Open-ended play is one of the easiest ways to support creativity, fine motor skills, and independent play at home — and it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
This free dress up kids printable was designed as a simple, reusable activity that works across ages and materials. Kids can decorate, redesign, and reimagine outfits again and again using things you already have at home.
Whether you’re looking for easy sensory play ideas for toddlers, a quiet time activity, or a low-prep homeschool resource, this printable fits beautifully into play trays, morning baskets, and dramatic play setups.
What’s Included in the Free Dress Up Printable
This printable includes:
A child figure template designed for decorating
Simple outlines that invite creativity (not perfection)
A format that works with multiple materials (art, sensory, dramatic play)
It’s intentionally minimal so kids can take the lead — adding outfits, textures, colors, and details in their own way.
Ways to Play (3 Easy Setups)
1. Play Dough Dress Up (Sensory + Fine Motor)
This is one of the most engaging ways to use the printable and works especially well for toddlers and preschoolers.
Materials
Printed dress up page (laminated if possible)
Play dough in multiple colors
Optional tools: rolling pin, dough knife, textured rollers
How to Play
Invite your child to use play dough to “dress” the character:
Roll dough flat for shirts, dresses, or pants
Use small pieces for buttons, pockets, or shoes
Mix colors to create patterns
Learning Focus
Fine motor strength
Bilateral coordination
Creative expression
This setup pairs beautifully with calm-down sensory play or independent work time.
2. Dry Erase Dress Up (Reusable & Mess-Free)
This version is perfect for travel, restaurants, or quick table activities.
Materials
Laminated printable or page inside a dry erase sleeve
Dry erase markers
Cloth or felt eraser
How to Play
Draw outfits, accessories, or costumes
Practice patterns (stripes, dots, zigzags)
Erase and redesign as many times as they like
Learning Focus
Pencil grip and control
Early writing readiness
Imaginative storytelling
This is a great option for parents looking for mess-free sensory play ideas.
3. Nature Dress Up (Outdoor + Creative Thinking)
This version turns a simple walk outside into a creative play experience.
Materials
Printed dress up page
Leaves, grass, petals, sticks, small stones
Glue stick or tape (optional)
How to Play
Encourage your child to use natural materials to create outfits:
Leaves as skirts or capes
Petals for patterns or accessories
Twigs for belts or buttons
Learning Focus
Nature exploration
Texture awareness
Open-ended problem solving
This is a lovely way to combine outdoor sensory play with art and imagination.
How This Fits Into Your Play Rotation
This printable works well as:
A morning basket activity
A low-prep sensory tray
A dramatic play invitation
A quiet afternoon reset activity
Because it’s open-ended, you can revisit it again and again using different materials as your child grows.
Want to Extend the Play?
If your child enjoys dressing characters, role-play, or imaginative setups, this activity pairs naturally with dramatic play printables that encourage storytelling, social skills, and longer play sessions.
You can extend this activity by:
Creating a themed dress up day (farm, community helpers, animals, seasons)
Pairing it with dramatic play setups that include signs, props, and role cards
Using it as a warm-up before a full sensory or pretend play invitation
(If you’re looking for structured dramatic play kits with matching signs, props, and learning prompts, those pair especially well with this type of creative activity.)
Download the Free Dress Up Kids Printable
This printable is free to download and designed to be used again and again.
👉 Download the free dress up kids printable here
Pin it, save it, and come back to it whenever you need a simple, creative play idea that keeps kids engaged without screens.