As any parent of a toddler knows, keeping them entertained can be a full-time job. Toddlers have boundless energy and an insatiable curiosity, and it can be challenging to come up with new and engaging activities to keep them occupied.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and ways to keep toddlers entertained that don’t require any special equipment or expensive toys. Aside from free kids cartoons, here are some ideas to get you started:
Play with play dough. Play dough is a classic toddler activity that can keep them entertained for hours. You can make your own play dough at home with just a few simple ingredients, or purchase it at a store. Encourage your toddler to roll, cut, and shape the dough into different shapes and figures.
Have a dance party. Turn on some music and let your toddler move and groove to the beat. Dancing is a great way for toddlers to express themselves and burn off some energy.
Go on a nature walk. Explore the outdoors with your toddler and see what you can discover. Look for bugs, rocks, and other interesting objects. You can even bring along a magnifying glass for your toddler to get a closer look at their findings.
Have a picnic. Pack some snacks and head to a nearby park for a picnic. Toddlers will love being able to eat their snacks outside and run around in the grass.
Play dress-up. Gather together some old clothes and accessories, and let your toddler create their own costumes. They can use their imagination and play different roles as they try on different outfits.
Have a tea party. Set out some toy tea cups and a pot of “tea,” and let your toddler host their own tea party. They can serve their tea to stuffed animals or dolls, or you can join in and have a “grown-up” tea party together.
Have a sensory play session. Sensory play activities are great for toddlers because they engage their senses and encourage creativity. Set out a tray with different materials for your toddler to explore, such as sand, water, beans, and rice. They can scoop, pour, and mix the materials to their heart’s content.
Play with cars and trucks. Toddlers love playing with cars and trucks, and they can spend hours pushing them around and making engine noises. You can use toy cars, or even household objects like cardboard boxes and plastic containers to create a “car wash” or “garage.”
Do some crafts. Toddlers love to create, and there are plenty of simple craft projects that they can do with minimal supervision. Set out some paper, crayons, and stickers, and let your toddler draw and decorate to their heart’s content.
Have a teddy bear picnic. Gather up all of your toddler’s stuffed animals and have a picnic in the living room. Your toddler can serve their stuffed animals a “meal” and play different roles as they have a tea party or picnic together.
There are countless other ways to keep toddlers entertained, and the key is to find activities that are age-appropriate and that your child enjoys. With a little creativity and patience, you’ll have no problem coming up with fun and engaging activities to keep your toddler entertained.
