Are you searching for ways to keep your 1-year-olds entertained and engaged? Look no further! We’ve compiled an impressive list of activities that will not only keep them busy but also foster independence through play. With a total of 51 engaging activities, you’ll have everything you need to keep your little ones occupied for hours on end. From encouraging imagination to promoting motor skills, these activities are designed to stimulate and delight children aged one year and above.
And the best part? Many of these activities can be enjoyed independently, making them perfect for parents with multiple kids in tow. So why wait? Let’s dive in and explore the world of fun and learning together!
Winter-Ice Sensory Bin
Summer just isn’t the same without a little bit of ice play! Our first activity is a sensory-rich ice bin that lets kids explore different textures and get familiar with them. And let’s not forget, sensory play is the ultimate way to engage all five senses – touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. For this fun DIY project, you’ll need just three things: a sturdy bin or tote, some adorable arctic animals like polar bears, and a soft washcloth.
You can easily order those arctic animals online to make your sensory bin a huge hit with your little one.
Loom Band Sensory Bottles
Transforming a loom band sensory bottle is an effective way to soothe a hyper child, engaging their visual sense as vibrant bands move up and down. This hands-on activity also provides an opportunity to teach young children, aged one and above, about the properties of water and how various objects interact with it, including floating, swimming, and sinking.
To create this stimulating sensory experience at home, simply fill plastic jars or bottles with a mixture of water and glycerin, then add colorful loom bands. As your child explores the mesmerizing motion, they’ll develop a deeper understanding of the physical world.
Fizzy Ice Cube Sensory Bin
Summer is a great time to engage kids in fun and educational activities that make the most of ice. One such activity requires just two simple ingredients: an ice cube tray and baking soda. This engaging exercise not only helps young minds develop essential skills like fine motor control, observation, and communication but also fosters focus and encourages critical thinking. By participating in this activity, kids can hone their abilities while having a blast with the thrill of ice-related fun.
Halloween Sensory Bin
As seasonal celebrations approach, sensory bins provide a unique opportunity to engage children’s senses. One creative way to do this is by crafting a Halloween-themed bin that brings the holiday’s iconic symbols to life. Start by gathering essential components: a sensory bin, a scoop, and pumpkin seeds. You can order the scoop from our recommended supplier here. Fill the bin with a plastic or foam pumpkin featuring cutouts for eyes and a mouth.
Allow your child to explore the bin, digging out the pumpkin pieces. Encourage them to glue the cutouts onto their own pumpkin creation, fostering creative expression and fine motor skills.
Rainbow Spaghetti
This DIY Rainbow Spaghetti sensory bin is an activity that not only provides instant fun but also offers endless possibilities. With a few simple ingredients like food color dye, a rainbow pack, and spaghetti, you can create a festive atmosphere for various occasions. Imagine using red and pink hues to celebrate Valentine’s Day or combining red and green to add a touch of Christmas magic.
Sensory bins are particularly great for encouraging independent play, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. To make this colorful activity even more engaging, you can include an assortment of tools like tongs, plastic forks, scissors, or simply let them use their hands to manipulate the slimy textured noodles. And as a delightful bonus, you can even serve this dyed pasta for dinner, making mealtime a memorable experience.
By involving your kids in the dyeing process and letting them take control of the sensory bin, you’ll be fostering creativity and imagination while having fun together.
Easter Egg Puzzle Activity
Fostering cognitive development in young children is essential for their overall growth. One effective way to achieve this is by introducing puzzles at an early age. Start with simple two-piece puzzles and gradually move on to more complex ones with multiple pieces. To create a unique Easter-themed puzzle, you’ll need felt and foam sheets. These materials will provide the necessary stability and ease of grip for little hands. You can obtain colorful felt sheets from [insert link].
Begin by downloading the template, cutting out the pieces, and then use these to cut out the foam and felt. Layer them carefully and sew to complete your puzzle. Engage in this activity with your child, providing initial guidance before allowing them to work independently. This collaborative effort will help your toddler develop essential skills such as matching, color recognition, and precise hand movements required for joining the pieces together.
Oats Sensory Bin
Transforming a sensory bin is as easy as raiding your household items! No need to invest in specialized tools or supplies – just get creative with what you already have at home. Take this oats sensory bin as an example: simply fill it with instant oats, add some empty egg cartons for scooping and pouring, and provide colorful spoons for your little ones to play with. To make it even more convenient, store the oats in a reusable Ziploc bag for future sessions.
With these simple components, your kids will be thoroughly entertained as they spoon out the oats and pour them into the egg trays. And why stop there? Encourage your toddler’s artistic side by painting the eggs – watch as they learn and have fun exploring their creativity!
Summer Sensory Bin – Food Edition
Imagine the ultimate combination of fun and flavor for toddlers or preschoolers: creating a Food Safe Summer Sensory Bin. This interactive snack time activity allows little ones to explore diverse flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable experience. Gone are the days of boring snacks! Let’s revolutionize snack time with these delectable sensory bins.
Our summer food sensory bin is designed to stimulate multiple actions, including scooping, pouring, squeezing, tasting, and ultimately, squealing with delight. To create this edible adventure, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: cut fruits, cold water, and some playful tools like a water dropper and scooper.
Puzzle Craft Toddler Activity
Puzzles are an excellent way to engage children of all ages in a fun and stimulating activity that also benefits their cognitive development. By participating in puzzle-based play, kids can refine their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and critical thinking abilities.
To create this engaging activity, you’ll need some cardstock and a coloring book. Simply color the picture, cut it into smaller, fun pieces, and then work with your child to put the puzzle together.
Our go-to choice is the farm animal coloring book. If your little one has a passion for animals, you can easily order this delightful book online.
Hammer Painting
To create a fun and engaging experience for your toddler, you’ll need only two simple materials: hammers and paints. If you’re in the market for a new hammer to use with this activity or add to your toolbox, you can find a suitable option [here](url). Once you have all the necessary supplies, take a few moments to explain the basic rules and safety guidelines to your child before diving into the creative process.
As they begin to smash paint and create their own masterpieces, you’ll likely find that this activity quickly becomes one of their favorite pastimes.
Edible Yogurt Finger Paint
While many believe that food and fun are mutually exclusive, it’s actually possible to combine the two in a variety of creative ways. One such example is Edible Yogurt Finger Paint, which allows children to indulge their natural curiosity and artistic inclinations. Toddlers, in particular, are notorious for putting everything in their mouths, including paint. By providing edible paint options, you can encourage this instinct while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
The key is finding high-quality, food-grade color that meets all safety standards.
Ice Cube Sensory Bags
Sensory play is a vital component of childhood development for toddlers. By engaging in hands-on activities that stimulate their senses, your little one will cultivate independence and build confidence in navigating their surroundings. This curiosity-driven exploration lays the foundation for future learning and growth. To create an interactive sensory experience, fill a zip-lock pouch or bottle with water and glycerin, then add colored or uncolored ice cubes.
Seal the container and present it to your toddler for hands-on play. For added variety, consider incorporating beads, cereal, rice, or corn into the mix. This simple activity can be tailored to accommodate your child’s unique preferences and needs.
Painting With Foil Activity
For curious kids who thrive on exploration and experimentation, this activity is a treasure trove of creativity. Painting on foil offers an unparalleled sensory experience that diverges significantly from painting on paper. The tactile resistance and texture of the foil provide an innovative playground for little minds to discover and express themselves.
To unlock this unique artistic journey, simply help your kids compare and contrast the distinct characteristics of painting on foil versus paper. And if you’re running low on supplies, don’t worry – just click here to restock and keep the creative juices flowing!
DIY Paper Mache Activity
Paper mache is an entertaining activity that allows for the creation of various fun projects. The process of making this squishy dough can be quite enjoyable, and as a bonus, it yields a versatile material perfect for crafting ornaments, shapes, or even personalized alphabets. To get started, you’ll need to gather just a few simple supplies: toilet paper rolls, cheesecloth, and a blender.
Bubbles
Soap bubbles are a timeless delight that captivate children of all ages, from toddlers to older kids. One engaging activity that’s sure to bring hours of fun and laughter is the classic ‘chase’ game. Not only does it provide endless entertainment for your little ones, but it also offers opportunities to develop their gross motor skills as they run and jump after the bubbles.
Meanwhile, the more challenging ‘catch’ aspect of the game helps refine their motor skills as they try to pop or grasp the elusive orbs. So why not spend a relaxing weekend creating a big batch of bubble solution and blowing bubbles galore?
DIY Colourful Scarf Magic Wipes
It’s not uncommon to find kids in my household enthusiastically rummaging through their wipe and tissue boxes, completely absorbed in the thrill of discovery. This curiosity often leads them to explore every nook and cranny of these containers, leaving me to wonder how I can channel this energy into something more engaging and educational. The solution came in the form of a DIY wipes activity box, designed specifically for my little ones.
Water Balloon Painting
By incorporating balloon painting into your child’s activities, you can significantly enhance their communication skills, sharpen their focus, and even foster hand-eye coordination. To make the most out of this engaging activity, simply gather some balloons and paints, and watch as your little one brings their creative vision to life.
And if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat during those long summer days, consider taking the party outdoors – not only will it provide a refreshing change of scenery, but it’ll also minimize any potential mess and make cleanup a breeze.
Cups and Flowers Toddler DIY Project
Create an engaging sensory experience for your toddlers by transforming everyday items into a stimulating playset. Gather paper cups and artificial flowers, and you’re just two simple steps away from capturing their attention for up to 20 minutes. Simply arrange the cups on a tray, add some colorful blooms, and let your little ones discover, explore, and learn through touch and visual stimulation.
As they manipulate the flowers, they’ll develop an understanding of various textures and hues, making this activity not only enjoyable but also educational.
Ball Drop Box
Imagine transforming an ordinary diaper box into an extraordinary DIY toy for your little one! It’s a clever idea that not only saves you money but also sparks creativity. All you need is an empty diaper box, some paint, and a pack of balls – the perfect combination for a fun and interactive ball dropbox. If you’re running low on colorful orbs, consider stocking up here. With this project, your toddler can enjoy hours of imaginative play, fully engaged and having a blast.
Fridge Door Pom Pom Drop
Turn up the fun by transforming a traditional ball game into an engaging experience for your little ones! Simply gather empty tissue rolls, some tape, and a box of colorful pom-poms. This unique combination will surely capture their attention. Hang these rolls on the fridge or wall using tape, creating a makeshift hoop for your toddler to aim at with the squishy pom-poms. As they ‘shoot hoops,’ you can multitask by doing some cooking while keeping an eye on them.
Edible Peanut Butter Playdough
While many children are captivated by slime and dough, a popular favorite among kids is indeed play-dough. However, it’s not uncommon for little ones to be fascinated with putting these substances in their mouths. This concern is likely shared by many parents, prompting them to seek alternative solutions.
Fortunately, we’ve discovered an innovative answer that combines fun and safety: peanut butter dough.
Not only is this edible dough a delight to play with, but it’s also perfectly harmless if ingested. Furthermore, it presents a unique opportunity for children to develop their understanding of different shapes and textures through hands-on exploration.
Fine Motor Play from Recyclables
Foster your child’s fine motor skills by crafting engaging activities using recycled materials. Tissue rolls and colorful pom-poms, for instance, can be transformed into an interactive color sorting game, effectively enhancing hand-eye coordination. As a bonus, this creative exercise also presents a valuable opportunity to educate youngsters about various colors and their matching counterparts, thereby nurturing their understanding of color theory.
Recycled Paper Roll Building Blocks
Transform those often-discarded toilet paper rolls into a treasure trove for your children’s creative playtime. These humble rolls can be repurposed in countless ways, providing hours of entertainment and developmentally enriching experiences. One such example is creating a vibrant stacking game. Simply paint the rolls and add colorful printed sheets to create circular tops and bottoms, thereby establishing a flat surface.
Allow your kids to unleash their imagination by building and reconfiguring these rolled wonders.
Dyed Pasta
When it comes to creating an engaging sensory experience for kids, one often overlooked yet highly effective filling option is dyed pasta. This versatile filler offers endless possibilities for imaginative play. To bring this idea to life, simply combine equal parts food coloring and vinegar with a generous helping of dry pasta in a large container. As the dye takes hold, your senses will tingle with excitement!
Once the pasta is ready, pour it into a sensory bin along with an assortment of toys and tools like scoopers and cups. Encourage kids to engage in hands-on exploration by dumping, pouring, and manipulating the colorful pasta – a surefire recipe for a fun-filled sensory adventure!
Leprechaun Snow
Transform St. Patrick’s Day into an enchanting experience for your little ones! Combine Leprechaun Gold and ice to create an extraordinary activity that’s sure to delight. On this festive day, gather the gang and indulge in a treasure hunt like no other. To conjure up the green ice, you’ll need baking soda and conditioner – but the real excitement lies in searching for those hidden gold coins amidst the shimmering snow.
Texture Balloon Sensory Play
When it comes to fostering a sense of wonder and relaxation in children, tactile activities can be incredibly effective. By leveraging the power of touch, you can engage your little ones in interactive experiences that teach essential concepts like hot/cold, dry/wet, and vibrations. One simple yet captivating activity is creating texture balloons at home.
All you need are some basic materials – balloons and fillings such as rice, play dough, marble, and sand – to craft your very own sensory balloons. This DIY endeavor not only encourages creativity but also provides a calming influence on even the most high-energy youngsters.
Scented and Dyed Rice
Looking for a sensory bin that stimulates both the sense of smell and touch? Look no further! A scented and dyed rice sensory bin is the perfect solution. Not only can you create a visually appealing experience with colorful dyed rice, but you can also add calming elements by incorporating lavender-scented oils. This unique combination is sure to delight your child’s senses.
Bubbles and Letters – Sensory Play
When engaging in DIY activities with kids, it’s easy to overlook the wealth of materials right under our noses – literally! Take a closer look around the house and you’ll discover an array of items that can be repurposed for creative play. One such example is the humble letter set, which can be paired with bubbles for a fun and interactive ABC lesson.
For children struggling to recall all 26 letters, this activity offers a unique solution.
Simply create a bubble bath, scoop up the soapy goodness, and combine it with a container filled with plastic letters. As your little one digs through the ‘ocean’ of bubbles, take the time to point out each letter, its corresponding sound, and any associated words or images.
The beauty of this approach lies in its ability to make learning an enjoyable experience.
By incorporating sensory elements like bubbles, we’re not only teaching ABCs but also fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration that will serve our children well throughout their educational journey.
Fine Motor Skills Coins
Learning can be a fun-filled adventure, especially when combined with play! Another engaging coin-based activity that promotes math skills and develops fine motor abilities is waiting to be explored. Why not transform an old card box into a piggy bank or repurpose jars as filling games? Alternatively, you can use tactile materials like dough or sand to hide coins for kids to excavate.
These easy yet ingenious activities will enable your child to grasp basic arithmetic concepts while honing their fine motor skills. Feel free to incorporate both real and fake coins to keep things exciting!
Salt Writing Tray
One of my favorite Montessori activities is the salt writing activity. As an educator, I’m thrilled about the learning opportunities it presents. Not only does it help children develop their handwriting skills, but it also fosters a range of cognitive and sensory experiences. The best part? It’s an incredibly affordable and accessible activity that can be done at home with minimal materials. All you need is a flat tray, a pack of salt, and some food coloring to get started.
Simply color the salt, let it dry, and then have your child practice tracing letters in the colored salt. This tactile and engaging approach to learning makes for a truly effective and enjoyable experience.
Penguin Alphabet Sensory Bin
Transforming a seemingly simple task into an engaging educational experience requires just a little creativity. Begin by printing and laminating capital letter penguins, then fill a sensory bin with a combination of fake snow (shredded paper), rice, salt, or colorful pom-poms. Hide the penguins within the bin and challenge your children to excavate one, identify the corresponding letter on the recording sheet, mark it, and repeat the process.
This thoughtfully designed activity not only hones their memory skills but also improves motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and provides hours of entertainment.
Dinosaur Play Setup
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging activity for your little one who’s obsessed with dinosaurs, look no further. This dinosaur-themed play setup is sure to delight! To create this prehistoric wonderland, gather some basic supplies: a container or flat tray, sensory materials like rice, sand, or dough, and plastic or rubber dinosaurs. The more details you add, such as bones and rocks, the more immersive the experience will be.
Simply set everything up in the container, and let your child’s imagination run wild as they explore the lost world of dinosaurs.
Christmas Pom Pom Water Play
Water is the unsung hero of sensory bins! It’s surprising how something so simple can bring so much joy to children. To create this engaging bin, simply fill a large plastic container with water and add some textured pom-poms. The combination of these elements creates a unique tactile experience that encourages kids to experiment and engage their senses.
To make it even more exciting, provide your little ones with a scoop or spoon and challenge them to see who can collect the most pom-poms in a set amount of time. This activity not only develops their fine motor skills but also fosters healthy competition and social bonding. The best part? You can customize this sensory bin to fit any holiday or theme by using different colored pom-poms, such as red and green for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween, or green and gold for St. Patrick’s Day.
Jell-o Alphabet Play
Get ready for an unforgettable sensory experience with a fun-filled Jell-O activity! If you’re not afraid of a little mess, this engaging activity will have your kids giggling with delight all day long. This is one activity they’ll never tire of, and all you need are just two main ingredients – plus one extra if you count the container. To get started, simply combine Jell-O with plastic alphabet letters (order a pack here if you don’t have them readily available).
Cook the mixture until it reaches a semi-set state, then carefully add in the letters. Once the concoction has cooled down, let your little ones dive in and explore!
St Patrick’s Day Shaving Cream Play
Imagine the excitement on a child’s face when presented with a treasure hunt that combines sensory play with St Patrick’s Day magic! To create this thrilling experience, gather the following essential items: shaving cream, green food coloring, glitter, and fake gold coins. Begin by mixing the shaving cream with a splash of green food coloring in your sensory bin to give it an festive touch.
Next, bury the shiny fake gold coins amidst the creamy goodness and sprinkle a pinch of sparkly glitter on top. Then, shout ‘Lucky find!’ as you invite your little ones to dive in and start digging for treasure! With plenty of coins hidden within, this game is sure to last until the very end.
Paper Tearing
When it comes to page ripping, many individuals engage in this activity for the sheer joy of it. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s something deeply satisfying about tearing paper. If your child shares this sentiment, introducing them to a Montessori-approved paper ripping activity can be a great way to encourage creative expression and learning.
To get started, provide your little ones with some vibrant paper and have a conversation about the difference between ripping books and purposefully ripped activity paper. Once they grasp the concept, you can begin creating together. Simply tear out shapes and pictures like houses and trees using different colors, then glue them onto white paper to create a unique piece of art that doubles as an educational experience.
Water Beads
Developing a toddler’s fine motor skills doesn’t have to be a chore! One engaging activity that’s sure to keep them occupied for hours is our water beads sensory bin experience. These tactile, squishy water beads are the perfect addition to your sensory bin and can be easily sourced through our recommended supplier. A single packet will provide endless entertainment for your little ones.
To set up this interactive play station, simply add some fun toys like rubber unicorns or plastic farm animals, then let their creativity shine as they use scoopers, spoons, and other tools to excavate the toys from the bin.
Pom Pom Rainbow Collage
Rainbows evoke a sense of joy and serenity in people worldwide, even for those who have never had the pleasure of witnessing one up close. This emotional connection makes it a delightful topic to explore with children, which is why I often incorporate rainbows into our coloring sessions. When paired with a fun activity like this pom-pom rainbow craft, learning colors and developing fine motor skills becomes an engaging experience for kids.
Simply draw or print out a rainbow template, let your child add their favorite colors, then help them attach the colorful pom-oms to create a vibrant masterpiece. If you’re running low on pom-pons, feel free to order some here. This activity is designed to empower children and promote confidence, resulting in fewer tantrums and more joyful moments during creative play.
Colours and Letters Water Play
Water is a thrilling topic for many young minds! For kids who can’t get enough of H2O, creating a water sensory bin is an absolute delight. The setup is simple: gather blue or colored toys and foam letters (you can find the latter here). Simply combine these materials in a container and let the fun begin. To enhance the experience, provide large spoons or ladles for your child to use as they ‘fish’ out the letters and toys.
As you help them retrieve each item, be sure to clearly pronounce the letter and object’s name, making it an interactive learning opportunity.
Valentine’s Pom Pom Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are an excellent tool for teaching, offering endless possibilities with just the basics. One way to incorporate learning into your sensory bin is by exploring special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. A Valentine’s sensory bin, in particular, is simplicity itself to set up. All you need is a large container, red yarn, tongs (you can order some here), and pom-poms. The key is to focus on the details, adding elements that celebrate love and kindness.
To engage your toddler, sit them down with the sensory bin and a few tools for scooping out the pom-poms. This hands-on activity allows them to develop their motor skills while learning about various shades of red. Once they’ve extracted all the pom-poms, introduce a plastic fork and let them twirl the yarn around it, transforming what was once contained into something entirely new.
Gak
Are you ready for a blast of sensory fun? Making GAK is an effortless process that requires just three ingredients and some spare time, but yields an hour or more of entertainment for the whole family. The best part? Your kids get to take over from here, molding and playing with their new creation in any way they like. Simply combine white school glue (try Elmer’s School Glue), liquid starch, and water to create this squishy, tactile treat.
Modern Sensory Blocks
Sensory play is a powerful tool for helping children navigate new environments, develop processing skills, and enhance their cognitive abilities. By incorporating tactile experiences into play, you can help your child better understand how to communicate and respond to stimuli. One simple yet effective way to create sensory-rich blocks is by using plain wooden ones as a canvas. You can add an array of textures, including fabric, denim, leather, buttons, shells, pasta, and more.
Simply glue or stick the objects onto the block, then let your child’s imagination run wild with painting. Once you’ve set up this sensory play experience, sit down with your child and encourage them to explore the different textures, sounds, and smells. This interactive play will help develop their problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity.
Wall Mosaic Art
Sensory play is always a winner, especially when it’s mess-free! Our unique wall art sensory experience lets kids take charge of their own DIY project while staying engaged. To set it up, simply tape white construction paper to the wall and provide kids with pattern blocks and foam letters to stick onto the surface. This activity not only fosters an understanding of how shapes work together but also helps with spelling skills.
If you don’t have the necessary supplies, such as foam blocks, you can easily order a pack online. Plus, these reusable foam letters can be repurposed in other activities, like our water-based foam letter sensory bin experience. For more developmentally rich activities suitable for 1-year-olds, check out our collection.
Playdough Forest
Teaching children about the natural world doesn’t have to involve leaving home. With playdough, you can create a forest habitat right in your own backyard, using supplies easily collected from the surrounding environment. This hands-on activity not only fosters an appreciation for nature but also provides a fun and interactive way to explore the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Gather the necessary materials with your kids, including items like leaves, twigs, rocks, and other natural elements that can be used to create a realistic forest setting. Then, sit down together and make the playdough itself, allowing your children to get creative and experiment with different textures and colors.
The best part about using playdough in sensory play is its versatility – it can be used for a wide range of activities beyond just creating a forest habitat.
It’s a valuable tool for sparking imagination and creativity in young minds.
Slime
Get ready for an unforgettable sensory experience with your little ones! For those who don’t mind getting messy, we’ve got a fantastic lime and soap experiment that’s sure to delight. By combining exploding soap in the microwave with some simple water addition, you’ll be creating not one, but two exciting activities in one.
The fluff produced by the soap explosion can be transformed into slime when mixed with water, offering hours of tactile fun for your kids.
And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even leave it overnight to create an even more fascinating consistency for the next day’s playtime.
DIY Ball Pit
Transforming your backyard into an immersive play experience is a fantastic way to captivate your toddler’s attention. The simple yet effective combination of colorful balls and a kiddie pool provides endless entertainment for young minds. Simply inflate the pool, fill it with bags of balls, and consider adding water for a refreshing twist during the summer months, ensuring a fun-filled activity that will keep your little one engaged and delighted.
Stack Cups
As I grow older, my fondness for stacking cups remains unwavering. The thrill of allowing children to explore and create without boundaries is unmatched. In sensory play, materials can be transformed into engaging activities.
Cups can be used in various games like practicing communication skills with teething babies by sending cup signals, improving hand-eye coordination by rolling cups away from the child’s reach, or introducing hide-and-seek elements by hiding small objects beneath the cups for the child to discover.
Busy Board
For kids with boundless energy, a busy board is an excellent way to keep them engaged. Children have a notoriously short attention span and are naturally curious creatures. A busy board is an interactive activity that can captivate their imagination and keep them occupied for extended periods.
To create this engaging experience, you can utilize various items like light switches, buttons, old phone dials, door handles that move up and down, door latches, doorstops, bells, zippers, or any other objects you find in your junk drawer or at a local hardware store. The possibilities are endless! You might even stumble upon unique treasures like the door latch and electric bell, which are often fan favorites for busy boards.
Bathtub Paints
Create a fun and mess-free experience for your toddlers by making your own bathtub paint with just a few simple ingredients like dish detergent, cornstarch, water, and food coloring. At bath time, let your little ones unleash their creativity while you relax knowing that the cleanup will be a breeze. Not only will this activity provide hours of entertainment, but it will also serve as a great way to wind down before bedtime, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep for all.
Soap Foam
The Ivory Soap experiment has become an absolute favorite among children of all ages. To create this foamy wonder, you’ll only need two simple ingredients: Ivory Soap and water. Begin by heating up the soap in the microwave until it explodes into a fluffy, soapy delight. Next, use the resulting foam to fill a large container and let your kids indulge in the tactile fun. This remarkable foam has a surprising longevity, lasting far longer than any bubble bath I’ve ever encountered.
Edible Frosting Playdough
When it comes to toddlers, curiosity knows no bounds – they’re notorious for exploring their surroundings by putting everything in their mouths. This natural inclination can lead parents to be apprehensive about introducing play dough into the mix, fearing it’s toxic or poses a choking hazard. Fear not! We’ve crafted a simple and safe recipe that will alleviate any concerns you may have.
By combining 1 cup of frosting with 2 cups of icing sugar, you’ll create a delightful and non-toxic substance for your little ones to enjoy. The best part? It’s just like regular dough – kids can shape animals, make geometric forms, or even incorporate toys to create unique designs. And if, by chance, this edible play dough does end up in their mouths, rest assured that it poses no threat.
In fact, these activities offer a fantastic way to engage your toddlers and encourage learning while keeping them occupied and entertained.
51 Engaging Activities for 1-Year-Olds
Looking for creative ways to engage your 1-year-old? You’re in luck! These interactive activities are designed to keep the little ones entertained and busy. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can create a fun-filled hour that’s perfect for parents seeking a break from screens. Whether you’re at home or on-the-go, these engaging activities will ensure your child stays occupied and stimulated.
Equipment
In order to ensure uninterrupted work, it’s crucial to prevent your screen from dimming or turning off. This requirement may vary depending on the specific project you’re working on.
Materials
In this collection of activities, we’ve compiled a wide range of creative and engaging ideas for kids to explore their senses. From sensory bins filled with winter ice or Halloween-themed goodies, to hands-on crafts like loom bands, fizzy ice cubes, and puzzle craft, there’s something for every young adventurer. Additional highlights include edible yogurt finger paint, bubble fun, DIY paper mache, and more.
Other creative outlets include painting with foil, making colorful scarves, and building with recycled materials. We’ve also included a variety of art projects, such as painting with pom poms, creating with jell-o, and making shaving cream play. Rounding out this collection are tactile activities like paper tearing, water beads, and sensory play with rice, coins, salt, and more.
Instructions
Embark on the creative journey by selecting the ideal activity for your little ones. Next, gather all the necessary materials and tools to bring their imagination to life. Allow them to get fully engaged and let their creativity shine! If you’ve already tried this craft, be sure to share your thoughts and rating in the comments section below. Your feedback is valued and cherished, and I’ll respond to every comment personally.
