Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
Engaging in friendship activities for preschoolers can help children make new friends and have fun simultaneously. It is a known fact that the friendships made during one’s early years last a lifetime. Friendships also make our lives fun and help reduce stress (1).
While some children get along well with their peers, others might need help making friends. So, we have compiled a list of friendship activities aimed at helping children develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and lifelong bonds that contribute to their overall well-being. Introduce these to them and let them make memories while indulging in fun and frolic.
Key Pointers
- Children begin to learn new things and vital life skills when making friends.
- Introducing your child to some fun friendship activities might help them bond with their peers while indulging in a joyous playtime.
- Whether the traditional blindfolding or the engaging color blocks activity, pick one for your preschooler and watch them have a great time with their friends.
22 Engaging Friendship Activities For Preschoolers And Toddlers
Toddlers learn quickly when taught through play. These friendship activities, suitable for playdates or schools for toddlers, can be included as fun activities and games to develop their social and emotional skills. Alongside singing, drawing, coloring, storytelling, and puzzles, you can bring excitement and creativity to your toddler’s routines with these innovative activities. Your little one will thoroughly enjoy participating in them.
Engaging in these cooperative games can also help encourage prosocial behaviors, such as sharing and kindness, among young children. These activities also promote empathy and perspective-taking and help children gain insights into rules, routines, and social interactions within a school setting (2) (3).
1. Match the color blocks
Group activities for toddlers are fun and offer many benefits. This cooperative game is best played when you have a group of children who are new to each other.
How to play
- Give every child a building block in any color.
- Each child must walk around the room and find the other blocks of the same color.
- Ask children with the same color blocks to break the ice by introducing themselves to each other.
Variation for a smaller group: Use fewer colors and give multiple blocks of each color. Children can form smaller teams instead of large groups.
Variation for mixed abilities: For younger toddlers or children still learning colors, arrange a visual chart of colors to help them match their blocks easily.
2. Find the friend
If you have a group of older toddlers, try this fun memory game with them. It also doubles as an interesting friendship game.
How to play
- Make a grid collage of all the children participating in the game with their names in the picture and get two prints of the page.
- Cut out each square and place them facing down on the floor.
- Each child has to overturn two squares and see if they get the same person.
- Every time a square is placed face up, ask them to say the child’s name on the square.
Variation for a larger group: Divide the children into smaller groups and create multiple grids with children’s pictures according to their respective groups to prevent overcrowding.
Variation for mixed abilities: Instead of matching exact pictures, children can match the images based on similar features in pictures—for example, pictures with the same hairstyle or color of clothes.
3. You’ve got a friend
You might be familiar with this game. It is like musical chairs but with a cute twist. The game brings toddlers together both physically and emotionally.
How to play
- Play a friendship-based song or any peppy song the children can dance to. Stop the music at intervals.
- When the music stops, the toddlers have to find a new friend and hug them.
- Start the music again and let them dance.
Variation for a smaller group: Select songs the children are familiar with and keep the playlist short. Let children pair up with the same friend multiple times to help build a deeper bond.
Variation for mixed abilities: Pick songs with verbal prompts and slow tempos to help children find a friend easily.
4. Hand friendship wreath
Create a memorable moment with an unforgettable gift of friendship. This activity also helps in a child’s social development.
How to play
- Trace the hands of the toddlers on sheets of paper.
- Cut them out.
- Give the children some crayons and let them color their handshapes in the colors of their choice.
- Use a thread and needle to connect all the hands to make a wreath.
- Display the friendship wreath on a wall or a display board.
Variation for a larger group: Divide the children into smaller groups and the wreath-making process into smaller parts. Assign the tasks accordingly and create a larger collaborative project.
Variation for mixed abilities: Provide pre-cut hand shapes for children who cannot cut the papers on their own.
Quick tip5. Copycat
Now here is a funny game that can leave children laughing. So, be ready for some giggles and chuckles.
How to play
- Let the children stand in a circle. An adult must tap one of the children on the shoulder.
- The selected child must make a sound or perform an action.
- The others have to copy the sound or action.
- The adult must then tap another child.
- Continue until every child has had a chance.
Variation for a smaller group: Ask the children to form a smaller circle or have one child lead the entire group.
Variation for mixed abilities: Ask the children to make simple actions at first and then increase the complexity based on their ability.
6. Friendship storytime
Here is an interesting story game to help them make new friends. Let children display their creativity while also making friends.
How to play
- Select a few children’s books that center around the theme of friendship.
- After reading, discuss the characters’ actions and feelings to promote an understanding of friendship dynamics.
- You could also ask questions such as ‘What qualities do you value in a friend?’ and ‘How can we help each other when we disagree? to connect the stories with children’s real-life experiences.
Variation for a large group: Break the group into mini-groups to discuss the stories first and then have all the sub-groups come together for a simple quiz session.
Variation for mixed abilities: Use interactive books with pictures or puppets for toddlers who are still developing their speech.
7.Blindfold
Are your children ready for some fun and confusion? If yes, this blindfold game is perfect for them.
How to play
- In a room safe for children to play, select any one child and blindfold them for this fun game.
- They have to run around and catch their playmates.
- The first person they catch will be blindfolded for the next round.
- While this is a great friendship activity for toddlers, it also helps enhance their senses.
- Play this game under adult supervision only.
Variation for a smaller group: Keep a set time within which the blindfolded child has to tag someone. The time limit will make it more exciting.
Variation for mixed abilities: Use soft, audible objects like tiny bells for other children to guide the blindfolded child safely.
8. Roll the jar
Now here is a unique and interesting game to help develop children’s collaborative skills. This is more suitable for older toddlers, but younger tots can also give it a try.
How to play
- All you need is a cylindrical plastic jar with a lid, paint, and some marbles. You could also use some paints.
- Put the marbles into the jar and squeeze some paint into it.
- Close the lid, and let the children roll the jar back and forth amongst themselves.
- They may also pass it to each other in a clockwise motion.
Variation for a larger group: Arrange for multiple jars that can be used simultaneously, each with a different color palette of paint.
Variation for mixed abilities: Assign specific roles to each child, such as ‘roller’ or ‘color mixer,’ to ensure everyone is involved.
9. Show and tell
You may have heard of this. Here is a toddler’s version of ‘Show and Tell,’ with cuter words.
How to play
- Every child has to bring their favorite item from home and tell the other children about it.
- They could select any item. It may be a favorite stuffed toy, a dress, a blanket, a sippy cup, a toy, or a book.
Variation for a smaller group: Give each child more time to elaborate on their item and answer questions.
Variation for mixed abilities: Allow children to use props or picture boards to explain their terms.
10. Hello, my friends
This activity can be uncomfortable for some children. So, do not force any child to participate in this activity if they are not comfortable speaking in front of a large group.
How to play
- Let the children sit in a circle with one child sitting in the center.
- The child in the center must close their eyes. One child from the circle goes up to them and says, “Hello, my friend. Can you guess who I am?”
- If the child with the closed eyes guesses correctly, the child who asked the question has to take their place; otherwise, the game continues.
Variation for a large group: Divide the group into sub-groups to give each child more chances to participate.
Variation for mixed abilities: For children who are shy or unable to speak in a group, you can use pre-recorded voice prompts to help them guess the names.
11. Friendship banner
It’s time to show some creativity with a fun craft activity. Give children the freedom to play with colors so they enjoy this activity to the fullest.
How to play
- Give each child a sheet of paper and some watercolors. Let them paint on the sheet as they wish.
- Once the paint has dried completely, cut hand shapes, flowers, or any simple shapes out of each sheet.
- Punch a hole in each shape on opposite sides.
- Use a thread to connect them and display the banner on the wall.
Variation for a larger group: Divide the group into smaller groups and assign different sections of the banner to different groups. Connect the pieces at the end to create the full banner.
Variation for mixed abilities: For children with fine motor challenges, provide stencils or stickers that will help them draw or paint easily.
12. The good friend lists
This game is best for children who are familiar with each other. A fun game like this can help create memories for a lifetime.
How to play
- Print out photographs of all the children on a sheet of paper.
- Give one such sheet to every child.
- Ask them individually which child they consider to be a good friend.
- They might select one or many.
Variation for smaller groups: Let children pick multiple friends and give reasons for choosing them.
Variation for mixed abilities: Use emoji stickers or color-coded markers for children to mark their choices instead of writing.
13. Friendship band
Why wait for Friendship Day when children can make new friends any day? Here is a fun activity that can get them excited to make new friends.
How to play
- Ask the children to get ribbons or wool to make friendship bands for their friends.
- They can use glitter, beads, and sequins to decorate these bands.
- As toddlers love playing with glue, they may enjoy this activity.
- This can be a cool bonding exercise for toddlers.
Variation for a large group: Arrange for a crafting station that is stocked with all the materials required to make a friendship band so they can create multiple bands.
Variation for mixed abilities: For younger toddlers still developing their fine motor skills, arrange for larger beads and precut ribbons to make the activity easier.
14. Scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is a game that not only helps toddlers make friends quickly but also helps them improve their teamwork and logical thinking skills.
How to play
- Pair up the children and give them pictures of items that they have to find.
- You could also give them picture cards as they are easier to handle for toddlers.
- You can also involve your little ones in simple and creative variations of popular outdoor games for toddlers, such as hide-and-seek, freeze tag, and hopscotch, with their friends right in your backyard.
Variation for a smaller group: Keep less number of items and allot enough for completion.
Variation for mixed abilities: Create picture-based clues or hints for children who are still learning to read.
15. Who is under the blanket?
For older tots, a cute spooky game can make them feel at home. Check out this cozy blankie game.
How to play
- Let children walk or dance around the room while you play music.
- When the music stops, all the children should sit on the floor wherever they are and close their eyes with their hands.
- No peeking! Cover one child with a blanket and tell the other children to open their eyes.
- The children should guess the name of the child under the blanket.
Variation for a large group: Use two blankets simultaneously for quicker turns.
Variation for mixed abilities: Give some hints, such as the color of the child’s outfit, to make guessing easier.
Do remember16. Friend fishing
Introduce children to fishing in a fun manner. Here, though, they will be looking for their friends instead of actual fish.
How to play
- Print out the pictures of the children on a sheet of paper and cut them out.
- Attach a couple of paper clips to each picture.
- Take a long stick and tie a string to one end. On the other end of the string, attach a magnet.
- Ask the children to sit in a circle and put the pictures with paper clips in the center.
- Each child must use the stick to ‘fish’ for friends. Pass the stick around in the circle.
Variation for a smaller group: Use fewer pictures and allow multiple turns.
Variation for mixed abilities: Print larger pictures and use stronger magnets so that children can fish easily.
17. Will you be a friend of mine?
What can be more fun than singing your way to friendship? Here is a musical game to let children make new friends.
How to play
- All the children sit in a circle, and one child walks around them singing a rhyme (in the tune of ‘Mary had a little lamb’)
Will you be a friend of mine?
Friend of mine?
Friend of mine?
Will you be a friend of mine?
___________ (name of the child walking around the circle) - When the song ends, the child has to tap on the head of the child closest to them.
- The child who was tapped repeats the rhyme in the same manner.
Variation for a large group: Make more than one child walk around the circle simultaneously and pick friends to finish the game faster.
Variation for mixed abilities: Arrange for a visual cue or a small bell that will help children follow the rhythm of the rhyme.
18. Musical chairs
Here is the classic game both kids and adults enjoy playing. It’s one game that does not fail to entertain the participants.
How to play
- Place chairs in the room, one less than the number of children playing.
- Place the chairs in a line, alternatively facing forward and backward.
- Play music and let the children walk in a circle around the chairs.
- When the music stops, the children have to sit on the chairs. The child who fails to sit on a chair goes out of the game.
- Keep removing one chair after each round until only one chair remains for the rest of the players.
Variation for a smaller group: Use a smaller number of chairs and encourage every child to participate. Focus on participation rather than elimination.
Variation for mixed abilities: Opt for small mats or cushions instead of chairs for children with physical challenges.
19. Friendship necklace
Let children display their creativity while also making new friends. Making a friendship necklace is a great way for toddlers to make new friends. Friendship necklace kits are a great idea for party favors too.
How to play
- Put some uncooked macaroni or penne pasta in containers of food colors and mix well.
- Thread them through a string or twine.
Variation for a large group: Create team necklaces, where each child adds a bead to a shared string.
Variation for mixed abilities: Use flexible stringing materials and larger pasta for easier handling.
20. That’s me!
Here is a fun way for a child to introduce themselves. However, note that not every child will be comfortable speaking in a group.
How to play
- Stand in front of the children and share a fact about yourself.
- You could tell them something you like or dislike.
- When any child shares your likes or dislikes, they shout, “That’s me!”
Variation for a large group: Create smaller sub-groups and circles for quicker turns.
Variation for mixed abilities: Make use of picture cards or symbols to represent likes or dislikes for children so that they can simply hold it up instead of shouting.
21. Red rover
Red Rover is a classic game for preschoolers. This is also a good icebreaker activity.
How to play
- Divide the children into two teams.
- Each member joins hands with their teammates and stands facing the other team.
- Then, each team takes turns calling a player from the other team.
- When the player comes over, they have to hold hands to stop the player from crossing over.
Variation for a smaller group: Divide the participants into smaller groups and reduce the play area for a more challenging experience.
Variation for mixed abilities: Make the challenge easier by opting for walking or tagging rather than breaking through linked hands.
22. Puzzle friends
Want to check how children can become team players? Try this puzzle game that will teach them coordination and cooperation. As per research, undirected play can help children learn how to work in groups, share, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and develop self-advocacy skills (4).
How to play
- Divide the toddlers into small groups and give each group a simple jigsaw puzzle.
- Ensure every child participates and helps in putting the puzzles together.
Variation for a larger group: Use multiple puzzles so each group can play simultaneously. The group that finishes first wins the challenge.
Variation for mixed abilities: For older toddlers, set a time limit within which the puzzle has to be completed. For younger tots, use a puzzle they can solve easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are friendships important during preschool years?
Childhood friendships are important for children as they help develop a sense of belonging and reduce the risks of stress. It has also been said that such friendships help improve children’s quality of life (1).
2. How can a teacher promote toddlers developing friendships?
Teachers can help children in developing friendships in the following ways:
- Set the foreground
- Use puppet models for role play about friendship
- Arrange for peer partners
- Reinforce friendly behavior
3. What should a child do if they accidentally hurt their friend during an activity?
It is crucial to stop the activity immediately if anyone is hurt and check on their condition to assess the extent of the discomfort or injury. The child should seek help from a responsible adult or call medical assistance if necessary. Teach your child that accidents do occur, and how we respond to them is what counts. One must take immediate responsibility, empathize, and make sincere efforts to make amends to deal with the accident and build the friendship further.
4. How can children show appreciation to their friends during an activity?
The child can thank their friends during an activity by saying the magic phrase ‘Thank You’. It lets others know your child’s sincere feelings about them. Also, encourage your child to listen attentively and offer assistance with the activity to show their support and friendship.
True friends can inspire you to strive hard and be relentless during challenges. So encourage your child to bond with their friends through the above friendship activities for preschoolers. These friendship activities for preschoolers are designed to foster interaction and cooperation and will help your child extend their circle in a fun way. Games like Blindfold and Scavenger Hunt can help build trust among friends. Meanwhile, games like Show And Tell and You’ve Got A Friend will help your child discover their friends’ hidden potential and appreciate their talents. So try these social/emotional activities for toddlers at your child’s next birthday party and get their friends to join in for a good time.
Infographic: Friendship Activities For Toddlers
Friends cheer us up, help us when we are low, and also help build social confidence and moral values. So, let your children find their forever buddies in their peers through play that can bring them together in shared interests and laughter. Scroll through this infographic to learn how. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Creative Friendship Activities For Toddlers & Preschoolers
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
References
- The Benefits of Early Childhood Friendships and 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Establish Meaningful Friendships, Exchange Family Center
https://www.exchangefamilycenter.org/exchange-family-center-blog/2019/10/1/the-benefits-of-early-childhood-friendships-and-3-tips-for-helping-your-child-establish-meaningful-friendships - Cooperative Games: A Way To Modify Aggressive And Cooperative Behaviors in Young Children.
https://w3.rpgresearch.com/research/archives/public/public-blogs-test/others-research/pdf-repository/1994-cooperative-games-a-way-to-modify-aggresive-and-cooperative-behaviors-in-young-children.pdf - Power of Play: How Playing Affects Cooperation Skills.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1324882.pdf
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