TinyStepper
Laughing boy running across a field with arms wide, daisies in the grass

Dressing-Up Relay

Race to put on and take off different clothing items as a silly physical game.

Activity details

2y–4y10 minsmediumbothScarves or Fabric

Instructions

Get ready
  • Lay out 3-4 easy clothing items: hat, scarf, jacket, wellies
  • Include one or two oversized adult items for comedy
  1. Lay out 3-4 easy clothing items: hat, scarf, jacket, wellies
  2. Include one or two oversized adult items for comedy
  3. Say: 'When I say go, put everything on as fast as you can!'
  4. Count while they dress: 'Go! One... two... three...'
  5. Cheer when everything is on: 'Amazing! Now take it all off!'
  6. Race each other for extra fun — let them win most of the time
  7. Try silly combinations: hat on feet, scarf as a belt
  8. End by putting all clothes back in the pile together

Parent tip

Set out scarves or fabric before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.

Child smiling on a cushion after active play with a ball and scattered cushions nearby

What success looks like

Flushed cheeks, big smiles, and a calmer child afterwards. If they want to do it again, you’ve found a winner.

Lay out a selection of easy clothing items — a hat, a scarf, oversized wellies, a jacket — and race to put them all on as quickly as possible, then take them all off again. The dressing-undressing practice builds genuine self-care skills while the race format keeps it exciting. Toddlers find oversized adult clothes especially hilarious, and the game naturally practises the morning routine without any pressure.

Why it helps

The EYFS framework's early learning goals state that children at the expected level will manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing — making practice with fastenings and clothing a direct school-readiness skill. Dressing independently is a key self-care milestone that many toddlers resist practising because it feels like a chore. Reframing it as a game removes the resistance and builds muscle memory for buttons, zips, and pulling clothes on. The physical movement burns energy, and the problem-solving of figuring out armholes and zip directions builds spatial reasoning and body awareness.

Variations

  • Theme it: pirate outfit, winter outfit, silly outfit.
  • Add a 'fashion show' walk after dressing — strut down the hallway.
  • Time each round and try to beat your personal best as a team.

Safety tips

  • Avoid clothes with drawstrings that could tighten around the neck.
  • Check for loose buttons or small parts on adult clothing items.
  • Ensure the dressing area is spacious enough to prevent tripping.

Want to try another?

Demolition Tower Challenge

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