19 Simple Activity Ideas For toddlers At Home

Are you looking for easy activities for toddlers that you can set up quickly at home? If you have a busy toddler who is always on the move and looking for something to get into, you are in the right place. Below, you will find a list of 18 easy activity ideas designed to keep little hands engaged without adding stress to your day.

With my own busy toddler, I have learned the value of keeping a go to list of simple activities on hand. These activities for toddlers are quick to prep, easy to reset, and perfect for those moments when you need something ready in a pinch.

I Love Easy Activities For Toddlers

Activities for toddlers that are easy, are my go to these days! With a busy toddler on my hands I just don’t have the time for long, elaborate activity setups anymore. What makes an activity easy? Ill explain!

Easy toddler activity ideas are engaging activities that require minimal materials, and low-prep activities. These are perfect for busy days, short attention spans, and moments when you need a quick way to entertain your little one without the use of screens! Here is a quick idea list of easy activities for toddlers.

Sensory Rice	Block Play
Water tables & Water Trays	Sorting Objects by color, shape
Playdough	Outdoor Sidewalk chalk
Posting Activities	Pouring And Scooping Activity
Painting Activity	Build A Fort

Other Low-Prep Activity Ideas You May Love!

18 Easy Activities For Toddlers

Below is a list of 18 easy activities for toddlers. As an early childhood educator and current homeschool parent, these are my go to activities for my busy toddler. Each activity is one I know will keep him engaged while learning at the same time.

Rainbow Rice Sensory bin

Sensory bins have always been a go to activity for me when I am trying to keep my busy toddler entertained. The versatility of sensory bins is truly endless.

My favorite type of sensory bin is a rice sensory bin because of how simple it is to make, and I almost always have rice on hand. You can keep the rice plain or add a few drops of food coloring, like I did, to take the sensory experience up a level. Add a few cups, bowls, and scooping utensils, and you will have a happy toddler eager to play and explore.

Simple Pouring station For Toddlers

During the warmer months I love to setup simple water pouring stations outdoors. It does get messy but it’s just water, and its outdoors.

With a tray, some small containers, and water from the garden hose you could recreate this simple pouring station for toddlers. Easy activities for toddlers that are also fun.

easy Monster PlayDough Activity

This fun monster playdough activity for preschool is the perfect way to spark their imaginations while building fine motor skills!

With just a few simple materials, your little ones can create their own silly, spooky, or friendly monsters. It’s a fantastic way to encourage creativity, engage in sensory play, and make learning feel like an adventure. Let’s dive into this monstrously fun activity that will bring giggles and smiles to your preschooler’s day!

Button Drop Activity For Toddlers

Try this Button Drop Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers. It is simple to create and quick to set up. All you need are a few buttons and a container with a lid.

This Button Drop Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers is great for helping toddlers refine their fine motor skills, which are essential for later skills such as writing, cutting, and even getting dressed. It is a hands on activity that is perfect for supporting early fine motor development.

Farm Animal Tape Rescue Activity

Using a little tape, a few farm animal toys, and a hard surface, you can easily recreate this farm animal activity for toddlers.

When introducing animals to toddlers, I like to start with farm animals. Over the years, I have found that farm animals are easier for young toddlers to recognize and are often more engaging and fun to explore during early learning activities.

Simple Block Play

I have always been a fan of open ended toys. With so many ways to use blocks, they are a simple and fun way to set up an activity for toddlers.

Because blocks are an open ended toy, toddlers are able to imagine, create, and explore freely. In our house, we love building super tall towers and castles with some of our favorite toy figurines.

Block play is truly endless, with countless activities and learning opportunities you can create using just a simple set of blocks.

Simple Block Play

I have always been a fan of open ended toys. With so many ways to use blocks, they are a simple and fun way to set up an activity for toddlers.

Because blocks are an open ended toy, toddlers are able to imagine, create, and explore freely. In our house, we love building super tall towers and castles with some of our favorite toy figurines.

Block play is truly endless, with countless activities and learning opportunities you can create using just a simple set of blocks.

9. Pom-Pom Sweep Activity

If you haven’t introduced pom poms to your little ones, now is the time! Pom poms are a great addition to any activity, whether sensory rice, water play, or even an arts and crafts project!

Check out my post on how to set up a fun Pom Pom sweep activity! You only need a tape, pom poms, and a small broom!

10. Sidewalk Chalk Paint

When it’s warm outdoors, we love to get out and enjoy the weather! Chalk paint has become a favorite for us; believe it or not, it’s super easy to make.

Check out my post on how to make sidewalk chalk paint!

11. Book Nook Corner

If your little scholar loves to read, setting up a book nook might be a good idea. Think of setting this up somewhere quiet! Add cushions, blankets, pillows, and your toddler’s favorite books!

See my post about 12 books that I think every toddler should have!

12. DIY Ball Pit

Ball pits online can be very expensive; trust me, I checked! So I had to get creative and think of a fun way to set up a ball pit for my daughter without breaking the bank!

Here is everything you need; find a large bin ( that your toddler can fit in) or use the corner section of your sofa ( this is what I did). Grab your balls, remove the bottom cushion from the couch, and add the balls! That’s it; you have just created your ball pit for a fraction of the cost!

These are the balls I use from Amazon and love!

13. Cushion Fort

I have an unpopular opinion that I know many people may not like, but here it is! I do not see the purpose of those popular child sofas that have become insanely popular!

If you have a couch with cushions, you can replicate the same concept at a fraction of the price. The price of the “ child sofas” is pretty expensive!

Using the cushions and pillows from your couch, you can create a fun obstacle and build an epic fort. This is great for gross motor skills, which are important for young children.

14. Pouring And Scooping Activity

Children who participate in pouring and scooping activities enhance their gross motor skills by pouring and lifting.

Setting up a pouring and scooping station is easy, and you may already have some things on hand! You could use rice, pasta, beans, and even water. Add a few cups and containers; you have just created a fun and simple activity for your little one.

See my post on an easy pouring and scooping activity using pasta!

15. Garden Sensory Bin

Another sensory play activity, but with a slight twist. One of the things I love most about sensory play and bins is that you can completely customize them to meet your child’s interests.

Here are a few themed sensory bin ideas;

Space
Garden
Farm
Winter Wonderland
Spring
Construction site
Rainbow rice

16. Paper Tunnels

How do you make paper tunnels? It’s insanely easy, and you will want to make it repeatedly! Check out my post on creating and setting up the perfect paper tunnel activity!

This activity is great for gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination!

17. Foam Tray

Super messy, but worth the clean-up! I like to use chickpea juice from the can. When you empty the chickpea, add food coloring, mix with a handheld mixer, and you will have foam. This safe recipe won’t harm toddlers if they decide to taste test.

18. Pom Pom Drop

A favorite amongst toddlers, another easy activity idea that uses those bright-colored, soft pom pom balls! This activity is great for fine motor practice and color matching.