Well, spring is here. However, if you experienced the crazy weather that many of us did this week (snow in Ohio and Michigan and storms for many other states) you know that you can’t always count on spring meaning warm, pleasant weather. If being stuck indoors with a toddler is a distinct possibility, you’ll want to keep this list of 25 indoor activities for toddlers within reach. Each of these indoor activities for toddlers is designed to keep your little one active, engaged, and having fun-and to keep you from going stark raving mad when trapped in the house with a little ball of energy. 🙂
For more fun indoor activities for toddlers, follow Freebie Finding Mom’s Crafts for Kids and Activities for Kids Pinterest boards.
25 Fun Indoor Activities for Toddlers
1. Bowling with an inflatable ball: Does your home have a bowling alley? Well if you have a hallway or other relatively long, empty space, the answer is yes. When the weather outside isn’t cooperating, do a little bowling. Set up some plastic water bottles and see how many your child can knock over with a beach ball.
2. Climb a mountain of pillows: Let your little one be the first to reach the summit of Mt. Pillow. Pile couch cushions and pillows on top of the carpet or a soft blanket and let your toddler try to reach the top.
3. Get out cardboard boxes and create: What may be a plain old cardboard box to you is a source of entertainment for hours for your toddler. This indoor activity for toddlers can take many shapes. Maybe that box is a train, house, race car, airplane, or spaceship.
4. Pom pom drop: While this indoor activity for toddlers may seem simple to the point of being boring to you, it’ll fascinate your toddler. Bonus, it’s super easy to setup up. You just need an empty paper towel roll, some tape, pom poms (or even other little objects like balls), and a bowl or container. As your child drops items through the tube work on counting, identifying colors, and other educational activities.
5. Indoor bubbles: This activity may be a bit messier than some of the others but it’s sure to be a favorite for your bored toddler (maybe because it’s messier?).
6. Inflatable pool filled with balls: Create a fun zone for your little one with this indoor activity for toddler. Put balls in an inflatable pool or even your bathtub to create a ball pit.
7. Flour fun: If you’d like to get some cooking or baking done on a not so pleasant day, consider letting your little one help-or at least pretend to help. Set him or her up on some plastic (like a tarp or table cloth), put some flour and bowls and utensils down, and let the fun begin. Trust me, do not skip the plastic!
8. Box fishing: Create a box fishing game to entertain your toddler on cold or rainy days. It takes a bit to set up, but you can save the pieces to use on the next indoor day.
9. Obstacle course: If your little one is still using crawling as his or her main form of transportation consider a couch cushion obstacle course. Placing favorite toys at various points in the obstacle course will serve as great motivation to keep going.
10. Indoor hopscotch: This indoor activity for toddlers brings an outdoor favorite inside. Join in the fun while your little ones play hopscotch and you’ll remember just why you liked this game so much as a kid.
11. Balloon hockey: A rigorous game of balloon hockey may be just the thing to tire your little one out.
12. Indoor balloon badminton: Balloons are great for a variety of outdoor and indoor activities for toddlers so you should consider keeping them on hand. Use a balloon to create a game of indoor badminton. The great thing with balloons is they aren’t nearly as destructive as other objects (like balls being thrown indoors).
13. Paper web to climb through: Is your child a secret agent in training? Create a paper web for him or her to carefully navigate-it’s best to work up to the laser beams.
14. Alphabet hunt: Help your child learn the alphabet while burning through all of that pent up energy with an alphabet hunt.
15. Finger paint the tub: If your child is looking forward to pool season but the weather simply isn’t cooperating or you just want to make bath time a little more enjoyable (for the both of you) consider this indoor activity for toddlers. The great thing about finger painting the side of the tub is the paint will rinse right off.
16. Ice and water play: Your little one will be entertained for hours if you let him or her play with water and ice cubes on the kitchen floor. While there may be some cleanup afterwards, at least it’s just water.
17. Monster punching bag: If your child is bursting at the seams with energy, consider creating a punching bag with a monster’s face on it for him or her to take his aggression out on.
18. Stuffed animal run: This fun indoor activity for toddlers will help your little track star learn to tackle those hurdles.
19. Drive in movie: Who doesn’t love the drive in? Put in a favorite video, dish out some healthy snacks, and enjoy!
20. Sticky sand play: Just because the weather is nasty, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at the beach with your child. Have fun building sand castles with this awesome indoor activity for toddlers.
21. Indoor bird watching: This indoor activity for toddlers is a twofer. Start with a simple DIY project of crafting a pair of binoculars. Next, place bird pictures or stickers around the house and indulge in a session of indoor bird watching.
22. Dig for hidden treasure: Place items in sand or cornmeal and let your child “dig” for treasure.
23. Glitter slime: Glitter slime (or even slime of the non-glitter variety) is sure to keep your child entertained for hours on the days you all are stuck indoors.
24. Handprint or footprint t-shirt: Get crafty with this twist on tie-dye. Let your child pick the color (or colors) to be used, paint his or her hands or feet, and then place them on a t-shirt. This is sure to be the must have fashion trend of the season.
25. Mess free pour paint rocket: This indoor activity for toddlers lets your little one use his or her imagination to create a colorful rocket.
Before you know it, better weather will be here. In the meantime, if you’re stuck inside with your little one, keep these indoor activities for toddlers handy.
Do you have any other creative ideas for indoor activities for toddlers? If so, share them in the comments.
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