When your children are on the cusp of starting school, it feels like you’re teetering on the edge of a big transition. One moment, you’re knee-deep in snack times, afternoon naps, and endless “Why?” questions. Next, they’re wearing backpacks, meeting teachers, and suddenly influenced more by their peers than by you. That final preschool year is golden, a window of opportunity to bond, explore, and create unforgettable memories.
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This post is for parents of preschoolers, especially those who are four or five years old and approaching that monumental first year of school. Whether you’re a parent of twins, a single child, or multiples, these months offer one last period before the routine of school takes over. This is your chance to slow down and savour this season with intention.
Below is a curated list of memorable, fun, and educational activities you can enjoy with your child before they start school. Think of it as a preschooler’s bucket list, a mix of simple pleasures and magical firsts designed to strengthen your bond and create a joyful send-off into the world of schooling.
1. Take a Bus Ride
Even the most ordinary activity can feel magical to a child. Let them press the button, pick the seat, and observe the world outside. You don’t need a destination; get ice cream and head home.
2. Visit a Children’s Museum
Children’s museums are specifically designed for curious young minds. They offer hands-on exhibits, imaginative play areas, and sensory-friendly zones. Your little one can learn, explore, and have a blast doing it.
3. Explore the City
Go into the city for a day of adventure. Tall buildings, busy intersections, street performers, and historic landmarks all fascinate young kids. Let them experience the urban landscape at their own pace.
4. Pack a Picnic
Let your child help plan, pack, and pick the picnic spot. Whether it’s a local park or your backyard, the experience of eating outside on a blanket feels like a big deal to a preschooler.
5. Go Fruit Picking
Visit a local orchard or berry farm. Not only will your child learn where fruit comes from, but they’ll also love the freedom of picking it themselves. The experience is delicious and educational.
6. Beach Day or Water Play
Plan a trip to the beach or splash park when it’s not crowded. Let your little one dig in the sand, chase waves, or play with water toys. The sensory joy and open space are unmatched.
7. Take a Nature Walk
A simple walk around the neighbourhood can become a nature exploration. Point out different trees, collect leaves, and spot birds or insects. These walks build observational skills and appreciation for nature.
8. Bug Hunting
Preschoolers are often captivated by bugs. Turn it into a scavenger hunt: butterflies, ants, snails, and grasshoppers. Bring a magnifying glass and a notebook to “document” discoveries.
9. Visit the Library
Spend a slow afternoon reading stories, picking out books, and joining a storytime session. Libraries are wonderful places to nurture early literacy and quiet bonding.
10. Take a Ferry Ride
If you live near water, hop on a ferry. Watching the water, seagulls, and skyline can be a mesmerising experience. Plus, it’s a gentle introduction to the idea of public transport.
11. Dress-Up Days
Let your child dress up however they like, as superheroes, animals, princesses, or pirates. Snap photos, act out scenes, and embrace their wild imagination before uniforms become the norm.
12. Make Handprints
Use paint and create keepsake handprints or footprint art. It’s messy, but worth it. These pieces will become treasured reminders of how little they once were.
13. Plant a Mini Garden
Whether it’s a few pots on the balcony or a backyard veggie patch, involve your child in planting and watering. They’ll love seeing their efforts grow into something real.
14. Draw & Create Together
Set aside an afternoon for drawing and colouring. Display your joint creations on the wall, fridge, or even in a homemade art book.
15. Visit the Aquarium
Take advantage of the quieter weekdays before school starts. Aquariums are fascinating places for children who are curious about marine life.
16. Have a “Fancy” Lunch Out
Go to a restaurant that welcomes kids and let them order for themselves. It’s a small adventure that teaches manners, decision-making, and confidence.
17. Stay Up Past Bedtime
Break the routine and let them stay up with you. Go for a nighttime walk, stargaze, or just watch a movie with popcorn. These small moments feel like magic to a child.
18. Watch a Live Show
Visit a local theatre for a child-friendly play or puppet show. The excitement of live performance is a wonderful contrast to screen time.
19. Ride a Carousel
Whether at a fair or amusement park, a carousel ride is a gentle thrill for young kids. Join them for a spin and enjoy the simple joy together.
20. Build a Giant Sandcastle
Come prepared with buckets, shovels, and creativity. Work together to make the biggest, most decorated sandcastle you can, then take photos before the tide comes in.
21. Play a Board Game
Many preschool-friendly games promote counting, strategy, and teamwork. Choose something simple and enjoy the shared experience of their “first board game.”
22. Do a Puzzle Together
Sit down and do a puzzle that challenges your child just enough. The teamwork required builds patience, problem-solving skills, and connection.
23. Make a Yearly Photo Album
As you tick off this list, collect your memories. Include ticket stubs, photos, scribbled drawings, and turn them into a keepsake album you both can flip through for years to come.
More Ideas for Ages 4 to 6: Exploring Early Childhood
Preschoolers are curious, expressive, and full of energy. This is an ideal time to give them rich, developmental experiences that feed their imaginations and nurture their social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Visit a Petting Zoo
Petting zoos are hands-on opportunities for children to connect with animals. Feeding and touching animals like goats, bunnies, and lambs helps children build empathy and confidence.
Spend Time at a Wildlife Park or Zoo
Introduce your child to exotic animals and conservation messages. Wildlife parks often provide a blend of education and entertainment that aligns beautifully with early childhood development.
Go to a Giant Playground
Seek out a playground that’s bigger or more exciting than your local one. Think climbing towers, tunnels, and zip lines. It’s a new environment that builds gross motor skills and confidence.
What Comes Next: Planning for the Future
As your children move through the early years into middle childhood, the way you create family memories will shift. But the intention remains the same: spend time together doing things that light them up.
- Ages 7-9: Plan road trips, introduce them to camping, take them to historical sites or waterparks.
- Ages 10-12: Start exploring guided adventures like ziplining or gondola rides. Let them help plan vacations. Visit an observatory or cheer on a favourite team at a live sports game.
Final Thoughts
The year before school begins is a beautiful in-between stage. Your child is growing more independent, but they still want you to be part of every discovery. Use this time to do more than just prepare them for the classroom; show them how magical the world can be.
These experiences won’t just fill your days, they’ll fill your hearts. They’ll also help your child enter school with confidence, curiosity, and cherished memories of time spent with you. Whether it’s something as big as a zoo trip or as small as a bug hunt, every experience matters. Make them count.
