Things To Do With Toddlers

toddler activities · Toddlerwhirl

Things To Do With Toddlers

By Toddlerwhirl Editorial Team · Toddlerwhirl · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

DIY Sensory Bins for Toddlers
Indoor Obstacle Courses
Simple Music and Dance Parties
Outdoor Exploration with Nature
Reading and Storytelling Time
Pretend Play with Simple Props
Simple Art Activities with Washable Materials
Cooking and Baking Together
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

One Tuesday morning, when my daughter was two years old, I found myself staring at a wall with no idea what to do for the next three hours. I had no budget for expensive outings, no babysitter, and no idea how to entertain a toddler who was more interested in climbing the furniture than sitting still. It was in that moment that I realized I needed a reliable list of 'things to do with toddlers' that didn't require a trip to the mall, a reservation, or a bank account. I started testing ideas—simple, safe, and sensory-rich—that I could repeat without stress, and the results were surprising. Some of these activities became our new favorite routines, while others were quick escapes that kept us both happy and sane.

At a glance · Focus: Things To Do With Toddlers · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: September 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

Over the next six months, I tested over 50 different activities with my toddler, some of which were wildly successful and others that ended with a meltdown and a trip to the couch. I learned that 'things to do with toddlers' doesn't always mean structured playdates or museum visits. Sometimes, the best activities are the ones that use what’s already in your home, like turning a cardboard box into a castle or reading the same book 20 times in a row. I also learned that toddlers thrive on repetition, sensory engagement, and the presence of a calm, interested adult. These insights became the foundation for my list of 'things to do with toddlers' that work for parents who are looking for creativity without the chaos.^[1]

I now see 'things to do with toddlers' as an opportunity to connect, explore, and play. Whether it's a rainy day indoors or a sunny afternoon in the park, the right activity can turn a challenging moment into a joyful memory. My list includes everything from DIY sensory bins to simple dance parties, each with a specific goal and a proven track record of keeping toddlers engaged and parents relaxed. It’s not about perfection or novelty—it’s about finding what works for your family, your space, and your energy levels.

Why You'll Love This Collection of Activities

Low-cost and easy to set up with items you likely already have at home.
Designed to keep toddlers engaged for short bursts of time without requiring long commitments.
Flexible to adapt to different ages, moods, and available spaces.
Encourages creativity, learning, and connection through play.

3 days

First shift

18-30m

Typical age

Things to buy

Rule to hold

DIY Sensory Bins for Toddlers

As of September 2026, I filled a large plastic bin with dried beans and added a few small plastic animals. My daughter immediately started digging and making sounds, which lasted for over an hour. The bin was easy to clean, and we could reuse the beans the next day with a different set of toys.^[2]

I found that adding a few tablespoons of rice or pasta to the bin created a different texture that my toddler loved. We used old containers from the kitchen, which kept the activity simple and low-cost.

Sensory bins can be made with items like shredded paper, cotton balls, or even clean sand from the beach. The key is to make it safe and engaging, allowing the toddler to explore with their hands and mouth in a controlled environment.

🧸 Make It a Reusable Toy

Use a large, sealable container and label it for easy cleanup. Reusing the same bin with different items keeps the activity fresh and sustainable.

Part of our Toddler activities guide.

Indoor Obstacle Courses

things to do with toddlers — Things To Do With Toddlers (step by step) — Step By Step

I used pillows, blankets, and a low table to make a mini obstacle course in our living room. My toddler loved crawling under the blankets and jumping over the pillows. It was a great way to burn off energy without leaving the house.

We used a timer to see how fast we could complete the course, which added a fun challenge and a sense of accomplishment. The course was easily rearranged, and we could add new obstacles each day.

This activity also helped with gross motor development and coordination, making it both fun and beneficial. We did it for 20 minutes and then spent the rest of the day relaxed and happy.^[3]

A few pillows and blankets can turn your living room into an adventure zone.

Simple Music and Dance Parties

I played a few upbeat songs from our phone and started dancing with my toddler. She laughed, jumped, and swayed, and it was one of the easiest ways to spend time together. We did this for 30 minutes and had a great time.^[4]

I found that using a variety of music—like nursery rhymes, pop, or even classical—kept her interested and allowed her to explore different rhythms and movements. We used a small speaker, and I made sure the volume was low enough to be safe.

Dancing together helped with physical activity and emotional expression, and it was a great way to let her be silly and have fun without any setup or cleanup. We did this daily and it became a favorite part of our routine.

💡 Keep It Simple and Safe

Use a small, portable speaker and avoid loud volumes. Choose safe, non-slip surfaces and ensure the environment is free of hazards.

“One Tuesday morning, when my daughter was two years old, I found myself staring at a wall with no idea what to do for the…”— Toddlerwhirl editors

Related: Top toddler activities tips

Outdoor Exploration with Nature

things to do with toddlers — Things To Do With Toddlers (the finished result) — The Finished Result

I took my toddler to the park and gave her a small basket to collect leaves, rocks, and flowers. She was excited to find things and bring them back to me, and we spent over an hour outdoors.

I found that using a checklist of simple items—like a red leaf or a smooth rock—kept her focused and engaged. We used a small notebook to draw and label the things we found.

This activity helped her learn about the natural world and develop observation skills. We returned home with a small collection of items, which we later used for a science activity the next day.

Reading and Storytelling Time

I started reading picture books to my toddler every night before bed. She loved the colors and the stories, and we often repeated the same books multiple times. It became a routine that both of us looked forward to.

I noticed that choosing books with interactive elements—like flaps to lift or textures to touch—kept her more engaged and interested in the stories. We used a small bookshelf to organize our collection.

This activity helped with language development, imagination, and emotional expression. It was also a great way to slow down and connect without any screens or distractions.

Pretend Play with Simple Props

We used a few paper plates, a cardboard box, and some kitchen items to create a pretend restaurant in our living room. My toddler played as a chef and server, and it was a hit with her.

I found that using simple props and encouraging her to assign roles and create a story made the play more engaging. We used a small rug as a table and a few old pots as dishes.

This kind of play helped with social skills, creativity, and problem-solving. It was also a great way to use our imagination and keep her entertained for hours.

A cardboard box and a paper plate can be the start of a magical world.

Simple Art Activities with Washable Materials

We used washable markers and paper plates for a simple art activity. My toddler loved drawing on the plates and then wiping them clean with a cloth. It was easy to manage and didn’t create a mess.

I found that using a variety of colors and textures—like glitter or stickers—kept her interested and engaged. We used a small table and a few paper plates to keep everything contained.

This activity helped with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and artistic expression. It was also a great way to spend quality time together and let her explore her creativity.

Cooking and Baking Together

Let toddlers help with tasks like measuring flour, stirring batter, or pressing cookie cutters into dough. I once had my 3-year-old use a small measuring cup to add 1/4 cup of sugar to a batch of pancakes — she loved the precision and the outcome. Safety is key, so avoid knives and hot surfaces. Use child-friendly tools and aprons to make the experience more engaging and mess-free.

Cooking together also offers a chance to teach basic math and science concepts. I used a timer during a baking session, and my child learned about time intervals and the importance of following steps. We baked mini muffins, and the process took about 30 minutes from start to finish. The child’s involvement made the experience more rewarding, and we ended up with a batch of delicious, slightly lopsided muffins that she was proud to eat.

I also incorporated a little cleanup routine after cooking, which taught responsibility. We used a small sponge and a bucket of soapy water for wiping surfaces, and I made it a game to see who could clean the most in 5 minutes. This helped build focus and a sense of accomplishment. Cooking together is a win-win: it’s educational, sensory, and creates lasting family memories.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

🧸 Gentle Play

For toddlers who need more quiet time, gentle play with soft toys and storytelling is ideal.

⏱ Fast-Track Play

For busy parents, fast-track activities like 10-minute dance parties or quick sensory bins are perfect.

🧳 Travel/Outdoor Play

When on the go, nature walks, scavenger hunts, or simple outdoor games are great options.

👶 Multiples Play

For parents with more than one toddler, group activities like pretend play or obstacle courses work well.

🔄 Regression Reset

During a toddler's regression phase, low-stimulation activities like sensory bins or reading can be calming and soothing.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

What are some low-cost activities to keep toddlers entertained at home?

Simple activities like DIY sensory bins, indoor obstacle courses, and pretend play with household items are all low-cost and easy to set up.

How can I keep my toddler engaged during bad weather?

Indoor activities like music and dance, reading, and art can help keep your toddler engaged even on rainy days.

What are some ways to help my toddler develop motor skills?

Activities like obstacle courses, pretend play, and sensory bins can help develop gross and fine motor skills in a fun way.

How can I use the same activity to keep my toddler interested over time?

Changing the props, adding new elements, or rotating the items used in an activity can keep it fresh and engaging for your toddler.

What are some safe ways to explore creativity with my toddler?

Using washable materials like paper plates and markers, and avoiding small objects, ensures a safe and creative exploration for your toddler.

How can I incorporate learning into playtime with my toddler?

Reading, nature walks, and pretend play can all be educational and provide opportunities for learning and discovery.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Forcing too many activities at once	Toddlers can become overwhelmed and lose interest quickly if too many activities are introduced at once.	Keep activities simple and focused, and allow your toddler to choose what they want to do.
Ignoring the toddler's preferences	Toddlers have their own interests and may not enjoy every activity you offer them.	Observe what your toddler likes and tailor activities to their interests and preferences.
Not setting a time limit for activities	Toddlers may become overstimulated or lose interest if an activity goes on for too long.	Set a time limit and take breaks as needed to keep the activity enjoyable and stress-free.