Playtime with toddlers is an essential element in the promotion of positive brain development and interpersonal skills. Taking the time to get to know your child and help them discover more about themselves and the world through play can also be beneficial for your caregiving relationship as well.
If you are a first-time parent, it can be tricky to relate to your toddler. Knowing what activities are appropriate for the level of development your child is at can be a challenge. To give you some fresh and inspiring ideas for toddler playtime, we have assembled a short list with some of our thoughts.
Let’s take a closer look at ten playtime activities that every toddler will love.
1. Cotton Ball Painting
As a cleaner alternative to finger painting, your child can learn to express their artistic side through the use of cotton ball paintbrushes. Simply attach a wooden clothespin to a cotton ball to create a ready-to-use paintbrush.
2. Alphabet Puzzles
To give your toddler a little preparation for kindergarten, you can either make or purchase simple alphabet puzzles to boost your child’s brainpower. Matching letters to simple words and pictures that begin with the letters of the alphabet are a fun way to teach your child while providing some visual and tactile stimulation.
3. Grow A Plant
To teach your child about the wonders of nature, it can be a fun activity to plant a flower or other indoor plant with your toddler. While this is less of a dynamic activity, it can instil the values of patience and caretaking in your child.
4. Pasta Stacking
With some straws and some hollow pasta noodles, you can make a tactile challenge for your toddler. Get them to thread the pasta onto the straws while sticking the straws firmly into playdough. This inexpensive setup can teach your child to become more familiar with their physical capabilities. Try it out with Cheerios to increase the difficulty level.
5. Golf Tee Push
While being mindful of the small parts when using golf tees, your toddler can get some satisfaction by pushing these implements through a cardboard box. This might seem like an unusual playtime activity, but many children seem to love it.
6. Matching Objects
With a pen and some paper, trace the outline of some common household objects or toys. Assemble these objects in a pile and have your toddler match the outline to each object. This can be a great way to boost your child’s brainpower and understanding of the outside world.
7. Cardboard Box Fort
Turning a pile of old cardboard boxes into a fort can be an exciting activity for your toddler. While they may not be architecturally advanced, they can learn about balance and better orient themselves within a specific space.
8. Sidewalk Chalk
Using safe sidewalk chalk can be a good way for your child to get some fresh air while exploring their artistic potential on the pavement.
9. Cardboard Tubes
Using old toilet paper or paper towel rolls and taping them together can create many different configurations for toys that your toddler will enjoy.
10. Slot Card Drop
Cutting a hole into a cardboard box or empty coffee can with a plastic lid and providing your child with a deck of cards can make for an exciting afternoon. Your toddler can take turns dropping cards through the slot and may even absorb some interest in numbers during the process.
Simple But Fun
Toddler play does not have to involve elaborate preparation or expensive toys. With a little thought put into the process, you can create fun activities for your toddler with materials that you have on hand. Simply being interested in the positive development of your child’s ability to enjoy play and interaction with the world and others is a sign of a great parent.
