Nap time is one of those sacred moments when parents everywhere take a deep breath and recharge—whether grabbing a coffee, staring at a wall in silence, or finally checking the group chat. But getting your little one actually to settle down for a nap? That’s a whole other story. Kids don’t exactly have an off switch, and if yours are anything like my toddler, you know they’re masters of resisting rest. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of seven low-energy activities perfect for helping them wind down before nap time. These are simple and calming and work to transition kids into chill mode without a fight. Bonus? You might find yourself relaxing a bit too.

Quiet Storytime with Picture Books

When I sense my kid pitching into overtired territory, I grab some picture books and settle us into the couch or their bed. There’s something about the rhythmic flow of reading that captivates kids and helps them slow down. Keep it calm—no loud, animated voices for this one. Choose books with soothing stories or repetitive, predictable patterns (think classics like Goodnight Moon or The Very Hungry Caterpillar).

Pro tip? Dim the lights and whisper your way through the story—it’s like magic for getting those little eyelids heavy.

Calming Coloring Sessions

Coloring is such an underrated activity when it comes to relaxation. Hand your kid some crayons or washable markers, lay out a fresh coloring book or a blank sheet of paper, and see what they create. It’s quiet, keeps their hands busy, and has this weirdly meditative vibe. (Honestly, I’ve joined in on some of these sessions, and it felt pretty therapeutic.)

For extra mellow vibes, stick to calming colors like blues and greens, and don’t rush them—this is all about steady movements and gentle focus.

Puzzles and Matching Games

Before nap time, I love pulling out a chunky puzzle or a memory-matching game—something simple but engaging. These activities get kids to sit and focus without amping them up too much, letting their brains work calmly and deliberately.

For younger kids, look for wooden puzzles with big pieces they can easily grab and fit. Older kids might enjoy matching card games in which they have to flip over pairs. Either way, these activities encourage them to concentrate quietly. Plus, they’ll feel proud of themselves when they finish, which is just the chef’s kiss of positive energy before a nap.

Gentle Playdough Time

Playdough has an almost magical ability to help kids slow down. Kneading, rolling, and squishing the dough into shapes is entertaining and calming for their little hands and minds—kind of like a sensory reset button.

To keep this activity low-key, skip the loud plastic playdough sets full of complex tools. Instead, hand them a lump of dough and watch them work their magic. If you’re feeling fancy (and ambitious), you can even make your own with calming scents like lavender.

“Yoga for Littles” Stretching

Hear me out on this one—kid yoga works, and you don’t have to be a yoga master yourself to pull it off. Look up a few toddler-friendly stretches or poses (think “cat-cow” or “child’s pose”) and guide your little one through a few minutes of slow, easy movement.

They can mimic your poses, or you can turn it into a game by saying, “Can you stretch tall like a giraffe?” or “What sound does a sleepy cat make?” Even lying on the floor together and taking deep breaths helps set the tone for rest.

Soft Music or Nature Sounds

Sometimes, the simplest activities are the most effective. Pop on a playlist of soft instrumental music, nursery rhymes, or even nature sounds like rain or ocean waves and sit together. If your kid is like mine and thrives on fidgeting, you can combine this with another activity (like coloring or puzzles).

I’ve also found that adding dim fairy lights in their room while soft music plays creates such a cozy atmosphere. It slows the energy right down, making nap time feel less like a battle and more like a natural progression.

Stuffed Animal Picnic

This one might be my favorite low-energy idea—mostly because it’s adorable. Gather some of their stuffed animals, lay out a play blanket, and have a “picnic” together. It’s easy to engage their imagination while keeping the activity chill. Pour pretend tea, “feed” the teddy, and keep your voice quiet and soft to lead by example.

When you sense they’re starting to mellow out, transition the animals into needing a nap (wink, wink). “Oh no, the bear looks sleepy—should we tuck him in?” also works like a charm to ease them into the nap zone.