Winter can be challenging when it comes to keeping your baby or toddler entertained. But worry not, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share over 20 fun and inexpensive indoor activities for toddlers that are sure to keep them engaged and entertained.
Tips for doing indoor activities with toddlers:
Before we dive into the activities, here are a few tips to keep in mind when doing indoor activities with your little ones:
- Remember that children have short attention spans, typically around one minute per year of age. So, keep activities short and engaging.
- Minimize distractions by putting away toys and turning off the TV. This will help your toddler focus and engage more in the activities.
- Leave activities out for your toddler to revisit throughout the day. They might come back to them multiple times and find new ways to play.
- Toddlers grow and change rapidly, so if an activity doesn’t capture their interest initially, try it again after a few months.
- If your child tends to put objects in their mouth, establish a firm and consistent boundary by using phrases like “Yuck, not in your mouth” to discourage them. Always supervise them during activities to ensure their safety.
Now, let’s jump into the list of indoor activities for toddlers!
1. Pompoms and shaker cups
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A simple and fun activity for fine motor skills. Your toddler can put pompoms into a shaker bottle, dump them out, and repeat!
2. Shaker balloons
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Fill deflated balloons with various materials like dry oats, beans, pasta, or sprinkles. Blow up the balloons, and let your little one shake them! You can explore concepts like quiet/loud or use them as “instruments” for a dance party.
3. Animal Tape Rescue
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Tape animal figures to different surfaces and encourage your toddler to rescue them. Start with a cookie sheet, then progress to the coffee table and even the wall. This activity helps develop hand-eye coordination and follows directions.
4. Animal Ribbon Rescue
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Place animals in a basket and thread ribbon through the holes to create a “web.” Your toddler can then rescue the animals. This activity improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
5. Cardboard Box Coloring
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Reuse those Amazon boxes! Your little one can either color inside a big box or flatten it on a flat surface for coloring. It’s a creative and fun way to engage their imagination.
6. Flashcards in Envelopes
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Put some flashcards in envelopes and let your toddler pull them out. Flashcards are not only educational but also great for boosting vocabulary.
7. Flashcard drop
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Create a slit in an old container’s lid and let your toddler drop flashcards through the slot. This activity improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
8. Rainbow Rice
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Make colorful rice by combining dry rice, white vinegar, and food coloring in a ziplock bag. Let it dry, and you’ve got a sensory bin activity that your toddler will love!
9. Golf Tee Hammering
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Hammer inexpensive golf tees into boxes for a fantastic fine motor skills activity. This one is sure to keep your toddler engaged!
10. Cardboard Car Ramp
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Draw “roads” on a piece of cardboard using markers or washi tape. Prop it up on a stair to create a ramp for hotwheel cars. It’s a simple and exciting activity!
These are just a few ideas to get you started. For the complete list of 25 indoor activities for toddlers, visit News Explorer Today.
FAQs
Q: What are some tips for doing indoor activities with toddlers?
A: Some tips include keeping activities short, minimizing distractions, and leaving activities out for toddlers to revisit throughout the day.
Q: How do I encourage my toddler to engage in sensory activities?
A: Sensory activities like rainbow rice, shaker bottles, and crunchy boxes can be great options to engage your toddler’s senses.
Q: What are some activities that promote fine motor skills?
A: Activities like pompoms and shaker cups, cardboard box coloring, and golf tee hammering are all great for developing fine motor skills.
Conclusion
Keeping toddlers entertained indoors during winter doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these fun and engaging activities, you can turn those long winter days into memorable moments of learning and play. Try them out and see the joy on your little one’s face!
Remember to always supervise your child during activities and adapt them based on their age and interest. Happy playing!