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20 Ways to Keep Toddlers Busy

by Angela Thayer 133 Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Please use discretion with these activities, especially if your child puts things in their mouth. Always be right next to your child.

If you have a toddler, you KNOW that they constantly keep you on your toes! You already have your hands full and coming up with ideas for keeping them busy is not exactly at the top of your list. What if I told you that I have 20 easy ways for keeping toddlers busy?! These ideas are easy to set up and use supplies you probably already have in your home!

20 Ways To Keep Toddlers Busy

1. Color Matching Game

This game using colorful pom poms is perfect for toddlers! You will need to introduce this game to them before just letting them play independently. My toddler plays this game ALL the time. Check out this post for more details.

Color Matching Game

2. Playdough  Playdough is great. I like to put it on a tray or cutting board to contain the mess. I love playdough because kids can be creative and it also builds strength in their hands for fine motor skills. We use homemade playdough, and we especially love our jello playdough. You can find the recipe here.

playdough

3. Pipe Cleaners and Colander

Have your toddler stick pipe cleaners in the holes of a colander. This is excellent for practicing fine motor skills!

Colander with Pipe Cleaners

4. Shape Sorter

I made our own shape sorter using soft shapes from Michaels and an oatmeal container. We get this activity out frequently and keeps my little one occupied for a long time! For more details, see this post.

Activity with Shapes

5. Contact Paper Art Place a piece of clear contact paper on the table. Tape the sides down. Then give your toddler materials to stick on there. Check out this post for details.

Contact Paper Art

6. Paint in Bags  Place paint in a gallon sized Ziploc bag. Seal the bag, then tape them to a window. Let your toddler move the paint around in the bag using their fingers. (FYI: This activity usually goes pretty quick for my toddler.)

Painting in Bags

7. Pack ‘n Play

Set up a pack ‘n play and put books and stuffed animals inside. Let them play quietly. This may take some training for them play independently (and quietly!), but if you work with them starting out for just a few minutes playing in there per day, they can work their way up to 20+ minutes.

8. Chunky Puzzles Gather some easy puzzles for your toddler to complete. We use Melissa and Doug Puzzles and they are easy enough for my toddler to do on his own.

puzzles

9. Pom Poms Through a Tube

I love this activity! Just take a paper towel tube and tape it to the wall. Then have your toddler drop pom pomsthrough it into a bowl. It sounds so simple, but my toddler really loves it! And the best part is how quiet this activity is.

pom poms in paper towel tube

10. Race Cars on Tape

Create a race track using masking tape on the floor. Then let your little one play quietly with cars on the track.

Masking Tape Race Track

11. Fabric Scrap Box 

Cut up pieces of fabric and place them in an empty wipes container. Have your toddler pull the scraps out and then put them back in. This is great for practicing fine motor skills. For more on this, see this post.

Fabric Box

12. Magnets on Fridge

Simply have your toddler stick magnets on the fridge. We use alphabet letters and magnetic pom poms. I really like these foam alphabet letters.

magnets

13. Cotton Balls

Let your child play with cotton balls. They can sort them in an ice cube tray. This is also a very quiet activity. They can also have fun tearing the cotton balls a part, which can get messy!

Cotton Balls

14. Corner for Toys

Tape off a section of the floor for them to sit in. Also tape a spot where you place a bucket of toys. Have them stay in the taped off section for play time. This may take some training, so start off trying this for a few minutes at a time.

Corner for Toys

15. Bubble Wrap

Have your toddler pop bubble wrap. This one can get noisy, but if you need a quick activity for your toddler to do, this would be great! Just please make sure you watch them because this can be a choking hazard.

bubble wrap fun! 16. Build a Tower

Using cubes or blocks, have them build a tower. These unifix cubes would be great to use. We use this Discovery Toys Pegboard to build towers.

Tower

17. Coloring 

This is a simple activity, but have them color. Sometimes we get our window markers and I let them color on the windows.

Window Markers

18. Pipe Cleaners in a Tube

This is just like #9, but use pipe cleaners to put through a paper towel tube. My toddler actually came up with this activity. He loves it!

Pipe Cleaners in Tube

19. Pipe Cleaner Sprinkles 

This activity is simply cutting up pipe cleaners (into 2 inch pieces) and have your toddler poke them through the holes in a parmesan container. This is awesome for working on fine motor skills!

Pipe Cleaners

20. Sensory Balloon Animals

We made sensory balloon bugs a while back and they are a huge hit. When I want my toddler to play quietly, I get these out and let him play with them. To learn more about them, see this post. Once again, please use discretion with this activity. If your child puts a lot of objects in their mouth, this may not be a good activity for them.

Sensory Balloon Animals

Want more toddler ideas? My new book has over 200 ideas for toddlers! The book will be available on March 27th, but you can preorder it today! Order it on Amazon right here.

Check out some of my favorite resources for toddlers!

 

The Toddler JourneyThe Toddler JourneyMelissa & Doug Latches Wooden Activity BoardMelissa & Doug Latches Wooden Activity BoardMelissa & Doug 2053 Shapes Knob Wooden PuzzleMelissa & Doug 2053 Shapes Knob Wooden PuzzleMelissa & Doug Hide and Seek Farm Wooden Activity Board With Barnyard Animal MagnetsMelissa & Doug Hide and Seek Farm Wooden Activity Board With Barnyard Animal MagnetsMelissa & Doug Puzzle Storage Rack - Wire Rack Holds 12 Puzzles(Puzzles Not Included)Melissa & Doug Puzzle Storage Rack – Wire Rack Holds 12 Puzzles(Puzzles Not Included)Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors (Amazon Exclusive), Non-Toxic, Assorted Colors, 2-Ounce CansPlay-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors (Amazon Exclusive), Non-Toxic, Assorted Colors, 2-Ounce CansCaydo 240 Pieces 1 Inch Pom Poms for Hobby Supplies and DIY Creative Crafts Decorations, Assorted ColorsCaydo 240 Pieces 1 Inch Pom Poms for Hobby Supplies and DIY Creative Crafts Decorations, Assorted ColorsMagnetic Letters and Numbers for Educating Kids in Fun -Educational Alphabet Refrigerator Magnets -82 PiecesMagnetic Letters and Numbers for Educating Kids in Fun -Educational Alphabet Refrigerator Magnets -82 PiecesDozen Plastic Toy Safari AnimalsDozen Plastic Toy Safari AnimalsDISCOVERY TOYS GIANT PEGBOARD #1562DISCOVERY TOYS GIANT PEGBOARD #1562Crayola; Washable Window Markers; Art Tools; 8 Different Colors; Bright, Bold Colors; Works on All Glass SurfacesCrayola; Washable Window Markers; Art Tools; 8 Different Colors; Bright, Bold Colors; Works on All Glass SurfacesCreativity Street Chenille Stems/Pipe Cleaners 12 Inch x 6mm 100-Piece, Assorted ColorsCreativity Street Chenille Stems/Pipe Cleaners 12 Inch x 6mm 100-Piece, Assorted ColorsSticker Activity ABC: Over 100 Stickers with Coloring Pages (Sticker Activity Fun)Sticker Activity ABC: Over 100 Stickers with Coloring Pages (Sticker Activity Fun)Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pads, 3-pk, Animals, Alphabet, NumbersMelissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pads, 3-pk, Animals, Alphabet, Numbers

Related Posts

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Filed Under: Indoor Activities, Toddlers Tagged With: activities, toddler activities, toddlers

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  1. Sabonete Artesanal says

    April 1, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Great ways to keep them busy, better than use a cellphone!! Nowadays the parents use the cellphone to entertain the kids with the cellphone, addicting them since they 1 year old!! Great post

    Reply
  2. Connie says

    June 15, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Hi Angela I love your ideas and I have successfully tried the paint bag and pipe ideas with my 2.5 year old Son. One thing he can play at for couple of hours are lots of barley grains and an assortment of wares from the kitchen – I gave him a funnel, a deep measuring cup that fitted the funnel, a spoon, a small bowl, a large bowl, an empty plastic bottle and a tray. The idea is to vary the shapes and sizes. It’s amazing how interesting he found transferring barley grains from one spot to another in as many ways as he could imagine. I have also mentioned this post in one of my stories . It’s a brand new blog – I hope you will give it a read and leave me a comment, thanks! Connie

    Reply
  3. Kids Songs says

    December 7, 2017 at 4:43 am

    Children are naturally born creative. With doing this kind of stuff they will learn more. Keep it up and keep sharing.

    Reply
  4. aadila says

    December 2, 2017 at 10:16 am

    Such an educational toy for kids!!

    Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  5. estudar e aprender says

    September 9, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    This is a very beatiful website

    Reply
  6. betty Wang says

    April 4, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    An educational toy can help your toddler learn quickly and make the learning path smooth for him.Playing is learning & learning is playing.Thanks for your post.Nice one. Enjoyed reading it.

    Reply
  7. Maria says

    February 2, 2017 at 6:54 am

    These are great tips, thanks for sharing with us. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Emma says

    September 12, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    Ahh, thats really good ideas! Lovin it! I’m going to use them immediately when I get home!

    Reply
  9. derKraken says

    March 25, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    Really great list. Reached it by googling “toys to keep 2 year old busy.” There are many ideas I plan on hijacking, so thank you!

    Another thing on my mind is that my family, with our 22 month old, will be going on a trip that will involve a 2.5 hour flight each way. Not a long flight, but wondered if you had any ideas on how to keep your toddler busy on the plane. Have you adapted any of these for flying?

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      April 11, 2016 at 2:43 am

      One thing that comes to mind is taking some masking tape and putting pieces on a tray. Have them pull up the tape. Toddlers LOVE this simple activity!
      Angela Thayer recently posted…Sight Word Reader for the Word “I”My Profile

      Reply
  10. Rolene says

    November 15, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    So much fun activities! Can’t wait to try some of them. Thank you.

    Reply
  11. Michelle Pearson says

    November 2, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    I have never thought that If I gave my child pipe cleaners he would play with them. I was sooooo surprised. The result was 1 hour wild games. Thank you for sharing your post! Keep posting!

    Reply
  12. Nikki says

    August 17, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Wow! There are so many great ideas here. Affordable, easy ones at that. Thank you for this list. It’s just what I needed and I’ll start using these ideas tomorrow. 🙂
    Nikki recently posted…Moving!My Profile

    Reply
  13. Faye says

    April 27, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    I work at home as a Licensed Family Child Care Provider and I always work to find ways to use “trash” and turn it into a meaningful learning activity for the children. I really like the Parmesan cheese container activity. My hubby used to comment on my trash stockpile, but after seeing some of the things I have created he now asks and brings things home before getting rid of it to see if it could be of use.

    Thanks.

    Faye

    Reply
  14. Lorena says

    April 13, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    Great Ideas! I’m gonna have to try some of them soon. I need to keep my toddler from playing his tablet a lot and in to physical activities.
    Lorena recently posted…Jamming to the MusicMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Tumble Tastics says

    March 31, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    I like the idea of the taped off areas! You could almost set up like a play station obstacle course
    Tumble Tastics recently posted…Baby Sensory Christmas 2014My Profile

    Reply
  16. Darlene says

    January 24, 2015 at 8:54 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this post. I could really use some ideas to keep my kids from wreaking havoc in the house. My twins are a handful, which is not so fun when I have my hands full.
    Darlene recently posted…Hello world!My Profile

    Reply
  17. Maha says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:31 am

    Amazing article. Thank you.

    Reply
  18. Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Wow, what an awesome list you have here! I used some of your ideas to throw together a quick activity for my son…..and it was a huge hit! I also wrote about it on my blog (and of course gave you some linky love). Thanks for the (p)inspiration!
    Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been recently posted…Toddler Activity: Sticky Window FunMy Profile

    Reply
  19. robin says

    July 24, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    I know you mentioned a hazard waring but after reading your list I see most of the activities a choking or health hazard for all children
    most of these items are too call or guide dangerous (paint in a bag) if digested

    Reply
  20. Rachel says

    July 19, 2014 at 1:31 am

    What a great post! These ideas are fantastic, thanks for sharing!
    Rachel recently posted…Grammy DayMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Jennifer says

    April 11, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    A good tape to use for sticking on floors and walls is electrical tape. Comes in lots of colors and pulls up nicely. We tape out stuff on the floor like hop scotch with it. I have see packs at the dollar store that have five or so colors in very small rolls.

    Reply
  22. Magdalena says

    April 11, 2014 at 12:35 am

    Those ideas were amazing. I’ll use some of them with my baby girl! Thanks! Gracias!

    Reply
  23. Daniela says

    April 10, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    This is the best list of activities I’ve seen online!
    Thank you

    http://www.aznannies.com

    Reply
  24. Angela says

    March 3, 2014 at 11:55 pm

    Brilliant! I saw pipcleaners and pom poms at Dollar Tree. Now I know what to do with them. If I don’t keep my toddler busy, he’ll find something to do. Last week it involved markers and a freshly painted wall 🙁
    Angela recently posted…Come With Me…My Profile

    Reply
  25. Sarah Barah says

    March 3, 2014 at 12:05 am

    Again, I keep coming back to this arena of ideas.

    Last week we tried colored shaving cream
    http://sweetlittleamelie.com/2014/02/18/painting-with-colored-shaving-cream/

    Thank you!
    Sarah Barah recently posted…Ronald Reagan Presidential LibraryMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Crystal says

    February 20, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    Simple, easy,and great ideas! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  27. cindy says

    February 19, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    I make a dough and let my 3 yr old roll it out and give him cookie cutter to make different shape he plays for hrs doing this..gonna try some of the other …you can also use cooking dough

    Reply
  28. Laura @ The Experimental Home says

    February 6, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    This is a fantastic list of toddler activities! I will be taping a paper towel roll to my wall tonight!!! I have seen lots of toddler activities on the interwebs, but they often take more time to put together than my little man would spend playing with them. But most of these are simple and right up his alley… THANKS!
    Laura @ The Experimental Home recently posted…puff stitch baby hatMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Maria says

    February 4, 2014 at 5:44 am

    Thank you for these great Ideas. I have a granddaughter she is 4 year old and another one on it’s way in approx. 5 months. I am going to show my daughter this web site. Thank you again,

    Maria MacLeod
    Port Orchard, WA

    Reply
  30. Maria says

    February 4, 2014 at 5:41 am

    Really great Ideas !! I’m going to show my daughter this she’s has an 4 year old and going to have another baby in approx. 5 months Thank you !!

    Maria MacLeod

    Reply
  31. Sarah Barah says

    February 3, 2014 at 6:51 am

    I came across this through a shared post on facebook and glad I did because I was really inspired by these ideas and went right out the very next day to gather supplies and start creating activities for my 18month old.

    This is the sensory bin we came up with
    http://sweetlittleamelie.com/2014/02/03/making-a-sensory-bin/

    We also painted with colored shaving cream and the best part is I had older kids over that weekend who were just as into the activities as my little one.
    Thanks!
    Sarah Barah recently posted…Making a Sensory BinMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Kyle @ Aspired Living says

    February 1, 2014 at 4:17 am

    We have twin 3 year olds and during homeschool time we do stations. I am always looking for inexpensive ideas for new stations to keep them entertained and educated (I include motor skill development in education especially for one of them). This is an incredible resource you have here thank you for sharing! Kyle 😀
    Kyle @ Aspired Living recently posted…Frugal Friday Fiesta #5My Profile

    Reply
  33. Rita says

    February 1, 2014 at 3:31 am

    I have been pulling my hair out trying to juggle my 20-month-old while schooling my older kids. What fabulous ideas–THANK you!

    Reply
  34. Bob Braxton says

    January 30, 2014 at 6:18 pm

    with grandpa, favorite play is called “imagination”

    Reply
  35. Jane says

    January 17, 2014 at 1:35 am

    I would advise against using dry beans. When I was a teenager, a mother was preparing beans for a meal. She dropped a bean on the floor. Her toddler picked it up, put it in his mouth and choked on it. Before she could get help for him, the bean swelled in his throat and he died. Very sad for our whole small town community.

    Reply
  36. TP says

    January 15, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    We’ve done a few of these our favorite is the tube idea although we did alter it a bit. We taped it to a chair and used ping pong balls without a bowl. The ball fall through the tube and roll off, they get to chase it down and start again. They loved it.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 15, 2014 at 10:59 pm

      Great idea!! Glad they loved it!

      Reply
  37. Elementairy says

    January 15, 2014 at 4:53 pm

    Number 15 is not a choking hazard. Rather, it is a suffocation hazard.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 15, 2014 at 10:57 pm

      Thank you for pointing this out. My child does not play with this often, but when he does I am always with him and watching him. He does not put things in his mouth…but you never know.

      Reply
  38. barb says

    January 15, 2014 at 5:01 am

    My elderly mother-in-law uses long silcone tipped tongs to pick things up off the floor. My granddaughter saw her and decided to try to pick items up off the floor with tongs – it held her interest for quite a long time. You could pick up blocks, pompoms, ping pong balls etc. and drop them into a bowl.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 15, 2014 at 10:57 pm

      That is such a great idea! We will have to try that one.

      Reply
  39. Julia says

    January 15, 2014 at 3:48 am

    Loved these! I wanted to add a playdoh recipe that’s edible for those kiddos that still try everything in their mouth… Cocowheats (powdered cream of wheat) plus a little water and tsp or so of olive oil till nice dough consistency.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 15, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      That sounds delightful! Thank you!

      Reply
  40. Jean Dey says

    January 12, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    I used to tape bubble wrap to my floors and let the kids ride their little tricycles in the house in winter. We also closed the pocket door in our galley kitchen and played hockey with foam “sticks” and soft foam “pucks”. I painted one wall with chalkboard paint and let them write on just THAT wall, after my DD colored one wall with crayons. In our newer house, we rescued a huge chalkboard from a school demo and now have it for “school” use. In my kitchen, I painted chalkboards on the recessed squares of each door (24 in all) and now my nieces and nephews draw pictures on them when they come. We have colored chalk. Our house was the one all the kids hung out at.

    Reply
  41. Sally says

    January 12, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    DON’T try this on laminate wood flooring!! It takes the finish off when you remove the tape!!

    Reply
  42. Jasbir @jasbeeray says

    January 12, 2014 at 6:13 am

    I love your ideas. Some.are pretty easy to.make which makes me want to do it. It’s much better than giving my ipad with numbers song on it.
    Jasbir @jasbeeray recently posted…The power of wordsMy Profile

    Reply
  43. Vikki says

    January 11, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    I have looked everywhere for the foam shapes and haven’t found them anywhere. Our Michaels does not carry them and I can’t find them on line. Any ideas?

    Reply
  44. Jeremiah says

    January 11, 2014 at 2:18 am

    This was awesome! I run a couple of businesses that involves coming up with cool, creative ways to do science projects in after-school programs at elementary schools, but all 3 of my kids are 3 and younger, and I had a harder time coming up with activities for them. This was a huge help!

    Reply
  45. bamauthor says

    January 10, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    Love your suggestions……Putting them in the bank for a rainy day with the grandchildren!

    Reply
  46. Katie says

    January 9, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    These are some great ideas. I see only a few flaws. Using MAGNETS are Dangerous at this age! As we All know little ones stick things in their mouths. If Magnets are swallowed they Could make a hole in the little ones intestines n stomach area causing Death from Septic poisoning. Also, the pom-poms are a choking hazards. Please beware of these.
    Katie recently posted…Creative Painting Ideas & Pinning Party #17My Profile

    Reply
  47. Jen says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    I see I’m not the first but was also going to suggest using multiple paper towel tubes for a “marble track” on a cupboard or fridge door. I’ve also used colored plates or bowls to do color sorting of our letter magnets, play foods… and in the fall some Styrofoam gourds that I bought at the dollar store (they came in different colors). And for those with mouth-ers, I have a fingerpaint recipe that is made of food ingredients, so it is food safe… I’ll have to find that later though if anyone wants it. Or let them paint with yogurt. Obviously that requires a little more assistance and supervision, but I usually did it in the high chair. 🙂

    Reply
  48. Jennifer K says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    The dish pan filled with rice– and hiding small toys in it or hiding toys to sort in it is also a really fun one!

    Reply
  49. Debra Eisenmann says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:57 am

    I run a day care and we do a preschool program. I am ALWAYS looking for exciting things for the toddlers to do. Thank you and I look forward to more ideas.

    Reply
  50. Joan says

    January 8, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Angie, love your creative ideas! Here’s a quiet and simple one that will keep your toddler busy for quite a while when you need some uninterrupted time while preparing dinner, etc…Fill the kitchen sink halfway with water and provide plastic animals (dinosaurs are our favorite!), bubbles, rubber duckies, sponges or measuring cups and spoons for water play. Use a low or two step child stepstool to let little ones be able to reach the sink. This activity is always new if you rotate the toys. I can keep an eye on Lil Man while I prepare dinner or fold clothes nearby. Caution: don’t leave toddler unattended for obvious reasons, but if you’re looking for an activity to use while you in the room and busy, you’ll love it!

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 9, 2014 at 12:56 am

      That is a wonderful idea!! We actually just did a “car wash” with toy cars in the sink last week and it was a huge hit. Actually anything with water is fun for my boys! Thank you for taking the time to share this with me.

      Reply
  51. Sara says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:02 am

    I love this list! I found it a few days ago and have already tried a few of the ideas! The jello playdough was a huge hit with my almost 2-year-old!

    Instead of paint in the bags (for number 6) we used shaving cream and I taped the bag to a dark piece of construction paper on the table. Then we were able to draw pictures and “erase” them over and over again.

    Thanks for the fantastic ideas!

    Reply
  52. cintia says

    January 5, 2014 at 1:17 am

    I still don’t have kids but sure I will use some of your suggestions!
    cintia recently posted…An adoption storyMy Profile

    Reply
  53. Jes Ackerman says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    These are great suggestions, and I can’t wait to try them out with my little ones. I am wondering, though, why you felt the need to label the car activity a “boy activity”? Even with your “disclaimer” that girls may like it too, I believe it’s unnecessary to label it a gendered activity. Children of both sexes enjoy all kinds of playthings, like cars, trucks, dolls and crafts, until the world around them starts labeling them boy or girl toys and they feel the need to fit into these labels. Let’s change the dialogue so our kids can feel free to be who they want without implied social contracts being thrust upon them.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 4, 2014 at 10:31 pm

      Thanks for your comment and insight. I agree with you and I don’t have a good reason for why I worded it that way! Of course, boys and girls can play with any type of toys. Since I only have boys, it’s easy for me to see what interests they gravitate to and label it a “boy” toy. You are right though…children of both sexes can enjoy playing with cars. Thank you again.

      Reply
  54. katinka says

    January 3, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    you can also glue the paper tube in a diagonal way, thus having the toddler put something in it on the left…and it rolls to the right. the change of direction will be fun for the kid too. and you can also glue another rol under it, so when the ball falls out the first tube, it will enter the second tube, maybe even getting a different direction again. this is magic for a kid.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      January 4, 2014 at 10:31 pm

      That is a wonderful idea! 🙂

      Reply
  55. Melissa says

    December 24, 2013 at 5:40 am

    Oh wow! What a great collection of ideas! My kiddo is still a bit too young for many of these, but I am going to try a few of these ASAP! While he plays, maybe mommy can get a little independent time, too!

    Reply
  56. Kandi says

    December 21, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Although your heart and mind are in this…some of these things look to me as chocking possibilities for the toddlers as there are small objects being used

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      December 21, 2013 at 3:50 pm

      Thank you for you comment. Yes, some of these activities can be a choking hazard. Please don’t let your child do them if they put things in their mouth and please be with them while doing the activity. Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing the activity, that’s ok! 🙂

      Reply
  57. Tracey says

    December 16, 2013 at 3:07 am

    Many of these suggestions are a choking hazard for kids who put everything in their mouths. Please don’t do any of these without fully supervising the entire time.

    Reply
  58. Ashley says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    Awesome list! Off I go to try that neat paint in a bag idea!
    Ashley recently posted…Printable letter head Printable stationery Antlers Winter Instant Download by PolkaDotSquareDesignMy Profile

    Reply
  59. melanie says

    December 7, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    Thank you so much for these! I have to admit that, because I don’t have the mind of a preschool teacher, I was a bit skeptical of this list. But it was very creative, and I particularly loved the use of house hold items. I will be looking at the containers that I usually recycle a bit differently now! Blessings!

    Reply
  60. fatimah says

    December 3, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    love your writing

    Reply
  61. Laura Kessler says

    November 24, 2013 at 9:42 am

    This is fantastic! My little boy is now making a ‘spider’ out of pipe cleaners and a colander as we speak!

    Reply
  62. Brian says

    November 24, 2013 at 5:39 am

    Thanks for some great ideas, especially for a single dad with two crazy toddler boys. I found an awesome tv show that I thought I might share here. It’s got songs and games and a great message in every episode. My kids can just watch it for hours, even when it’s sunny outside! It’s got a big purple dinosaur in it that they just find hilarious – I think it’s called Barney or something. It’ll keep my boys entertained, even when I have to go out to McDonald’s for their dinner. Hope it helps someone as much as it’s helped me.

    Reply
  63. Lubna says

    November 24, 2013 at 4:38 am

    I really like these.kids would kove them and will be busy for quite some time.

    Reply
  64. Sheena says

    November 19, 2013 at 9:19 pm

    Just started following you on Google +, Facebook and Pinterest, you have so many great kids activities and crafts, i love them all and cant wait to try some of them with my kids. Thank you for sharing will look forward to checking out some of your other great posts

    Sheena @ http://thekeeperofcheerios.blogspot.com/
    Sheena recently posted…DIY Gas PumpMy Profile

    Reply
  65. April says

    November 19, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    This is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  66. Linda says

    November 19, 2013 at 5:16 am

    Thank you! My son just turned 2 last week and I live I’m Canada. I’ve been looking for new toddler friendly indoor activities as I also have a 3month old so going out in the snow isn’t always an option. He will love these! 🙂

    Reply
  67. Nicole says

    November 16, 2013 at 11:58 pm

    I used shaving cream (Barbasol) on a counter for my daughter. She would play around with it for an hour or so. And, its easy to clean up. especially when it gets on clothes or carpet.

    Reply
  68. FI Pilgrim says

    November 15, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    This is awesome, I’m sending my wife this link. 🙂 As parents of a 4 and a 2 year old, we always love creative ideas that aren’t multimedia oriented!
    FI Pilgrim recently posted…Curb Impulse Buying By Giving Yourself A ChallengeMy Profile

    Reply
  69. Rachael says

    November 15, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    I can’t wait to try these ideas with my 16-month old! Thank you so much for all your ideas. Sometimes it seems like he gets bored with the same-ole same-ole, so it will be great to see him learn through these activities! One thing he likes to do is to get all the pots and pans out and stack them inside each other and match up the lids. He also likes to match the lids on the tupperwares.

    Reply
  70. Paige says

    November 14, 2013 at 3:48 am

    I just want to let anyone who is interested know that dollar tree has the foam cubes in the teaching supplies section.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      November 14, 2013 at 8:10 pm

      Awesome! I will have to check out my local Dollar Tree!

      Reply
  71. Grammy says

    November 14, 2013 at 2:48 am

    Another good idea, and I learned from grandkids…..have a big cardboard box cut windows, use the flaps for doors, give them crayons and let them colour inside and the outside of the box. Keeps them busy for a long time. Let them make it their own little home.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      November 14, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      That is such a fun idea! We did this once and the kids were busy for hours!

      Reply
  72. Amy Senter says

    November 13, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Cute ideas–love adding to my list!
    http://www.amyroachsenter.blogspot.com

    Reply
  73. Amy says

    November 12, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    I just found you on Pinterest. These are such great ideas, and what a great blog! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try some of these ideas with my son.

    Reply
  74. Mik says

    November 11, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    These look like such fun. But how old is your toddler? Mine daughter is 2Y2M and I only think of two of these that she would do. She just puts everything in her mouth and any activity becomes about eating the inedible. She would just chew the pom poms and pipe cleaners to bits, take big bites out of the play-dough, chew the tips off the markers. Tape, she just picks off and chews up. I don’t even want to think of the bubble wrap… I try to ignore it and encourage her, but it becomes frustrating. What would you suggest?

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      November 12, 2013 at 1:12 am

      Hi there! My toddler is now 2 years, 3 months. He stopped putting things into his mouth at age 1, so that’s why I feel comfortable doing these activities with him. I definitely do not recommend doing these if your child puts objects into her mouth. I think some children take longer to stop putting things into their mouths. I’m sorry this post probably wasn’t helpful to you! I am not aware of anything you can do to help stop this behavior, I just think it takes time. Both my kids did not do this for very long, so I’m not very helpful! I’m so glad you are a wise mama and know that she is not ready for playing with cotton balls, play dough, bubble wrap, etc…but I can see how that would be frustrating! I’m sure she will outgrow this stage soon!

      Reply
      • Alexandta says

        January 9, 2014 at 5:24 am

        My son put a bunch in his mouth for awhile. Do I did the parmesan container with hard straws, he chewed them up but I felt safe that he could not swallow them.

        Reply
      • Nancy Wilson says

        December 15, 2017 at 10:29 pm

        My granddaughter is 14 mos old, and puts everything in her mouth too. I am going to buy different colored jello and let her finger paint with it on wax paper or paper plate.

        Reply
        • Angela Thayer says

          December 17, 2017 at 9:38 pm

          Cool idea!

          Reply
    • Paige says

      November 14, 2013 at 3:55 am

      My lil guy is 17 months old and he still puts everything in his mouth, too! It is very frustrating. I did the Pom Pom in the tube with him and he really enjoyed it. I just made sure I didn’t leave his side and I demonstrated several times what to do. I gave him Popsicle sticks to put in the Parmesan container. My container opens on both sides, one with holes the other without. Again I stayed right by him and he loved this!! Another fun thing he loves is putting ball pit balls in a muffin tin.

      Reply
      • Angela Thayer says

        November 14, 2013 at 8:10 pm

        Those are good ideas! Yes, its hard when kiddos still put objects in their mouths. I am sure that will pass soon! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
      • Marilyn says

        January 9, 2014 at 2:14 pm

        Maybe instead of pom poms You could use cheerios, and drop marshmellows into containers and raisens in muffin tins that way it wont matter if they eat them.

        Reply
    • Katie says

      January 5, 2014 at 6:26 pm

      Try a latches board! Nothing that they can choke on but great for developing fine motor skills and brain development. I know Melissa and Doug makes a really nice one!

      Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 6, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Instead of pom poms in the paper towel tube taped to the wall, try the wooden alphabet blocks with a bowl underneath. It might be noisier but she can’t eat the blocks, just gnaw on them a little. ;3 (You have to make sure that the paper towel tube hasn’t been flattened in any way, though, or the blocks won’t fit. Although, you could give her a wooden spoon to hit them through with the handle if they do.) Popsicle sticks or even baby spoons and forks would work too. Most toddlers will love dropping anything that fits through the tube down it. ;3 Just find an item of the right size that you don’t mind her chewing on. Or, if tape is a problem, you can do the shape sorter can, just use hard objects to sort like the wood blocks or the metal lids to freezer orange juice. A coffee can will give you a wider base too, for the bigger objects. My kid LOVES the noise it makes when she plunks things in. (For her, it’s about the noise.)

      Reply
    • Jen says

      January 9, 2014 at 3:47 pm

      I just found this list and have done many, but always love new ideas and reminders. As a reply to those whose kids put things in their mouth (if they do still), a sensory bin with food safe items is good. I have an under the bed storage tub that I keep in the kitchen. You can use cornmeal which acts like sand but it’s okay if they put it in their mouth (and it won’t scratch their eyes if they get it in there), or cereal, or bread crumbs. Cups, scoops, etc for pouring, spoons, etc. Safe for those who put things in their mouth, and exciting and engaging!

      Reply
  75. Stacy says

    November 10, 2013 at 2:29 am

    Great list! We love the paper towels with Pom-poms. We even tried something new: take three or more tubes and tape them in a zig-zag on the wall (it helps if you cut one end of each on a diagonal to catch the Pom). My little one really loves it when there is a gap so she can see them fall from one tube to the next.

    Reply
    • trina says

      January 6, 2014 at 12:35 am

      I am way past this stage with my own children and don’t have any prospects on grandchildren, but I am a teacher and always appreciate other’s efforts at instilling the love of learning in children. I especially like the paper towel tube ideas. As your little ones grow out of the initial activity, consider taping three or four tubes covered in colored paper and use colored pompoms. Have your child match the colored pompom with the same colored tube. A couple of different skills will be practiced with this one..

      Reply
  76. Marilyn says

    November 9, 2013 at 5:24 am

    Not so much to occupy them but o take pics with that uncooperative, older infant/young toddler, put a small rolled piece if scotch tape on their hand. As they pic at it and try and figure out how to remove it, you will get some really great inquisitive expressions… Certainly beats a crying or angry one!

    Reply
  77. Ewa says

    November 7, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    I just so your fantastic list of activities for young ones.I can not wait to start play with my son.My one of favourites is sorting shapes but I can not find anywhere small cubes or something similar.Do you know maybe where I can look at them I did try Michaels but they have been sold long time ago?Thank you you are awesome

    Reply
  78. Susan Gilbert-Collins says

    November 6, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    A wonderful list – thanks so much!! And I was looking for new ways to use empty paper towel rolls.

    Reply
  79. Sheri says

    November 5, 2013 at 6:17 am

    I absolutely love your blog! I quit my job to babysit my 1 year old granddaughter, Marleigh, when my daughter went back to work. No “job” is better than the time I have with her! I want to teach her as much as I can during our time together and I want learning to be fun. Thank you for your wonderful ideas!

    Reply
  80. Becky says

    November 5, 2013 at 2:33 am

    What magnet set did you get your little guy. I want to buy a fun one!

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      November 5, 2013 at 3:06 am

      We have this one from Melissa and Doug: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Wooden-Vehicle-Magnets/dp/B00ARV3CKM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383620745&sr=8-2&keywords=melissa+and+doug+magnets

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Angela Thayer says

        November 5, 2013 at 10:20 pm

        Oops I just realized I posted the wrong magnets! I just used alphabet magnets from the dollar store.
        Angela Thayer recently posted…Busy Bags 101 — and Lots of Busy Bag Ideas!My Profile

        Reply
  81. Heidi says

    November 4, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    these are really good ideas, it’s not even 8:00 am and I think I need to get some of them going for my little guy. Thanks, hopefully it will be a smoother Monday:)
    Heidi recently posted…Paintchip Place SettingMy Profile

    Reply
  82. Christina says

    November 3, 2013 at 8:14 am

    Thank you for these ideas. I’m a new mom and used to dealing with older kids. When it comes to my 16 month old, I’m tearing my hair out and he’s attached to me like glue so I can’t get ANYTHING done. These ideas are great. I ran immediately to do the cotton ball one. He played with the ice cube try for a bit and also started to pull the cotton balls apart.

    Reply
  83. Shayla says

    October 21, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    Searched for the 3D shapes at Micheals and Hobby lobby with no luck and I’m so bummed!

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      October 21, 2013 at 8:53 pm

      Ahh I am so sorry! I was there today and I did not see them either! Maybe they only have them when it is Back to School time. If I find any, I will stock up and sell them-haha! 🙂 Here are similar ones on Amazon: Soft Foam Geometric Shapes

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        November 23, 2013 at 3:54 pm

        What about making the shapes from the play dough? Play with the play dough, leave it out to harden, use the hard pieces like blocks? You could also use various colors of hardened play dough for the color sorter activity too.

        Reply
      • Cynthrip says

        January 8, 2014 at 2:41 am

        You can cut inexpensive sponges into shapes as well.

        Reply
    • Shelly says

      October 22, 2013 at 5:49 am

      Try the $1 section at Target……I have found them there several times.

      Reply
      • Laura says

        February 10, 2014 at 7:15 pm

        My mom cut slots for milk bottle caps in the oatmeal container and it was fantastic.

        Reply
  84. Lisa @ moneyhipmamas.com says

    October 17, 2013 at 12:02 am

    Awesome ideas! Just added pipe cleaners to my dollar store shopping list. Such a good idea to hang on to containers like Parmesan cheese. My little guy lives for all things that open and close.
    Lisa @ moneyhipmamas.com recently posted…Arguing About Money? Two Things That Could Save Your MarriageMy Profile

    Reply
  85. Beth says

    August 23, 2013 at 10:13 am

    So many fun engaging ideas for toddlers! I have several favorites!!

    Thanks for sharing your creativity & linking up to TGIF!

    I featured your post today on TGIF here (http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2013/08/tgif-linky-party-91.html) I hope you’ll pop over and link up again later today.

    Have a great weekend,
    Beth

    Reply
  86. Kathryn Lang says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    For the record, bubble wrap works for them at ALL ages, My teens fight over the bubble wrap and even the hubby has to step on it when he walks by. I never thought about making my own shape sorter – loved that idea. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      August 24, 2013 at 1:34 am

      HAHA I love it! Glad to know that works for all ages!

      Reply
  87. Susen Kuchta says

    August 18, 2013 at 12:01 am

    My daughter is 3 but she still had fun with the paper towel roll and dropping Pom-poms through. I also gave her cotton balls and she was all curious when they got stuck in the tube. I gave her a basting brush to push the cotton balls down and she loved it! Thanks for this idea and all other 19!!
    Susen at dabblingmommy

    Reply
    • Angela Thayer says

      August 24, 2013 at 2:12 am

      So fun to hear that, Susen! I’m so glad it is helpful 😉

      Reply
    • Lake says

      January 11, 2014 at 1:46 am

      I think a fun variation on this would be to either use multiple tubes, or one tube cut in pieces if multiple tubes would be too tall, and tape them at different heights and angles so the balls go through one and fall into another.

      Reply
  88. Caroline says

    August 16, 2013 at 2:27 am

    We really need to try the “paint in bags” idea. I love that you taped the bags to the window! I think my kids would love it. Lots of great ideas here!
    Caroline recently posted…When You Don’t Know What to PrayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Natalie says

      November 24, 2013 at 4:22 am

      Using these paint bags on a light table would also be great. You can also create similar sensory type bags using clear hair gel and food coloring.

      Reply
    • Jenn says

      January 13, 2014 at 10:47 pm

      My daughter is 2Y3M and got a kick out of smearing the paint around in the bag. Then we noticed that you can write letters of the alphabet in the paint with your finger, smear it away, and do it again! It was a fun twist for an older toddler and a parent (or older sibling) to do together.

      Reply
  89. Rebekah says

    August 15, 2013 at 12:59 am

    Thank you! My little guy is 15 months & while he’s not quite ready for some of these, this is super helpful! I’m especially searching for ideas for him to do while I’m fixing dinner.

    Reply
    • sandy says

      November 12, 2013 at 6:17 pm

      Agreed. Same here. Everything goes into the mouth. So this would actually be more work for me!! Great ideas for the future.

      Reply
  90. kathryn thayer says

    August 14, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    You are amazing, Ang, the way you create learning moments so economically and brilliantly. I love the cottonballs in the ice cube tray activity. Your Fellas are so blessed:)

    Reply
  91. Reshama says

    August 14, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    WOnderful list.. we have tried many of these when DD was younger. Believe me she still goes back to some of these time an again!
    -Reshama @ StackingBooks.com

    Reply
  92. Beth S says

    August 13, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Thank you for this wonderful list! We are just about to start preschool with my oldest. I plan to let my 2 year old, do some of the activities, but having a back up is great!

    Reply

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