Indoor Toddler Activities

I had the pleasure of spending some days this past summer with my nephew. So, I thought I would share some of the fun indoor toddler activies that we did. Especially with Christmas right around the corner, they could give you some gift ideas. My nephew is two, but I think these indoor toddler activities could work for preschool aged kids as well. All these activities can work for either boys or girls.

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Play-Doh Kitchen Creations

This Play-doh Kitchen Creations set is one of my nephews favorites! The set comes with everything you need including roller and 8 small containers of different colored play-doh. It also has 4 differnt shaped cutters, spatula, utensils, frying pan, egg stamper, syrup extruder, and 2 plates that have stampers on the bottom for bacan, sausage, and fruit.

With this set, they’re so many learning oppurtunities and endless fun. My nephew has learned the shapes circle, star, and heart for using this set. There were oppurtunities for counting and learning colors that were unfamilar to him, like tan and white. We even used the play-doh in there containers to match the lid color with the color inside. Working with play-doh, in general, is good for fine motor skills and pretend play.

Floor Markers

These colorful circles are called floor markers that children sit on during school settings. When I saw these colorfuk circles, I saw so many possiblilities! For my nephew that is two, the best use I found for these floor markers is letting him place them on the floor and then as he picks them up, he tells me the color. Once he gave me some of the circles, I ask him if he could find a specific color by showing him the color and saying its name. This was a great way to introduce matching to him. They are also velcro so they not only stick to carpet, but to clothing as well.(as you can see below)

Another idea is placing them on the floor in a huge circle, put on some music and have your child/children walk on them as music plays. Then turn off the music and have them freeze on one circle. Ask them to tell you the color they are standing on and then start the music again and repeat the process. They also work great if you play action songs that require walking around the room. They can follow the path of circles while doing the action songs. For example, The Wheels on the Bus works great for this. It gets them moving and more active than jusr standing in place.

Potato Heads

So basic, but kids still love the classic Mr. Potaot Head. It’s a great tool to help kids learn the different body parts and the right placement. Of course, It’s fun to make it look silly and not put the pieces in the right spot, too! Depending on the age of your child, it could be hard to put the pieces in the holes. This can be a good learning oppurtunity as well. You can ask your child to pick out specific body parts and have them choose where they want them placed.

Roll and Play Game

The Roll and Play Game is designed for 18 months and older. It helps develope gross motor skills, color recognition, and cognitive thinking. It comes with a plush cube and 48 action cards. Works great in a group setting or with one child.

Dots Markers

This Washable Dot Marker Kit comes with 8 bingo daubers and a 30 page marker pad. With these daubers, the creativity is endless. It fosters hand eye coordination, color recognition, and even matching the cap to the correct colored dauber.

Fishing Game

This colorful fishing game comes with 2 fishing polls, 2 nets, and 30 different fish and sea creatures. Everything fits in a bag for easy storing. Each fish or sea creature is magnetic and attatches to the fishing poles. This pool toy can be used in the bathtube, water table or even on the floor or a table. Fostors hand eye coordination, color recognition, and pretend play, as well as, learning the names of the sea creatures.

Melissa and Doug Pizza Party Set

The wooden pizza party set, from Melissa and Doug, comes with 54 pieces. The toppings that go on the pizza have velcro on them to easily attach and remove. The pizza slices also have velcro on the sides so they stick together. The pizza cutter that comes with the set easily cuts each slice. Not only is this a great set for pretend play, but it also acts as a puzzle which is a great problem solving skill for early learners.

Silicon Placemat

I wanted to include this product because it was shown in the first photo with the Play-doh Kit. This silicon placemat suctions to the table so it doesn’t move around. It has worked great for meal times and working with play-doh. Easily wipes down for easy clean up.