Stuffed Animal Hospital Pretend Play
Set up a pretend hospital for stuffed animals and let your child be the doctor — building empathy and care skills through dramatic play.
What You'll Need
- 13-4 stuffed animals
- 2Play doctor kit or household substitutes
- 3Bandages or strips of fabric
- 4Blanket for a hospital bed
What You'll Need
3-4 stuffed animals (the patients)
A play doctor kit, or household substitutes (paper towel roll stethoscope, fabric strip bandages)
Bandages or strips of fabric for wrapping
A blanket for a cozy hospital bed
How to Play
Set up a "hospital" with a blanket bed and doctor tools.
Announce that the stuffed animals need help: "Teddy has a sore tummy. Can you help?"
Hand your child a pretend stethoscope and show them how to "listen" to teddy's chest.
Let your child choose the treatment — a bandage, pretend medicine, a warm blanket, or a hug.
Encourage gentle care: "You're being so careful. Teddy feels much better already!"
Bring in another patient: "Oh no, bunny bumped her knee! What should we do?"
Let your child take the lead on diagnosis and treatment. Follow their ideas.
Why It Works
Playing doctor with stuffed animals is empathy practice in its purest form. Your child has to imagine how the "patient" feels, decide what would help, and provide care — the exact same mental steps real empathy requires. This kind of dramatic play also helps children process their own medical experiences (doctor visits, bumps and bruises) from a position of power. Being the helper instead of the patient is therapeutic and builds confidence.
Tips
Use real adhesive bandages if you have them. The physical act of placing a bandage is deeply satisfying for toddlers.
Follow up any real boo-boo with "Do you want to be the doctor now?" and let them treat a stuffed animal.
Add feelings language: "Teddy was scared but you made him feel safe." This deepens the emotional learning.
A shoebox makes a great ambulance for transporting patients to the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: 3-4 stuffed animals, play doctor kit or household substitutes, bandages or strips of fabric, blanket for a hospital bed.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 2-3 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Sign in to leave a rating or review.
Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 20 min.
Free account required to save plans
Explore More
Love this activity?
Create a free account and add it to your weekly planner. Discover hundreds more activities matched to your child's age.