In this article, you'll find an ever growing list of loose parts play ideas that I love and have used over the years in my many classrooms. I know you and your children or students will love them too.

I started my original blog on loose parts with a little blurb and 50 loose parts ideas ... but I've come to realise I need more than one blog on this topic so I'm writing a whole new blog, and making this one! An expansive lis of ideas to inspire children's learning and of course your teaching and resourcing of children's learning spaces. It doesn't matter whether it's home, preschool or school or an early learning service - there are loose parts galore for you to choose from. 

Over 147+ Loose Parts Play Ideas for Young Children

1. Colourful scarves from a thrift store
2. Scarves in neutral and earthy tones
3. Play silks
4. Colourful fabric scraps
5. Neutral earthy tones fabric scraps
6. Napkin Rings
7. Curtain rings
8. Bracelets and bangles
9. Wooden discs
10. Drink coasters
11. Polished stones
12. Polished pebbles
13. Small sticks collected from gardens
14. Ribbon pieces
15. Yarn and Wool pieces
16. Hand made pom poms in colourful arrangements or neutral and earthy tones
17. Christmas tree decorations
18. Pieces of natural rope and sisal
19. Pieces of twine
20. Large beads from broken jewelry
21. Small cutting boards
22. Feathers
23. Wooden golf tees
24. Bells
25. Dice
26. Wooden craft pieces
27. Wooden spools
28. Sea shells
29. Glass stones
30. Wooden letters
31. Bottle corks
32. Mini branch tree cookies
33. Cardboard cylinders
34. Cardboard tubes
35. Small gift boxes
36. Wooden dowel
37. Wooden bowls
38. Small wooden blocks
39. Small colourful felted wool pom poms
40. Wool felt river stones
41. Buttons
42. Wooden utensils
43. Small fabric scraps
44. Wooden peg dolls
45. Dolly pegs
46. Wooden clothes pegs
47. Felt pieces
48. Raffia
49. Small draw string bags
50. Natural sponges
51. Cellulose sponge pieces
52. Decorative cardboard straws
53. Wooden spoons, forks, knives
54. Acorns
55. Pinecones
56. Corkscrew willow branches
57. Small wicker baskets
58. Jute twine
59. Puzzle pieces
60. Cloth napkins
61. Scented potpourri
62. Buttons of different shapes and sizes
63. Metal nuts and bolts
64. Old keys
65. Beaded necklaces
66. Scrabble tiles
67. Alphabet magnets
68. Wine corks
69. Popsicle sticks
70. Miniature figurines
71. Paper clips
72. Marbles
73. Cotton balls
74. Shells and sea glass
75. Craft feathers
76. Plastic bottle caps
77. Plastic containers and lids
78. Small paper bags
79. Wine corks
80. Wooden clothespins
81. Stamps and ink pads
82. Small mirrors
83. Miniature animals and dinosaurs
84. LEGO bricks
85. Wooden beads
86. Jigsaw puzzle pieces
87. Miniature cars and vehicles
88. Rubber bands
89. Wooden dowels
90. Foam shapes
91. Small metal bells
92. Plastic animals
93. Pencil erasers
94. Beads on a string
95. Plastic army men
96. Scented candles
97. Costume jewelry
98. Small baskets
99. Wine corks
100. Plastic straws
101. Small plastic or wooden animals
102. Acrylic gemstones
103. Magnetic letters and numbers
104. Miniature glass bottles
105. Stickers of various shapes and designs
106. Clothesline pins
107. Paper clips in different colors
108. Small, decorative bells
109. Wine corks with attached corkscrews
110. Old, broken jewelry pieces
111. Cork coasters
112. Wine glass charms
113. Rubber stamps
114. Paper doilies
115. Wooden curtain clips
116. Leather scraps
117. Large seashells
118. Miniature figurines from board games
119. Felt balls
120. Scented soap bars
121. Plastic army men
122. Miniature food replicas
123. Scraps of tulle fabric
124. Beaded curtain strands
125. Small tassels
126. Glass beads
127. Popsicle sticks with notches
128. Paper straws
129. Wine foil wrappers
130. Brass or metal washers130. Jigsaw puzzle pieces
131. Cork coasters
132. Glass marbles
133. Faux fur fabric remnants
134. Empty thread spools
135. Wine bottle labels
136. CD pieces
137. Paper fans
138. Small plastic dinosaurs
139. Old coins
140. Wooden clothes hangers
141. Vintage keys
142. Miniature street signs
143. Plastic fruit and vegetables
144. Clothes buttons with intricate designs
145. Small photo frames
146. Scraps of leather or suede
147. Miniature traffic signs
148. Old postcards
149. Tourist themed coasters from other countries

REFERENCES + FURTHER READING

What is Loose Parts Play and Why is it Important for Children's Development?

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) The official document outlining the EYLF's principles and outcomes.

BOOK:  Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children

BOOK:  Loose Parts 2 - Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers by Lisa Daly, Miriam Beloglovsky. 

BOOK:  Loose Parts 3 Inspiring Culturally Sustainable Environments

BOOK:  Loose Parts 4   Inspiring 21st Century Learning 

Loose Parts Play: A Powerful Way to Ignite Creativity  - An insightful article on the benefits of loose parts play.

The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach A book discussing the Reggio Emilia Approach's philosophy, which aligns with loose parts play.