51 Toddler Activities For 2023

This List of 51 Toddler Activities Will Keep Your Little Ones Entertained For Hours

May 4, 2023 by Lisa Horten

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Indoor Toddler Activities

Reading. Whether you're turning the pages of a sweet bedtime story like "Goodnight Moon" or prepping them for a new sibling with "Peter's Chair," getting lost in a good book together fosters a love of reading and learning.
Dance party. Sometimes, it can seem like your toddler has boundless energy. Help them get it out by jamming out to anything from Elmo to true classics like '90s boy bands and Britney. Listening to music may improve the parent-child relationship.
Play some music. Melissa & Doug's Band in a Box ($26) can help you and your little one make music of your own.
Cleaning. Your little one may be too young to request an allowance. But letting a toddler help out with small things, like wiping down a table with a sponge cut to accommodate tiny hands, empowers them. And it can be fun — as long as you're not expecting a spotless finish.
Indoor climbing toy. Bring outdoor playgrounds in with climbing toys like a pickler triangle with a slide and climbing wall, like the Lily & River Little Climber Pikler Triangle With Rockwall/Slide ($485).
Play-Doh. Yup, the classic activity from your own childhood is still a favorite. Help kids mold shapes, combine colors, and resist the urge to put it in their mouth. This Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case ($8) is a good place to start.
Puppet shows. Little ones will be wildly entertained by all the voices and skits you come up with. Older toddlers may come up with their own. You can use socks or construction-paper puppets, or go with a store-bought option. Melissa & Doug's Safari Buddies Hand Puppets ($38) are plushy and inviting.
Library programs. Your area may have cool open-play spots that cost a pretty penny for an hour. But local libraries often offer free programs like circle and story time. Bonus: these events are a great place to meet other nearby caregivers.
Build a couch fort. You can make a real one (from actual sofa cushions) like you did as a kid. Or, opt for the parent group-favorite Nugget ($249), which is a cinch to clean and much more versatile.
Cook together. Even toddlers can help in the kitchen with simple activities, such as measuring scoops of ingredients. These steps refine motor skills and serve as early math lessons. Montessori learning towers — like the Piccalio Mini Chef Convertible / Helper Tower ($199) — are all the rage, but toddlers who are steady on their feet can use a normal step stool.