Hands & independence

Draw a road network

Draw wide connected roads for large toy vehicles, adding turns, destinations and changes as the play develops.

10 minutes

What you'll need

Large paper · Washable thick crayons · One or two large toy vehicles

Before you start

Child can interact with large age-appropriate craft or play materials in their preferred way

Best fit: indoors · calm energy · medium caregiver effort · medium mess

How to play

  1. Inspect the crayons and vehicles, then draw one wide road across the paper.
  2. Invite the child to add a turn or destination.
  3. Drive the large vehicle along it and extend or repair the route together.
Make it easier

Use one straight line and one destination.

Standard

Draw wide connected roads for large toy vehicles, adding turns, destinations and changes as the play develops.

Extend it

Add a bridge symbol, detour or simple map key chosen by the child.

What you might notice

Notice how drawing and vehicle play inform each other.

Keep it safe

Use intact thick crayons without loose caps or broken small pieces and large intact vehicles without detachable parts. Supervise and pack crayons and vehicles away afterward.

Why it may be useful

This everyday task offers practice with hand control, two-handed coordination and growing independence.

practice guidance

Provides practice opportunities; it is not a therapy or assessment of motor development.

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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