Creative Play for Big Kids: Is There Still Room?

As our kids grow out of the early childhood phase, many of the things we once did on autopilot—daily dressing up, building forts, becoming cats or superheroes before breakfast—start to fade. Around ages 7 to 11, there’s a noticeable shift. Play becomes quieter, more selective, and often less obviously “pretend.” But that doesn’t mean imagination has packed up and left, that’s why we’re putting all the work in, so it never will!

For many children in this age group, the appetite for play is still there—it just needs a little rebranding. One of my favourite ways to do that?

Big surprise: Costumes. In these ages it’s worth having more of a chat and getting involved in the process of developing outfits. So be prepared to build a whole funky 90’s outfit (which, yes now 90’s is vintage) or a festival ethereal fairy look, hair braided and all. Don’t expect a witch’s dress to be enough, expect the matching footwear, a book of spells and various potions to go with it! Finally, kids are more complex now, so a fairy who morphs into a witch at nighttime is not out of the question and that funky dancer could very likely turn into a werewolf later on - reference only to those who grew up in the 90’s.

This is also the age when many kids want to be part of the making process. So invite them to sketch their ideas, help pick fabrics, glue buttons, cut felt, or even learn to sew simple hems. The project doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to feel theirs. You might start with a DIY cape-making afternoon with friends, or a “design your own explorer gear” challenge before a family hike.

In a world leaning more and more toward screens, offering kids tactile, expressive projects is a quiet rebellion—and a lasting gift. Costumes at this stage aren’t just about pretending to be someone else. They’re about expressing who they are becoming.

And best of all, DIY costume play encourages problem-solving, patience, and pride in creation. It turns a rainy Saturday into a design studio and a regular afternoon in the backyard into an expedition.