Are you looking for easy toddler activity ideas for your busy toddler at home? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of 18 easy activity ideas for toddlers!
With my busy toddler, always on the move and looking for something to get into. I like to keep a list of simple activities on hand that I can set up in a pinch.
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What Are Easy Toddler Activity Ideas?
Easy toddler activity ideas are activities that do not require very much setup or prep from the parent. I like to think of easy activity ideas as activities that you can refer back to in a pinch when you are limited on time but need something for your toddler to do!
| 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 |
1. Sensory Rice Activity Ideas
A personal favorite of mine! Sensory play is extremely beneficial for children. You could easily set up a nice sensory rice activity for your busy tot at home using what you already have!
Check out my this post on how to DIY rainbow rice post here
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2. Water Tray Activity Idea
What I love most about sensory bins is that you can add almost anything. It’s so easy to create a personalized experience for your little one.
Add water, toys, and food coloring to make a fun water tray!
3. Playdough Activity
Who doesn’t love playdough!? You can make your recipe or buy playdough that is ready to go! Add rolling pins, cookie-cutter shapes, and so much more!
4. Montessori Posting Activity
If you are not familiar with the term posting, let me explain. Posting refers to placing an object inside a container by pushing it through an opening ( slot, holes, etc.).
Posting activities are beneficial because they promote dexterity and hand-eye coordination! Check out this simple posting activity that I created for my daughter. This was the first posting activity I introduced to her when she was around 12 months!
5. Sticky Notes On The Wall
Sticky notes on the wall are a fun activity for babies and toddlers. You could use stickies on the wall for younger babies to encourage them to pull up ( gross motor development).
For older toddlers, you could use sticky notes on the wall to teach a new concept, such as letters, numbers, and even colors!
6. Farm Animal Tape Rescue
This activity is great for eye-hand coordination and a good way to introduce tape! Use a hard surface or muffin pan. Place a variety of objects in the muffin pan; next, using tape, tape stripes of tape going across the openings on the muffin pan.
The objective of this activity is for your little one to pull the tape off to rescue the objects inside the pan! Loads of fine motor practice with this activity.
7. Block Play
Block play is one of those activities that I think all children benefit from! Block play is an open-ended activity that allows children to create and imagine as they see fit.
As a former preschool teacher, I have tried many blocks from different brands. My current favorite is the block set from lovevery!
8. Sorting Objects by Colors
The concept of sorting is a skill that children typically develop and master over time. I love this amazing color sorting set from learning resources because it fosters fine motor skills and cognitive development once children can recognize and match the colors.
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.
See my post on how to create a fun pom pom drop activity
