unique and engaging experience for children.

10. Butterfly Sensory Bin for Spring

Looking for spring sensory activities for kids? This butterfly sensory bin will be a hit with your toddlers and preschoolers.

Welcome spring with the colorful Butterfly Sensory Bin for Spring. This activity is perfect for small children, providing opportunities for learning and exploration through playful interaction with nature’s beauty.

11. Frog Pond Sensory Bin and Small World

Frog pond sensory bin for kids. A fun and easy spring themed sensory activity for toddlers and preschoolers.

Dive into the world of amphibians with the Frog Pond Sensory Bin. This playful activity, designed for young children, brings the excitement of a frog pond right into your home or classroom.

12. Tropical Island Small World and Sensory Bin for Kids

Create your island paradise with the Tropical Island Small World and Sensory Bin for Kids. This activity allows children to set up miniature play scenes and express their own ideas, making for a fantastic imaginative playtime.

13. Shark Bay Small World and Sensory Bin for Toddlers

Shark bay sensory bin for kids. This is a fun sensory activity for toddlers and preschoolers to play with during summer or shark week.

Embark on an underwater adventure with the Shark Bay Sensory Bin for Toddlers. This small world scene encourages open-ended play, letting toddlers explore the mysterious world of sharks and ocean life in a safe and fun way.

14. Sea Foam Sensory Bin

Soapy sea foam sensory bin for kids. A fun and easy sensory activity for toddlers and preschoolers to try this summer.

Immerse in oceanic wonders with the Sea Foam Sensory Bin. A sensory bin that sparks a little imagination, it’s perfect for young explorers eager to learn about the sea and its inhabitants.

15. Ocean Small World and Sensory Bin

Ocean small world and sensory bin for kids. This is a fun summer themed activity or toddlers and preschoolers.

Discover marine life with the Ocean Small World and Sensory Bin. This activity features sea creatures and helps children develop an understanding of the world beneath the waves, combining education with fun.

16. Polar Animals Sensory Bin

This polar animals sensory bin is perfect for toddler and preschool winter curriculums. Learn about the harsh climate these amazing animals live in. All while developing language, fine motor skills and more.

Explore the Arctic with the Polar Animals Sensory Bin. This miniature world introduces children to polar animals and new ways of sensory play, making it an exciting and educational experience.

17. Winter Forest Small World and Sensory Bin

Include this winter forest sensory bin in your list of winter sensory activities. Toddlers and preschoolers will love this soft snowy forest.

Wander through a wintry forest with the Winter Forest Sensory Bin. Using real world elements like twigs and natural materials, this activity provides an authentic and engaging play experience for children.

18. Iceberg Sensory Bin for Winter

This Iceberg Sensory Bin for Winter is a fun, easy, taste safe sensory activity for kids. Perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to play with this winter.

Experience the chill of the Arctic with the Iceberg Sensory Bin for Winter. This small world-play activity offers hands-on experiences with icy landscapes, perfect for curious young minds.

19. Portable Model Train Set

All aboard the Portable Pretend Model Train Set. This train set is a little bit of joy for every aspiring conductor, combining the fun of trains with the creativity of small world play.

Photo: Play Trains

20. Dragon World

Embark on a mythical adventure with the Simple Small Worlds – Dragon World. This small world setup is perfect for kids who love fantasy and creativity, bringing dragons and their world to life.

Photo: Fun at Home with Kids

21. Park in Snow

Enjoy a winter wonderland with the Small World Play – Park in Snow. This activity combines sensory elements with building blocks and peg people, offering a unique way for children to play and learn about winter environments.

Photo: The Imagination Tree

22. Small World Play – Cardboard Box Town

Create your own little town with the Small World Play – Cardboard Box Town. Using a cardboard box, kids can design their own streets and parking spots, fostering creativity and imaginative play.

Photo: The Imagination Tree

23. The Little Red Hen Small World

Delve into a classic tale with The Little Red Hen Small World. This activity brings the story to life, aiding children’s learning through interactive play and storytelling.

Photo: Learning and Exploring Through Play

24. Nativity Scene Small World Play

Celebrate the holiday season with Nativity Scene Small World Play. This activity allows kids to create their own little worlds using loose parts, perfect for imaginative and reflective play.

Photo: The Imagination Tree

25. Frozen Small World Shoe Box

Enter a winter fairy tale with the Frozen Small World Shoe Box. Ideal for little girls and boys, this type of play lets them explore a frozen landscape in a creative and magical way.

Photo: Learning and Exploring Through Play

26. Superhero Small World

Unleash your inner hero with the Superhero Small World. This activity is a great way to foster emotional development, as kids create and play in a world filled with their favorite superheroes.

Photo: Fun Learning for Kids

27. Easy LEGO Fairy Garden for Kids

Create an enchanting miniature world with the Easy LEGO Fairy Garden for Kids. This activity encourages children to construct their own fairy garden using LEGO, fostering creativity through imaginary scenes. It’s a delightful way to engage in storytelling and construction play.

Photo: Toddler Approved

28. The Three Little Pigs Small World Play

Step into the classic tale with The Three Little Pigs Small World Play. This activity brings the beloved story to life, encouraging dramatic play and creative storytelling. It’s perfect for engaging young minds in the narrative and characters of “The Three Little Pigs.”

Photo: Growing Book by Book

29. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Small World

Embark on an adventurous journey with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Small World. This playful activity is designed for early childhood, allowing kids to recreate the exciting bear hunt from the classic story. It’s a fantastic way to combine physical play with storytelling.

Photo: Learning and Exploring Through Play

30. My Little Pony Small World Sensory Play

Discover the magical world of ponies with My Little Pony Small World Sensory Play. This activity provides a wonderful opportunity for role play and is especially appealing to older children. It encourages creative storytelling and imaginative play in a vibrant, pony-filled setting.

Photo: My Small Potatoes

Are you going to try any of these Small World Play Ideas with your kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.