Pretend Kitchen & Restaurant
Set up a pretend restaurant for creative, social, and language-rich play. Zero materials needed.
What You'll Need
Nothing! Use whatever you have — real pots and spoons from the kitchen, or just imagination.
How to Play
"Welcome to the restaurant! What would you like to order?"
Let your child be the chef, waiter, or customer.
They "cook" and serve you invisible food.
Give elaborate reviews: "This spaghetti is the best I've ever tasted!"
Take turns being different roles.
Tips
Let them make a menu (scribbles count!).
Use real kitchen tools when safe.
This builds vocabulary, social skills, and sequencing.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 30 min.
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