On the walk after class, imagine a dragon small enough to sit on your thumb. It needs somewhere to live.
Stay on your usual path and let your child show you the possibilities.
For toddlers
Start with a small mouse or another animal they already know.
Point to a leaf and wonder aloud: "That could be a roof." Wait to see what they notice. A tree root might be a bed. A patch of shade might be the animal's favorite resting place.
Follow whichever part interests them. They might prefer looking at a real bird, which is a perfectly good change of plan.
For preschoolers
Let them invent the dragon first. Perhaps it hates getting wet, snores sparks or insists on a mountain view.
Now look for a suitable home. Your child can point out a bedroom, a landing place and somewhere the dragon might keep its snacks.
Pick one location to remember. On your next visit, they can decide whether the dragon is still living there, or has moved because of the neighbors.
Give it five or fifteen minutes, depending on everyone's energy. Keep plants and natural objects where they are; the house exists in the story.
Make the next outing theirs
Tell Sidequest what your child is into and where you're headed. It can build a playful outing around the trip you're already making.
Free to try — no signup needed to make a plan.