25 Fun and Safe Technology Activities for Preschoolers

25 Preschool-Friendly Ways to Explore Technology for Little Learners

We all know we’re deep in the digital age. Back in 2020, kids as young as four and five were suddenly navigating keyboards and using mice just to keep up with their classes online. That period pushed both educators and parents to rethink how tech fits into early childhood education.

If you work with preschoolers or have one at home, you’ve probably asked yourself:

• What kind of tech makes sense for little kids?
  How much screen time is okay?

• Is it even possible to use devices in a way that still supports real-world learning and social development?

• What skills should kids actually be gaining from their time on screens?

• Are the apps and games they're using teaching or just entertaining?

• How involved should I be when my child is using technology?

• What kind of tech habits do I want to model myself?

• Am I creating opportunities for tech to complement hands-on learning?

This piece has 25 ideas that’ll help you find a middle ground, where technology isn’t taking over, but is seamlessly integrated into everyday learning.

Let's begin!

1. Light-Up Name Tags

Help kids create name tags using paper, copper tape, LED stickers, and coin cell batteries. Children draw their names, decorate, and then use the circuit materials to make the letters light up.

Benefit: Introduces basic circuits and name recognition.

Supplies: Paper, LED stickers, copper tape, coin cell batteries, markers

2. Coding with Floor Arrows

Tape arrows on the floor in a grid and have children “code” a friend or toy to move to a goal by arranging directional cards (forward, turn, etc.).

Benefit: Builds sequencing and early coding logic.

Supplies: Masking tape, printed arrow cards, toy or plush

3. Digital Storytime

Use a tablet with a story app and let kids record their voices reading lines or adding their own narration or sound effects.

Benefit: Encourages digital literacy and storytelling.

Supplies: Tablet, storytime app (like Book Creator), microphone (optional)

4. Robot Costume Walk

Make wearable cardboard robot suits with buttons and “control panels.” Kids press buttons and follow action cards like “spin,” “walk backward.”

Benefit: Promotes cause-and-effect understanding and body movement.

Supplies: Cardboard boxes, paint/markers, action cards

5. Build-a-Bot with Recyclables

Using old boxes, bottle caps, and other recyclables, children design and build their own “robots,” imagining what functions it could have.

Benefit: Develops creativity and introduces robot design concepts.

Supplies: Recyclable materials, glue/tape, googly eyes

6. Sound Hunt with a Recording Device

Give kids a microphone or child-friendly recorder and go on a sound hunt around the classroom or outside, then play the sounds back.

Benefit: Enhances auditory discrimination and tech handling.

Supplies: Recorder or tablet with mic, headphones

7. Augmented Reality (AR) Animal Cards

Use AR cards (like Quiver or Animal 4D+) and an app to let children scan pictures and see animals “come to life” on a screen.

Benefit: Introduces AR and boosts visual curiosity.

Supplies: AR cards, tablet with camera, AR app

8. Digital Art Station

Kids use drawing apps to create pictures using digital brushes, stamps, and colors. Option to print or display digitally.

Benefit: Improves fine motor skills and digital creativity.

Supplies: Tablets, drawing apps (like Doodle Buddy or Tux Paint)

9. Snack Time Sequencing

Children use pictures of various healthy snacks (like fruit, crackers, cheese) and arrange them in a sequence to create their own snack time “recipe.” Then, they can enjoy the snack they’ve “coded.”

Benefit: Develops sequencing, decision-making, and healthy eating habits.

Supplies: Pictures of snacks, laminated cards, or snack items for assembly.

10. Tinker Table with Disassembled Gadgets

Provide old (safe and non-working) gadgets like keyboards or phones. Kids use plastic tools to explore what’s inside.

Benefit: Sparks tech curiosity and fine motor exploration.

Supplies: Discarded gadgets (no batteries), plastic tools, supervision

11. Stop-Motion Animation

Kids use toys or clay figures and take sequential photos using a stop-motion app. When played together, the objects "move"!

Benefit: Develops storytelling, sequencing, and patience.

Supplies: Tablet/smartphone, stop-motion app (like Stop Motion Studio), toys or modeling clay

12. Digital Puzzle Making

Children draw pictures, photograph them, and use an app to turn their drawings into digital puzzles they can solve.

Benefit: Builds spatial awareness and familiarity with app tools.

Supplies: Tablet, puzzle app (like Jigsaw Puzzle Creator), markers, paper

13. Interactive Whiteboard Drawing

Children take turns using a digital whiteboard or smartboard to draw shapes, trace letters, or match objects.

Benefit: Encourages motor skills and familiarity with touchscreen technology.

Supplies: Interactive whiteboard or tablet connected to screen, stylus or fingers

14. QR Code Scavenger Hunt

Hide printed QR codes around the room. Kids scan them to find videos, animal sounds, or letter clues.

Benefit: Teaches how digital links work and reinforces recognition skills.

Supplies: Printed QR codes, tablet or smartphone with scanner app

15. DIY Paper Circuits

Children create pictures (e.g. a house, car, or robot) and embed a basic circuit using copper tape and LED lights.

Benefit: Introduces circuits in a fun, art-integrated way.

Supplies: Paper, LED lights, copper tape, coin cell batteries

16. Tech-Themed Sensory Bin

Fill a bin with old keyboard keys, wires, toy circuit pieces, and let kids explore textures and shapes.

Benefit: Encourages tactile exploration and vocabulary development.

Supplies: Bin, old tech parts (safely cleaned), scoops, tongs

17. Digital Matching Games

Use matching games on a tablet where kids pair sounds, letters, or images.

Benefit: Strengthens visual and auditory discrimination.

Supplies: Tablet, preschool-friendly matching game apps (like Endless Alphabet)

18. Build a Microphone

Make a pretend microphone with a paper tube and foil. Then use a real mic or recording app to sing or speak.

Benefit: Builds confidence with voice tech and speaking skills.

Supplies: Paper towel rolls, foil, stickers, recording app or karaoke mic

19. Emoji Emotion Match

Kids match emoji faces to printed faces or real-life feelings, learning to associate symbols with emotions.

Benefit: Encourages emotional literacy and symbol recognition.

Supplies: Emoji cards, mirror, printed emotion face charts

20. Bee-Bot Obstacle Course

Kids program a Bee-Bot (or similar toy robot) to navigate around obstacles or reach targets like numbers or animals.

Benefit: Teaches coding basics and directional awareness.

Supplies: Bee-Bot, floor map, small obstacles or visual targets

21. Virtual Field Trip

Explore zoos, aquariums, or space via a guided virtual tour or video and pause for discussion and drawing.

Benefit: Builds digital navigation skills and global awareness.

Supplies: Computer/tablet, internet connection, projector/screen

22. Typing Fun Station

Kids type their names, favorite words, or letters on an old keyboard connected to a basic word processor.

Benefit: Develops keyboard familiarity and letter recognition.

Supplies: Keyboard, computer/tablet with word processor

23. Simple Coding with Color Patterns

Use color-coded blocks or stickers that tell a robot (or adult helper!) to do different actions like jump or spin.

Benefit: Strengthens pattern recognition and logic.

Supplies: Colored blocks or cards, printed legend, optional robot

24. Create a Talking Book

Children draw pages of a story, then record themselves narrating using an app. The app syncs the images and voices.

Benefit: Boosts language development and tech integration.

Supplies: Drawing tools, Book Creator app or similar, tablet

25. Tech Tool Sorting Game

Present a mix of pretend or real items (tablet, mouse, block, spoon) and ask kids to sort tech tools vs. everyday items.

Benefit: Teaches what is and isn’t technology.

Supplies: Bin of mixed items, sorting trays or labels

5 Practical Ways to Use Technology in Preschool Classrooms

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), digital tools can absolutely support early learning, as long as they’re used thoughtfully, with goals in mind, and matched to each child’s needs.

Some schools lean heavily into tech. Others avoid it completely. The approach really depends on the school’s philosophy and what feels right to you as a parent or teacher. Whether you’re all-in on tech or a cautious adopter, balance is the magic word either way. Combine screen time with sensory play, active games with quiet creativity, and virtual tools with tangible experiences.

We’ll now discuss five practical tips to make tech a meaningful part of preschool life.

1. Choose tech with purpose.

Let’s start with how we actually use devices. Preschoolers don’t need to scroll through YouTube or play open-ended games with no structure. It’s better to use tech with clear intent. If your class is learning about dinosaurs, for example, set up tablets with a single, themed app that matches your lesson. Take a virtual museum tour on the smart board. Keep it simple and connected to your teaching goals.

Some helpful apps for this kind of setup include:

• ABCmouse

• Starfall ABCs

• PBS KidsGames

• Khan Academy Kids

• Epic!

• Hungry Caterpillar Play School

• Seek by iNaturalist

• Barefoot World Atlas
  

Pick one or two, lock the screen, and let kids explore in a focused way.

2. Get kids up and moving.

Tech time doesn’t have to mean sitting quietly and zoning out. In fact, it shouldn’t. Look for tools that get kids involved physically. Apps like GoNoodle or BrainPop have built-in movement activities. Some schools have invested in tools like the BEAM projector, which shines games on the floor that kids can jump into (like literally :). It turns your classroom into an interactive game space that kids absolutely love.

Smart boards also work well to keep kids involved. Use them during group time to draw shapes, match colors, or practice letters together. Even cameras can become part of your learning day. One idea is to give a child the role of “class photographer.” They can take pictures of the group, learning centers, or activities during the day. Just make sure all families have signed a photo release form.

Once you’ve got those pictures, print them out and put them around the classroom. Kids light up when they see themselves and their work on display.

3. Know what’s safe (and what isn’t).

Contrary to popular belief, not all tech is good tech. Some sites that seem fine at first glance might sneak in content that isn’t appropriate for kids. Even apps meant for children can have ads or videos that lead to things you wouldn’t want a preschooler to see.

Also, many games now include chat features. Preschoolers definitely don’t need to be exposed to online strangers. It’s worth bringing in someone who knows internet safety to walk your staff—and even parents—through ways to keep kids protected.

The Washington Post once pointed out that even tech company executives set strong limits on screen use in their own homes. That tells you something. Talking to kids about how they use devices matters just as much as using tools to monitor them. Apps like Bark and OurPact help, but they work best when paired with real conversations.

4. Mix it up with different tools.

Relying on just one kind of tech isn’t advisable. Preschoolers need the chance to explore a variety of digital tools. That means using tablets, desktop computers, smart boards, and cameras. Each offers a different way to interact and learn.

Letting kids practice with a mouse and keyboard might seem old-fashioned, but it’s still useful. They can also be guided through using tablets. Show them how to hold a camera gently or take turns using a tripod. These are small things that teach kids both responsibility and digital awareness.

5. Use tech to strengthen connections.

One of the best things about technology is how easy it makes it to stay in touch with families. Apps like HiMama let you share photos, videos, and notes with parents in real time. This keeps them in the loop and makes it easy for them to see what their child is learning and doing each day.

Of course, digital messages shouldn’t replace real conversations. Teachers and parents still need to talk face-to-face or at least have phone chats from time to time. Zoom or Google Meet can be great for quick check-ins or staff meetings, especially when getting everyone in the same room isn’t practical.

Final Thoughts

The main takeaway here is that it’s all about balance. You might be the type of educator who loves using QR codes, video tools, and every app under the sun. Or maybe you prefer a mostly unplugged classroom. Both are fine. What matters is finding a rhythm that works for your kids and sticking with it.

Make time for painting, playing outdoors, building blocks, and dramatic play just as much as you make space for digital games or online storybooks. That kind of variety helps kids grow in all directions. And that’s what early childhood education is really about.