100+ Indoor Activities for Kids - Happy Toddler Playtime (2024)

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Are you on the lookout for ways to keep your little ones entertained indoors? Whether it’s a rainy day, a chilly afternoon, or you’re just opting for some homebound fun, we’ve got you covered with over 100 indoor activities that are sure to keep your kids engaged, learning, and most importantly, having a blast!

Gone are the days when staying inside meant a boring lineup of TV and video games. Our mega list of indoor activities is packed with creativity, learning, and loads of fun. From arts and crafts to DIY science experiments, from brain-teasing puzzles to imaginative play, there’s something for every curious, creative, and energetic child. So, let’s turn those potential cabin fever moments into hours of indoor excitement!

Indoor Adventures Await: Activities Galore!

Our extensive list of indoor activities is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. We believe that indoor time can be both a fun and educational experience. These activities not only keep your kids entertained but also help in developing various skills like fine motor coordination, cognitive abilities, creativity, and even social skills when they involve group play.

You’ll find activities that require minimal preparation and materials you likely already have at home. From transforming your living room

into an imaginative play zone to exploring the wonders of science in your kitchen, there’s no end to the fun and learning that can happen right inside your home. Plus, many of these activities are perfect for those days when you’re juggling work-from-home duties or household chores and need engaging, self-directed activities for your kids.

Dive into a World of Indoor Fun: Our Top Picks

  1. DIY Craft Projects: Unleash your child’s creativity with simple craft projects. Think homemade playdough, pasta jewelry, or paper mache creations.
  2. Play with Magnetic Tiles.
  3. Kitchen Science Experiments: Turn your kitchen into a science lab. Baking soda volcanoes, homemade slime, or density experiments with oil and water can be both fun and educational. Perform ‘magic’ in your kitchen with these Easy Science Experiments.
  4. Indoor Treasure Hunts: Create a treasure hunt by hiding clues around the house. It’s a great way to get the kids moving and thinking.
  5. Build a Fort: Use pillows, blankets, and furniture to build a magnificent fort. It’s perfect for imaginative play or cozy reading time.
  6. Home Theater: Put on a play or a puppet show. Kids can create their scripts, make costumes, or even design tickets.
  7. Yoga and Exercise: Stay active with kid-friendly yoga or a homemade obstacle course to burn off energy.
  8. Board Games and Puzzles: Ideal for developing strategic thinking and patience. Plus, it’s a great way for family bonding.
  9. Educational Apps and Online Resources: There are numerous educational apps that make learning fun, covering topics from math to languages.
  10. Art Gallery at Home: Have an art session where kids can paint or draw, then display their artwork in a home gallery.
  11. Cooking and Baking: Involve kids in cooking or baking. It’s a delicious way to teach them about measurements, patience, and the joy of creating something from scratch.
  12. Reading and Storytelling: Create a cozy reading corner. Share stories or have older kids read to younger ones.
  13. Music and Dance: Have a dance party or try learning a new instrument. Music is great for expression and motor skills.
  14. Gardening Indoors: If you have space, try indoor gardening with herbs or small plants, teaching responsibility and care for nature.
  15. Learning with Toys: Educational toys like building blocks, puzzles, and memory games are great for skill development.
  16. DIY Time Capsule: Create a time capsule with current favorite items and notes, to be opened in the future.
  17. Play with Cars or Trucks.
  18. Play with Dolls.
  19. Play with Trains.
  20. Play with Mega Bloks.
  21. Make Silly Putty.
  22. Do a science experiments with Balloons.
  23. Play with Post-it Notes.
  24. Make something with Cardboard.
  25. Turn your Salad Spinner into the best toy.
  26. Play or make something using Toilet Paper Rolls.
  27. Play with Dinosaurs.
  28. Take a fun Bath.
  29. Play with Play Dough.
  30. Play with Oobleck
  31. Get creative with Glue.
  32. Make something or play with Pom Poms.
  33. Play with Squeeze Pouch Caps.
  34. Have an Indoor Picnic.
  35. Have a Dance Party.
  36. Make a Sensory Bin.
  37. Build a Book Rainbow.
  38. Make a DIY Ball Ramp.
  39. Try a fun Brain Teaser.
  40. How to Make a Giant Floor Maze for Kids
  41. Giant Nail Salon
  42. Animal Line-up Kids Activity
  43. Bread Painting: Edible Art
  44. Make Bread in a Bag Recipe for Kids

Cutlery Sorting – Happy Toddler

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcl4gjldt7/?igshid=13l9ahaai8bj9

DIY Flip Book for Toddlers – Happy Toddler Playtime

Indoor Exercise Course by Mother Could

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_IhYV3geoT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Indoor Learning Activities

Roll and Drop – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFSd1s1FO4v/?igshid=1jkv31t6wl1r

Poke Your Name – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEub-AAlqcz/?igshid=z7wkq6s0wmop

Elmer the Elephant Sticky Wall – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEpRA1blWNO/?igshid=3rdtysvlynd1

Leaf Counting Wands – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEmtKsQFj-t/?igshid=oxmfy8q7kr9u

Big Building Blocks: Toddler STEM Activity – Busy Toddler

Mystery Math – Happy Toddler Playtime

Giant Alphabet Puzzle Game – Happy Toddler Playtime

Dot Sticker Dinosaur – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEPoeVAFPIB/?igshid=1grzngadefx38

Dinner Plate Counting – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CENMAbYF4-F/?igshid=9649koa712vf

Mega Blok Counting – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFbWKdlecw/?igshid=skfpimb8087s

Rain Drop Counting Sticky Wall – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDuInBblEtZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Unwrap the Names – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDnFN03lSIf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Car Letters – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPxVRHlcDW/?igshid=1pknz9en94nxi

Big Letter Dot It – Pocket of Preschool

Giant Shape Match Activity – Busy Toddler

Magnetic Tile Symmetry – Mama Papa Bubba

Giant Shape Painting – Happy Toddler Playtime

Big DIY Shapes Puzzle by Munchkins and Moms

by Happy Toddler Playtime

Big Word Search Activity by Busy Toddler

Giant Color Sorting – Get Active While Learning Colors! by Chalk Academy

Tube Pattern Matching by Happy Toddler Playtime

Giant Pattern Blocks by I Can Teach My Child

Easy DIY Giant Dice by The Craft Train

Giant Tape Road – My Bored Toddler

Big Alphabet Memory Game by Frugal Fun 4 Boys

Indoor Sensory Activities

Cool Giant Water Beads by Teaching Mama

Giant Sensory Lagoon by Two Daloo

Giant Rice Pool Sensory by Busy Toddler

Big Colout Themed Sensory Tub by The Imagination Tree

Colorful Giant Couscous Sensory Bin by Crafty Morning

Indoor Art Activities

Make a Farm – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFAcGWwFBpl/?igshid=n2xgm7xcbox7

Giant Nail Salon by Happy Toddler Playtime

Giant Doll Decorating – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEXYkJVFi5n/?igshid=6gm6ikzzwm5y

Sock Hand Painting – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDChvdglpDS/?igshid=ke5s3o2fw6pz

Paint the Horses – Happy Toddler Playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FkugVlBhh/?igshid=10mw5r8xbx4l5

Giant Sticky Collage by Mamapapabubba

Body Paint Process Art by Busy Toddler

Giant Flower Collage by Crafty Kids at Home

Giant Cardboard Flower by Make-It-Your-Own

CREATE GIANT KID SIZE SPIROGRAPH DRAWINGS by Hello Wonderful

Large Scale Cardboard Painting – Mama.Papa.Bubba

Giant Canvas Toddler Art by Busy Toddler

Giant Earth Day Art by Happy Toddler Playtime

$1 Giant Dry Erase Mat by I Heart Crafty Things

Giant Crayon by Homegroan Friends

Colorful Giant Painting by Busy Toddler

WILL YOU TRY ANY OF THESE AMAZING INDOOR ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE? PIN IT FOR LATER!

100+ Indoor Activities for Kids - Happy Toddler Playtime (7)
100+ Indoor Activities for Kids - Happy Toddler Playtime (2024)

FAQs

How many activities does a toddler need? ›

Physical activity guidelines for toddlers recommend that each day they: get at least 30 minutes of structured (adult-led) physical activity. get at least 60 minutes of unstructured (active free play) physical activity. not be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time except when sleeping.

How do you mentally stimulate a 2 year old? ›

Sing simple songs that involve actions or animal sounds. For example, 'Heads and shoulders' or 'Old MacDonald'. Give your toddler things to sort, like coloured blocks, shapes or pegs, or plastic cups and containers of different sizes. Give your toddler toys with buttons to push to make something happen.

What are fun activities for 3 year olds? ›

5 Indoor Activities for 3-Year-Olds
  • Drawing. One of the favorite preschool activities for 3-year-olds is drawing. ...
  • Building with Blocks. One of the easy, no-mess activities for 3-year-olds at home is to let them build with blocks. ...
  • Paper Cutting with Safety Scissors. ...
  • Doing Daily Chores. ...
  • Role-playing.
Dec 20, 2023

Where is good to take a 2 year old? ›

Country park

So many country parks have beautiful grounds for walks and play parks too. There are often activities for children – especially in the school holidays. And great cafes an places to grab snacks too. You'll be surprised at just how much you can do in your local country park.

How much playtime should a toddler have? ›

There's a minimum amount of playtime that experts recommend, but that doesn't mean that you should stop there. It's important that children receive at least an hour of free playtime, and a half hour of guided playtime every day, though they should receive more if possible. This doesn't include screen time.

How much playtime does a toddler need? ›

Toddlers should have opportunities to play every day, the AAP says. Many experts recommend giving toddlers at least an hour per day of free, unstructured (but still supervised) play where children can explore what interests them, along with at least 30 minutes of active, adult-led, structured play.

Should a 2 year old know their ABC's? ›

Here's how and when kids typically learn their ABCs: Around age 2: Kids start recognizing some letters and can sing or say aloud the “ABC” song. Around age 3: Kids may recognize about half the letters in the alphabet and start to connect letters to their sounds.

How do I entertain my 2 year old indoors? ›

Indoor scavenger hunt

With a small basket in hand, ask your 2 year old to find simple items from around your home such as a shoe, diaper, stuffie, or sock and place them in the basket. This activity will have your toddler moving around your home and practicing their language skills along the way.

What activities are good for high IQ toddlers? ›

Everyday activities like playing, reading and using educational websites can help your child explore new interests and develop talents. Structured activities like trips to galleries, music lessons or sports camps can also extend your child's learning and develop talents.

What is a game a 3 year old can play? ›

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel is one of Hershberg's favorite games for 3-year-olds, and with good reason: It's simple; it will get kids laughing; and it will help them learn their colors, as well as develop their sorting, matching and strategic thinking skills. And nope, no reading required!

How do I entertain my 3 year old for a day? ›

Things to do with three-year-olds
  1. Play ball -- show children how to throw, catch, and kick balls of different sizes.
  2. Sing simple songs with them.
  3. Give them lots of time to run, jump, and play outside.
  4. Read books to them every day.
  5. Sing action songs with movements and do finger plays.

What are some fun activities for toddlers? ›

Have some fun without feeling stressed by trying some of the ideas below.
  • Give your child a doll and encourage them to hold, talk to, dress, and take care of it.
  • Do a puzzle.
  • Read a book.
  • Have a dance party.
  • Print some coloring pages and color away.
  • Play with blocks.
  • Give them a bubble bath.
  • Watch a movie.
Feb 8, 2024

What is the most fun toddler age? ›

Almost 40 percent of the 2,000 moms and dads polled thought they had the best time when their child hit age 5 — in part because they “started to communicate properly” and had developed “a good sense of humor.” On the flip side, however, is the age range the parents polled rated the most difficult: between 10 and 12.

What age is a toddler? ›

But when and at what age is a baby/infant considered a toddler? Most experts suggest toddlerhood starts at 1 year of age. This is the time when many babies are ready to "toddle"—to take those first shaky steps. The toddler age range runs from around 1 year (12 months) to around 3 years of age.

What age is Peppa Pig World for? ›

What age is Peppa Pig World suitable for? Peppa Pig World is full of fun for tots between the ages of 1 and 6. But some rides do have a height restriction, for example, George's Dinosaur Adventure where children must be a minimum of 85cm.

How many activities should a 2 year old do? ›

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children aged 1-2 years should engage in at least 180 minutes of physical activity per day. This can include a variety of activities such as active play, running, jumping, climbing, dancing, and games.

Do I have to constantly entertain my toddler? ›

In fact, it is helpful if you don't. Yes, you want to soak up your time with your little cutie patooties, but you also don't want to micromanage their time and activities. Letting them learn how to entertain themselves and do activities independently will help them thrive and develop their creativity.

Do I need to play with my toddler all the time? ›

Kim Mangham, a pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics – Keller Parkway. “Parents need to understand that they don't have to do it all.” As it turns out, saying no from time to time is beneficial not only for parents but also for their offspring. “It's good for kids to have downtime and even be bored,” says Dr.

How long should a 2 year old attend to an activity? ›

2 years old: 4-6 minutes. 3 years old: 6-8 minutes. 4 years old: 8-12 minutes. 5-6 years old: 12-18 minutes.

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