If you’re the parent of a toddler — congratulations! You’ve made it to an exciting new stage of parenthood. The giggles and the hugs are the absolute best things on the planet. The energy they manage to find every second of every day is another thing. They’re probably stealing it from you while you sleep.
All parents who have a toddler in the house have to have a list of activities to keep them entertained. Whether you need to keep your toddler busy so you can get some work done or want something you and your little one can do together, we can help keep everyone happy. Here are five engaging activities to keep those hands busy.
Park time
When you want to take advantage of the weather
If you want an activity that will wear everyone out, the park is where it’s at. Your little one gets a full-body workout and will maybe go to bed at a decent time (and not wake up 394 times in the night). You’ll also get fresh air and move around a bit.
From things your toddler can do alone to parts they’ll need your help with, it will be a delightful time for everyone. Check out your local parks and try a new one every so often to keep your toddler engaged. Kids have never turned down a park day in all of history. The only downside about this activity is trying to get them to leave and go home.
Holiday crafts
When you want to celebrate a holiday
Your parents still have the Christmas ornament that you made in grade school and put it on the tree every year. If you need to tame a rowdy toddler for a bit and there is a holiday around the corner, grab that art box. You can make a craft just for you guys or make a full day of it (or a few days) and create something that you could gift to the family.
It doesn’t matter if you guys love Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day, there’s a craft for any holiday. Having those items to look back on and take out every once in a while will be a nice reminder of your time together when they’re grown and won’t make macaroni necklaces with you anymore.
Cooking
When you want a treat at the end of the activity
Baking with a toddler is the most adorable thing. They love to help so much. Children gain confidence and learn independence when you let them loose in the kitchen. Whether it’s baking or cooking, let them mix the ingredients or pick the recipe. Your toddler will light up helping.
You might be able to whip up those pancakes or make those cookies in a flash, but slowing down and going over every step in detail will make beautiful memories for both of you. And if the food turns out edible, then it’s a win for the whole family.
Toy bath time
When you want your toddler to help clean
Thankfully, toddlers don’t quite get that cleaning is work yet. Making a game out of cleaning toys is the best way to finally get whatever that is off of their dinos while keeping them busy and engaged. Gather up any hard toys that don’t have a battery pack, a giant tub or bucket, soap, a little scrubber (we use toothbrushes for tiny hands), and let them get to work.
Make the water super sudsy and tell them the goal is to get the water to change color by giving all of the toys a bath. Because when was the last time you actually looked at those giant blocks? Sneaky and effective.
Edible sensory bins
When you need them engaged but you alone
If you need to keep your toddler busy for a bit without worrying about what might end up in their mouth, then try a sensory bin. But in this case, make it edible. Use things like dry cereal, freeze-dried fruit, yogurt melts, and different cooked (and cooled) pasta to minimize any choking hazards.
You can also make this as messy as you want and use things like jello and frosting since you’ll be doing the cleanup. Set your toddler up with their sensory bin and let them play and snack away while you drink your next cup of coffee.
Organize any of these toddler events for your tiny tot to keep them occupied. If you want to do something other than tossing your child crayons and don’t want to walk in on another wall covered in marker, rotate these activities in the mix.
Not every parent is great at coming up with creative ideas for their kids. Toddlers don’t always listen and that’s just fine. We love being able to help make life just a tad easier for parents, especially to help tame those wild and unstoppable creatures that are toddlers.
Editors' Recommendations
- How to play hopscotch (plus 5 great variations)
- Keep little ones entertained with the best ‘Would you rather?’ questions for kids
- Why do toddlers cry in their sleep and how can you help them?
- The best party games for your sports-loving kids
- 10 cool talent show ideas for kids so they can wow their audience
