Keeping a toddler entertained indoors can be tough! There are only so many rounds of peekaboo or reading the same book before you need fresh ideas to keep your little one occupied.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of fun, creative, and super easy indoor activities for toddlers—designed to keep them happy, learning, and having fun, without you feeling like you’re losing your mind!
I’ve tried most of these with my daughter, Madison, and trust me, they keep her busy long enough for me to actually finish a cup of coffee!
31 Indoor Activities for Toddlers
1. Pillow Fort Extravaganza
Grab all the pillows, blankets, and cushions in your house and build the coziest fort ever! This is a fun way to encourage creativity and imagination.
2. Indoor Obstacle Course
Use pillows, chairs, and toys to set up a mini obstacle course. Have your toddler climb, jump, crawl, and navigate their way through. It’s a great way to burn off energy!
When Madison was in the middle of a rainy-day meltdown, pulling out the DIY indoor obstacle course was a lifesaver. Watching her race around the room with pure joy made all the couch cushions on the floor worth it!
3. DIY Sensory Bins
Fill a container with rice, pasta, or even water beads, then toss in toys like dinosaurs or cars for some sensory exploration.
Pro tip: Lay down a big sheet or towel first—because let’s face it, toddlers + sensory bins = mess everywhere!
4. Sticker Art
Give your toddler a variety of stickers and paper, and let them create their own masterpieces. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with!
5. Dance Party!
Turn up the tunes and have a dance-off. Not only is this super fun, but it also helps burn off extra energy!
6. Sock Toss
Grab some rolled-up socks and set up laundry baskets or buckets. Have your toddler practice throwing the socks into the baskets—great for hand-eye coordination.
7. Play Dough Creations
A classic! Give them some colorful play dough and let their imaginations run wild. Bonus: It’s great for strengthening those little hand muscles.
When we tried the homemade playdough recipe, Madison’s face lit up as she squished the dough in her hands. Watching her create little shapes and figures kept her focused for a solid hour—parenting win!
8. DIY Mini Bowling
Set up a mini bowling alley using empty toilet paper rolls as pins and a small ball. It’s easy to set up and just as fun to knock down!
9. Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of objects for your toddler to find around the house. This will keep them busy and engaged as they hunt down their treasures.
When we do the ‘indoor scavenger hunt,’ I like to switch it up by hiding small toys or even pieces of fruit. Madison loves the thrill of finding her favorite stuffed animals in the most unexpected places.
10. Sorting Colors
Gather colorful objects from around the house and have your toddler sort them by color. It’s a simple but effective way to teach colors.
11. Water Play (Without the Mess)
Fill a shallow baking tray with water and give your toddler toys like boats, cups, and plastic animals for some splashing fun. Just put a towel under it, and you’re good to go.
12. Puzzle Time
Pick out a fun puzzle that’s age-appropriate and let them get lost in putting it together. It’s great for problem-solving skills.
13. Baking Together
Let your toddler be the mini chef for the day. From mixing batter to decorating cookies, this is a tasty way to spend time together.
14. Animal Yoga
Teach your toddler some basic yoga poses inspired by animals—downward dog, cat stretch, or butterfly pose. It’s relaxing and great for their motor skills.
15. Indoor Picnic
Lay out a blanket, prepare some snacks, and have a picnic in your living room. It’s an easy way to switch things up and adds a little adventure to snack time.
16. Story Time Theater
Get dramatic with their favorite books. Use different voices for each character and act out the scenes to make storytime extra fun!
17. Cardboard Box Creations
Who knew a cardboard box could be so exciting? Transform it into a car, spaceship, or house with some markers, tape, and a little imagination.
18. Finger Painting
If you’re okay with a little mess, set up a finger painting station. Let your toddler’s creativity shine with some bright paints.
19. DIY Instruments
Make simple instruments like shakers (rice in a bottle) or drums (pots and wooden spoons). Then start a toddler band and make some music together.
20. Simon Says
A classic game that never gets old! “Simon says hop like a bunny,” or “Simon says spin in a circle.” It’s a great way to get them moving while practicing listening skills.
21. Dress-Up Fun
Bring out old clothes, hats, and accessories for a dress-up session. Let your toddler explore different characters and role play.
22. Bubble Wrap Stomp
Got leftover bubble wrap? Lay it on the floor and let your toddler stomp, jump, and pop their way through it. Instant fun!
23. Mirror Play
Sit in front of a mirror with your toddler and make funny faces together, or have them mimic your expressions. It’s a great way to work on emotions and facial recognition.
24. Matching Game
Create a DIY matching game with pictures or objects from around the house. Matching socks, toys, or even kitchen utensils works too!
25. Laundry Basket Boat
Let your toddler sit in a laundry basket and pretend they’re rowing a boat. Add some stuffed animal passengers for extra fun!
26. Nature Collage
Go on a mini scavenger hunt indoors or use things you’ve collected outside (like leaves or pinecones) and create a nature collage together.
27. Build a City with Blocks
Whether it’s wooden blocks, LEGOs, or even plastic cups, let your toddler build their own little city or castle. Encourage them to use their imagination.
28. Mini Dance Routine
Help your toddler come up with a short dance routine to their favorite song. Then, put on a little performance for the family!
29. Paper Plate Crafts
Paper plates are a great base for endless craft ideas! From painting a lion’s face to creating paper plate pizzas, this one’s a hit.
30. Memory Game
Create a simple memory game using pairs of toys or cards. Lay them out face down and take turns flipping them to find a match!
31. Flashlight Fun
Turn off the lights, give your toddler a flashlight, and let them explore. Create shadow puppets on the wall or have a mini light show!
These 31 indoor activities for toddlers will keep your little one entertained and learning, while also sneaking in some bonding time. Plus, they’re all easy to set up and don’t require much more than what you already have at home.
So, next time your little one is getting antsy, just pick an activity from the list and enjoy some indoor fun!
What’s your go-to indoor activity when the weather keeps you stuck inside? I’d love to hear your ideas—I’m always looking for new ways to keep my little one entertained!
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