15 Ways to Entertain a Five-Year-Old

Keeping a five-year-old entertained can be both a joy and a challenge. At this age, kids are bursting with energy, curiosity, and imagination, but their attention spans are still short. The key is to offer a mix of activities that stimulate their minds, bodies, and creativity. Here are 15 fun, simple, and engaging ways to keep a five-year-old busy and happy.

1. Build a Pillow Fort

Grab some pillows, blankets, and chairs, and help your child construct a cozy fort. Once it’s built, they can play inside with toys, read a book, or pretend it’s a castle or spaceship. It’s a great way to spark imaginative play.

A young boy playing in a fortress of pillows

2. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Head outdoors with a list of items to find—like a pinecone, a red leaf, or a smooth rock. Give them a little bucket or bag to collect their treasures. This activity combines exploration with a sense of accomplishment.

3. Finger Painting

Set up a mess-friendly space with washable paints and large sheets of paper. Let them dive in with their hands to create colorful masterpieces. It’s a sensory delight and a chance to get creative.

4. Play “Simon Says”

This classic game is perfect for five-year-olds. Take turns being “Simon” and give silly instructions like “Simon says hop like a bunny” or “Simon says wiggle your nose.” It’s active, fun, and teaches listening skills.

5. Have a Dance Party

Put on their favorite songs and let loose! Add props like scarves or ribbons to twirl around with. A dance party burns energy and lifts everyone’s mood.

6. Make a Simple Craft

Gather supplies like paper, glue, scissors, and markers for a quick craft project. Try making paper cars, a collage, or a crown they can wear. It’s hands-on fun with a tangible result.

7. Tell a Collaborative Story

Start a story with “Once upon a time…” and take turns adding to it. Encourage wild ideas—maybe a dragon shows up, or the family dog becomes a superhero. It’s a great way to boost their imagination.

8. Play with Playdough

Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, playdough, is a hit. Add cookie cutters, plastic knives, or small toys to shape and squish. It’s calming and endlessly entertaining.

9. Set Up an Obstacle Course

Use household items like cushions, hula hoops, or a tunnel made from a cardboard box. Time them as they crawl, jump, and balance their way through. It’s a fantastic way to get them moving.

A 5 year old smiling whilst baking in the kitchen with her parents

10. Bake Together

Choose a simple recipe like cookies or muffins and let them help measure, mix, and decorate. They’ll love the process—and the tasty reward at the end.

11. Play Dress-Up

Pull out old clothes, hats, and accessories for a dress-up session. They can become a pirate, a doctor, or a fairy princess. Add a mirror so they can admire their transformation.

12. Do a Puzzle

Pick a puzzle with big pieces suited to their age. Work on it together or let them tackle it solo. It’s a quiet activity that builds focus and problem-solving skills.

13. Play “I Spy”

This game works anywhere—indoors or out. Take turns spotting objects and giving clues like “I spy something blue.” It’s simple, interactive, and sharpens observation skills.

14. Host a Toy Car Race

Set up a track with tape or blocks and race their toy cars or dolls. Add ramps or tunnels for extra excitement. They’ll love the competition and creativity.

15. Read and Act Out a Book

Choose a lively story and read it together. Then, act out the scenes—be the characters, make the sounds, and move like the animals. It brings the story to life and doubles the fun.

Five-year-olds thrive on variety, so mix and match these ideas based on their mood and interests. Most of these activities use everyday items and a little imagination, proving you don’t need much to create big smiles. Enjoy the chaos, the giggles, and the memories you’ll make together!

Thanks for reading and I hope you have found a way to keep boredom at bay for another day. I’m a poet and I didn’t know it!

Dad.

The diary of Dad