Older Toddler Activities
Let's play! Even the silliest or
messiest fun teaches your child so much. Here's a collection of skill-building
toddler games your child will love. You can also find tips for setting up
successful play dates or starting music lessons. Get advice for introducing
on-screen entertainment, whether you're taking your child to the movies or watching
TV at home. And of course, there's never a bad time to sit down with a beloved
children's book!
Activity 1 : Water Coloring
Goals :Hand-eye coordination
Materials : Some inexpensive paintbrushes, a plastic bowl, and water Outdoors, fill the bowl with water and give your baby several real paintbrushes – either bristle or foam is fine – in a variety of widths. Set him up so he's sitting in front of a wall or low piece of outdoor furniture, such as a step stool or bench, then show him how to "paint" it with water. Never mind if the water is going everywhere but on the object to be painted; your baby will feel very proud that he's helping you get such an important job done.If he's not yet ready to use brushes, encourage him to make patterns on the ground or wall by dipping his hands right in the water. Safety note: A young child can drown in less than an inch of liquid – so don't leave him alone for a moment with a container of water. Activity 3 : Indoor Beach
Goals : Fine motor, imagination
Materials : A dishpan or other large, relatively shallow container; cornmeal or sand; sand toys or cooking utensils; wrapping or plain paper (optional) KDI Resource Fill a dishpan or other shallow container with cornmeal (or sand from an actual sandbox, if you have one, or from a craft store) and place it on the floor. (You can put wrapping paper or plain paper down on the floor first to make cleanup easier.) Offer some small sand toys or kitchen utensils to play with. Mini strainers, sifters, and flour scoops are great fun, as are measuring cups and spoons and, of course, good old buckets and shovels. Activity 5 : Let's Play, Baby you can drive my car !
Goals :balance, pretend play
Materials : laundry basket, cardboard box, or other large, non-lidded container; rope or thick string. (Rope is a strangulation hazard, so be sure to supervise constantly during this activity, remove the rope when you're done, and store it well out of reach.) KDI : Resource Clear an area so that you have a good "driving range." If your home has a circular path (such as kitchen to living room to front hall to kitchen), your driving range can be a loop; otherwise, try going back and forth between the back room and the front door. Tie the rope to the "car." If you're using a laundry basket, this will be easy; if you're using a cardboard box, you'll need to punch a couple of holes in the side so that you can thread the rope through. (You can also skip the rope if you'd rather just lean over and push or pull the car directly.) Let your toddler explore his new ride and ask him if he wants to drive. If he does, help him get settled in and make sure he's sitting down for safety. Then grab the rope and start pulling. Go slowly until he gets used to it, then try putting on a little speed. (If your toddler doesn't want to get in the car, don't force him. Let him watch you pull a stuffed animal or doll. After a few rounds of watching, he may want to give it a try.) Introduce some make-believe by saying things like, "Where would you like to go today? How about the grocery store?" You can also make car noises, like "vroom, vroom" and "beep beep." If it's a lucky day, he may imitate you. On the other hand, he might be too busy squealing with laughter as you slide from room to room. Note: An older sibling may want to help with the pulling. This can be fun, but be sure to supervise so that everyone stays safe. Activity 7 : Diaper Dolly
Goals : Fine motor, nurturing
Materials : A doll, a diaper KDI Resource Put a diaper on one of your baby's dolls or stuffed animals, then help her "change Dolly's diaper." She may be able to remove the diaper herself and put a new one in place, or you can help her. Hand her a wipe to clean Dolly up, help her fasten the new diaper, and finally your baby and her dolly can head back to play. (You can use both diapers on your baby later so they don't go to waste.) Activity 9 : Books are so much fun !
Goals : language, love of books, attention, relaxation
Materials :a favorite book or two and a comfortable place to sit (try making a cozy "book nook" in the corner with some large floor cushions) Resource Make reading more interactive by pointing things out in the pictures: "This is a big dog, just like Grandma's dog." Or, "There's the baby's nose. And here's your nose!" You can also let your toddler be the pointer, as you ask him, "Where's the moon?" or "Can you point to the green ball?" Your toddler might enjoy turning the pages himself. Don't worry if he turns them before you've finished reading the sentence. The important thing is that he enjoys story time, even if it means you only read bits and pieces of the story. He's probably taking in more than you realize. Activity 11 : Follow the bubble
Goals : gross motor control, hand-eye coordination
Materials a bottle of bubbles KDI : Resource If you don't mind little splashes of soapy water in your house, you can play this game indoors, but doing it outside gives your toddler more room to roam. If the weather's right, take your bottle of bubbles into the yard or to the park. Blow the bubbles and show your child how to chase them down and pop them. Send them off slowly if your child is still a little tentative on his feet (blow gently to create big, drifting bubbles) or more quickly if your toddler loves to run (blow hard to send out a spray of faster-moving, smaller bubbles). And here's a secret trick: Wet your hand, and you may succeed in getting a bubble to rest on your fingers. Don't expect it to stay there long, though – your toddler will pop it before you can say "trouble." Activity 13 : Play doh
Goals : gross motor skills, fine motor skills, imagination, color identification
Materials : 1 cup flour, 1 cup warm water, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp oil, 1/3 cup salt, food coloring in two colors, two mixing bowls, two saucepans, a mixing spoon, and smocks for you and your child KDI Resource Wear the smocks or old clothes, since food coloring can stain. Combine all the ingredients except for the food coloring in one of the mixing bowls. Let your child help with the mixing if he likes. After the dough is blended smooth, put half of it in the other bowl. Create two different colors of dough by adding a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mixing it in with the spoon. Pour each bowl full of dough into one of the saucepans and stir over medium heat until the dough thickens. This will only take a few minutes. Remove from heat and let the dough cool until it's comfortable to the touch. The dough should be thick by now, and you'll be able to pick it up with your hands and place it directly on the table. Knead the dough until it's well-blended. Your child will probably love this part. Now it's time to make some art. If your child prefers to experiment on his own, let him – don't feel like you have to engage with him the entire time. You can work side by side in companionable silence. However, if he wants instruction, you can show him how to roll a ball, make a long, thin snake, or pat a flat pancake. He may make requests of you, like "Make pizza!" or "Make baby!" If this happens try to involve him as much as you can in the process – for example, "Does the pizza need another piece of pepperoni? Do you want to put it on?" Luckily, his eye for art isn't too discriminating yet, so he'll probably be happy with even rudimentary sculpture. Activity 14 : A very Hungry Bear
Goals : fine motor skills,language, imagination, self-feeding, empathy
Materials : Book Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry & the Big Hungry Bear,bowl, spoon, bib, washcloth, and a favorite stuffed animal or doll KDI Resource Read the story of Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry & the Big Hungry Bear. Then Settle the teddy or doll into a chair, stroller or highchair – any place that's easy for your child to reach. Take out one of your toddler's bowls and spoons and explain, "Your bear is so hungry. It's time for his snack. Can you feed him?" Your toddler might be able to help you decide what the pretend food is. Hand your child the bib and ask him to help you put it on the teddy. Then hand him the bowl and spoon and say, "I think he's ready to eat now." Encourage your little one to talk to Teddy while feeding him. For example, you can suggest, "Would you like to ask Teddy if he likes his food?" You can also say things like, "Let's make sure not to give him too much at once," or "I think your baby is really feeling better now that she's eating." But don't feel the need to micromanage. Most of the time, just sit back and enjoy yourself while your toddler figures things out. When he's done, tell him what a great job he's done and then say something like, "Wow, that yogurt went all over the place. Let's help Teddy get cleaned up." Hand your child the washcloth and have him wipe Teddy's face with it. See if he can take off the bib too, and have him help you put away the bib, washcloth, spoon, and bowl. The fun of this game may get him wanting to do some real eating, himself, so be prepared for snack time! Activity 16 : Stopping for the roses
Goals: independence, observation
Materials : a safe place to wander, such as a public park or city sidewalk, finger paints, wax paper, and plain white paper KDI Resource Make sure your child has had enough rest and food so you can do this activity without crankiness. Then – and this is the vital part – let him lead. If he wants to stop and examine a store window (or the bug crawling along the windowsill), wait until he's ready to move on again. Better yet, examine it with him. It's fun to try viewing the world from your child's perspective. Things that you never noticed before can suddenly become fascinating. If he decides to sit and play with rocks, sit next to him until he's finished. Don't feel like you have to talk – this can be a quiet time together. But again, let him set the pace. If he wants to converse, then chat it up! It may not seem like your child is learning much when he wanders around a sidewalk, but he definitely is. There are all kinds of things that he's picking up through his powers of observation. For example, he may see a spider build a web, a shop-owner adjusting a mannequin, or a leaf falling onto the sidewalk. He's learning more from his firsthand encounters than he ever could if he was at home listening to someone tell him about spiders, mannequins, and leaves. A side benefit of this activity is that letting your toddler be "in charge" now may help him be more willing to hand over the reins when it's your turn to be in charge (such as when it's time to go home and take a nap). Activity 18 : Paw Prints
Goals: fine motor skills, sensory skills, color identification
Materials : children's paint (nontoxic), paper, a plate or paint tray, newspaper KDI Resource Spread newspaper over your table and floor to protect them from paint drippings, then pour some paint into a tray or plate. Talk to your toddler about the paint's color. Help your little one put the palm of her hand into the paint and gently press it onto the paper. Explain to your toddler that this is a print of her very own hand, and enjoy the delight in her expression. You might want to do your hand, too; then you and your toddler can marvel together at how different the prints are in size. You can also try this with your toddler's feet – but be ready to whisk her off to the bathtub or hose as soon as you're done. Unless, that is, you wouldn't mind a trail of cute little footprints across your floor. Hey, some might call that art. Activity 20 : We're on the Roll
Goals : gross motor control, spatial awareness, shape and size recognition
Materials :balls, cars, trains, tubes, oranges – any object that rolls. You'll also need something flat and long for the ramp – try an upside-down tray, a plank of wood, or even a large hardback book. KDI Resource Set up the ramp, propping the high end on the edge of a sofa or a pile of books, and start rolling things down. Your toddler probably won't need much encouragement – once she sees you having fun, she'll be all over it. You can explain to her that things need to be round in order to roll. Have her help you find more round things to send down the ramp. She may choose some things that aren't round, like blocks or books. Let her send 'em down! You can use this as an opportunity to explain that square or rectangular things slide instead of roll, though in all likelihood she'll learn more from her own observations than from your explanation. For a fun variation, use a tunnel instead. A long cardboard tube, like the one inside a roll of wrapping paper, is ideal for this. |
Activity 2 : Classified Information
Goals : Sorting, fine motor
Materials : A muffin tin and groups of rubber balls or other objects, all more than 2 inches in diameter KDI Resource Collect a few large groups of related objects such as large seashells, rubber balls, or toys. Show your baby how to put an object into each cup of a muffin tin. Then, after you've helped him fill the tin and dump it out a few times, sort the same types of objects into their own cups.This is a game you can continue to play for years, making it more sophisticated in terms of sorting and matching, grouping items, for example, by color and shape. Safety note: Don't use any objects that are small enough for your baby to swallow or choke on. (A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything small enough to fit through a toilet-paper roll.) Activity 4 : String Along
Goals : Fine motor, hand-eye coordination
Materials : A sturdy, short string, plastic cord, or shoelace; cereal-Os; a bracelet KDI Resource On a highchair tray or nonbreakable plate, spread a thin layer of any kind of O-shaped cereal with reasonably large holes. Then make a small bracelet using a 6-inch piece of string or plastic cord (sold in craft stores). Thread some Os on the string, then tie it around your baby's wrist. Compare it to one of your own bracelets or necklaces, ideally one made of beads that you can examine together. She'll feel like a big girl because she's wearing "jewelry."Safety note: Don't use a string longer than 6 inches; this can be a strangling hazard. And supervise your baby while she's wearing her cereal "bracelet." Variation: As a special, occasional treat for an older child, this activity is a real thrill if the stringing is done with shoestring licorice and colorful "sugar cereal" with holes. Once she's finished, she can devour the entire bracelet. Activity 6 : Tupperware Party
Goals : fine motor skills, imitation, parallel play
Materials : Tupperware in various shapes and sizes (nesting containers are particularly fun); assorted smaller items (toilet paper rolls, empty plastic spice containers, empty thread spools, old socks, washcloths, plastic spoons…) KDI : Resource Clear a work area on the floor for your little one, making sure she's well away from the stove if you'll be cooking. Spread out the containers and show her how the little ones fit inside the bigger ones. When she's not looking, hide the small items inside some of the Tupperware containers. As she explores, she'll be delighted with her "discoveries," and she'll probably try out all kinds of configurations with her bounty. If she gets truly absorbed in this activity, you'll gain some precious time to do your own thing – but don't forget to sneak a peek at your little co-worker every now and then. You may be surprised at her creativity! Activity 8 : Under Cover
Goals : object permanence
Materials : sheet, blanket, or big towel for hiding under KDI : Resource Clear a space for you and your toddler, away from toys and other distracting items. Make sure your child is watching you as you cover yourself. Ask, "Where did Mommy go?" and wait while your little one explores the mound that you've become. Encourage her by sliding your hand out from under the sheet and giving her a wave. When she finds your head, pop up like a jack-in-the-box, exclaiming, "Here I am!" Enjoy her delighted laughter, and get ready to play the game about 81 more times. You can also swap roles: Try covering her loosely with the sheet. Say "Where's Hannah? Where could she be?" Gently lift the edge of the sheet to find an arm or a leg ("What's this? Oh, it's Hannah's arm!") before finally whisking it off completely and saying, "I found you!" as you cover her with kisses. The expression on her face will brighten the whole room. Activity 10: Scarf Dance
Goals : gross motor skills, rhythm, color identification, social play, language
Materials A variety of music and several scarves. But save your long winter scarves for bundling up; light, fashion scarves work best (your local thrift shop might be a good source if you don't have any). You can also use handkerchiefs, cloth napkins, or bandanas. KDI Resource Clear some space, turn on the music, and join your toddler on the floor. Drop the scarves at her feet, keeping one or two for yourself. As your child watches, make your scarf "dance" in time to the music. She might just observe for a while, or she may join right in by shaking her own scarf. As you dance your scarves, try playing peekaboo in time to the music. Place a scarf over your head and let her grab it. Or drape one on her head and let her pull it off. Switch out the music so that you can try different tempos. Float your scarves gracefully for slow music and jiggle them jauntily for quicker music. Work on colors by saying, "Do you want a turn with the blue one?" or "Is Mommy under this pink scarf?" Finally, try a little teamwork by having her hold one end of the scarf while you hold the other, and dance in place or around the room. You can also hold her in your arms while you dance with a big scarf, swirling it back and forth around the two of you. When you're done, encourage your child to help you put the scarves in a bag. And keep the bag in a handy place (but not one where your toddler can get to it); as your child continues her rapid growth, she'll enjoy playing this game again and again, and she'll find all kinds of inventive ways to dance with the scarves. Note: Scarves and other long, string-like objects pose a strangulation hazard, so make sure to watch your child carefully and never leave her alone with them. Activity 12 : Gloop
Goals : fine motor skills, language
Materials : a large bowl (preferably plastic), two big spoons, cornstarch, water, food coloring (optional), an apron or clothes you don't mind getting messy; newspaper to protect the floor if you're playing inside KDI Resource This game is probably best played outdoors, but if you're inside, put down plenty of newspaper to protect the floor. Either way, make sure your toddler is wearing clothes you don't mind getting messy. Pour a cup or two of cornstarch into your bowl, and gradually add water until you have a gloopy mixture. Let your toddler hold one of the spoons and help you "stir" as you go. Add a few drops of food coloring, if you're using it, and stir again. Now roll up your toddler's sleeves and let him plunge his hands into the bowl. Pick up some of the gloop yourself and squeeze it. Note that as you apply pressure, it feels like a solid. Relax your hand and the gloop will run back into the bowl as a liquid. Talk to your toddler about what he can feel as the two of you squish and squash the gloop. For example, you can say, "When we squeeze it, it gets hard and firm. But when we stop squeezing, it gets soft again. Isn't that funny?" And make sure there's enough for gloop both of you – it's a little addictive. Note: If your child has asthma or you're concerned about him breathing in the cornstarch powder, make sure to mix it with water while he's at a safe distance. Once it's gloopy, it's perfectly safe. Activity 15 : Hello Doctor !
Goals: imagination,language, reducing anxiety
Materials: a stuffed animal or baby doll, a large flat book ("doctor's scale"), and a toy stethoscope KDI Resource Note: If you don't have a toy stethoscope, you can make one by tying a length of yarn around the neck of a small kitchen funnel. The yarn should be long enough so that you can tie the two ends together and wear it around your neck. It's very important to watch your child closely at all times with this "stethoscope" because of the strangulation risk posed by the yarn. Tell your child that every now and then we need to go to the doctor for a checkup to make sure we're healthy. You may also want to read him a book or two about this – there are many good choices out there. Then put the stethoscope around your neck and say, "Is it time for your baby's checkup? How about I be the doctor and you can be the daddy?" If your child is game, take the baby doll or stuffed animal and say something like, "Hi, I'm Dr. _______ [your pediatrician's name]. Thank you for coming today. Is this your daddy? Great. The very first thing is to get on the scale. Can you stand here?" Show the doll the "scale" and put him on it. Pretend to weigh the doll by saying things like, "Okay, let's see how much you weigh... Hmm, looks like 20 pounds. Good job!" Move through some other steps of the visit – have the doll stand against the wall for a height measurement, and use your stethoscope to listen to the doll's chest. You can also pretend to check the doll's body parts. For example, "Let's see if your arms work. Yep, they do. How about your legs? Yep, working just fine!" When you're done, ask your little one if he'd like a turn being the doctor. Then you can take the doll and say, "Hi, Doctor. This is my baby and he's ready for a checkup. Can you check him, please?" Let your child take the helm. Enjoy the show, and don't worry if he doesn't do it "right." The important thing is that he's having fun and reducing potential doctor-induced anxiety. Activity 17 : Bean Bag Basket ball
Goals: gross motor skills
Materials :two small beanbags and a large container, such as a laundry basket or trash can KDI Resource Join your toddler on the floor and give him a beanbag. Let him experiment with it – he may want to explore the fabric and weight for a while, or drop it to the floor and pick it up a few times. Place the basket or container next to you and drop your beanbag in. As you retrieve it and drop it in several more times, suggest to your child that he do the same. After a few rounds of this, move the basket a little farther away, and show him how to throw the beanbag into the basket. Applaud wildly when he throws his bag, whether or not he gets it in. Encourage him to pick up his beanbag and try again. And don't be surprised if your inner cheerleader comes out when he does make the basket; you may both be whooping for joy. Note: Beanbags can be found at your local toy store (try a learn-to-juggle kit). Make sure you supervise your child when he has these, and don't let him suck or chew on them, as the filling can be a choking hazard. Alternatively, you can make your own. Simply take an old pair of tights or pantyhose and cut off the upper part so you're left with just the "foot." Fill up the foot with a safe, soft substance such as couscous, bulgar, or oatmeal. Then tie a knot at the top to keep the contents from spilling out. (True, it's not an actual beanbag, but since beans pose a choking hazard, it's best to go with something safer when you're making your own in case it's not as sturdy as the store-bought kind.) Activity 19 : Funky Music
Goals : imagination, gross motor control, a love of music
Materials :a cardboard tube from a toilet paper or paper towel roll; saucepans and lids; wooden spoons KDI Resource Join your toddler on the floor with all your "instruments" and have at it! Show your little one how to blow the cardboard tube – er, trumpet – and bang the wooden spoons on the saucepans (drums). If you have kind neighbors – or better yet, no neighbors at all – play the cymbals by clashing the pan lids together. Enjoy the cacophony – your toddler sure will! It might not be Wild Cherry, but it's a definite blast. Activity 21 : Sorting the Groceries
Goal :Colors, texture, smell ,shape and size recognition , sorting
Materials : Bag full of groceries KDI Resource : Vyoma Kothari After the trip to Grocery store invite your toddler on the floor with all your groceries and show your little one all the different stuff that you have bought and talk about the colors, texture, smell ,shape and size. And model how to sort using one attributes for example color and have the toddler sort according to color. Remember to follow the lead of your child. If possible cut the vegetable or fruits have the child try the taste or smell. For fun variation give child the safety knife and the fruit or vegetable to cut and talk about the seeds and inside of the vegetable or fruit. |