"Each phase of our child’s life comes with new challenges and a whole lot of new rewards. Toddlerhood is a time of budding independence for them—which can present some challenges—but is also a time of parent-child bonding. Plus, it’s rewarding to start to see their unique personality shine through as they grow and grow. As we all know, raising a child is no simple task. Taking care of a little human and helping them to grow takes time, a whole lot of effort, and oftentimes energy that we don’t have. It is a job that can be as tiring as it is fulfilling. As parents who are trying their best at all times, we often have to get creative with the best ways to ensure our little ones are happy, healthy, and growing as they should be—that’s where this list of toddler play ideas comes in!
One aspect of growth that is incredibly important is playtime. Play is important, especially for toddlers, not only because it improves motor skills, but also because it contributes to a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. When it comes to ensuring our little ones get all of the benefits of playtime, getting creative may be the best thing we can do. The good news? You’re not alone in this. Playtime with little ones should be a bonding experience, so here’s some creative toddler play ideas for even the most tired of parents to turn to.
1. Artist Box
Don’t get rid of that massive Amazon box just yet! Playtime is a great opportunity for little ones to get creative. Use that cardboard box as an ‘artist box’ for them to color in with crayons or markers. Not only does this allow them to draw and create freely, but it also keeps the mess contained.
2. Dance Party
There are great songs specifically geared toward toddlers and little kids–like the Party Freeze Dance Song, The Floor is Lava, and the Hokey Pokey. Turn on some tunes and have a dance party with your kids. This happens to be a great way to energize yourself, too! Fair warning, kids this age often like to hear some songs on repeat.
3. Scavenger Hunt
Easter egg hunts are popular for a reason–they’re fun! But you can do this year-round by hiding like items in a single room for your toddler. For example, keep them entertained by hiding mini pumpkins around the room in the fall. During other seasons, simply find things you have like items of, like toy cars or stuffed animals.
4. Build a Fort or Indoor Camping
While it may seem like everything is different from when we were growing up, we promise some of the classics still apply today. Making forts is a favorite childhood activity because it feels like making your own imaginary world. Create a fun space and fill it with some of your little one’s favorite things and they’ll be entertained for a long time!
5. Movie Night
When in doubt and life gets really tiring, make movie night a family thing. Put on cozy clothes, have some movie snacks, and cuddle up together. Make it an occasion.
6. Water Play
Curiosity is at an all-time high in the toddler stage, so some of the simplest things will be wildly entertaining to them (which is great for parents!). One mom brought a learning tower up to the sink and her toddler would play for so long, scooping and pouring water from one bowl to the other, stirring it, adding soap, etc. So simple, but so effective.
7. Sensory Dough or Clay
What better way to create than with dough or clay they can mold into whatever they want? Keep a drawer full of tools on hand and pull them out whenever your little one is needing some entertainment. Grab some at the store or make play dough at home. Be sure to have something like cookie cutters, tools, or shapes on hand so they can get extra creative.
A newer phenomenon known as cloud dough is loved by kids because it’s extra fluffy, and appreciated by parents because it’s inexpensive to make with just two ingredients. Simply mix corn starch with hair conditioner for a fluffy dough that everyone will want to get their hands on. Make it a fun sensory experience by using scented conditioner or adding a few drops of essential oils.
8. Pom Pom Drop
The best activities keep kids entertained and don’t cost a fortune! Bonus points if you already have some of the items on hand for the activity. That’s what’s great about a pom pom drop activity—all you need are toilet paper or paper towel tubes (or both!), tape, and fabric pom poms. Tape the tubes to a wall and give your kiddo a bundle of pom poms—they’ll know what to do.
9. Blocks or Building Materials
Provide your child with different types of blocks like wooden blocks, foam blocks, Mega Bloks, or Duplos, and encourage them to build towers or structures.
Safe for kiddos aged 1+, they’ll love building with these jumbo and brightly-colored blocks.
Let their creativity shine (without having to worry about the pain of stepping on a LEGO) with these soft blocks by editor-favorite brand Melissa & Doug.
10. Ice Cube Painting
Speaking of frozen goodies, put your ice maker to good use with this extra fun science meets art activity. Fill a container with ice and let your toddler paint the cubes. Not only will they have fun getting creative with paint, but they’ll be mesmerized as the ice begins to melt with the paint on top.
11. Sensory Bin
Another great option that can be bought or made at home is a sensory bin. Use things like rice, beans, or water beads, and cups, scoops, spoons, tongs, or funnels. Kids can explore the textures and play with different toys in the bin and be entertained for hours.
When you can’t spend a day at the beach, you can pretend with this ocean-themed sensory bin.
Young builders will spend hours creating their own job site with this construction-themed bin.
12. Puzzles
Age-appropriate puzzles can keep kids entertained for hours. A mom-favorite hack is setting a few puzzles out together but mixing up the pieces all together so they’re doing multiple puzzles at once. Sorting through the different pieces is educational (pairing the farm animals to the farm animal board vs. the cars to the car board). Plus, matching what puzzle each piece goes to adds to the fun and takes a little longer. This is also a great time to teach vocabulary as you talk about each piece and color.
Education and entertainment are wrapped in one with these fun puzzles perfect for growing toddlers. As they play, they’ll learn about different animals and planets.
Kiddos who love farm animals will get so excited each time they get to play with this adorable puzzle.
13. Story Time/Reading
Books are always a good idea and can be used together or solo by little ones. Provide a variety of age-appropriate books and encourage your child to read on their own, or read books together as a family. Let the kids choose the books and take turns reading aloud. This can be a relaxing way to wind down at the end of the day.
14. Popsicle Bath
Toddler activities that keep the mess contained are always a win. That’s why parents have been loving popsicle baths. Simply put your kiddo in the bath with a popsicle and let them go to town. Even though they’re sure to get messy with a melting sweet treat, they’re in the perfect place to get cleaned up.
15. Color-Sorting Activity
This is a great activity because it can either be done as a DIY project, or you can purchase color-sorting toys. Either way, you’re helping your toddler learn their colors. Grab some different colored construction paper first. Then, gather items of all different colors that correspond to the construction paper. You can use random household items that are safe for toddlers, or even different colored toys and blocks. From there your little one can sort out the items based on color.
16. DIY Car Track
If your little one has an abundance of toy cars but you haven’t pulled the trigger on a track yet—or they’ve used the one they have a few too many times—get creative with a DIY track. Use painters tape to mark out new routes on the floor or in the drive. So simple, but something they’re sure to be excited about.
17. Activity Tables
Independent play can be just as important as social play. Activity tables are great for promoting independent play and are sure to keep little ones busy for a long while.
With so many fun animals and vibrant colors, this activity table is highly engaging and one you’ll turn to again and again.
When the weather is nice, add extra fun to your little one’s day with a water table. They’ll be entertained for hours, and you won’t have to worry about a mess!
18. Paper Tunnels
Along your car track you can also make DIY “tunnels” out of construction paper. Or do this on its own without the track! Either way, they’ll have a blast sending cars, toys, or balls through a room full of tunnels.
19. Stickers
A classic option, but a great one nonetheless. Pick up a new book of stickers for your kiddo and a giant piece of paper (a large piece of wrapping paper will do!), and let their creativity do the rest.
20. Alphabet Fishing
Activities for toddlers that are a great go-to. This one will require a tub of water, a spoon or something similar, and plastic letters—like the ones normally seen on a refrigerator. Place the letters in the water and have them use the spoon to grab out letters. Say them together as they come out, practice the ABCs, or even spell some simple words together.
Alaina Kaz, Chief Executive Officer
Alaina is the Chief Executive Officer, sole owner, and cofounder of The Everygirl and The Everymom. She is a mom to sons Henry and Charlie.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!