Some days the weather wins. When you're stuck inside with a toddler, the trick is to have a few ideas ready that don't take an hour to set up or clean up. Here are twelve that work for most little ones between about one and three years old. Always supervise play, and pick activities that suit your child's age.
Pretend play
1. Make a hideout
A small space of their own is endlessly fun for a toddler. Drape a sheet over two chairs, or set up a play tent. The Hideout play tent has a 47 by 39 inch footprint, roll-up curtains and windows, and folds down when you need the floor back. Fill it with cushions and books. Keep it away from heaters, lamps and cords, and don't add string lights inside.
2. Have a teddy bear picnic
Line up stuffed animals, give everyone a plate and serve pretend food. A big, huggable plush like the 16-inch Waddle animal makes a great guest of honor.
3. Play shop
Use cans and boxes from the cupboard, a bag and a pretend card. Toddlers love taking turns being the shopper and the shopkeeper.
Building and making
4. Build a tower, then knock it down
Blocks never go out of style. If your toddler has a lot of them, a storage cart makes clean-up part of the game. The Cedar truck cart can come with 120 building blocks and storage bins. Check that blocks are the right size for children under 3.
5. Crafts at a little table
Chunky crayons, stickers and big sheets of paper are perfect for toddlers. A child-size table keeps the mess in one spot. The Pebble table and chairs wipe clean after crayons and play dough.
6. Play dough
Cookie cutters, a rolling pin and a tray are all you need. Watch that nothing goes in the mouth.
Water play
7. An afternoon bath
A bath doesn't have to be at bedtime. Add cups, scoops and a toy or two, and bath time becomes an activity. A wind-up swimmer like the Paddle bath toy needs no batteries. Keep your child within arm's reach the whole time.
8. Wash the dishes
Give your toddler a bowl of water, plastic cups and a sponge at the kitchen table. Put a towel underneath and let them get to work.
Moving
9. A cushion obstacle course
Sofa cushions on the floor make a course to crawl over, climb on and tumble into. Keep it low and soft, and away from furniture edges.
10. A dance party
Put on a few songs and dance. Add freeze dance (stop when the music stops) for extra giggles.
Quiet time
11. A reading corner
Set out a small pile of books they haven't seen for a while. Books that come back after a rest feel new again. See our reading nook ideas.
12. A sorting game
Sort toys by color into bowls, or match socks from the laundry basket. It's calm, and it builds early thinking skills too.
Tips for a good indoor day
- Switch activities before boredom sets in. Twenty minutes is a long time at this age.
- Mix busy and calm. A dance party before lunch, books after.
- Get outside for a few minutes if you can, even just to the porch.
Questions parents ask
How long can a toddler focus on one activity?
Often just a few minutes, sometimes longer for something they love. Short, varied activities work best.
Do toddlers need lots of toys?
No. A few open-ended toys and everyday objects often keep them busier than a big collection.
How do I keep indoor play safe?
Supervise, choose age-appropriate toys and keep small parts away from children under 3.
Short on space? See our living room toy storage ideas.
