Are you struggling to keep your little ones entertained? Look no further! With 51 engaging activities designed specifically for 1-year-olds, you’ll have the perfect solutions to keep them occupied and happy. These fun-filled pursuits not only cater to kids aged one and above but also promote independent play, making them ideal for parents with multiple tiny tots in tow.
Winter-Ice Sensory Bin
Summer isn’t complete without a dash of icy fun! Our first activity is an engaging sensory ice bin experience that allows toddlers to explore different textures, fostering understanding and familiarity. Sensory play is the perfect way to engage all five senses – touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing – making it an excellent way to encourage learning and creativity.
To recreate this DIY project at home, you’ll need a sturdy bin or tote, cuddly arctic animals like polar bears, and a soft washcloth. You can easily order the arctic animals online [here](link) to ensure your sensory bin is a hit with your little one!
Loom Band Sensory Bottles
Transforming a loom band sensory bottle into a calming experience for your hyper child is an innovative way to engage their senses. The visual stimulation provided by the colorful bands moving up and down can be incredibly soothing. But that’s not all; this sensory activity also offers an opportunity to teach young children about water dynamics, exploring concepts like floatation, swimming, and sinking.
To create these DIY loom band sensory bottles, you’ll need plastic jars or containers filled with a mixture of water and glycerin. Order your supplies here. Simply add the colorful bands to the bottle and watch as your child becomes captivated by the mesmerizing display. For more creative activities to enjoy at home with your kids, explore our collection.
Fizzy Ice Cube Sensory Bin
Summer is the ideal season to engage kids in ice-themed fun! A simple yet engaging activity requires just two essential items: an ice cube tray, available for order, and baking soda. This endeavor not only fosters fine motor skills, observation, and communication abilities but also cultivates focus and encourages critical thinking in your child.
Halloween Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage your child’s senses with every season and holiday. One of the most significant benefits is that it allows children to explore and learn through tactile, auditory, visual, olfactory, and gustatory experiences. For instance, during Halloween, you can create a sensory bin using essential elements like pumpkin seeds, a sensory bin scoop (order one here), and a small plastic or foam pumpkin with eyes and mouth cutouts.
Simply bury the pumpkins in the seeds, allowing your child to dig and discover them. Once they’ve uncovered the cutouts, have them glue the pumpkins onto their own creation, promoting fine motor skills and creativity.
Rainbow Spaghetti
While the DIY Rainbow Spaghetti sensory bin is an entertaining activity on its own, its versatility makes it a staple for many occasions. For instance, red and pink hues create a festive atmosphere perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations, while red and green shades evoke holiday cheer during Christmas. This type of sensory play fosters independent exploration, which is why we’re big fans. To get started, you’ll need food coloring dye, a rainbow pack, and spaghetti.
Feel free to add various tools to elevate the experience. Engage your kids in the process by letting them help with dyeing the spaghetti alongside you. Once completed, pour the colorful noodles into the bin and let the fun begin! Kids can manipulate the slimy textures using tongs, plastic forks, scissors, or simply their hands. This activity’s creative potential is endless. As an added bonus, the dyed pasta can even be served as a unique dinner option.
Easter Egg Puzzle Activity
Puzzles offer a fantastic way to nurture your child’s cognitive growth. Begin by introducing simple two-piece puzzles and gradually move on to more complex ones as they develop. For an Easter egg puzzle, you’ll need sturdy materials like felt and foam sheets that are easy for little hands to grip. You can order colorful felt sheets online or use your own creative flair to make them.
To create the puzzles, download a template, cut out the pieces, and then use these to shape the foam and felt into the desired forms. Layer the pieces, sew them together, and watch as your child learns and grows alongside you. This activity not only helps your toddler develop their matching skills but also introduces color recognition and precise hand movements – all while having fun with their very own puzzle!
Oats Sensory Bin
Transform your sensory play experience without breaking the bank! You don’t need to invest in specialized tools or materials to create an engaging sensory bin. Simply gather items you already have at home and get creative. For instance, fill a container with instant oats and add an egg carton for a tactile delight. Provide colorful spoons for your little ones to scoop and pour the oats into the egg tray. To make it even more exciting, let them decorate the eggs with paint or crayons.
And don’t forget to store any leftover supplies in a Ziploc bag for future playtime. With these everyday items, you’ll be amazed at how much fun your kids can have exploring textures and sounds.
Summer Sensory Bin – Food Edition
Imagine a snack time where the words ‘boring’ and ‘snack’ don’t exist! A Food Safe Summer Sensory Bin is just what your toddler or preschooler needs to turn mealtime into an unforgettable adventure. By combining flavors and textures, you’ll be creating an interactive experience that’s as fun as it is educational.
Who says snack time has to be a routine affair? With this creative approach, you can transform the usual humdrum into an exciting exploration of tastes and sensations.
The possibilities are endless! Simply gather some halved fruits, cold water, and a few clever tools like a dropper and scoop, and watch your little ones engage in activities like scooping, pouring, squeezing, tasting, and squealing with delight.
Puzzle Craft Toddler Activity
Puzzles offer a fun and engaging way for children of all ages to develop their cognitive skills. By participating in puzzle activities, kids can improve their fine motor abilities, hand-eye coordination, and critical thinking. To create a puzzle activity with your little one, start by colouring a picture from a book or cardstock. Cut the image into various pieces and work together to assemble it.
This collaborative approach not only fosters problem-solving skills but also encourages bonding between parent and child. If you’re looking for inspiration, we recommend using a farm animal-themed coloring book – perfect for kids who adore animals. You can easily order one online or use your own creative flair.
Hammer Painting
To set up an entertaining experience for your toddler, only two simple elements are necessary: a hammer and some paints. If you’re in the market for a reliable hammer that can withstand the rigors of this activity, consider checking out [insert link]. Once you’ve gathered all the required supplies, take a few minutes to outline the rules and emphasize essential safety precautions with your child.
With these basics covered, you can unleash the creative potential within your little one and watch them enthusiastically smash paint and bring their masterpieces to life.
Edible Yogurt Finger Paint
Combining food and fun can lead to unforgettable experiences for kids! A great example of this is the Edible Yogurt Finger Paint activity, which brings painting and eating together in a delightful way. This interactive play is perfect for curious toddlers who love exploring their surroundings – including putting things in their mouths. By offering edible paint, you’re giving them the freedom to indulge their curiosity while enjoying the thrill of creation.
With just one concern being sourcing high-quality food-grade colors, this activity promises to bring endless joy and memories.
Ice Cube Sensory Bags
Sensory play is a crucial aspect of a toddler’s development, fostering independence and encouraging them to confidently explore their surroundings. In fact, it’s essential for young children to cultivate curiosity about the world around them. To create a simple yet engaging sensory experience, fill a ziplock pouch or bottle with a mixture of water and glycerin, then add colorful or clear ice cubes. Seal the bag and present it to your little one to investigate and play.
For added variety, you can introduce small objects like beads, cereal, rice, or corn into the mix. This approach allows for a fun and tactile experience without using traditional ice, providing an alternative that’s equally stimulating.
Painting With Foil Activity
For children who thrive on exploration and experimentation, this activity is an absolute delight! Unlike traditional painting on paper, working with foil presents a distinct set of characteristics that can spark their curiosity and creativity. The unique texture and resistance of the foil provide a tactile experience unlike any other medium.
By comparing the process of painting on foil to that on paper, you can help your little ones develop their artistic skills and gain a deeper understanding of the properties of different materials. And if you’re in need of some extra foil supplies, simply click here to get more delivered straight to your doorstep.
DIY Paper Mache Activity
Making paper mache is an enjoyable process that allows for the creation of various creative items. This DIY activity yields a pliable dough that can be shaped into ornaments, intricate designs, or even alphabet letters. The essential materials are easily accessible and require minimal investment. A blender, toilet paper rolls, and cheesecloth are the primary components needed to produce this versatile dough.
Bubbles
Soap bubbles have a unique charm that captivates children of all ages, from toddlers to older kids. A fun activity involving soap bubbles is perfect for keeping them entertained for hours while also fostering their physical development. With ‘chase the bubbles’ and ‘catch the bubbles’, you can help improve your child’s gross motor skills, such as running and jumping, as well as their fine motor skills, like grasping and releasing objects.
Simply create a large batch of bubble solution and spend a relaxing weekend blowing bubbles with your little ones.
DIY Colourful Scarf Magic Wipes
In our household, it’s become a daily ritual to watch our little ones enthusiastically rummage through their wipe and tissue boxes. Their excitement is contagious, but as any parent knows, it can be overwhelming when they get their hands on the entire box! In response, I decided to create a DIY wipes activity box that would cater to their natural curiosity. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make. All you need is a reusable empty wipes container and some colorful organza scarves.
With these two ingredients, your little ones will be entertained for hours, and the smile on their face when they finally get to the last wipe or tissue is truly priceless.
Water Balloon Painting
By incorporating balloon painting activities into your child’s daily routine, you can significantly enhance their communication skills, foster greater focus and concentration, and even help them develop crucial hand-eye coordination abilities. To get started, simply gather some balloons and paints – no special equipment required! This fun and engaging activity is perfect for warm-weather days, making it an ideal outdoor activity that won’t leave a trail of mess behind.
By doing so, you’ll not only be encouraging creative expression but also providing a unique opportunity for your child to develop essential skills that will benefit them in the long run.
Cups and Flowers Toddler DIY Project
When it comes to keeping little ones entertained, you’d be surprised at how effective a simple combination of paper cups and artificial blooms can be. In fact, with just these two items, you can create an engaging activity that will keep your toddler occupied for a good 15-20 minutes. If you’re fortunate enough to have both on hand, simply arrange the cups on a tray, add some flowers, and let your child’s curiosity get the best of them.
As they explore the tray, cups, and flowers, they’ll quickly discover the joy of taking out the blooms and putting them back in again. Not only is this activity a great way to encourage imaginative play, but it also offers opportunities for learning about different textures and colors.
Ball Drop Box
Transforming an ordinary diaper box into an engaging DIY toy for your little one is a fantastic way to encourage creativity and interactive play. With just a few simple materials, including an empty diaper box, paint, and a set of colorful balls, you can create a unique ball dropbox that will captivate your toddler’s attention for extended periods.
If additional balls are needed, consider exploring online options or repurposing other toys to add more color and excitement to this innovative project.
Fridge Door Pom Pom Drop
When it comes to keeping toddlers entertained during meal prep, we’ve got another clever idea up our sleeves! Introduce the concept of a ‘shooting gallery’ using pom-poms and empty tissue rolls. The tactile nature of the squishy pom-poms is sure to delight kids, and who doesn’t love shooting hoops? Simply stick the rolls and a box of pom-poms to your fridge or wall, and let your little one get creative while you whip up a snack.
It’s a win-win situation: they’re having fun, and you’re getting stuff done!
Edible Peanut Butter Playdough
For many kids, slime and dough are an unbeatable combination. It’s no surprise that play-dough is a huge hit among youngsters. However, parents often worry about their little ones putting these tactile treats in their mouths, which can be a major concern. But fear not! We’ve found a solution that’s both fun and safe: peanut butter dough. This edible treat allows kids to engage in creative play while also learning about different shapes and textures.
Plus, it’s perfectly fine if they decide to take a little nibble – mom-approved, if you will!
Fine Motor Play from Recyclables
Foster your child’s fine motor skills by introducing engaging activities crafted from recycled materials. A creative way to achieve this is by combining tissue rolls with colorful pom-poms, creating an interactive color sorting game that simultaneously enhances hand-eye coordination. This stimulating activity also serves as a valuable teaching tool, helping young minds learn and differentiate between various colors, while developing the essential skill of matching hues.
Recycled Paper Roll Building Blocks
Don’t discard those empty toilet paper rolls just yet! These humble tubes hold the key to sparking hours of fun and creativity with your little ones. With a few simple materials like paint and colorful printed sheets, you can transform them into a stimulating activity for your kids. Simply add circular tops and bottoms to create a flat surface, then watch as they delight in building and stacking these colorful creations.
Dyed Pasta
Imagine adding an unexpected twist to traditional sensory bins – what if the ‘filling’ was none other than dyed pasta? This creative approach can elevate sensory play to a whole new level. The process of dyeing pasta is surprisingly simple, requiring only food coloring, vinegar, and a large container. With your colorful pasta ready, it’s time to create an immersive experience for kids by combining the pasta with their favorite toys and tools like scoopers and cups.
This setup invites hours of engaging dump-and-pour sensory play, perfect for fostering creativity and fine motor skills.
Leprechaun Snow
Transforming ordinary ice into an extraordinary treasure hunt, Leprechaun Gold and ice come together to create an unforgettable experience for you and your little ones on St. Patrick’s Day. The recipe for the green ice is surprisingly simple, requiring just baking soda and conditioner. But the real thrill lies in uncovering the hidden gold coins buried beneath the emerald snow.
Get ready for a fun-filled adventure as you and your toddlers race to find the treasure, laughing and playing together along the way.
Texture Balloon Sensory Play
Tactile activities are often overlooked as a means of entertainment, but they can be incredibly enjoyable and calming for both children and adults alike. One simple yet effective way to engage your little ones in tactile exploration is by creating texture balloons at home. All you need are some basic supplies like balloons and various fillings such as rice, play dough, marbles, or sand. The possibilities are endless!
These sensory balloons not only provide a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about different textures, but they can also be used to help hyperactive children calm down and relax.
Scented and Dyed Rice
For those seeking a sensory bin that captivates both the sense of smell and touch, I present to you a scented and dyed rice sensory bin that is sure to delight. By using colorful dyed rice as the primary filler, you can create an engaging experience for your child that’s easy to set up and customize. To take it to the next level, consider incorporating lavender-scented oils, which have been known to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Bubbles and Letters – Sensory Play
Transforming household items into educational tools is a great way to engage your child in DIY activities. One such activity is creating a sensory play experience that teaches the ABCs through bubbles and letters. Start by making a bubble bath, then scoop up some bubbles and add them to a container filled with plastic letters. Allow your child to find each letter one by one, taking time to explain the letter, its corresponding sound, and any associated words or objects.
By making learning fun, you’ll help your child remember even the most challenging ABCs.
Fine Motor Skills Coins
While it’s common to think of learning and play as mutually exclusive, the truth is that you can indeed have fun and learn simultaneously. One fantastic way to do just that is by incorporating a coin-themed activity into your child’s day. This particular activity not only helps develop fine motor skills but also hones math skills in a fun and interactive way.
To get started, gather some everyday objects like cardboard boxes, old jars, or even play dough or sand to create a treasure hunt-like experience for your little ones. You can fill the containers with coins – both real and fake – and let your child’s imagination run wild as they dig in and practice their problem-solving skills.
As they play, encourage them to count the coins, add or subtract certain amounts, or even create simple math problems using the coins.
The possibilities are endless, and this activity is sure to bring a smile to both you and your child’s faces.
Salt Writing Tray
One activity that has earned a special place in many Montessori classrooms – and my own heart as an educator – is the salt writing exercise. Not only does it offer a unique opportunity for children to learn and develop their handwriting skills, but it’s also an incredibly accessible and cost-effective way to engage them in learning at home.
All you need to get started is a flat tray, a bag of salt, and some food coloring.
Once the salt has been colored and dried, you can guide your child in tracing letters within the salt, helping them refine their writing abilities.
Penguin Alphabet Sensory Bin
Transform this educational DIY activity into an engaging learning experience! Start by printing and laminating your capital letter penguins. Next, fill a sensory bin with a variety of textures such as shredded paper, rice, or pom-poms to create a fun and immersive environment. Bury the penguins in the bin, then challenge your kids to excavate one, identify the corresponding capital letter on the recording sheet, and mark it.
Repeat this process, watching their skills improve in areas like memory, motor coordination, and hand-eye coordination, all while keeping them entertained for an extended period.
Dinosaur Play Setup
For many children, dinosaurs are a captivating subject. If you’re looking for a way to engage your toddler with these prehistoric creatures, this play setup is an excellent choice. To create this dino-play station, you’ll need a container or flat tray and some sensory materials like rice, sand, or modeling dough. You can also add plastic or rubber dinosaurs, as well as smaller details such as bones and rocks to enhance the experience.
The more elements you include, the more your child will be able to immerse themselves in the lost world of dinosaurs. Simply set up the tray and let your little one’s imagination run wild.
Christmas Pom Pom Water Play
In this sensory bin, water takes center stage. It’s simplicity itself – all you need is a large plastic container, some colorful pom-poms, and of course, H2O! To set up the bin, simply fill the container with water and add the pom-poms. Then, arm your little ones with a scoop or spoon and challenge them to see who can collect the most pom-poms in a designated time frame.
The possibilities for customization are endless – try red and green for a festive holiday vibe, black and orange for a spooky Halloween feel, or go all out with green and gold for St. Patrick’s Day fun. The goal is to create a thrilling experience that will leave your kids giggling and engaged.
Jell-o Alphabet Play
If you’re up for a messy but incredibly enjoyable activity with your kids, look no further! This fun-filled exercise is sure to bring out their inner child and leave them squealing with delight all day long. With just two essential items – jello and plastic alphabets – you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable experience. To make it even more engaging, grab a pack of plastic alphabets if you don’t already have them at home.
Simply cook the jello, pour it into a container, add the alphabets once the mixture has cooled slightly, and let the kids dig in when it’s fully set.
St Patrick’s Day Shaving Cream Play
Imagine a treasure hunt that combines the thrill of discovery with the tactile delight of playdough – welcome to our St Patrick’s Day Shaving Cream Play! Gather your essentials: shaving cream, green food coloring, glitter, and some fake gold coins. Mix and mingle these ingredients in a sensory bin by adding the shaving cream, burying the coins, and sprinkling some sparkle. Then, shout with excitement as your little ones dig their hands into the creamy goodness to uncover the hidden treasure.
Paper Tearing
There are numerous explanations for indulging in page ripping; arguably, the most prominent reason is sheer enjoyment. This tactile experience is not only relished by children but also by adults seeking a moment of relaxation. If your child shares this affinity, it’s essential to introduce them to this engaging and Montessori-approved activity.
To begin with, procure some vibrant paper for your little ones and take the time to explain the distinction between destroying books and ripping activity sheets. Once they grasp the concept, embark on the activity, using the colorful torn fragments to create imaginative shapes and images, such as a house or tree. Subsequently, apply glue to secure these creations onto white paper, thereby addressing two concerns simultaneously.
Water Beads
To foster your toddler’s fine motor skills and provide hours of engaging entertainment, look no further than our water beads sensory bin activity. This simple yet captivating exercise is made possible by the versatile and tactilely pleasing water beads that can be easily sourced here. A single small packet will suffice for a child to enjoy countless hours of play.
To set up this stimulating experience, simply combine the beads with an assortment of toys, such as rubber unicorns or plastic farm animals, and present it to your toddler. The resulting sensory bin is perfect for developing fine motor skills as your little one uses scoopers, spoons, and other tools to excavate their favorite toys from the squishy mixture.
Pom Pom Rainbow Collage
While rainbows may not be a familiar sight to everyone, they evoke universal feelings of love, hope, and serenity. As someone who’s passionate about creativity, I often find myself drawing rainbows alongside children, exploring the world of colors with them. This simple yet engaging activity is an excellent way to help young minds develop their color recognition skills and fine motor abilities.
By having kids draw or print a rainbow, then encouraging them to decorate it with colorful pom-poms, we can foster a sense of control and agency. If you’re running low on supplies, you can easily order more here. This activity is an effective way to reduce tantrums and encourage joyful learning.
Colours and Letters Water Play
The water sensory bin is a hit with kids I’ve met, who can’t get enough of splashing around in the fun. This activity requires some basic materials: blue or color-coded toys and foam letters. To make it easy to find the perfect foam letters, you can head over [here](link). Simply add the letters and blue toys to the bin, then provide your little one with a big spoon or ladle to ‘fish’ out the hidden treasures.
As they scoop up each letter and toy, be sure to loudly name each one, making it an engaging experience that’s both fun and educational.
Valentine’s Pom Pom Sensory Bin
Sensory bins offer a versatile learning tool that can be tailored to various themes and occasions. With just a few basic components, you can create engaging experiences for children. Take Valentine’s Day, for instance – it’s surprisingly easy to craft a sensory bin that fosters learning about love and kindness. To get started, gather a large container, red yarn, tongs (you can find them by clicking here), and pom-poms.
The key is in the details; add items related to the theme, such as hearts or Cupid’s arrows. This sensory bin is designed to be hands-on, allowing toddlers to develop their motor skills and learn about different shades of red. As your child explores the bin, provide tools like scoops and containers for them to practice transferring the pom-poms. Once they’ve got the pom-poms out, offer a plastic fork for them to twirl the yarn around it, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.
Gak
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of GAK, you might be missing out on a world of sensory fun! This versatile substance is made with just three simple ingredients: white school glue, liquid starch, and water. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up – taking only about an hour to prepare. The payoff is well worth the effort, as it opens the door to a wide range of creative play experiences for kids.
Modern Sensory Blocks
Sensory play is a valuable tool for helping children navigate new environments and develop essential skills like communication and cognitive processing. By incorporating a variety of textures and materials into their play, kids can refine their reactions to these experiences and build confidence in their ability to adapt. One simple yet effective way to create sensory-rich blocks is by using plain wooden blocks as a canvas for a wide range of embellishments.
From natural elements like shells and pasta to manufactured materials like fabric, denim, and leather, the options are endless. Add some buttons or other small objects for an added layer of tactile exploration. Once you’ve prepared your blocks, engage with your child in an immersive experience, inviting them to explore the diverse textures and sensations at their fingertips.
Wall Mosaic Art
Imagine the thrill of engaging in sensory play that’s not only enjoyable but also mess-free! Our innovative wall art sensory play is designed to captivate your little ones’ attention while giving them a sense of control over their creative project. Simply tape white construction paper onto the wall and provide your kids with pattern blocks and foam letters to arrange at their leisure.
This activity offers a unique opportunity to help your children grasp shape relationships and develop their spelling skills.
If you’re missing some essential supplies like foam blocks, don’t worry! You can easily order a pack online. Plus, these reusable foam letters can be incorporated into other engaging activities, such as the water foam letter sensory bin activity.
For more ideas on developing your 1-year-old’s cognitive and motor skills, explore our collection of activities designed specifically for this age group.
Playdough Forest
Introducing a fun and engaging way to teach children about the forest and natural habitats, right from the comfort of your own backyard! By combining playdough with an outdoor scavenger hunt, you can help your kids develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Start by sending your little ones on a mission to collect various supplies needed for the playdough forest activity. This could include items like leaves, twigs, pinecones, and even small rocks or pebbles.
Once they’ve gathered everything, sit down with them to create their very own forest-inspired masterpiece. Playdough is an incredibly versatile medium that can be used in a wide range of sensory play activities, from creating realistic landscapes to molding and shaping three-dimensional objects. And the best part? It’s just as much fun for kids as it is for adults! So why not get creative and explore the world of forest-inspired playdough art together?
Slime
Get ready for a messy sensory adventure! If you’re up for creating and cleaning up a bit, I’ve got just the thing: a lime and soap experiment that’s sure to delight your kids. The magic happens when you microwave the soap – it produces a fluffy residue that can be transformed into slime. And the best part? This activity is two experiments in one!
By adding water to the fluff, you’ll create a unique kind of slime that’s perfect for little hands to get stuck into (and yes, you can even leave it overnight to firm up and make it even better for the next day’s play). So grab some soap, lime juice, and water, and let the sensory fun begin!
DIY Ball Pit
Transforming your backyard into an immersive ball pit experience is an excellent way to captivate your toddler’s attention. To get started, simply gather bags of colorful balls and a kiddie pool. Inflate the pool and fill it with the balls for a delightful sensory play area. For added fun during the summer months, you can even add water to the mix, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience that’s sure to delight your little one.
Stack Cups
As I reflect on my own childhood, I’m reminded of the simple joys that never get old – like stacking cups! Fast forward to today, it’s amazing how this timeless activity can be repurposed to create an engaging experience for kids. With a little creativity, you can turn any ordinary object into a sensory-rich play opportunity. For instance, using stacking cups, you can design interactive games that cater to your child’s unique developmental needs.
Busy Board
For kids with boundless energy, a busy board is an ingenious way to keep them engaged and active. Children’s natural curiosity and short attention span make it challenging for them to sit still for long periods. A busy board is designed to cater to this hyperactivity, providing an interactive and entertaining experience that can keep your little ones occupied for extended periods.
To create a busy board, you’re free to get creative and use a wide range of materials, such as light switches, buttons, old phone dials, door handles, door latches, doorstops, bells, zips, and more. You can repurpose items from your junk drawer or visit your local hardware store for inspiration.
Two must-have components that are sure to delight kids are the door latch and electric bell. These interactive elements are often a hit with children and can be easily sourced online.
Bathtub Paints
Transform bath time into a creative haven by whipping up a simple bathtub paint recipe with just a few ingredients: Dish Detergent, Cornstarch, Water, and Food Coloring. This fun activity allows your little ones to express their artistic side while you relax, knowing that the mess will be minimal. As an added bonus, the excitement of painting at bedtime can become a calming pre-sleep routine, leaving your toddlers feeling tired and content as they drift off to dreamland.
Soap Foam
The Ivory Soap Experiment is a timeless favorite among children of all ages, requiring just two simple ingredients: Ivory Soap and Water. To get started, microwave the soap until it explodes, transforming into a rich, soapy foam. Fill a large container with this magical mixture and let your little ones indulge in the thrill of playing with the thick, long-lasting foam. With its unique texture and sensory appeal, this activity is sure to captivate young minds and spark imagination.
For even more ideas on engaging activities for 2-year-olds, check out these additional suggestions!
Edible Frosting Playdough
Toddlers are notorious for their curiosity, and it’s not uncommon for them to find everything they lay eyes on ending up in their mouths. This understandable fear of choking hazards is often the reason many parents steer clear of play dough. Fear not, however, as we’re about to share a simple yet effective recipe that will alleviate those worries. The answer lies in combining 1 cup of frosting with 2 cups of icing sugar – yes, it’s that straightforward!
With this non-toxic and harmless concoction, you can create shapes, animals, and even incorporate toys to make unique designs. And if your little one decides to take a taste, rest assured there’s no cause for concern. This play dough is just as versatile as any other, offering endless opportunities for creative expression and imagination.
By incorporating these engaging activities into your daily routine, you can successfully entertain and educate your child, making for a memorable learning experience.
51 Engaging Activities for 1-Year-Olds
Looking to entertain your 1-year-old? Worry no more! These engaging activities are designed to keep little ones occupied and active. With a quick 20-minute prep time, you can set up these fun-filled hours of playtime. Not only will this save you from the chaos of bored toddlers, but it’ll also give you some much-needed time to relax and recharge. And the best part? It won’t break the bank, with a total cost of just $1!
Equipment
Materials
Sensory play is a wonderful way to encourage children’s creativity, curiosity, and fine motor skills development. Over the years, we’ve explored numerous sensory bin activities that cater to different seasons, holidays, and themes. These engaging playsets can be easily set up at home with everyday materials or creative supplies.
Some notable examples include Winter-Ice Sensory Bin, Loom Band Sensory Bottles, Fizzy Ice Cube Sensory Bin, Halloween Sensory Bin, Rainbow Spaghetti, Easter Egg Puzzle Activity, Oats Sensory Bin, and many more. Additionally, we’ve also explored other sensory activities such as Painting With Foil, DIY Paper Mache, Edible Yogurt Finger Paint, Hammer Painting, and Bubbles.
These experiences not only stimulate the senses but also promote problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. We’ve also delved into various art projects like Cups and Flowers Toddler DIY Project, Ball Drop Box, Fridge Door Pom Pom Drop, Recycled Paper Roll Building Blocks, and Dyed Pasta.
Furthermore, we’ve explored themed sensory playsets for holidays like Leprechaun Snow, Texture Balloon Sensory Play, Scented and Dyed Rice, Bubbles and Letters – Sensory Play, Fine Motor Skills Coins, Salt Writing Tray, Penguin Alphabet Sensory Bin, Dinosaur Play Setup, Christmas Pom Pom Water Play, Jell-o Alphabet Play, St Patrick’s Day Shaving Cream Play, and Valentine’s Pom Pom Sensory Bin.
These experiences not only bring joy to children but also help them develop essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and fine motor control.
Instructions
Embark on the creative adventure by selecting the activity that suits your little ones’ interests. Next, gather the necessary materials and supplies to bring their imagination to life. Finally, let them dive into the fun and watch their creativity shine!