The benefits of active play on toddlers are endless and I can not stress enough the importance of such to every parent with one. If you are worried about the weather (or the illnesses that come with it), indoor activities can be a practical option.
Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.
~ Diane Ackerman
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7 Fun and Awesome Indoor Activities for your Toddlers
There may be a lot of indoor activities out there to choose from, but nothing intends to educate more than these useful collection.
Here are the most amazing indoor projects your toddler can surely enjoy:
Play with Playdough
Getting your toddler’s hands on playdough has many different benefits that you might not know. Playing with playdough is one good way to support your little one’s learning and development. It can hone his fine motor skills as well as encourages imagination.
If your toddler is about to transition to preschool, this will also help him advance in school as this is a basic activity for preschoolers.
While he can mold, shape, or squeeze a playdough on his own, it is recommended that he share his playdough moments with someone (like a sibling or a playmate) to enhance his social skills as well.
You can find plenty of these here. This affordable playdough right here is our favorite brand.
If you are feeling domesticated, you can check out this easy homemade playdough recipe by Kimberly of The Best Ideas for Kids.
You can even let your little goober help make it! Fun!
Related Article: 5 Home Remedies to Constipation in Toddlers
Jello Sensory Play
Now for some, this messy play is a no-no. However, if you are the brave kind, you will never regret it.
To save time on cleaning, cover your floors with a waterproof splat mat or (to be frugal) a shower curtain liner. If you can find something that can cover up a bigger space, do so.
The jello sensory play is very beneficial for your toddler’s overall mental and physical development.
This home entertainment is also one of those activities that improves your baby’s overall sensory skills.
Plus, he will love squishing that jello without doubt!
Check out Mary of The Mom Friend‘s post down below:
Related Article: Fever in Babies and Toddlers: Everything You Need to Know About
Stepping Stones
Kate of High Chair Chronicles suggested this activity and I couldn’t agree more. Stepping on these stones can help your toddler gain body control, develop motor skills, and lengthen concentration.
He can also learn more about colors and sizes if he pleases.
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Play with a Beach Sensory Bin
Make your own beach sensory bin and let your little one enjoy some outdoor elements in the comfort of your own home.
Sensory play is vital to every child and we must allow our young to have a little bit of such as often as they can.
Karen of Practical Frugality unselfishly shared her recipe for the beach sensory bin so we can do it ourselves. Check it out here.
Baking Cookies
It may sound a little overwhelming, but baking and cooking with your toddlers have incredible benefits for them.
Think of eye-hand coordination and spatial perception. Not to mention math skills!
The possibilities are endless!
Here’s a great cooking and baking set for your junior chef:
Reading Books and Telling Stories
Reading is paramount for your toddler’s brain development. It enhances communication skills as well, so it should be part of your little kid’s daily activities no matter what.
Try ABCmouse.com free for 30 days here. It is amazing! ABCmouse.com is created with the purpose of helping kids build a strong grip for academic success. Cliche as it sounds, but I can honestly say that your little ones will absolutely LOVE TO LEARN with ABCmouse.com. Did I mention it’s an award-winning curriculum?
Solving Mazes and Coloring
Introduce them to the art of problem-solving by helping them solve mazes with kid-friendly printables. Let them practice how to gain complete control of their fingers by coloring or tracing.
Start a fun (yet effective) way on learning how to draw the basic shapes and write letters with themed worksheets like these. [They can be downloaded for free, by the way! How generous of Education.com!]
Help your children develop fine motor skills with this kayaking-themed maze, perfect for summer! Check out tons more educational math games here.
That’s it! Toddlers tend to like routines, so there is really no need to overwhelm them with a lot of things. I suggest you keep it plain and simple. Your little one will enjoy whatever season if you make it fun no matter what.
Now, your turn… What indoor activities do you suggest? Let me know in the comments.
Talk to you soon,
Related article: 15 of the Sweetest Bedtime Board Books for your Baby (All Worth the Splurge)
Oooh you gave me so many ideas for what to do with my one year old this week. Also, I’m getting that mat and going to make play dough
You won’t regret the purchase, Sarah! That splash mat is very useful whatever you plan on doing with it. Have fun playing with your toddler this week! Tell me about it soon!
I love this post, I have twin toddlers and an infant and in Alabama it’s either raining, or scorching and I try to keep them buddy when the baby is awoke, definitely trying the beach sensory bin.
You will love it and so will your twin toddlers, Damico! The feeling of sand between their fingers and water to boot will send nerve impulses to the brain. As a result, learning and development will surely follow! Plus, it is so much fun!!! Win-win!
Wow! What great ideas! I don’t have a toddler anymore and surely miss those days but will keep these fun activities in mind for when I hopefully have grandbabies {15 years from now, ha ha!}
Awwww! My heart is happy just hearing that, Katherine! Thank you so much for checking out these indoor activities! Congratulations in advance! (Though it is not until 15 years from now!)
Jello play! That’s a good idea. I am definitely going to try that with our toddler. Right now we do painting, water play in the bathroom, blocks and books.
Everything sounds fun, Peejay! Water is my kids’ element and they can just play all day in the water if I don’t stop them. Thank you for stopping by!
Great list! The printable Education worksheets are such a great resource! And I love the kayaking maze. Thank you so much for including the stepping stones idea from my blog, too. 🙂 Pinning this to a few relevant group boards now.
Awwww! Thank you so much for sharing, Kate! Plus, I really appreciate you stopping by! I can’t pass up your stepping stones idea. I am certain my toddlers will love that specific activity.