I often get asked for creative ways to play with your toddler at home, especially when it’s raining or snowing outside. We try to do limited screentime. Please don’t sit there and think that my kids never watch TV, because they do. Roughly for an hour a day (broken up). We do not use iPADs which I think helps nor do we give the girls our cell phones to play with. I just try to be intentional with limiting how much TV they watch and I’m always looking for simple and creative ways to play with them without using screens.
1.) Read
Having a designated time for reading is not only SUPER beneficial for learning, but helps with quiet time and improving your child’s imagination. Depending on how long your child will sit still and look through books/read, might even give you enough time to crack open a book yourself. Haha, I know, that sounded crazy. But, it’s true!
2.) Playdough
Never underestimate how long your toddler will sit and play with playdough. Especially, if you add in a few of their other toys and make a house, city, etc. They will play with playdough for hours it seems.
3.) Make a tent
Throw the pillows on the ground, pull out some big blankets, grab a flashlight and make a tent. This is by far my toddler’s favorite activity that is requested a lot. Also, I feel like this one builds a ton of memories.
4.) Play Dressup
Have a tea party. Throw on some cinderella dresses, etc. If you have a boy, you can dress him into a cowboy, football player, whatever he is into at the time which I’m sure you are already well aware of. Create fake props, etc. Kids are simple and have a big imagination. They will believe chairs are their horse, vehicle, store, etc.
5.) Dance Party
Have a random dance party. Be a fun happy mom without caring how you look or act at the time. Your kids will remember you happy, not the poor dance moves you wouldn’t show to anyone else other than your 2 year old lol.
6.) Crafts
This is broad, I know. There are so many craft ideas you can do. I have shared many ways on Instagram to get creative with your toddler and baby in a very simple way.
7.) Coloring
Kids love to color. They will love it more if you open the Amazon box that’s sitting out for the trash and give them a bigger canvas to work with. I’m telling you. This will soak up a lot of time.
8.) Get Outside!
Oftentimes, we need this just as much as they do. Let them get some fresh air. Boost their imagination and let them explore and get creative.
9.) Board Games
Sorta seems old fashion, but think of how much fun and the memories made when you played board games and there were no phones/screens to interrupt.
10.) Sensory Buckets
It’s like a cleaner version of a big sandbox! These are great for kids to learn and play with. Also, you can create them with pretty much anything in your kitchen. Rice, water, etc.
11.) Puzzles
Not much to say about puzzles. They make them for all age groups! lol
12.) Pom-pom through a tube
You’ll be amazed by how much time this soaks up. All you need is an empty paper towel roll, tape, and pop-pops. You’re set!
13.) Swim/Bathtime
You can do a few different things with this. Let them paint the walls of the bathtub and then hose them down. You can fill up the bathwater, place something new (pom-poms, etc) in there for them to play with, give them pop cycles or ice cream. Get creative. This activity is underused and kids love water.
14.) Lovevery Toy Subscription
This toy subscription grows with your child and they deliver age-appropriate toys right to your door. It’s Montessori based play. The toys are lovely and they have experts do the hard work for you to research and find the best toy for your child in their age bracket.
15.) Baking
Or cooking. Whichever you prefer. Let your little one help you in the process. Bake some cookies or something out of the ordinary. Yes, it’s not always clean and quick. But, your little one will love it and spending quality time with you
16.) Cleaning
Spray some glass cleaner on the window and let them scrub it. Have your little one help alongside you cleaning. My almost 3 year old loves when we clean the bathrooms, dust, or vacuum. She thinks it’s fun because I try my best to involve and portray it as if it is enjoyable. This also instills in them a good work ethic and teamwork which will only help you in the long run when they become older and realize it’s expected of them to be a helpful participant of the household and doesn’t leave it all on your shoulders.
17.) Watering Plants
If you’re a plant lover like me, or you just have one small plant you’re trying yourself to keep alive. Fill up a little bottle and let your little one mist the plant or water it.
Hopefully, these give you some ideas to help eliminate or decrease screentime for your toddler. You will see their imagination grow and letting them get a little bored, is not such a bad thing either. It’s good to give our brains a rest sometimes. If you need more activity ideas, leave a comment below and I would love to give you more. These were a few I thought of off the top of my head. You can also head over to my Instagram page and see other creative and simple activities I do with my toddlers.