Make Bedtime Stories an Adventure!
When your little one is in bed at night and insists on hearing a story, why not make storytime even more fun? Interactive bedtime story activities not only make kids happy, but it keeps their minds active, boosts imagination, and builds bonding with parents. Children aged 3-5 years need activities that are simple, can be easily done at home, and turn bedtime into a small celebration. In this article, we are sharing 10 such fun ideas that will take bedtime story activities for toddlers to the next level. Plus, these activities will become even more special when accompanied by Kiddlejoy Tales books like Twinkle of the Little Star and Cheepy Chipmunk’s Starlight Picnic. So let’s get started!
Why are Interactive Bedtime Activities a must?
Storytime for kids is not just about listening to a story, it’s an experience. When you add a little activity along with interactive stories for kids, kids feel involved in the story. It develops their listening skills, creativity, and emotions . Plus, it creates a lovely connection between parents and kids. Such activities are perfect for little kids because they are naturally curious and want to participate in everything. So, how to make bedtime interactive? Check out these 10 super easy and fun ideas!
1. Act out the characters of the story
The most fun bedtime story activities for toddlers is to act out the characters! When you are reading Twinkle of the Little Star, make a sparkling star with your hands like Twinkle or ask the kids to “blink” like a star. This activity makes the kids a part of the story and gives them giggles. How to do it: Choose a scene from the story and copy the expressions or actions of the characters. For example, if Cheepy Chipmunk is going on a picnic, ask the children to make “munch munch” sounds just like the chipmunk.
Small tip: Use a small prop like a star-shaped toy or scarf – the children will love it!
2. Hum rhymes along with the story
Toddlers love to listen to rhymes and sing. Adding rhymes to interactive bedtime story activities is a great idea. Twinkle of the Little Star has rhyming lines which the children enjoy repeating. While reading the story, pause and ask the children to repeat the line or sing a small rhyme.
How to do it: Sing the rhyming parts of the story to a simple tune. For example, sing “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” in a soft lullaby style and let the children hum along.
Small Tip: If the book does not have rhymes, make up a simple rhyme according to the theme of the story, like “Star chamke, raat jhilmile!”
3. Draw the scenes of the story
Children love drawing, and this is a perfect fun bedtime activity for 3-5 year olds. After reading the story or at the beach, give the kids a piece of paper and crayons and ask them to draw a scene from the story. For example, after reading Cheepy Chipmunk’s Starlight Picnic, kids can draw stars or a picnic scene.
How to do it: Set up a small drawing corner – just paper, crayons, and a little space. Talk about a part of the story and let the kids draw their own version.
Small tip: put the drawing on the fridge – kids get super excited to show off their artwork! Photos of such drawings go viral on Pinterest too.
4. Guess the Next Part Game
Interactive stories for kids To make them more interesting, play a “guess what will happen” game. While reading the story, pause and ask children, “What will Twinkle do now?” or “Who will be Cheepy’s friend?” This boosts children’s imagination and keeps them involved in the story.
How to do it: Pause at exciting moments in the story and ask children their guess. Listen to their answers and have a little fun, like “Oh, this is an interesting idea!”
Small tip: Try to connect children’s guesses with the story – this makes them feel special.
5. Tell the story with a puppet show
Puppets are a magic wand for kids! Add a simple puppet show to bedtime story activities for toddlers. Sammy Was a Jolly Squirrel Make a small squirrel puppet while reading (just socks and buttons will do). Kids love stories with puppets, too.
How to do it: Make small puppets or use toys for the characters in the story. Shake the puppets while reading the story and say the characters’ dialogue.
Small tip: Look for simple finger puppets on Etsy or Amazon, or DIY them at home – kids love these.
6. Make Sounds of the Story
Toddlers love making up sounds. Fun bedtime activities for 3-5 year olds include adding sounds to the story. For example, in Cheepy Chipmunk’s Starlight Picnic, when Cheepy goes to the jungle, make sounds like “whoosh” or “crunch crunch”. Ask the kids to copy these sounds.
How to do it: Choose sounds according to the scenes in the story – like the “whoosh” of the wind or the “twinkle” of the stars. Let the kids make up the sounds together.
Small tip: Say the sounds with a little silliness – the kids will laugh out loud!
7. Ask questions after the story
A simple way to make the story interactive is to ask questions. After engaging bedtime stories, ask children, “What did you like about Twinkle?” or “Why did Sammy help his friend?” This boosts their thinking skills and improves conversation.
How to do it: Ask 2-3 simple questions at the end of the story that are related to the theme of the story. Listen to the children’s answers and appreciate their creativity.
Small tip: Keep the questions fun, like “If you were a star, how would you shine?”
8. Create a Cozy Setup with the Story
Create a cozy vibe to make interactive bedtime story activities extra special. Make a small blanket fort or set up a reading nook of pillows. Use fairy lights for a starry vibe while reading Twinkle of the Little Star.
How to do it: Arrange blankets and pillows on the bed or in a corner. Let kids choose their “storytime spot” before reading the story.
Small Tip: Check out cozy reading nook ideas on Pinterest – these photos go viral among parents!
9. Make Masks of Characters from the Story
Kids love crafts, and this is a super fun bedtime activity for 3-5 year olds. After reading the story, make masks of the characters with the children using paper plates or chart paper. For example, make a squirrel mask after Sammy Was a Jolly Squirrel.
How to do it: Use simple materials like paper, glue, and colors. Help the children make the masks and then act out a scene from the story.
Small tip: share photos of the masks on Pinterest – parents love craft ideas like this!
10. Turn the story into a small play
Enjoy engaging bedtime stories by making a small play. After Cheepy Chipmunk’s Starlight Picnic, reenact a scene from the story with the children. For example, pretend you are all going on a picnic and look at the stars.
How to do it: Choose a simple scene from the story and repeat the dialogues or actions with the kids. Use props like toys or blankets.
Small tip: Keep the play short – a 5-minute mini-drama is enough!
Conclusion: Make bedtime a memorable moment
These 10 interactive bedtime story activities will make your toddler’s bedtime a fun and memorable experience. Whether it’s acting out characters, humming rhymes, or creating a cozy setup, these activities will make a special place in the kids’ hearts. Kiddlejoy Tales books like Twinkle of the Little Star and Cheepy Chipmunk’s Starlight Picnic are also perfect with these activities. So try one activity today and see how your child becomes a fan of storytime! Check out Kiddlejoy Tales on Amazon and add it to your collection. And yes, join our newsletter for free activity printables!
Now what?: Which activity did you like the most? Tell us in the comments or see more bedtime ideas on our Pinterest page! 🌟