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 💛

10 Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with Kids (Under Age 5)

Meaningful, Easy, and Budget-Friendly Ideas for Your Littlest Patriots

Memorial Day weekend hits differently when you have little ones. You want to make the most of the long weekend — but naps, snacks, and meltdowns don’t exactly fit into an all-day BBQ or crowded parade.

The good news? There are so many sweet, simple, and low-key ways to mark Memorial Day with kids under 5. Here are 10 ideas that combine fun, connection, and a little meaning — perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

1. 🇺🇸 Attend a Local Parade (Just the Start!)

Many cities host short, kid-friendly Memorial Day parades with music, marching bands, and flags. Pack a snack and go early to avoid the crowds.

Here are 3 local (Westside LA parades) you can check out:

Three fun, family-friendly Memorial Day events happening across Westside LA — perfect for little explorers and big memories!

🇺🇸 33rd Annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade

• Date & Time: Monday, May 26, 2025; Opening ceremony at 10:00 AM, parade starts at 11:00 AM

• Location: Sherman Way from Owensmouth Avenue to Cozycroft Street, Canoga Park

• Details: This heartfelt hometown parade features marching bands, vintage cars, and community groups. It's a vibrant celebration honoring our heroes and is suitable for all ages.
  

🎉 MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street

• Date & Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025; 1PM-5PM

• Location: Main Street, Santa Monica

• Details: This Monopoly-themed tasting tour lets participants sample dishes from Main Street's best restaurants and bars. It's an all-ages event, and kids will enjoy the game-like experience.
  

🏖️ Memorial Day Weekend Swim at Annenberg Community Beach House

• Date & Time: Saturday to Monday, May 24–26, 2025; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, Santa Monica

• Details: Enjoy a family swim at the historic Annenberg pool. It's a great way to cool off and have fun by the beach.
  
  

2. 🎨 Make Red, White & Blue Crafts

Bust out the finger paint, dot markers, or pipe cleaners and let them create their own “flags,” stars, or patriotic handprints.

Even the messiest art becomes fridge-worthy.

3. 🧺 Have a Backyard (or Living Room) Picnic

Lay out a blanket, bring your toddler's favorite finger foods, and enjoy lunch outside. Add bubbles, chalk, or a water table for extra fun.

Low-effort win: Turn your regular lunch into a “picnic party” with zero extra planning.

4. 📖 Read a Book About Kindness or Heroes

While Memorial Day is about honoring fallen heroes, it’s also a good time to talk about bravery, helping others, and kindness.

Baby and Toddler-friendly picks:

1. Brave as Can Be by Jo Witek

2. Hero Dad and Hero Mom by Melinda Hardin

3. Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer

5. 💦 Cool Off with Patriotic Water Play

Add red and blue water-safe toys or frozen berries to a water bin, or create a red-white-blue splash with colored bath bombs or ice cubes.

Bonus: Keeps them cool and buys you 30 minutes of peace.

A festive red, white, and blue sensory bin that’s fun, safe, and totally baby-friendly for Memorial Day play!

6. 🌳 Visit a Veteran’s Memorial or Cemetery (With a Toddler Twist)

Take a quiet walk through a local veterans’ memorial or cemetery. Bring a flower or draw a thank-you card and place it together.

Keep it short and meaningful — even a moment of reflection matters.

7. 🍓 Make a Red, White & Blue Snack Together

Easy crowd-pleasers:

1. Strawberries + bananas + blueberries on skewers

2. Yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola

3. Star-shaped watermelon slices

Let them help "assemble" for bonus engagement.

Red, white & yum! These toddler-friendly Memorial Day snacks are almost too cute to eat.

8. 💡 Create a Kindness Jar

Inspired by the idea of service and gratitude, help your child come up with kind things they can do for others:

"Help clean up,” “Give hugs,” or “Share toys.”

Put them in a jar and pull one out each day this week.

9. 🎶 Play Patriotic Music & Have a Mini Dance Party

Even toddlers can jam to classics like “You’re a Grand Old Flag” or “This Land Is Your Land.”

Throw in some bubbles and streamers for extra flair.

10. 👨‍👩‍👧 Connect with Family — Past & Present

Use the day to share stories (in simple terms) about anyone in your family who served. Or just FaceTime a grandparent to say hi — it’s all about connection.

Final Thoughts

Memorial Day doesn’t have to be all parades and BBQs to be meaningful. Even small, simple traditions help introduce little ones to the ideas of gratitude, community, and remembrance — in ways they can understand.

Whether you’re crafting, playing, or simply spending time together, these early moments matter.

💛 Want more activity ideas tailored to your child’s age and interests? That’s exactly what we’re building at Maxplore.

Join the waitlist to be first in line when we launch!