Activities for Entertaining a Toddler

As a mother with a young active toddler, I am always looking for activities to keep him entertained. I get bored doing the same things everyday and I know Tyler does too. I searched the web to find suggestions from experts and other parents. Here are some of the ideas that Tyler and I use, some I found and some I made up on my own. Some of the ideas are obvious and others take a little creativity.

1. Take your toddler to story time at your local library. The Lackawanna County Children’s Library has story time each day. Fridays at 10 AM is Laptime story hour for 0-23 month olds. Other area libraries have waiting lists, so call in advance to check this out. I must say I was very nervous to try this one out since Tyler is so active, but I must say that he loves it!
2. Join a playgroup or a toddler class such as Gymboree or KinderMusik. In our area, unfortunately, Gymboree has closed due to lack of turnout. KinderMusik is about $200 for the spring session and I am not sure the classes are going to take place due to lack of interest. Tyler loves other kids, so if you find any other suggestions for me of playgroups please let me know!
3. Arts and Crafts such as finger paints, coloring or make a homemade tambourines. Crayola makes a great finger paint set that only color on ColorWonder paper. The paint does not show up on walls, furniture or your childs hands or clothes.
4. Bake cookies or rice krispy treats. Toddlers love to help mom in the kitchen. Let your toddler pour in the ingredients or stir for you. They feel so important when they get to help!
5. Play with playdough. This is a great opportunity to teach your toddler colors and shapes!
6. Read a book. Reading books are so important to children’s development. For how active my son Tyler is, he still loves to read. Some of his favorites are: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, by Bill Martin and Eric Carle, Freight Train by Donald Crews, and Papa, please get the moon for me, by Eric Carle.
7. Go for a walk. Around the block, to the park, wherever. We live out in the country, we have no parks or blocks to walk around, but we have a horse barn across the road that Ty loves to visit. We feed the horses, pet the dogs and look at the goat, pig and geese. My family also owns a farm on the same road, so we can walk there for a treat. Strawberries, cherries, or apples depending on the season.
8. Have a picnic. Instead of having lunch inside, try a change of scenery. If it is too cold, like right now, why not put a blanket down in the living room and bring lunch in there. Use your imagination!
9. Have a pool party. Again if it’s too cold have one in the bath tub instead. If there is anything that will make my cranky toddler happy it’s playing in the tub!
10. Have a dance party! Turn on the cd player and put on your toddlers favorite tunes. Dance and sing your hearts out!