10 Fun Things to do Indoors with a Toddler

Being stuck inside with a toddler can be tough. But with the right activities, it can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. From sensory activities to creative crafts, there are plenty of fun things to do indoors that can keep your toddler entertained and engaged. Here are 10 of the best ways to keep your toddler occupied on a rainy day.

1. Sensory Bin Fun

A sensory bin is a great way to keep your toddler occupied and engaged. Fill a large container with items of various textures, shapes, and colors. You can use dried beans, rice, uncooked pasta, pom poms, and other materials to create a fun sensory experience. Add a few small toys that your child can dig through and explore. Your toddler will love digging through the bin and discovering all the different objects.

Sensory bins are also a great way to introduce your toddler to new materials and experiences. You can add items that make sound, like metal spoons and paper clips, or items of different temperatures, like ice cubes or rubber balls. Let your toddler explore and discover new things in a safe and exciting way.

Sensory bins are a great way to keep your toddler entertained and learning during a day spent indoors.

2. Fun with Food

What better way to spend a day indoors than with some fun food activities? From baking to making snacks, there are plenty of ways to keep your toddler engaged and excited about food. You can make simple recipes like muffins or cookies, or you can get creative and make fun snacks like fruit kabobs or animal-shaped sandwiches.

You can also set up a food-based scavenger hunt. Hide pieces of fruit or vegetables around the house and let your toddler find them. Or, you can create a food sensory bin and let your toddler explore different textures and smells. Food can be a great way to keep your toddler occupied and happy on a rainy day.

3. Create a Puppet Show

Creating a puppet show is a great way to keep your toddler entertained. You can use everyday household items, like socks, to create fun puppets. You can also use paper and markers to draw your own puppets. Once you have your puppets, you can put on a show for your little one. You can make up stories, sing songs, and use your puppets to act out scenes. Your toddler will love watching the puppet show and being part of the performance.

Creating a puppet show is a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in your toddler. It’s also a great way to spend some quality time together.

4. Build a Fort

Building a fort is a classic way to keep your toddler occupied on a rainy day. Gather up pillows, blankets, and chairs and create a cozy fort for your little one. You can also add twinkle lights or stuffed animals to make the fort even more inviting. Your toddler will love having a secret space to play and explore.

You can also use the fort to play games. Play hide and seek, or read a few books together in the fort. You can even invite your toddler’s stuffed animals to join in the fun. Your toddler will have a blast playing in their very own fort.

5. Play Dress Up

Playing dress up is another great way to keep your toddler entertained indoors. Gather up old clothes, hats, and accessories and let your little one get creative. You can also create your own costumes with items you have around the house. Make capes out of old sheets, or use paper and markers to create masks. Your toddler will love playing pretend and creating their own costumes.

You can also use the dress up clothes to play games. Act out scenes from your toddler’s favorite stories, or play make believe. Your toddler will love being able to use their imagination and dress up.

6. Paint with Watercolors

Painting with watercolors is a great way to keep your toddler entertained and engaged. Set up a painting station with paper, watercolors, and paintbrushes. Let your toddler explore and discover the different colors and textures. You can also create fun painting activities like painting with ice cubes or shaving cream. Your toddler will love getting creative and messy with the watercolors.

Painting with watercolors is also a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression in your toddler. They can express themselves through their artwork and learn about colors and shapes in the process.

7. Play with Play Dough

Playing with play dough is another great way to keep your toddler occupied on a rainy day. You can use store-bought play dough or make your own. You can also add food coloring or spices to the play dough to create different colors and smells. Your toddler will love getting creative and exploring the different textures.

You can also use the play dough to make fun shapes and figures. Let your toddler explore and discover the different ways they can shape and mold the play dough. Playing with play dough is a great way to keep your toddler occupied and engaged.

8. Do a Puzzle

Doing a puzzle is a great way to keep your toddler entertained. You can find puzzles with large pieces that are perfect for little hands. Your toddler will love fitting the pieces together and discovering the finished image. You can also make your own puzzles by cutting pictures out of magazines or old books.

Puzzles are a great way to encourage problem solving and critical thinking in your toddler. They can learn to look for patterns and identify shapes as they put the puzzle together.

9. Play Games

Playing games is another great way to keep your toddler entertained indoors. You can play classic games like Simon Says or I Spy. You can also invent your own games like Hot and Cold or Animal Charades. Your toddler will love playing the games and being part of the action.

Playing games is also a great way to encourage cooperation and teamwork in your toddler. They can learn to take turns and work together to complete the game.

10. Have a Dance Party

Having a dance party is a great way to keep your toddler entertained and active. Put on some of your toddler’s favorite songs and let them move and groove. You can also use props, like scarves and hula hoops, to add some extra fun. Your toddler will love being able to move and groove to the music.

Dancing is also a great way to encourage physical activity in your toddler. It’s a great way to burn off some of their energy and get them moving.

Summary

Being stuck inside with a toddler doesn’t have to be a dull experience. There are plenty of fun things to do with your toddler indoors that can keep them entertained and engaged. From sensory bins to dance parties, there are plenty of activities that can make a rainy day fun for everyone. With these 10 ideas, you can keep your toddler occupied and having fun on a day spent indoors.