15 Fine Motor Activities for Young Toddlers

My toddler is 15 months and is really into picking things items and placing them into a container. In fact, I’ve noticed that he’s really great at practicing fine motor skills, without even knowing it! Today, I’m going to share with you some of his favorite activities and a total of 15 fine motor ideas for young toddlers. I think there are definite differences between younger toddlers (age 1-2) and older toddlers (age 2-3). This list of ideas is designed for younger toddlers, but of course you can use them with any age!

1. Giant Pom Poms

This has been a big hit with my toddler. I bought some giant sized pom poms from Hobby Lobby and he pushes them through the shape-sorting lid on one of his toys. He gets too frustrated when he tries to get the plastic shapes through the shape-sorting lid, but he can push the giant pom poms through all of them. He loves it and claps after he gets them all in! You can do this with any shape sorter similar to this one.

2. Ribbon Box

This is an easy activity to set up. Just cut various ribbons and have your toddler put them inside an empty wipes container. Keeps them busy for a while!

3. Pom Pom Drop

This activity has kept Lincoln super busy. I cut a hole on the top of a small oatmeal container and had him drop in medium-sized pom poms. (They are too large for him to put in his mouth.) He loves to put them in and shake the container!