Host a Stuffed Animal Storytime & “Clinic” Activity

Looking for a fun, engaging program for young children that combines storytime with hands-on learning? A Stuffed Animal Storytime followed by a “Stuffed Animal Clinic” is the perfect way to spark imagination, build early literacy, and teach social-emotional skills! We found this program to be well-loved by preschool-aged children and their grownups, alike!

Why This Program Works

This activity does more than entertain—it supports social-emotional learning and early literacy. Children practice empathy as they care for their stuffed patients, learn sequencing and problem-solving skills as they move through check-up stations, and develop vocabulary around health, science, and the body. Plus, reading stories about caring for others encourages literacy engagement and conversation.

Storytime Book Recommendations

Kick off the program with a short storytime featuring books that tie into the theme:

• Doll Hospital by Kallie George – A perfect introduction to caring for toys and understanding medical check-ups.

• The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor by Stan & Jan Berenstain – Helps normalize doctor visits and explore emotions.

• Curious George Goes to the Hospital by Margret & H.A. Rey – A fun story about hospital adventures and overcoming fear.

  
  

Setting Up the Stuffed Animal Hospital

After storytime, let children bring their favorite stuffed animals for a mini check-up. Set up stations around the room so kids can rotate through each:

1. X-Ray Station – Kids can “x-ray” their stuffed animal with a lightbox and printed images.

2. Weigh-In Station – Use a small scale to measure the weight of each stuffed animal.

3. Bandage Station – Provide bandages for scrapes or “injuries” on stuffed friends.

4. Medicine Station – Use toy syringes or cups to give pretend medicine.

5. Eye Chart Station – Let kids test their stuffed animals’ vision with a kid-friendly eye chart.

6. Reward Station – Give each stuffed animal a sucker (or other small treat) and a Certificate of Health to take home.

   
   

Supplies You'll Need

• Stuffed Animals brought by participants

• Clipboards to bring check-up list from station to station https://amzn.to/3ZTq5VU

• Toy Stethoscopes https://amzn.to/4tTlK2Q

• Bandages https://amzn.to/46gRJzU & https://amzn.to/4kWTCI4

• Medicine Syringes & Cups. https://amzn.to/4qRNZfz & https://amzn.to/46hZTYF

• Suckers or Small Treats https://amzn.to/4s3KEL9

• Scale https://amzn.to/4rr9ftv

• Vet Check-Up List, Eye chart, Certificate of Health, and X-Ray (dog, cat, bear) Printables (X-rays are not anatomically correct - they are for play purposes only) TPT Download

  
  

Program Tips

• Keep stations small and spread out to avoid crowding. Kids lingered at each for a bit of time.

• Encourage kids to role-play and talk through what they’re doing—it strengthens vocabulary and comprehension.

• Take photos (with parental permission) to share your program online or in library newsletters.

  
  

Final Thoughts

A Stuffed Animal Hospital isn’t just cute—it’s a powerful way to nurture empathy, problem-solving, and literacy skills in young learners. Kids leave feeling proud of caring for their “patients” and excited to return for more storytime fun.

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