21 Toddler Activities To Save Your Sanity (Sanity Is Overrated)
Hey parents! We know how hard it is to keep those tiny humans entertained all day.
With their endless energy and curiosity, a busy toddler can be quite a handful. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve put together 17 awesome activities and activity ideas to keep your toddler busy, happy and learning.
These are perfect for when you’re running on empty or just need a new way to play.
From sensory play to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered to create magic with your mini.
1) Watercolor painting
Let’s get messy and colourful with our little ones! Watercolor painting is a great sensory activity even for toddlers.
We love how it helps with their creativity and fine motor skills.
Grab some watercolor paints, brushes and paper. Don’t forget to put on those cute smocks – things might get messy! You can also use construction paper as a base for watercolor painting to add more color and texture.
We’ve found liquid watercolors and droppers are fun too. Our toddlers love to giggle with glee as they squeeze colourful drops onto the paper.
For a twist, try painting with markers colored water. Yes, you read that right! Draw with markers, then brush water over it to create a watercolor effect.
Remember, it’s all about the process, not the end result. Let’s cheer on our little Picassos as they play with colours and have fun!
2) Playdough
Who doesn’t love squishing and moulding colourful dough? Playdough is a toddler classic that never gets old. We love this squishy stuff!
Making homemade playdough is super easy and fun to do with your mini. Mix up different colors in a batch together and watch their eyes light up as it forms.
Once you have your dough, the possibilities are endless.
We like using cookie cutters to make shapes or rolling out “snakes” and forming letters. You can also use craft sticks to make shapes or structures with the playdough. It’s a great way to sneak in some learning.
For extra sensory fun, try adding items like buttons, pom-poms or dried beans to the different objects at your playdough station.
Your toddler will love pushing them into the dough and digging them out again.
Don’t forget to let your mini use their imagination too. They might surprise you by creating a whole playdough world!
3) Nature scavenger hunt
Let’s get our little explorers outside! A nature scavenger hunt is a great way to spend quality time with our toddlers while encouraging them to discover the world around them. This activity is suitable for the toddler age group, particularly those aged 1-2 years.
We can make a simple list of items for our mini to find, like leaves, rocks or flowers.
They get so excited when they find something on the list!
For an extra fun twist, we can do a 5 senses scavenger hunt.
This gets our tots to really engage with nature by finding things they can see, hear, smell, touch and even taste (safely of course!).
Don’t forget to bring a small bag or container for collecting treasures.
Our mini will love showing off their finds and talking about what they’ve learned.
This activity can be done in any outdoor space, whether it’s our backyard, a local park or a nature trail. It’s a great way to burn off energy and spark curiosity about the world.
4) Sensory play bin
We love sensory bins for toddlers! They’re a fun sensory experience and educational.
Let’s get started. A beach themed sensory bin can bring the beach to your living room. Just add sand, shells and toy fish!
For a space adventure try a starry sky sensory bag. Fill a ziplock with blue hair gel and glitter stars. Mess free fun!
We love seasonal bins too. An Easter sensory bin with crinkly paper and plastic eggs is perfect for spring.
Remember the sky’s the limit with sensory bins. Use rice, beans or even shredded paper as a base.
Add scoops, cups and small toys for hours of giggly fun!
5) Dance party
Who’s ready to shake their booties? A dance party is a great way to get those little bodies moving and grooving! Dancing is also a great fine motor activity that helps develop hand coordination. We love turning up the tunes and letting our mini go wild.
Pick songs your mini knows and loves. They’ll love hearing their favourites!
We recommend mixing in some party music to keep the energy high.
Don’t forget to join in on the fun! Our mini love when we show off our silly dance moves too. It’s a great chance to bond and get some exercise ourselves.
Try adding some freeze dance to the mix.
When the music stops everyone freezes in place. Trust us, the giggles will be non stop!
A dance party is a great way to burn off energy and have fun. No equipment needed – just turn up the volume and let loose!
6) Build a fort
Let’s get creative with our mini and build a hideout! Building a fort is a toddler classic that never gets old. It’s so easy and fun!
Get some blankets, pillows and maybe a few chairs. We can use the couch as a base too.
Drape the blankets over the furniture to create walls and a roof. Don’t forget to leave an entrance!
Inside we’ll add soft pillows and stuffed animals. It’s like a cloud for our mini to play in. They’ll love having their own special space.
Fort building is imaginative play.
Our mini might pretend it’s a castle, spaceship or secret clubhouse. The options are endless!
This activity helps with problem solving skills too. Our mini engineers will figure out how to keep the fort standing. It’s learning disguised as playtime!
7) Coloring books bonanza
We love a good coloring session with our mini! Coloring books are fun ideas for creative play. It’s time to grab those crayons and get into a coloring book bonanza. Trust us it’s a win win for everyone.
Coloring books are perfect for rainy days or when we need a moment of peace.
They’re not just fun; they help our mini develop fine motor skills and unleash their creativity.
We’ve found themed coloring books are a winner. From animals to superheroes, there’s something in food coloring and for every mini artist. And let’s be real, we might enjoy coloring alongside them too!
Don’t forget to praise their work. Whether it’s a scribble or a beautifully colored page, it’s all about the process and having fun together.
Pro tip: Keep a stash of coloring books in your bag for unexpected waits at restaurants or doctor’s offices.
It’s a lifesaver when we need to keep our mini entertained on the go!
8) Storytime adventure
Let’s turn storytime into an adventure for our mini!
We can make reading magical by adding some excitement. Each child can engage with the story at their own pace.
Why not act out the story as we read? We can use simple props or even just our imaginations. Our mini will love joining in and being part of the story.
We can also try using different types of voices for each character. It’s a great way to keep our mini engaged and giggling along with us.
Puppet shows are another option.
We can use store bought puppets or make our own from socks or paper bags. Our mini will be entranced!
Don’t forget to add some songs or rhymes related to the story. It’s a great way to get our mini moving and grooving while we read.
9) Musical instrument jam
Get ready for some noise!
A musical instrument jam is a great way to let your busy toddler explore sounds and rhythms. We love this activity because it’s so easy to set up.
Use whatever instruments you have lying around. Don’t worry if you don’t have “real” ones – pots, pans and wooden spoons are great too!
Put on some upbeat music and let your mini go wild.
We find it’s best to join in the fun. Show your mini how to bang a drum or shake a maraca. They’ll love copying you and making their own beats.
It’s all about having fun so don’t stress if it sounds more like noise than music!
This jam session is more than just fun. It’s about coordination and cause and effect. Plus it’s a great way for us parents to bond with our mini over some silly sounds.
10) Bubble blowing extravaganza
Let’s get bubbly, mamas! We’re about to turn your living room into a soapy wonderland. Grab those bubble wands and get ready for a fun sensory experience and some laughs!
Bubbles are like magic for mini. They’re entrancing and fun. We love how they can keep our mini entertained for hours.
Why not mix it up? Try making your own bubble wands with household items.
Cookie cutters, straws or even an eight year old used CD can work magic!
For extra fun we can use a bubble wrap machine.
It’s like a bubble party on demand! Our mini will love chasing and popping bubbles all around.
Remember bubble play isn’t just fun – it’s great for development too!
It helps with speech and communication skills. Plus it’s a great excuse for us to be silly with our mini.
11) Sidewalk chalk art
Let’s get messy with some sidewalk chalk art! This classic outdoor activity is perfect for mini to express themselves. Sidewalk chalk art is a great fine motor activity.
We love how sidewalk chalk lets mini make big, colourful masterpieces. It’s a great way to practice fine motor skills and learn about colours.
Try drawing hopscotch squares or a racetrack for toy cars. Your mini will love jumping and zooming around their creations.
For extra fun we suggest making chalk pops.
They look like real treats but are actually chalk on a stick. Kids go nuts for these!
Don’t forget to take some photos of your mini’s artwork. Sidewalk chalk washes away easily but the memories will last forever.
12) Pasta necklace crafting
Let’s get crafty with some pasta necklaces! This classic activity is perfect for little hands and big imaginations. We love how it combines art and fine motor skills in one easy activity together.
First grab some pasta with holes – penne or rigatoni work well.
Now for the fun part – painting! Acrylic paint works well for painting pasta. Let your mini go wild with colours.
Once the pasta is dry it’s stringing time. Consider using pipe cleaners for stringing pasta as they are easier for toddlers to manipulate.
We recommend using thick string or yarn so it’s easier for tiny fingers. This part really helps with those fine and gross motor skills too.
The best thing about pasta necklace crafting is how versatile it is.
Your mini can make a necklace for themselves, for you or even as a gift for grandma. It’s a lovely keepsake that’s fun to make and wear.
Remember the process is more important than the product. Let your mini explore and create freely. We’re all about messy fun!
13) Obstacle course madness for gross motor skills
Let’s get our mini moving with an epic obstacle course madness! These gross motor activities are perfect for unleashing their inner ninja and having fun.
We love setting up obstacle courses both indoors and outdoors.
For indoor adventures try using cushions, blankets and cardboard boxes to create tunnels and hurdles.
Outside we can go wild with hula hoops, jump ropes and even pool noodles. The options are endless!
Our mini will love crawling, jumping and zigzagging their way through.
Join in!
We can race our mini or cheer them on as they complete each challenge. It’s a great way to burn energy, improve coordination and have some fun together.
14) Parachute play
We love parachute play! It’s a fun sensory experience for toddlers and grown ups. Imagine the laughter as the fabric billows in the air.
Parachute games for toddlers are great for getting mini moving.
They also help with listening skills and following directions. Bonus!
We love seeing the joy on the kids faces as they play together.
It’s like magic – the colours and floating fabric grabs their attention straight away.
Let’s not forget the teamwork.
Working together to move the parachute builds social skills. And it’s a sneaky way to get in some early maths concepts like counting and numbers.
So grab a parachute and let’s get started! We promise the laughter and fun is worth any mess that may happen.
15) Simple puzzle time
Let’s get those mini minds working with some simple puzzle time! We love how simple jigsaw puzzles can be a game changer for our tiny tots. Simple puzzles are a great fine motor activity.
Look for puzzles with big, chunky pieces that are perfect for those little hands.
These aren’t just fun – they’re secretly building problem solving skills too! Win win, right?
We love wooden puzzles for our early toddlers.
As they get older we can switch to peg puzzles or thinner wooden ones. It’s like leveling up in a video game, but for fine motor skills!
Remember puzzle time is bonding time too.
We love sitting down with our mini, cheering them on as they figure out where each piece goes. It’s the perfect mix of learning and laughter!
16) DIY sensory bottles
We love DIY sensory bottles! They’re a fun sensory experience and so much fun and easy to do with your mini. These magic bottles are great for calming toddlers and sparking their curiosity.
To make your own grab an empty plastic bottle and fill with water. Then add some colored paper, glitter, small toys or colourful beads.
Shake it up and watch their eyes light up!
For an extra special treat try using baby oil instead of water.
It makes the glitter fall slower and it’s mesmerising. Your mini will be totally entranced!
We’ve even made themed bottles for different seasons.
A spooky Halloween bottle with orange glitter and plastic spiders is always a winner. Or a winter wonderland with blue water and white glitter “snow”?
Remember to seal the bottle tightly to prevent spills. Now sit back and enjoy the peaceful moments while your mini explores their new sensory wonder!
17) Mini-garden planting
Let’s get our hands dirty with a mini-garden project! We love this activity because it’s perfect for little green thumbs. It’s also a great fine motor activity, helping toddlers develop their hand coordination.
Grab some small pots or even recycled egg cartons to start your mini indoor garden.
First we’ll fill our containers with soil. It’s okay if it gets a bit messy – that’s half the fun!
Then we’ll choose some easy to grow seeds like herbs or flowers. Sprinkle them in gently and cover them over.
Now the best part – watering our little garden!
We can use a spray bottle to make it rain on our plants. It’s like magic!
Every day we’ll check on our mini-garden and give it some love.
Before we know it we’ll see tiny green shoots popping up. How cool!
This hands on gardening activity teaches our mini’s about nature and responsibility. And it’s a great way to bond and make memories together.
18) Frozen Flowers Sensory Experience
Let’s chill out with a Frozen Flowers Sensory Experience! This activity is a delightful way to combine sensory play with a touch of nature. Imagine the wonder in your mini’s eyes as they discover beautiful flowers encased in ice. It’s like a mini science experiment and art project rolled into one!
19) Animal Action Cards
Get ready for some wild fun with Animal Action Cards! This activity is perfect for getting your mini moving and learning at the same time. It’s a simple yet engaging way to teach vocabulary and gross motor skills.
20) Play Kitchen and Cooking
Let’s cook up some fun with Play Kitchen and Cooking! This activity is a fantastic way to spark your mini’s imagination and get them role-playing like a little chef. It’s all about creativity, fine motor skills, and a dash of pretend play.
21) Montessori Busy Board
Let’s dive into some hands-on learning with a Montessori Busy Board! This activity is perfect for encouraging independent play and developing fine motor skills. It’s like a mini playground for your mini’s fingers!
Developmental Benefits
Toddler activities are like magic for our mini’s brains and bodies! Each child develops at their own pace. They help with:
Physical skills: Climbing, jumping and running build strong muscles
Language skills: Talking, singing and reading time builds vocabulary
Social skills: Playing with others teaches sharing and taking turns
Being outdoors is awesome for toddlers. They get to use all their senses and learn about the world. We love watching our mini’s discover new things!
Matching games and reading books are good too. They help our mini’s learn new words and understand more about the world.
Imagination
Toddler activities are the fuel for their imaginations! Here’s why that matters:
Creativity: Pretend play lets them come up with crazy ideas
Problem solving: Working out how to build a block tower teaches them to think
Emotional growth: Acting out different scenarios helps them understand feelings
Simple enough activities for toddlers can lead to big imaginative leaps. A cardboard box can be a spaceship or a castle. A stuffed animal can be a student in their pretend classroom.
We love watching our mini’s get lost in their own little world during playtime. It’s not just cute – it’s good for them in so many ways!
Let our toddlers play freely and their imaginations run wild at their own pace. It’s awesome to see what they come up with!
Setting up Playdates
Playdates can be fun for our mini’s but can also be a bit tricky to navigate. It is important to tailor activities to the specific age group, particularly for toddlers aged 1-2 years, to support their developmental milestones. Let’s talk about how we can make these fun hangouts a win for everyone involved!
Safe Space
Safety first mamas! We want our mini’s to have fun but we also need to keep them out of harm’s way. Here are some quick tips:
Childproof the play area: Tuck away those sharp corners and lock up any dangerous items.
Set up age appropriate activities like puzzles or colouring books. Consider using construction paper for safe and creative activities.
Keep snacks simple and allergy friendly. Nobody wants an unexpected trip to the ER!
Remember a safe space isn’t just about physical safety. We want our mini’s to feel emotionally safe too. So, try setting up a cozy corner with soft pillows where they can chill if they need a break.
Managing Meltdowns
Let’s face it, meltdowns happen. But we’ve got this! Having fun ideas ready can keep toddlers engaged and prevent meltdowns. Here are some tips to keep the peace:
Have a backup plan: Keep a few surprise toys or activities up your sleeve.
Use visual schedules: Pictures or symbols can help mini’s understand what’s coming next.
Practice sharing: Before the playdate, role play sharing scenarios with your mini.
If a meltdown happens, stay calm. Sometimes all our mini’s need is a quick cuddle and a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel big feelings.
