Tot Lot Music is gearing up to introduce Level 3 classes this summer! These classes are especially designed for three-year-olds and their busy imaginations, exploding language capabilities (including the never ending desire to ask "why?"), and burgeoning capacity for peer relationships and cooperative play.
With such exciting things happening in their development, it's no wonder that it can feel like a never ending struggle to keep your little one entertained without turning to a device. So, to highlight this upcoming new class offering, here are 5 simple ideas to keep your three-year-old happily occupied—while also supporting their development.
1. Make Play-Dough Together
Homemade playdough is quick, cheap, and even more fun when you add your own colors. Squishing and shaping it helps three-year-olds build fine motor skills, practice problem-solving, and engage their senses—all while boosting focus, self-regulation, and creativity.
My favorite play dough recipe is from iheartnaptime. Visit the blog for the full recipe, or get the abbreviated version here:
Mix together in a large pot:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup salt
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
Add in and stir together:
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
Stir constantly and cook at medium heat until it forms a ball and is no longer wet. Allow to cool, then separate dough into balls to add color. You will need:
- ziplock bags
- food coloring
Add each ball to a ziplock bag with 5 drops of food coloring to start. Mix the color with the dough inside the bag to prevent your fingers from getting stained.
If you do make a mess, don't stress. Food coloring washes easily from clothes and non-porous surfaces.
2. Embrace Imaginative Play
At age three, imagination is in full swing. Imaginative play builds language, creativity, and emotional expression, and it’s easy to support with simple, open-ended toys. Some favorites in our house include blankets, plushies, play food, and things found outside—items that can become just about anything in your child’s world!
It can feel tricky for adults to jump in, but letting your child take the lead is where the magic really happens. You can also encourage this kind of play by giving them opportunities to pretend alongside another child their age. If you need help supporting this kind of play, level 3 Kindermusik classes are full of inspiration for helping your little one's imagination blossom.
3. Dance and Make Music Together
Music is a powerful tool for both entertainment and development. Pick a fun song and encourage your child to dance, clap, jump, or explore simple instruments with it.
These music and movement activities build coordination, rhythm, and listening skills—while also helping burn off that endless preschooler energy.
If you’re looking for music that doesn’t lead straight into screen time (YouTube has betrayed me too many times!), the Kindermusik app is a great option. Some favorites in our house include “Clap, Clap, Clap Your Hands,” “Mrs. Murphy's Chowder" and “Skinnamarink.”
And if you’re ready for something more structured, Kindermusik classes offer a rich, engaging experience that blends music, movement, and play—supporting your child’s development in a fun, social environment.
4. Blow Bubbles
Bubble play is a simple go-to that never gets old—and at three years old, your little one is at the prime age to learn to blow bubbles on their own—making it an activity packed with developmental benefits.
When your child practices blowing bubbles, they’re building:
- Oral motor strength (important for speech development)
- Breath control (used for speaking and singing)
- Focus and persistence as they learn to blow gently
And once the bubbles are in the air, the fun keeps going. Chasing, reaching, and popping bubbles helps develop coordination, balance, and whole-body movement.
It’s the perfect example of how a quick, low-prep activity can keep your child happily engaged while also supporting important developmental skills
5. Read Together Every Day
Reading is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s development, and around age three, children are becoming more aware of letters and the sounds they make. Books with rhymes and alliteration are especially engaging and help highlight these emerging skills. As you read together, you can point out a few letter shapes and sounds each time. Keep it playful and interactive, and you’ll be building not only early reading skills, but a lifelong love of reading.
Some of my favorite rhyming books:
- A Busy Creature's Day Eating
- Green Eggs and Ham
- Where is the Green Sheep?
For more information on giving your child a head-start on reading, I highly recommend this 10 minute video from Toddlers Can Read.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a three-year-old entertained doesn’t mean constantly coming up with new ideas—it’s about creating opportunities for exploration, creativity, and connection throughout the day.
By incorporating simple activities like music, movement, imaginative play, and hands-on experiences, you’re not just filling time—you’re supporting your child’s growth in meaningful ways.
And when you’re ready to add something special to your routine, programs like Kindermusik classes can provide a joyful, enriching experience that nurtures your child’s love of learning through music and play.
With a little intention and a lot of play, even the simplest moments can become the most meaningful.