4 Easy Indoor Activities for Kids Under Two
Feeling stir crazy? The winter months can make parenting little ones a challenge. Add to that a global pandemic, and we bet you’ve already Googled “Ways to entertain my toddler at home” a time or two.
Today, we’re sharing indoor activity ideas for kids under 2 via Angie Taylor–a kindergarten teacher and mom to a one-year-old.
Keep reading for activities that will keep your child entertained well into spring!
Ball Pit Activity for 0-6-month-Olds
What you’ll need:
- A baby bathtub, laundry basket, or another large container
- Plastic Balls
How To Make It:
Fill the container with plastic balls and play!
Angie said this activity is great for sensory development.
“Your baby will love watching everything move,” she said. “And they’ll hear the balls rattling as she kicks them around. She’ll also touch the balls with her hands and feet.”
Bib Pull Activity for 6-12 Month-Olds
What you’ll need:
6 to 10 bibs
How to Make it:
Hang your baby’s bibs from their crib railing.
What to do:
Encourage your baby to pull the bibs off the railing.
“This activity is a great way to practice balance and build core strength,” Angie said.
She also noted that it helps develop fine and gross motor skills because it encourages grasping/pulling as well as standing, balancing, reaching, and cruising to get the bibs.
She said that if your baby isn’t standing yet, attach the bibs to the bottom rail.
No Mess Painting for 12 to 18-month-olds
What You’ll Need:
- Finger paint
- Cardstock
- Large, resealable plastic bag
- Computer & printer OR markers
- Scissors
What You’ll Do:
- Draw a picture outline on a piece of card stock and write a message on it. (Angie did all of this on the computer and printed it).
- Trim the paper so it will fit in the large readable bag.
- Put a few dots of finger paint in the resealable bag and close it.
- Give to your toddler to “paint”.
- Gently pull the paper out and let dry.
- Cut out the picture.
“Your toddler will love poking, slapping, and smushing the paint all around,” Angie said.
And to help with language development, she suggested using words such as “slap,” “poke,” and “smush,” while your toddler plays.
“Talk with your toddler about the colors and how they are mixing and
about the design you created and what you are using this art project for,” she said.
Cookie Decorating Activity for 18 to 24-month-olds
What You’ll Need:
- Sugar Cookies
- Icing
- Food coloring
- Various types of sprinkles
- Plastic bowls
- Plastic knife (spreader)
What To Do
- Bake or buy sugar cookies
- Put different toppings in bowls (sugar sprinkles, Jimmies, holiday sprinkles, etc)
- Ice the cookies (or let your toddler ice them). Buy canned icing, divide into bowls, and add food coloring.
- Let your toddler decorate the cookies.
- Enjoy the yummy treats!
And remember: “These cookies are not for a celebrity so let your kid have fun,” she said. “Who cares what they look like!” Angie said.
Wrapping Up
We know being stuck indoors with young kids can be a tough, so we hope these activities bring some fun into your homes this winter!
And if you’re looking for more parenting tips and tricks, be sure to check out the other posts on our blog.
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