January Play Prompts: Simple Play Ideas for Winter Days
January can feel like a long month. The excitement of the holidays has passed, routines are starting again, and the weather often keeps us indoors more than we’d like. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What can we do today?” — you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why I’ve created these January Play Prompts: a gentle, no-stress way to support your child’s play and development throughout the month, without needing lots of prep, planning, or special equipment
Simple moments of connection, movement, creativity, and shared play are more than enough.
Hi, I’m Jess. As a former primary school teacher, I know just how important it is to include play in our daily routine. It not only helps support our child’s development but helps us to stay connected too.
All play ideas I share are simple and easy to set up and require very few resources, most of which you will find in your home. They are often open ended so that you can tailor them to suit the needs/interests of your child.
The January Play Prompts are a printable checklist of simple, open-ended play ideas you can dip in and out of across the month. There’s no right or wrong way to use them — tick off as many (or as few!) as works for your family.
You’ll find a mix of:
Indoor and outdoor play ideas
Sensory play, creative play, and movement
Low-prep activities using everyday items
Child-led experiences you can easily adapt for different ages
From building dens and making music, to puddle jumping, scavenger hunts, and cosy story play — these prompts are designed to meet children where they are.
How to Use the Play Prompts
Here are a few easy ways to make them work for you:
One a day: Choose a single prompt each day as your “play focus”.
Follow your child’s lead: Let them pick which box they want to try.
No pressure: Skipping days is absolutely fine — play should feel joyful, not like a task.
Repeat favourites: If your child loves one activity, do it again and again.
Remember: these are prompts, not plans. They’re there to spark ideas, not add to your to-do list.
Supporting You as a Parent
At The Thriving Mum Hub, I truly believe that supporting children starts with supporting parents too. You don’t need to be constantly entertaining, crafting, or organising elaborate activities. Simple moments of connection, movement, creativity, and shared play are more than enough.
These prompts are here to help you feel more confident and inspired — even on those “I’m not sure what to do today” days.
Download Your January Play Prompts
You can download the January Play Prompts and use them throughout the month in whatever way suits your family best.
And if you use them, I’d love to see! Don’t forget to tag @thrivingmumhub so I can share and celebrate your play moments with you.
Here’s to a calmer, more playful January — one simple prompt at a time 💛
The Thriving Mum Hub aims to support you to thrive through motherhood, one small step at time.
It provides you with effective tools to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Through quick at-home workouts, weekly play prompts for your little ones, and flexible meal plans, I help you look after your health, connect with your child, and take the stress out of family mealtimes.
