Create Magical Mini Worlds: Using Play Trays with Schleich Figurines
Looking for a fun, screen-free way to spark creativity and storytelling in your child? Enter the sensory play tray – a simple, engaging setup that transforms Schleich figurines into a world of miniature play and discovery.
What is a Play Tray?
A play tray is a contained space – often a shallow bin, wooden tray, or large serving dish – filled with sensory materials and props that help bring imaginative scenes to life. Pairing Schleich figurines with a themed tray invites children to explore, narrate, and learn through hands-on play.
Getting Started: The Basics
To make your own, start with:
- A tray or low-sided container
- A base material (e.g. kinetic sand, coloured rice, grass mat, pebbles)
- A few themed accessories (trees, rocks, buildings, craft items)
-
Schleich figurines to match the theme
Tray Themes to Try
1. Jungle Safari
- Base: Green shredded paper or leaves
- Animals: Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras
- Extras: Mini palm trees, river made from blue felt, wooden logs
2. Ocean Adventure
3. Farm Life
- Base: Brown beans (dirt), green felt (grass)
- Animals: Cows, pigs, chickens, horses
- Extras: Mini fences, barns, hay bales (cut sponge blocks)
4. Dinosaur World
- Base: Kinetic sand, small rocks
- Animals: Dinosaurs like T. Rex or Triceratops
- Extras: Volcano (paper cone), plastic plants, "fossils" to dig
5. Arctic Scene
- Base: Cotton wool or white felt
- Animals: Polar bears, penguins, seals
- Extras: Ice cubes, silver foil (icebergs), mirrored paper (frozen pond)
Learning Through Play
Play trays encourage:
- Storytelling and role play
- Fine motor skill development
- Vocabulary building
- A sense of wonder and curiosity
Plus, they’re easy to rotate and refresh – just change the base material or swap out the figurines to match your child’s latest interest.
Final Tips
Keep a tidy tray by storing materials in ziplock bags or small containers between uses. Invite your child to help set up and clean up their scene, giving them ownership of their mini world.
Explore our full range of Schleich figurines at Happily.co.nz, and start building your own world of play today!
