Some days with toddlers are tough. They can be so busy! There are days where you spend what feels like your entire day cleaning up messes, teaching them what’s okay and what isn’t, changing diapers, potty training, meals, snacks, etc. Sometimes it’s hard to find the fun things to do with your toddler, especially if you have a particularly busy one.
As a mom, you really don’t want to miss out on your child’s younger years because you were too caught up in the day to day chores and routines. Here are ten fun things to do with your toddler to enjoy time with them.
Read
It sounds simple but even just looking at one or two books can be a fun thing to do with your toddler, especially animal sound books. Toddlers love to learn to make animal sounds. Touch and feel books are also a big hit. Anything that makes them feel more included than just listening to the story.
Color
Not just giving your child crayons and a coloring book. Sit and color with them. Kids love it when mom colors with them. It makes it more special. Toddlers really love it when you color on the same paper with them too. They are learning how to do cooperative play (playing together) not just parallel play (playing the same/similar thing side-by-side) so coloring on the same paper with them is important to many of them.
Play ball
Whether you throw it, kick it, or roll it, toddlers love to play ball! You don’t have to do it for long. Even just 5-10 minutes of tossing a ball around is fun for a toddler. Any size ball will do but sometimes little kids like balls that are close to their size. They think it’s silly. They also like ones that are perfect for their hands, especially for throwing.
Bake cookies
Kids love to help bake. Bonus points if you make chocolate chip cookies. Kids love to add chocolate chips to the cookie dough. Of course, you may have to let them eat a few. 😉
Dance party
Because dance parties are fun at any age! Use your own music or make a station on Pandora. We have a kid’s music station that has everything from Veggie Tales to Taylor Swift. The variety makes for some great dance parties as it has fun stuff for them and for you.
Swinging
When my second was a toddler, she thought it was so funny if I’d sit on the swing next to hers and swing with her. Don’t underestimate something so small. It isn’t small to your child. They feel special and loved when you do something like this with them. Plus, it will take you right back to your grade school days of playing on the playground.
Play chase/monster
Why do kids love being chased around while you’re growling? I don’t get it but they love it! Of course, their laughter is downright infectious. Once they get started laughing, it’s hard not to join them.
Watch TV
Yes, I know it sounds boring and goes against all those “no screen time” articles. However, my youngest loves Sesame Street. She loves to watch the clips on the PBS Kids Roku channel or on the Sesame Stree Roku channel. She wants to watch from my lap and look at me and laugh when something she likes happens. She wants to watch with me, not just watch so I can do something else. (If you don’t have a Roku, there are a lot of options just on YouTube.)
Building
Break out the block or big Legos. Build towers to let your toddler knock them down. See if you can help your toddler make a tower as tall as they are. Make a castle for them to sit in. Embrace your inner child and engineer and get building!
Clean house
This one is a win-win. You get a clean(er) house and your toddler feels like a big kid. Toddlers love to help and feel important. Give them a stack of towels and washcloths to fold while you fold the rest of the laundry. Or give them a shallow pan of water and some plastic items to “wash” while you are washing the rest of the dishes. Get creative and find a way to include them in your chores.
Toddlers love to be included and do things with you. Next time you’re stuck, remember these fun things to do with your toddler. If you have any things you love to do with your toddler, be sure to share in the comments!
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6 Easy Rainy Day Activities for Kids
Preschool Winter Activities- for Inside and Outside
Carolyn says
Thank you Julie for sharing 10 Fun Things to Do with Your Toddler post. Some great ideas. I loved to take my toddler to the local park or beach and have them explore while getting lots of fresh air.
What’s your favorite activity to do with your toddler?