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Fun Indoor Activities For Busy Toddlers – Free Printable Ideas

Toddlers are so busy! Here is a fun Indoor Activities For Toddlers free printable list of ideas that will keep them occupied in a really fun way!

Toddlers have a short attention span. Any mother of a toddler can assure you that they would much rather run or climb than sitting. While they’re awake, they are always moving and going anywhere and everywhere they can.

Toddlers have an exciting way of always keeping us on our toes, no matter how old they are. Sometimes as a mom, we have our hands full and can’t always find a way to keep those bouncy balls of fun entertained. Toddlers need stimulation and something to do nearly every second, or they’ll start getting into trouble quickly!

When the weather is nice, we can let them run around outside, play at the park, or even plan a toddler playdate to keep them entertained.

It does rain occasionally, and it definitely gets cold. Maybe you need to find a way to keep your toddler indoors so you can get some housework done. During these times, finding a way to keep your toddler busy can be more difficult.

Indoor activities are a lifesaver for moms of toddlers. When used well, you can introduce a fun activity that will keep your busy toddler occupied for hours. Or maybe just long enough that you can quickly get dinner in the oven.

Keeping a busy toddler engaged indoors can be quite a task. Toddlers have a natural desire to explore, learn, and play. Here are some fun indoor activities tailored for busy toddlers to keep them entertained, stimulated, and even sneak in a little bit of learning:

  1. Indoor Obstacle Course: Using pillows, furniture, and toys, create a simple obstacle course. This helps in improving their physical agility and following instructions.
  2. Playdough Time: Toddlers love molding and squishing playdough. They can use cookie cutters, rollers, and other safe tools. Playdough also helps in enhancing fine motor skills.
  3. DIY Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with rice, beans, or sand and hide small toys inside. Let your toddler dig, pour, and sift through.
  4. Dress-up Corner: Create a space where they can dress up in different costumes. It’s a great way for imaginative play.
  5. Simple Craft Activities: Provide them with safe scissors, glue, colored papers, and let them create. Handprint art, mask-making, or simple collages are fun ideas.
  6. Dance Party: Play their favorite tunes and let them dance around. It’s a great way to expend energy.
  7. Balloon Play: Most toddlers love balloons. They can toss them, kick them, or try to keep them off the ground.
  8. Kitchen Fun: Let them play with safe kitchen tools, or set up a little cooking activity like making a fruit salad or a no-bake cookie.
  9. Building Blocks: Building towers, bridges, or whatever their imagination leads them to can keep them engaged for hours.
  10. Story Time: Read books together, or even better, let them create and tell you a story.
  11. Puzzles: Simple jigsaw puzzles tailored for their age can keep them occupied and help in cognitive development.
  12. Finger Painting: Lay out large sheets of paper and let them use their fingers or brushes to paint away.
  13. Sticker Fun: Toddlers love stickers. Buy a blank notebook and let them create their own sticker book.
  14. Bubble Wrap Fun: Lay out a sheet of bubble wrap and let them walk, jump, or crawl on it.
  15. Homemade Instruments: Use pots, pans, plastic containers, and spoons to create a mini-music band.
  16. Water Play: Fill the sink or a tub with a little water and provide cups, spoons, and toys. Ensure you supervise them at all times.
  17. Magnetic Boards: Use a magnetic board with letters, numbers, and shapes to let them play and learn simultaneously.
  18. Indoor Tent: Create a tent using blankets and chairs. This can be their little hideout, reading nook, or nap space.
  19. Hide and Seek: An all-time favorite. Even if they hide in the same spot every time, it’s always fun.
  20. Animal Charades: Act out different animals and let them guess or take turns.

Remember, the key to engaging a toddler is variety and understanding their interests. It’s also essential to ensure safety in all activities and supervise them at all times. Most importantly, have fun together – these moments are precious!

While toddlers are so energetic, they also get frustrated easily and need a way to occupy themselves or start to get into trouble. I put together a great list of indoor activities for busy toddlers that you can print!

These ideas are indoor-friendly, so you can finally get your housework done while your toddlers keep themselves entertained for awhile!

Having this list handy will make it easy to entertain your toddlers without worrying about finding something for them to do every few minutes!

If you have a busy toddler, use this list to help you keep them entertained even when they’re stuck inside!

Download your copy of Indoor Activities For Busy Toddlers here and have so much fun!

What are some other fun toddler posts to check out?