TinyStepper

Peekaboo Scarf Play

At a glance: Play peekaboo using colourful scarves or light fabric. A 8-minute, medium-energy indoor activity for ages 12m–2y. No prep needed.

Built by a parent of toddlersBest for 12m-2y

Field-tested ideas shaped by direct parenting experience and advice from reputable sources, including NHS Best Start in Life and NSPCC child development research.

12m–2y8 minsmedium energyindoornone messNo prep

An enhanced version of the classic peekaboo game that uses lightweight scarves to add visual interest and sensory variety. Peekaboo is not just a fun game; it actively teaches object permanence, the understanding that things still exist even when hidden from view. Using different coloured scarves adds vocabulary opportunities, and the flowing fabric movement captivates early walkers while encouraging them to pull, wave, and drape the scarves on their own.

Best for this moment

when your toddler needs focused engagement, especially when you need an indoor option.

Parent tip

Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.

What success looks like

A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in cognitive skills.

More help for this situation

Instructions

Get ready
  • Gather 2-3 lightweight scarves or pieces of sheer fabric
  • Drape a scarf over your face and say 'Where did I go?'
  1. Gather 2-3 lightweight scarves or pieces of sheer fabric
  2. Drape a scarf over your face and say 'Where did I go?'
  3. Pull it away with a big 'Peekaboo!'
  4. Gently drape a scarf over your child's head
  5. Let them pull it off themselves while you cheer
  6. Wave scarves in the air and let them float down
  7. Play hide-and-find: cover a toy with a scarf for them to discover
  8. Name the colours as you play: 'Here comes the blue one!'
  9. Let them stuff scarves into a box and pull them back out

Why it helps

Peekaboo actively teaches object permanence — the understanding that things still exist when hidden. Using scarves adds vocabulary opportunities and fine motor practice as children pull, wave, and drape the fabric. The predictable reveal is deeply reassuring for babies working through separation anxiety.

Variations

  • Use different coloured scarves and name each colour as it appears.
  • Toss the scarf in the air and catch it together — watch it float down slowly.
  • Play with a mirror so your toddler can see themselves appear and disappear.

Safety tips

  • Use lightweight, breathable fabric that does not restrict breathing if draped over the face.
  • Keep scarves short enough that they cannot wrap around the neck.
  • Supervise to ensure fabric is not stuffed into the mouth.

When to pause and seek extra support

Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.

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