Are you in need of easy and inexpensive ways to keep your baby or toddler entertained this winter? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with over 20 fun indoor activities for toddlers that are sure to keep them engaged and entertained.
It’s true what they say, “The days are long but the years are short.” As moms, we understand the sentiment behind this quote. Time seems to fly by when we look back, but during the winter, the days can feel never-ending, especially when stuck indoors with an active and busy toddler.
To combat these long days, I’ve been exploring simple and cost-effective activities to do with my son, Henry, at home. In this post, I’ll be sharing his favorite indoor activities that he started enjoying at one year old and continues to love at almost two years old. So, let’s dive into some exciting activities that your toddler will adore!
Tips for doing indoor activities with toddlers:
Before we jump into the activities, here are a few tips to ensure successful engagement with your toddler:
- Remember that a child’s attention span typically matches their age. For example, a one-year-old may have an attention span of just one minute.
- Minimize distractions for a more focused playtime. Put away toys and turn off the TV to make your toddler more eager to engage in activities.
- Leave activities out for your toddler to revisit. Since their attention span is short, they may leave and come back to an activity multiple times throughout the day.
- Toddlers grow and change quickly. If your child doesn’t seem interested in an activity, try it again in a few months.
- If your child puts objects in their mouth, establish a firm and consistent phrase like “Yuck, not in your mouth” to discourage it. Supervise your children at all times during these activities.
Now, let’s jump into the exciting indoor activities for toddlers!
1. Pompoms and shaker cups
This activity is simple yet engaging. All you need is a shaker bottle and pompoms. The goal is to put the pompoms in the bottle, dump them out, and repeat. It’s a great way to develop your child’s fine motor skills.
2. Shaker balloons
Fun for all ages, shaker balloons are a hit! Use a funnel to add different materials, such as dry oats, beans, pasta, or sprinkles, into deflated balloons. Blow up the balloons and let your little one shake them to their heart’s content. You can explore concepts like quiet/loud and fast/slow or simply have a dance party with the balloons as “instruments”.
3. Animal Tape Rescue
This activity is a Pinterest favorite that’s worth trying. Tape animals to a cookie sheet, the coffee table, or vertical surfaces like the wall. You can also hide them around the room and challenge your child to find specific animals, which improves their following directions skills.
4. Animal Ribbon Rescue
Similar to Animal Tape Rescue, this activity involves placing animals in a basket and threading ribbons through the holes in the basket to create a “web”. Encourage your little one to rescue the animals, promoting hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
5. Cardboard Box Coloring
Put those Amazon boxes to good use! If the box is big enough, your child can go inside to color. You can also flatten the box and use it as a flat surface for coloring.
6. Flashcards in Envelopes
For children who are interested in mail, recreate the experience by putting flashcards in envelopes and letting your child pull them out. Flashcards are a great way to boost vocabulary.
7. Flashcard Drop
Find an old container with a lid and cut a slit in the top. Your child can then put the flashcards into the slot, improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Flashcards can serve as a “conversation starter” during playtime.
8. Rainbow Rice
Rainbow rice is a sensory bin favorite! Take one cup of dry rice, add one tablespoon of white vinegar, and several squirts of food coloring. Combine them all in a ziplock bag, let it dry on a paper plate, and repeat for each color you want to use.
9. Golf Tee Hammering
This activity is a top-tier favorite for many toddlers. Purchase inexpensive golf tees and use them to poke holes in boxes. Let your child hammer the tees into the box, providing a fun and engaging experience.
10. Cardboard Car Ramp
All you need for this activity is a piece of cardboard, markers, and/or washi tape. Draw “roads” on the cardboard and prop it up on a stair to create the perfect ramp for hotwheel cars.
These are just a few of the exciting indoor activities you can enjoy with your toddler. Check out the full article on Instant Global News to explore all 25 activities that will keep your little one entertained all winter long!
FAQs
Q: What age are these activities suitable for?
A: These activities are primarily designed for toddlers, but many babies and preschool-aged children may also enjoy them. Age is just a number, and it’s all about finding what engages and excites your child.
Q: How can I make sure my child stays engaged during these activities?
A: Minimize distractions, be patient, and follow your child’s lead. Let them explore and revisit activities at their own pace. Remember, every child is unique, and what may work for one child might not work for another.
Q: Are these activities safe for my child to do alone?
A: While these activities are generally safe, it’s essential to always supervise your children during playtime to ensure their safety.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be a challenge for parents with active toddlers. With these fun and easy indoor activities, you can keep your little one engaged, entertained, and learning while staying warm and cozy at home. So, grab some supplies, put on your creative hat, and let the indoor adventures begin!
Happy playing, and make sure to check out the full article on Instant Global News for more exciting ideas to keep your toddler entertained throughout the winter season.