Sometimes your toddler can be a tricky audience. When they’re at home, they’re not always the easiest to keep entertained. There are those short attention spans to deal with, and let’s not forget those hangry tantrums. But toddlers also have a certain awe and wonder in which they take in the world, and they can be loads of fun if you get your activities right.
If you’re searching for fun things to do with toddlers at home, here are a few ideas to get you thinking. We’ve covered some old classics, things to do before bedtime and how to make the best use of the garden.
Classic Pastimes
These are tried and tested ideas by generations of parents and we’re sure your kids will love them:
Floor is lava: Toddlers love this one. All you need to do is put some coloured paper on the floor, and shout “3, 2, 1, floor is lava”. Then just make sure you all keep your feet on the stepping stones and don’t land in the lava.
Baking: This is a great way to get your toddler learning about numbers and measurements. Plus, they can lick the spoon and enjoy the tasty treats afterwards. Cookies and cupcakes are ideal.
Hand painting: If you’re both up for getting a little messy, hand painting is the perfect way to while away an hour or so. Get your paints out, mix them together, then simply paint your hands. Pop those painted mitts onto your paper and create some unique art.
Indoor cinema: Put some popcorn on, snuggle down under a duvet on the sofa and make seats for their soft toy animals, because it’s movie time. Pick a Disney favourite that the whole family will enjoy.
Hide and seek: An oldie but a goodie, toddlers love to play this classic game.
Pillow fort: Yes, you might have finally got the house straight but you can’t deny it, making a pillow fort is so much fun. Pull the cushions off the sofa, grab their duvet, get some old sheets and pillows and get creative. Who knows, you may spend all day in there!
Dance party: When they need to burn off some energy and it’s pouring down outside, stick some George Ezra on and get your best moves out. Green green grass, anyone?
Helping out around the house: While you’re probably sick of the sight of the washing machine or dishwasher, for inquisitive toddlers they hold a whole new world of possibilities. So, if you’re stuck for something to do and you need to crack on with the housework, it’s a win-win solution. Get them separating colours from whites, putting a few things in the dishwasher or standing on their step washing their favourite plate in the sink. What fun…
Garden activities
When the sun’s out, you’ll want to be in the garden as much possible. Just make sure you put plenty of sunscreen on little bodies and enjoy some of these garden activities:
Garden treasure hunt: This can be as simple as a hunt for some of their favourite toys or for letters and numbers from their toybox.
Garden obstacle course: Got a slide? A sandpit? And a ride on car? Or maybe just a rug, a skipping rope and a couple of buckets? You can turn whatever you have at hand into a fun-filled garden obstacle course for a toddler. Just make sure there are plenty of soft landings if they’re not too steady on their feet.
Teddy bears picnic: Place the rug out in the shade and set your toddler a task of inviting a select number of their favourite teddies for a picnic. This helps with their counting and with their decision-making. Plus, you can incorporate meal time into this fun activity too.
Garden den: Collect a handful of sticks and branches that you can prop up to make a garden-style teepee. If you’re struggling for natural materials in your garden, you can incorporate a walk into the activity first. That should tire them out! Just don’t forget some leaves to cover the den to create their very own natural hiding place.
Before bed
When you’re gearing up for bedtime, you’ll want some nice relaxing activities to get them in the mood for sleep. Try:
Turning bath-time into a fun game: Get some bath crayons or bath squirts to keep bath-time fun and educational but gentle and relaxing too.
Yoga before bedtime: Yoga is a great way to relax before bedtime for people of all ages, and toddlers often respond really well to it. Being a bendy and flexible toddler definitely helps too. If you’re a bit of a yogi yourself you can show them some moves. Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of Yoga for Toddlers videos online.
Sleeping lions: The hunter will need to creep through the room and try to wake the sleeping lions by making them laugh, tickling them etc. It’s always a fun party game, and one that’s not too exerting for kids before bedtime.
Reading: It’s probably part of your bedtime routine already, but you can’t beat reading as the best activity to keep toddlers entertained. Whether the Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea or Goodnight Moon there are so many classics that everyone can enjoy before bedtime.
And that’s it, your day entertaining your toddler is done… until tomorrow! If you’re after more baby advice, simply head to our blog or check out our StrollerCoaster podcast.
Leave a Reply