Spanish Playtime Words for Kids

Play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn. In fact, when kids move, imagine, and interact, their brains are more open to absorbing new language. That is why Spanish playtime words kids can use during games and daily play are such an effective starting point for early bilingual learning. Instead of forcing lessons or worksheets, parents can introduce Spanish naturally, right in the middle of what children already love doing.

In this article, you will learn Spanish playtime words kids can hear, repeat, and understand during active play, pretend games, creative moments, and transitions. Each section introduces useful vocabulary that feels practical rather than academic. Accordingly, these words support language development while keeping children engaged, curious, and confident. By the end, you will have a clear set of Spanish playtime words kids can start using immediately at home, even if you are not confident in your own pronunciation yet.

Movement and Action Play

Movement helps children connect words to actions. Therefore, these Spanish playtime words kids can act out are ideal for burning energy while building language skills.

Correr – To run
Los niños corren en el jardín.
The children run in the yard.

Saltar – To jump
La niña salta muy alto.
The girl jumps very high.

Girar – To spin
Los niños giran en círculo.
The children spin in a circle.

Rodar – To roll
La pelota rueda por el suelo.
The ball rolls on the floor.

Trepar – To climb
El niño trepa el columpio.
The child climbs the swing.

Bailar – To dance
Los niños bailan con la música.
The children dance to the music.

Toy and Pretend Play Words

Pretend play allows children to experiment with language in imaginative ways. In contrast to direct instruction, pretend play feels natural and fun, which makes learning stick.

Jugar – To play
Los niños juegan con los bloques.
The children play with the blocks.

Construir – To build
Los niños construyen una torre.
The children build a tower.

Empujar – To push
El niño empuja el carrito.
The child pushes the cart.

Jalar – To pull
La niña jala la cuerda.
The girl pulls the rope.

Armar – To assemble
Los niños arman el rompecabezas.
The children assemble the puzzle.

Imaginar – To imagine
El niño imagina un dragón.
The child imagines a dragon.

Turn-Taking and Social Play

Social play helps children learn cooperation and communication. Therefore, these Spanish playtime words kids hear while playing together support both language and social development.

Compartir – To share
Los niños comparten los juguetes.
The children share the toys.

Esperar – To wait
Los niños esperan su turno.
The children wait their turn.

Ayudar – To help
La niña ayuda a su hermano.
The girl helps her brother.

Elegir – To choose
El niño elige un juego.
The child chooses a game.

Prestar – To lend
La niña presta el muñeco.
The girl lends the doll.

Creative and Quiet Play Actions

Quiet play supports focus and creativity. Simultaneously, it offers perfect moments to reinforce Spanish playtime words kids can associate with calm activities.

Dibujar – To draw
El niño dibuja un animal.
The child draws an animal.

Colorear – To color
La niña colorea el dibujo.
The girl colors the drawing.

Cortar – To cut
El niño corta el papel.
The child cuts the paper.

Pegar – To glue
La niña pega las figuras.
The girl glues the shapes.

Leer – To read
Los niños leen un cuento.
The children read a story.

Playtime Transitions and Routines

Transitions can be challenging for young children. Accordingly, these Spanish playtime words kids hear during changes help reduce resistance and build understanding.

Recoger – To pick up
Los niños recogen los juguetes.
The children pick up the toys.

Guardar – To put away
El niño guarda los bloques.
The child puts away the blocks.

Sentarse – To sit down
Los niños se sientan en la alfombra.
The children sit on the rug.

Escuchar – To listen
Los niños escuchan el cuento.
The children listen to the story.

Descansar – To rest
La niña descansa en su cama.
The girl rests in her bed.

Optional Mini Practice Activity

Choose five Spanish playtime words kids learned in this article. Say each word out loud and act it out together. Secondly, repeat the word while doing the action. Thirdly, invite your child to give you the instruction in Spanish. In order to build confidence, repeat this short activity daily for one week using the same words.

Find Out More Spanish Playtime Words for Kids!

Play-based learning makes Spanish feel joyful, natural, and achievable. When children hear Spanish playtime words kids use during movement, imagination, and routines, language becomes part of everyday life. In fact, these moments of repetition and connection build strong foundations for bilingual development without pressure or stress. Accordingly, small daily interactions matter far more than long lessons.

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