How to Choose the Right Activity for Your Child (By Age & Personality)

Let’s be real — when it comes to picking activities for our little ones, the options can feel endless. Music? Gym? Art? Storytime? Sensory play? And that’s before you even consider nap schedules and mood swings.

As a mom to a very energetic little guy with the attention span of a fruit fly, I totally get it. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a little understanding of your child’s age and personality, you can find activities that truly click — the ones they look forward to (and that don’t leave you both totally frazzled).

Here’s a breakdown to help you match your child with the right kind of activities:

👶 Babies (0–12 months): Focus on Bonding & Sensory Exploration

Stretch, breathe, bond. A peaceful parent-and-child yoga class in session, where little ones are welcome to move, observe, or just be.

What to look for:

• Parent-and-me classes (music, movement, baby yoga)

• Gentle sensory play (water play, textures, lights)

• Storytime with songs and rhymes

Best for:

• Developing connection and routine

• Easing into social settings

• Low-pressure play with plenty of snuggles

Max’s tip? Outdoor walks and anything with new sounds and textures were magic for us — bonus points if it gave him something to look at.

🛀 Toddlers (1–2 years): Focus on Movement & Discovery

Little explorers at work! 🖐️✨ When you're curious, everything is finger-paint-worthy.

What to look for:

• Toddler gym or movement classes

• Art and messy play (hello, washable paint!)

• Music classes with instruments they can bang on

• Nature walks or garden classes

Great for:

• Curious explorers who love to touch everything

• Kids who need to burn off energy

• Encouraging independence in a safe space

Personality match tips:

• High energy? Look for classes that encourage physical play (like gymnastics or dance).

• More reserved? Try smaller class sizes or parent-participation options.

👧 Preschoolers (3–5 years): Focus on Skill Building & Social Play

Teamwork makes the slime work! 🧪👫 Nothing beats the joy of learning together — giggles, gasps, and all.

What to look for:

• Creative arts (theater, dance, crafts)

• Language or early literacy classes

• STEM-inspired play (building, cause and effect, puzzles)

• Beginner sports (soccer, swim, karate)

Best for:

• Kids who are ready for structured play

• Trying new things and building confidence

• Practicing listening, teamwork, and turn-taking

Personality match tips:

• Detail-oriented or shy? Try art or story-based activities where they can ease in.

• Social butterflies? Group music, drama, or sports are a great outlet.

🧠 What About Personality?

Let’s not forget — age is just one part of the puzzle. Your child’s temperament plays a huge role in what they’ll actually enjoy.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

🎯 Final Tips

• Try a trial class first. See how your child responds without committing.

• Be flexible. What works one month might not the next — and that’s okay.

• Don’t over-schedule. Sometimes, less is more (especially with young kids).

• Trust your gut. You know your child best.

At the end of the day, the “right” activity is one your child enjoys, that fits your routine, and makes both of you feel good walking out the door.

If you’re looking for curated activity options based on your child’s age and vibe — that’s exactly what I’m building with Maxplore. We make it easier to discover and book activities you and your little one will actually love.

Want early access? Join the waitlist here 💛

The Story Behind Maxplore

Why I’m Building a Better Way to Find Activities for Our Littlest Explorers

Hi! I’m Sherrie — mom to a very active (and easily bored) little guy named Maxwell, and the founder of Maxplore.

Max has the attention span of a fruit fly. We set up a cute little playpen in our small LA apartment, thinking it would keep him entertained for a while. Five minutes in? He’s already whining. Ten minutes? Full-blown fuss mode. Nothing held his attention — not toys, not music, not even me performing my best one-woman puppet show.

From Fussy Walks to Big Realizations

Out of desperation, I started taking him on walks. And that’s when I noticed something magical: the moment we stepped outside, he stopped fussing. He was calm. Curious. Happy. Whether we were strolling the block or watching kids play at the park, he lit up.

That’s when it clicked for me: this kid needs to be out in the world.
Doing things. Seeing things. Exploring.

The Problem: Why Is This So Hard?

So I started searching for more activities we could do — storytime, baby classes, sensory play, anything that would get us out of the house and into the world.

And wow… it was way harder than it should’ve been.

I was juggling 15 open tabs. Some sites had outdated info. Others linked to broken booking pages. Instagram teased me with cute baby class videos but gave me no way to book them. And when I finally found something promising, it either wasn’t age-appropriate or was already full. It felt like a full-time job just to plan one weekday outing.

Sometimes just stepping outside was the reset button we needed — fresh air, new things to see, and no more fussing.

The Spark That Started Maxplore

That’s when the idea for Maxplore was born.

It’s the tool I wish I had: a simple, beautiful app where parents and caretakers can discover and book enriching activities for kids under 5 — all in one place. With filters that actually make sense. Real-time availability. Age-specific suggestions. From free library storytimes to premium movement classes — and everything in between.

Maxplore helps busy parents discover and book baby & toddler classes — all in one place.

What Maxplore Aims to Solve

Because those early years? They go fast. And they matter.
And kids like Max — the busy, curious, “what’s next?!” types — thrive when they get to explore.

Maxplore is for them. And for you.

If you’ve ever found yourself searching “things to do with a baby near me” for the tenth time this week, you’re not alone. We’re building Maxplore so that discovery feels easy and exciting — not overwhelming.

Join Us as We Build This Together

We’re just getting started, and I’d love for you to be part of it.

👉 Join the waitlist
👉 Or drop me a note with what you wish existed

Thanks for being here 💛
— Sherrie