If your little one is fighting naps nowadays, introducing quiet time might be a good idea. Here are 15 Quiet time activities for toddlers, which are great for screen-free time!
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Around about 2 years old, my daughter started to refuse nap times, On average she sleeps about 10-12 hours a night, so I knew she was getting enough sleep, and just at a phase of nap refusal.
But as a former preschool teacher, I also understood the importance of incorporating quiet time into our routine, now that she is out of the nap time phase.
So I started to introduce quiet time, a time when she is to participate in quiet activities, or she can nap if she decides to.
What Are Quiet Time Activities For Toddlers
Quiet time activities are activities that still encourage creativity, and exploration, but are more relaxing, and not as nosey.
Quiet time activities are typically more relaxing, and calming for toddlers. Here is a list of easy quiet time activity ideas for toddlers.
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1. Sensory Bin Quiet Time Activity
Sensory bins can be messy sometimes, but they could also be a great quiet-time activity. Fill a small container with your sensory filler of choice, small containers, lids, spoons, and scoopers. I like to put down a mat, to catch any spills. This helps make cleanup for me easy!
2. Story Time Corner
Creating a story corner could be a great idea for a quiet time activity. You could put up a tent, or teepee, some blankets, and a few pillows, and add some of your toddler’s favorite books.
3. Art Corner
Set up a designated space with a few of your toddler’s favorite art supplies. Crayons, markers, paper, glue, and stickers. This is a great quiet-time activity that also encourages creativity.
4. Indoor Camping
As a kid, I loved to build forts and tents using blankets, and pillows! An indoor camping activity would be fun, and a great quiet-time activity for toddlers. You could pretend to be on a camping trip, bring your flashlights, and some of your toddler’s favorite books.
5. Playdough Sensory Bin
You could make homemade playdough, or try some from the store. Add a few playdough tools and cookie cutters.
6. Puzzles
Puzzles are extremely beneficial for small children, they help with cognitive development, problem-solving, and fine motor practice. Puzzles are also a great quiet-time activity for toddlers.
Be sure to offer age-appropriate puzzles, I prefer jumbo puzzles for toddlers.
7. Water Play Station
My daughter loves water play, whenever we do the water table, she plays independently for a while. So a water play station would be a great quiet time activity for toddlers!
Bring out some cups, bowls, funnels, scoopers, and any other water play toys you may already have on hand.
8. Loose Parts Bin Exploration
I have always been a fan of loose part bins, they are super easy to make with random items you may already have around the house! Put a variety of small textiles in a small container, and allow your toddler to explore the bin.
9. Magna Tiles
I just introduced Magnatiles to my daughter not long ago, and they have been a huge hit. I love how open-ended they are. Which is great for kids looking for fun new ways to use them. Maga Tiles are a great activity for quiet time as well.
10. Water Wow Books
Water Wow Books are those adorable little books from Melissa Dough, It’s a mess-free paint/color option for children using just water! I love these little books. I have taken them with me just about everywhere! A great quiet-time activity option for kids!
11. Painting With Water Paint
One of our favorite ways to paint in my house! Watercolors are a great quiet-time activity idea for toddlers and preschoolers! If you’re worried about the mess, there are a lot of mess-free options available now!
12. Animal Figures And Small Worlds
Having a selection of small figures and some small world essentials is a great open-ended activity for kids and a great quiet-time option as well. For the small figures, you could include animals and people. For the small world objects, you could include small trees, blocks, and even mini roads.
13. Felt Board Stories
We were introduced to felt board stories at our local library during toddler story time. I got a small collection for us at home and we love them, especially for quiet time!
14. Listening to AudioBooks
There are so many options on the market for audiobook players for small children! There is the Yoto and even the Tony! Whichever option you choose, listening to audiobooks is a great quiet-time activity!
If purchasing either of the audio players I mentioned isn’t an option, you could also record yourself reading your child’s favorite book as a memo on your phone. A great option that is FREE and still just as fun!
15. Building With Blocks
A tried and true activity for us at home and as a former preschooler teacher! Blocks have always been a great activity option in general, but they also are a great option for quiet time activities!
How To Introduce Quiet Time Activities?
introducing quiet time activities can be done over time, you can start by setting aside a specific time each day, similar to how you would for naps.
Next set up a cozy space, or corner where quiet time will take play each day. You could include blankets, pillows, soft lighting, and some of the activities mentioned above.
Try to offer a few choices, and allow your toddler to pick whichever activities they want to participate in. Start with 15 minutes, and you can gradually add more time as they get used to the concept of quiet time.
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