Playtime Pantry

10 activities you can start in under five minutes

Set up while the kettle boils. Play for much longer.

How we ranked it: Activities with almost no setup, ranked by how long the play lasts compared with the setup.

1
One Box, Anything
Give them the box and get out of the way.
3 min setup, up to 90 min play · Ages 18 mo–9 yrs
2
Build A Home For Them
Blocks become enclosures. The toys move in and stay all week.
3 min setup, up to 60 min play · Ages 2–8 yrs
3
Train Track Town
Lay the track, then build the town the train passes through.
3 min setup, up to 60 min play · Ages 2–8 yrs
4
Nature Frame
A walk with a purpose, and something to keep at the end.
3 min setup, up to 50 min play · Ages 2–10 yrs
5
Five Senses Walk
Same street, slower pace, five things to notice.
1 min setup, up to 45 min play · Ages 2–10 yrs
6
Magnetic Tile Garage
Build a parking garage with ramps and doors, then drive every car in.
1 min setup, up to 45 min play · Ages 3–7 yrs
7
Block Road City
Lay blocks flat for roads, stand them up for buildings, and drive the city.
2 min setup, up to 45 min play · Ages 2–7 yrs
8
Play Dough Cookie Bakery
Roll, cut, bake, sell. A whole bakery from one tub of dough.
2 min setup, up to 45 min play · Ages 2–6 yrs
9
Water Painting
A bucket of water and a brush. No mess at all, and it lasts an hour.
2 min setup, up to 45 min play · Ages 18 mo–7 yrs
10
Block Bridge for the Train
Build a bridge from blocks that is tall enough for the train to go under.
2 min setup, up to 40 min play · Ages 3–8 yrs