5 Meaningful Nursery Activities That Boost Learning and Wellbeing for Ages 2-4

Across practitioner networks, it is clear that many professionals are continually seeking new, engaging activities aligned with the EYFS framework, while also navigating challenges such as limited outdoor space and tight budgets. The following activities are designed to create rich learning experiences for all nursery settings, offering inclusive, adaptable approaches that closely support the learning and development goals for 2-4-year-olds.

Sound Mapping Indoors

Activity: Encourage children to sit quietly in different areas of the nursery and create a "sound map". They might hear footsteps in the hallway, a ticking clock, water running, or chatter from the next room. Children mark where the sounds come from using drawings or simple stickers on a paper floor plan of the nursery.

Impact:

• Develops active listening, attention, and descriptive vocabulary (Communication & Language)

• Builds early mapping and spatial awareness (Mathematics)

• Encourages mindfulness and calm reflection (PSED)

Inclusive Approach:

• Use visual sound symbols for non-verbal children

• Allow children with sensory sensitivities to listen from a quiet corner

Practical Tips:

• Create sound floor plans from scrap paper

• Use simple stickers, crayons, or drawn symbols to mark sounds

• Rotate areas so each child explores multiple spaces within the setting

EYFS Areas: Communication & Language | Mathematics | Understanding the World | PSED

Loose Parts Mini Challenges

Activity: Present creative mini-challenges using items found around the setting: bottle tops, fabric scraps, cardboard tubes, and wooden blocks. For example, "Can you build a tower as tall as your teddy?" or "Can you make a bridge for a toy car?" Practitioners guide thinking without giving answers.

Impact:

• Develops early STEM skills, creativity, and resilience (Mathematics, Understanding the World)

• Encourages teamwork and problem-solving (PSED)

• Sparks sustained shared thinking (Communication & Language)

Inclusive Approach:

• Offer a range of item sizes and textures to suit different motor skills

• Allow children to work individually or collaboratively based on comfort levels

Practical Tips:

• Gather recycled materials (boxes, lids, fabric off-cuts) at no cost

• Use challenge cards with pictures to inspire ideas

• Display children's creations with their own explanations

EYFS Areas: Mathematics | Expressive Arts & Design | Physical Development | Understanding the World

Culture and Community Discovery Corners

Activity: Involve children in creating a "Discovery Corner" that celebrates their families, cultures, and interests. Children can bring in photos, family recipes (written or drawn), or items from home to add to the space. Practitioners can lead story times or simple activities related to children's backgrounds.

Impact:

• Builds empathy, respect, and community awareness (PSED, Understanding the World)

• Develops cultural capital (Ofsted focus)

• Encourages pride in children's own heritage and those of others (PSED)

Inclusive Approach:

• Ensure contributions from all children are valued

• Adapt displays and activities for different sensory needs and communication levels

Practical Tips:

• Invite families to email or bring in simple items that are safe to display

• Create a simple world map or cultural collage using recycled paper

• Use story props and puppets to reflect cultural diversity

EYFS Areas: Understanding the World | Communication & Language | PSED

Create-Your-Own Role Play

Activity: Instead of setting up fixed themes, encourage children to transform an area of the nursery into whatever they like—from a shop to a jungle—using scarves, cardboard boxes, recycled packaging, and imagination. Practitioners support children in planning what they need and making signs or props.

Impact:

• Develops leadership, planning, and storytelling skills (Communication & Language, PSED)

• Encourages autonomy and deep engagement (PSED)

• Fosters collaborative learning (PSED, Expressive Arts & Design)

Inclusive Approach:

• Use visual aids and photos for children who need communication support

• Allow for quiet role-play spaces for children who find group play overwhelming

Practical Tips:

• Keep a role-play resource box with recycled props

• Use masking tape to outline "rooms" or "spaces"

• Let children create signs using scrap paper and crayons

EYFS Areas: Expressive Arts & Design | Communication & Language | PSED

Safe Indoor Risk & Resilience Play

Activity: Use cushions, low tables, masking tape pathways, and safe climbing furniture to create indoor zones where children practice balancing, crawling, and jumping. Discuss with children how to stay safe and when to ask for help.

Impact:

• Builds confidence, resilience, and independent thinking (PSED)

• Supports gross motor development and spatial awareness (Physical Development)

• Teaches essential risk assessment skills from an early age (Understanding the World)

Inclusive Approach:

• Provide easier and more challenging routes so all children can succeed

• Model safe play and encourage peer support

Practical Tips:

• Rearrange existing furniture and use soft furnishings already in the setting

• Mark out pathways with masking tape or string

• Rotate activities regularly to maintain engagement

EYFS Areas: Physical Development | PSED | Understanding the World

Meaningful, inclusive learning experiences don’t require fancy equipment or big budgets—just creativity and a deep understanding of what children need. These activities align closely with the EYFS curriculum and are designed to spark curiosity, build critical thinking, and promote kindness and resilience in every child, in every setting.

We hope this inspired you in finding new activities to keep your children engaged and learning without the need for outdoor space or big budgets.