Play is how children learn—it’s the heart of childhood!
For preschoolers, the best toys do much more than entertain. They support healthy development, nurture curiosity, fuel creativity, and spark imagination. Great toys invite children to explore, think, move, create and play independently.
When choosing toys for ages 3 to 5, it’s helpful to consider their growing abilities, interests and their developmental stage.
Preschoolers now have longer attention spans, more independent play, and they ask lots of questions as they explore the world around them. That’s why toys that grow with them—offering different types of play at different stages—are ideal. Parents should look for open-ended toys and consider eco-friendly, non-toxic materials that are also easy to carry so they can be played anywhere anytime.
At this age, kids love anything they can move—cars, trucks, and things that roll. They also begin to act out real-life experiences, like going to the beach or cooking dinner. Imaginative play really takes off, so dolls, animal figures, play food, dress-up clothes, and even household items like blankets and boxes become magical tools for storytelling. Toy kitchens, dollhouses, car sets, and construction scenes help children to replay the world they see around them. This supports understanding and language skills.
Preschoolers are also developing their physical skills—large and small muscles. They want to run, balance, build, sort and create.
Games such as throwing or kicking a ball, dancing, jumping or trying out balance bikes are fun activities that encourage exploration and support coordination and gross motor skills.
Puzzles, play dough, chalk, finger paints and sorting and matching games are types of toys that help strengthening fine motor skills and enhance problem-solving abilities.
Picture books with text also play a bigger role now. With longer attention spans and focus, children can follow stories with more detailed pictures and enjoy books with richer vocabulary. Many also love listening to songs and rhymes—another great way to support language development.
While electronic toys can be flashy and attention-grabbing, they often limit opportunities for real interaction. When a toy 'talks', children may stop talking, playing, and connecting—with the toy doing the work instead of the child.
Note: The Australian national guidelines recommend no screen time at all for children under two, and no more than one hour per day for ages 2–5. Real, responsive play is what helps children thrive.
For more on screen time recommendations: Australian Institute of Family Studies – Screen Time Guidelines
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