Fun and Creative Activities for Lively Toddlers

Toddlers are naturally curious, energetic and eager to learn. Keeping your active toddler entertained and engaged can seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of fun, creative activities that will capture their attention and stimulate their development. Here are some ideas to try with your lively little one.

Get Creative with Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts are a great way to tap into your toddler’s creativity and imagination. Provide them with safe materials like crayons, markers, paint, playdough, glue and paper and let them explore making their own masterpieces. Supervise closely for safety but let them take the lead in deciding what to make. Praise their creations and display them proudly. Simple crafts like gluing shapes or decorating paper bags will help develop their fine motor skills.   

Make Music and Movement Part of Your Routine 

Lively toddlers love moving to music and making their own sounds. Shake homemade maracas, bang on pots and pans, dance to favourite songs or march to rhythmic clapping. You can also explore different musical instruments, let them experiment with noisemakers, play simple songs on a keyboard or make up silly songs together. Not only is it fun, but music helps build listening skills, coordination and self-expression. It’s also a fun game to help you bond with toddlers you are fostering with Fostering People. 

Get Active with Obstacle Courses 

Set up a simple obstacle course with cushions to crawl under, tunnels to creep through, “rivers” to jump over and “mountains” to climb over. Toddlers will have a blast manoeuvring through the course and it will give their energy an appropriate physical outlet while building gross motor skills. Rotate the items and layout to keep it interesting. Take it outdoors when the weather permits for extra space and fresh air. 

Make Bath Time Playful 

The bathtub can be a great place for open-ended, imaginative play. Provide a variety of water-safe containers, cups, funnels and toys for pouring, scooping, measuring and experimenting. Add plastic boats they can float and bathtub crayons for decorating the tiles. Let them take baths with a few inches of water and always supervise closely. Bath toys engage their budding scientific minds.   

Get Messy with Sensory Play 

Sensory play allows toddlers to explore materials with their senses. Finger paint, play dough, water play, and cloud dough are great options. Set out a tray or bin and let them feel, squish, pour and mould the textures. Add tools like whisks, sieves, rollers and cookie cutters to take it further. The messier the better! This play develops sensory perception and early science concepts. Just be sure to cover the floor or play outside. 

Make Chores a Game 

Toddlers love mimicking adults and “helping” around the house. Turn daily tasks like laundry and picking up toys into a game. Hand them child-sized tools like dusters, brooms and dish brushes. Designate a small basket for them to transfer items. Pretend to vacuum alongside them. Simple household responsibilities will make them feel accomplished and proud. It also builds life skills and cooperation.  

The key with energetic toddlers is providing a balance of structure and freedom. Have a variety of engaging activities ready to go, limit screen time and join in the fun! Your creativity is their inspiration.