a gentle start to summer: the first 6 play prompts for a summer of play

summer is here—and with it, the wide-open days of childhood. no alarm clocks. no packed lunches. just time. and while that can feel a little overwhelming at first, it’s also where the magic lives.

what is the summer of play?

our summer of play is a celebration of that magic: the quiet joy of imagination, the freedom of unstructured afternoons, the connection that grows when we slow down.

each week this summer, we’re sharing one simple prompt—a gentle nudge to invite play into your home. no elaborate setups. no expectations. just space for your child to imagine, explore, and lead the way.

print-at-home badges for playful encouragement

to make it extra special, we’ve created coordinating print-at-home play badges for each weekly prompt. tape them to the fridge. tuck them into a backpack. turn them into a little surprise waiting at breakfast. they’re sweet reminders that play doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. you can download your badges in color or as a coloring sheet in our freebie library here (accessible only to newsletter subscribers so sign up below to get yours!)

the first 6 prompts in our #wrensummerofplay series

week 1: start small
sometimes play begins with just one block. or a forgotten toy. or a new idea.
this week, your prompt is to start small. no setup, no pressure. try leaving out a tiny invitation to play—a few cards, a bowl of animal figures, a notebook and pencil. something simple they can stumble upon and make their own.

week 2: let them lead
kids have a knack for turning the ordinary into something magical.
this week, follow their lead. say yes to their pretend store, their backyard adventure, their story idea—even just for five minutes. if you're feeling brave, try a full “yes day” and let your child lead from morning to night.

week 3: change the setting
sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes.
move your favorite puzzle outside. bring snacks into a blanket fort. color at the kitchen table instead of the playroom.
shifting spaces can shift energy—and open the door to new kinds of play.

week 4: make it up
this week is all about storytelling.
encourage your child to invent a menu, act out a weather report, or narrate a day in the life of their favorite stuffed animal. these playful stories build creativity, confidence, and connection.

week 5: bring play along
play doesn’t have to stay at home.
this week, look for little ways to bring play into everyday errands or outings. stash a few wallet cards in your bag, pack a notebook for restaurant doodles, or invent a silly scavenger hunt at the grocery store. a little prep goes a long way toward peaceful, playful transitions.

week 6: play with nature
this week, take it outside.
collect rocks. build fairy houses. dig in the dirt. gather flowers and leaves for potions or pretend picnics. nature is the most generous playmate—and there’s no right or wrong way to explore it.

kickstart your summer of play

at the heart of these prompts is a reminder: you don’t have to do it all. you just have to show up, a little. be present, a little. say yes, a little.

share your summer with us using #wrensummerofplay—and if you haven’t yet, sign up and grab your prompt list and printable badges from the freebie library.