best educational activities for 2 year olds

17 Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds: Teaching Toddlers Through Play

Play-based learning is the best way for your toddler to learn about themselves and their world.

The world of your 2-year-old is full of exciting possibilities. They are developing quickly, and you will find them ready to dive into learning experiences. They are actively looking for ways to assert their independence and test their boundaries (and yours!).

Learning activities for 2-year-olds should look at their development holistically and engage them in new ways of thinking. Toddler learning activities are a fun way for you to connect with your child as you learn and grow together.

Play-Based Learning for Toddler Development

When your 2-year-old is playing, they are learning how the world works. Play ignites their curiosity and gets them to think creatively about simple tasks.

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning” – Diane Ackerman.

Here are some other ways that play is beneficial for development:

• Practice life skills
• Improves communication
• Develops empathy
• Encourages imagination
• Allows for independence and autonomy
• Fosters problem-solving skills

17 Learning Activities for Your 2-Year-Old

When it comes to educational activities for toddlers, you want to make them hands-on and fun. Learning should be joyful and creative. Fun activities can teach your child and keep them happily immersed in play.

Activities for Gross Motor Skills Development

1. Play Silks and Dancing

There is something magical about watching a child lost in their own world. Play silks are a great way to encourage imaginative movement in little kids. 

Put on some music and let your little one move to the rhythm. This unstructured activity allows them to use any movements they want. The play silks help them move their bodies, become aware of themselves within a space, and embody different characters. 

Fun Tip: Try music that evokes different moods. Watch as your child adjusts their movements to the music.

Benefits: 

• Imagination
• Free movement
• Express emotion

2. Animal Imitation

What toddler doesn’t love pretend play? 

You can use animal cards, toy animals, or even recorded animal sounds for this activity. Help your child think about how each animal moves and then watch as they try to imitate that movement. They can include the sound the animal makes to really get into character.

Fun Tip: Do this activity with your child. Yes, it may seem silly, but they will love it. Play is how our kids communicate with us, and something special happens when we join them in their world.

• Crossing the midline and gross motor skills
• Builds core strength
• Improves focus and attention

3. Mud Monster

Getting dirty is a great way to learn and a fun activity. Not only is mud a fantastic sensory experience, but it contains friendly bacteria that stimulate the release of serotonin . 

To create your mud monster, draw one on a wall with mud or build one around a hula hoop placed on the ground. Your toddler will then make mud balls and have to throw them into the mud monster’s mouth. Your 2-year-old is learning to throw overhand at this stage, and this is a fun activity to practice.

Fun Tip: Let your toddler help you make the mud. The process of mixing sand and water is a valuable learning opportunity.

• Develops tactile skills
• Strengthens throwing motion
• It helps them identify their dominant arm

Activities that Develop Fine Motor Skills

4. Building Blocks

Building blocks are a classic toddler activity that has a multitude of benefits. Simply place a bag of blocks on the floor and watch as your little one begins to create. At this age, your 2-year-old will be able to build a tower of 4-7 blocks, opening up a world of possibilities for them.

Fun Tip: Add other elements such as cars, animals, and wood planks. This will help your toddler play with the blocks in new and imaginative ways.

• Problem-solving
• Early math skills

5. Simple Tracing

Your 2-year-old might not be holding a pencil confidently, but they will enjoy simple tracing activities. They will help them develop tensile strength in their fingers and work on their fine motor skills.

Use simple shapes and lines with an easy-to-follow dot-to-dot pattern. A chunky pencil or marker will work best for your child’s inexperienced fingers.

Fun Tip: Start with sidewalk chalk to encourage large, free-flowing movements. Before starting with a pencil, try a Q-tip and paint to follow a series of dot patterns.

• Hand-eye coordination
• Concentration
• Crossing the midline

6. Paper Washing Line

Reaching the washing line outside might be tricky, but you can create a mini version indoors. All you need is a cardboard box, some twine, and two pieces of dowel rod. You can cut out clothing from cardboard and let your 2-year-old peg them onto the line.

Fun Tip: You can use clothes pegs to hang up art, count, color sort, and paint with. They are a versatile option for 2-year-old development activities. 

• Improve pincer grasp
• Motor accuracy
• Hand preference

7. Playdough Jars

Play dough is fantastic for sensory play and fine motor skills development. Put playdough and loose parts into different jars with the lids on. Then let your toddler open the jars and empty the contents. Opening the jars is good fine motor practice and your toddler is also at a stage where they love to empty containers.

Fun Tip: Ask your toddler to sort the items and place them back into the jars at the end of the activity. 

• Strengthens fingers, hands, and wrists
• Improves concentration

Activities for Language Development

8. Picture Books

Picture books are essential in child development, particularly for emergent language. Reading picture books allows you to foster connection with your toddler while demonstrating a love of reading. Your 2-year-old will also learn to connect the words to the pictures. This will help them understand their meaning better.

Fun Tip: Play a game of ‘spot the x.’ You can help your child learn new words as they associate them with a picture.

• Listening skills
• Strengthen visual thinking skills
• Encourage conversations

9. Mystery Bag

This is a versatile game that you can play with almost any object. Put a selection of things into a bag. Ask your toddler to reach into the bag and try and name an object they feel before pulling it out. This is a fun way to introduce new words to your child’s vocabulary.

Fun Tip: For an interesting variation of this game, draw the outline of your toddler’s body on a large piece of paper. Then ask them to point to and name their different body parts. 

• New vocabulary
• Improved tactile sense

10. Story Cubes

Story cubes have scenes/characters/objects depicted on them. Your toddler can choose the order of the cubes, and you can create a story together. This activity is excellent for teaching toddlers about creative thinking and future scenarios.

Fun Tip: Incorporate tower building into the process. Then start the story from the top of the tower and reverse it. This is a fun way to introduce the concepts of top and bottom while helping your toddler use their imagination.

• Imaginative play

11. Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are great for teaching 2-year-olds about phonics and help with language development. Keep your rhymes simple and choose ones with repetitive verses.

Some great nursery rhymes for 2-year-olds are Incy Wincy Spider, Old MacDonald, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Humpty Dumpty, and Hickory Dickory Dock.

Try to incorporate rhymes that have corresponding movements. The car is also great for practicing nursery rhymes with your toddler.

• Develop motor skills
• Teach grammar
• Introduce counting, colors, and shapes

Activities for Social/Emotional Development

12. Emotion Cards

2-year-olds are learning about themselves in relation to other children so talking about emotions is vital. Emotion cards work well as they show the picture that relates to a feeling. Start your day with the emotion cards and regularly bring them out. 

Fun Tip: Take a ‘sportscasting’ approach to toddler behavior. That means you observe and repeat the facts of the situation. This allows your toddler to feel and deal with the emotion for themselves.

• Builds empathy
• It helps them learn self-regulation and self-control
• Emotional vocabulary development

13. Simon Says

2-year-olds are starting to copy the behavior they see around them. That makes Simon Says a fun and simple game to play. Your toddler is also becoming more aware of themselves, and Simon Says is a fun way to start teaching them about the parts of their body.

Fun Tip: Use the anatomical names for body parts. Children must know the real names as they become aware of themselves and their bodies.

• Developing body awareness
• Sequencing Skills
• Following instructions

14. Kitchen Time

Your 2-year-old is becoming more independent, and you may find them increasingly defiant. Spending time in the kitchen is a great way to help them feel empowered and capable.

Simple cookies, scrambled eggs, and banana muffins are easy recipes that your 2-year-old can make with you.

Fun Tip: Involve them in the whole process by allowing them to crack, mash, and scoop but also wash up.

• Basic math skills
• Builds independence
• Boosts confidence

Activities for Cognitive Development

15. Puppet Play

Puppet play is an amazing developmental tool for toddlers. Your 2-year-old is starting to engage in make-believe play and new language. Puppets encourage creativity, imagination, and new vocabulary. It also helps develop social skills.

Fun tip: You don’t need fancy puppets. Toddlers love craft activities, so why not make your own out of socks? You know, the ones that make it out of the dryer without a partner?

• Motor skills
• Builds self-confidence

16. Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt is a versatile learning experience that you can use repeatedly. For example, you can have a color hunt where your toddler has to find items in the house that are a specific color. Or you can stick shapes around the house and ask them to find and sort them.

Fun Tip: Take this activity outside for a diverse sensory experience with different textures.

• Color identification

17. Sorting Basket

Sorting baskets are another fun matching game to help your toddler learn colors, numbers, shapes, and sizes. You can put almost anything in a sorting basket, from leaves and stones to blocks and fabric scraps.

Fun Tip: Mix up textures and color shades to challenge your toddler.

• Develops reasoning and thinking skills
• Encourage categorizing
• Early literacy and numeracy skills

Teaching Your Toddler Through Play

Play-based learning opportunities are the best activities to get your toddler engaged and excited. They allow you to introduce complex concepts through simple play that your 2-year-old can easily understand.

Watching your little one engage with the world around them is a magical time, so get on their level and get playing.

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The Best Playful Learning Activities for 2 Year Olds

July 30, 2017 by Sheryl Cooper

Last Updated on May 26, 2023 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: These 20 toddler learning activities are super fun, getting young children engaged with a hands-on approach.

You are a teacher who is putting together a curriculum for your toddler classroom. Or you are a parent that wants to add some learning to your toddler’s day.

It’s really much easier than you probably think. You don’t need flashcards. You don’t need fancy materials.

I’ve put together a collection of learning activities that your toddlers will love! And they are learning at the same time!

Activities that are age-appropriate and engage as many senses as possible. These learning activities involve concepts such as shapes, colors , numbers and letters in a fun, playful way. They can be done at home or in a classroom environment , with one child or a group of children.

Easy hands-on fun.

Touch and explore colors .

Learn about the farm while driving farm vehicles through paint.

Paint pigs (using free printable) using golf balls.

Stamp toys into paint for some fun shape art .

Grab some small brushes and use with paint for a fun process art activity .

Stamp spools into paint on big sheets of paper.

Include a no-mess sensory art activity to your day (free printable).

Drive cars through shaving cream rainbows to make roads.

Paint with fire trucks .

Squeeze paint onto pine cones and strengthen fine motor skills.

Roll a ball through paint.

Learn about the colors of the rainbow while painting on bubble wrap.

Get the hands involved while color mixing .

Learn about the shape of a circle while stamping with a paper tube.

Related: Easy Toddler Process Art Activities

Water Table

Make some alphabet soup using foam letters.

Sort colors in the water table.

Strengthen fine motor skills while using basters with water .

Learn about farm animals while washing them in a water table .

Related: 10 Ways to Have Fun with Water

Sensory Bin

Explore letters in the sensory bin.

Push construction vehicles through kinetic sand.

Put together a flower sensory bin that includes letters.

Scoop and pour colored pasta . (My Bored Toddler)

Make some 2-ingredient (toddler safe) cloud dough . (Happy Hooligans)

Practice pincer grip while transferring rainbow cereal . (The Resourceful Mama)

Related: Big Collection of Sensory Table Activities

Make an alphabet train to put on the wall. (Thriving Home Blog)

Add some fine motor with this ping pong name recognition activity . (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Press letter stamps into playdough. (This Little Home of Mine)

Wipe letters that have been written on a window. (Busy Toddler)

Put alphabet pieces into a bin of rice. (Autistic Mama)

Related: 16+ Playful Toddler Alphabet Activities

Mix colors while driving cars through rainbows .

Learn what happens when yellow and blue are mixed using paper tubes.

Strengtehn fine motor skills while making rainbow sun catchers .

Go on a toy color scavenger hunt . (Hands On As We Grow)

Create your own color toss activity with bean bags. (Minne-Mama)

Collect leftover paint swatches to make a color book . (Craftulate)

Experiment with colors by painting with cotton balls and clothespins. (Domestic Mommyhood)

Related: How to Teach Colors to Toddlers with 15 Fun Activities

Match numbers using stickers. (Learning 4 Kids)

Add literacy to your day with foam letters .

Put pom poms into numbered ice cream “scoops” . (Happy Tot Shelf)

Work on color skills and numbers with this count and sort posting box. (The Imagination Tree)

Related: 25+ Number Games for Toddlers

Recycle paper tubes for some simple circle shape art .

Work on triangle shape recognition while pressing buttons into playdough.

Invite your toddlers to go on a circle hunt .

Feed the hungry shape monsters . (The Imagination Tree)

Roll the ball on the taped shape. (Hands On As We Grow)

Paint giant shapes on paper. (Happy Toddler Playtime)

Related: 25+ Shapes Activities

Strengthen fine motor skills with some DIY cardboard beads . (The Imagination Tree)

Press colored tissue paper to a big sheet of contact paper for a fun window display.

String Cheerios on spaghetti. (Juggling with Kids)

Balance dinosaurs (or other toys) on blocks. (Moments Enriched)

Related: 25 Easy Toddler Fine Motor Activities

Make fizzy ice cubes . (Busy Toddler)

Have fun with enormous bubbles ! (Happy Hooligans)

Related: 10 Toddler Science Activities that are Full of Fun

Invite your toddlers to make some pumpkin muffins .

Put together a simple chocolate chip banana muffin cooking activity .

Make some applesauce using a steamer – quick and easy!

Related: Cooking With Kids – Easy Recipes

Explore nature with a scavenger hunt. (Childhood 101)

Take a nature walk, notice the birds, and make a bird feeder . (Happy Hooligans)

Related: 15 Nature Activities for Toddlers

Looking for more ideas? Check out these 15 toddler activity packets that I helped create!

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 25 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

Reader Interactions

September 11, 2017 at 2:55 am

You need to write a book!]

September 11, 2017 at 10:43 am

I just did! It includes lesson plans for 20 different themes. It’s on the front page of my blog. But I have more I want to write. 🙂

Sorting colors is a quick and simple activity to do with your toddler- they will have so much fun, they will not even notice how much learning is going on.

Most parents have muffin tins, and they’re perfect to use for sorting colors. All you need is some construction paper and something to sort. We love the rainbow bears !

Read Books Together

One of the best things you can do with your 2-3 year old is to read books together. Reading books helps your child develop their early language skills and takes them away on fun adventures.

Reading to your kids is one of the best things you can do for their future education, so use up all opportunities you can!

Related : 20+ Best Books for 2 Year Olds

Apple Number Match: Free Apple Printables

Apples are a quintessential fall theme since all of the local orchards open for picking. Who doesn’t love some apple cider? So, grab some apple printables to go along with the theme.

These apple number match is great for toddlers and preschoolers who need practice counting from 1-20. They work on various skills, such as:

• Practice Counting 
• Number Recognition 
• One-to-One Correspondence

Play Board Games

Board games might not be your first thought when finding activities for 2-3 year olds, but kids love them. If you find board games that work for your child, you will enjoy them together. They’re perfect family activities!

Related : Perfect Board Games for 2 Year Olds

Clothespin Letter Match Preschool Activity

This clothespin letter match activity is perfect for a cold winter day when you are looking for an activity with very little supplies and easy set up.

The best thing about this activity is it is using supplies you probably already have laying around the house! All you need is clothespins, a paper plate, and a marker.

Q-Tip Painting

Grab some cotton swabs and paper. You can practice early pre-writing skills with your 2-3 year old. Start by writing out letters or shapes on the paper and give them cotton swabs to paint with.

It’s definitely one of my favorite activities for 2-3 year olds. We always have cotton swabs available, and a little bit of paint goes a long way with using these for painting. Plus, holding the cotton swabs help with fine motor skills!

Color in a Coloring Book

Sometimes, you don’t need fancy activities for 2-3 year olds. All you need is some nice coloring books and crayons.

My kids are LOVING these new Twistable Crayons since they never seemed to want to use crayons after they got to the paper. These always seem new.

I grab coloring books at the grocery store; they’re cheap at the Dollar Tree as well!

Make Glitter Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles can be a calming experience for your little one. They’re great for babies, toddlers, preschoolers or any child who loves visually stimulating objects.

The great thing is you don’t have to buy them! Instead, you can save money and make them yourself at home with inexpensive materials from the store and what you already have in hand.

Splash in the Bathtub

Once again, skip those complicated activities for 2-3 year olds and put your kid in the bathtub. Toddlers and preschoolers love to splash, so toss in some bath toys.

I promise you; your child will be entertained!

Ocean Dot Activities

Our house loves all things ocean related like sharks and whales. So, I made this set of dot printables for my preschoolers to enjoy.

2-3 year olds love dot markers ! These are fun for coloring and activities; we use them all the time. Grab a set and my favorite ocean dot activities printables.

Easter Egg Letter Match

Use Easter eggs to play a letter match game to help your child learn their uppercase and lowercase letters while having fun with a favorite – and cheap – toy. All you have to do is use a permanent marker to write an uppercase case or lowercase letter on either side of the egg.

Then, your child has to find the matching one!

Washing Toys

Grab some play trucks and fill a small tub with water. Give your child a sponge and some dish soap. Then, let him wash them!

It’s such a simple idea, but it’s still fun for little kids regardless. 2-3 year olds love imaginative play like this that also focuses on real life skills.

Fishing For Letters Outdoor Activity

Fishing for Letters is a simple activity that your toddler will love! There is very little prep and it also creates a fun learning experience for them. You can use various tools besides bath letters for whatever your child is learning at the time, whether it be shapes, animals, numbers, etc. 

Grab a baby pool and some foam letters . It’s easy to throw this activity together on a warm summer day!

Shaving Cream Writing

It’s really easy to practice shaving cream writing, and if you’re worried that your toddler will put it in their mouth, whipped cream works well too. 

This is one of those activities I bet you did when you were in school; it’s an excellent pre-writing activity. Let your child draw out shapes, letters, and CVC words as they learn them!

Enjoy Some Stickers

Want to keep your 2-3 year old busy for awhile? Give him some paper and a book of stickers . Kids love to stick stickers somewhere, so give them an appropriate outlet to do so.

Related : 31 Fun and Simple Sticker Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Work on Puzzles

Puzzles are great for little kids. Make sure you get chunky puzzles with only a few pieces; I like the ones with the knobs for easy holding.

One of my kids’ favorite puzzles is the Melissa & Doug Farm Animal Puzzle . It’s easy for 2-3 year olds, and each piece has a peg for easy grabbing.

Sidewalk Chalk Shape Learning Game

This sidewalk chalk shape game is as simple as it gets and will keep your toddler or preschooler busy for a bit!

All you need is some sidewalk chalk and pavement and you have a fun game for your little one. It’s like a life-size game board where your child can learn, explore, or practice their shapes and colors. 

Play Simon Says

Start with simple directions like “Simon says touch your toes.” Over time, move into silly things like “Simon says hop on your foot or tug your ear.”

This is a great game to develop gross motor skills and work on following directions. Plus, you can play this game with your older kids as well as little kids. Everyone thinks Simon says is fun!

No-Mess Finger Paint Activity

Kids love finger painting, but not everyone wants to deal with the mess. Some days, I just want my kids to have fun without having to scrub up paint that ends up everywhere.

Instead, use this no-mess finger paint activity. Finger paint works great in plastic bags, and kids still get to squish and have fun.

Cutting Play-Doh

Cutting is an important skill for 2-3 year olds to begin practicing. It takes years to master, but they need the practice. One of the best ways to practice cutting is to use Play-Doh.

All you have to do is give your toddler or preschooler a set of kid-safe scissors and some play dough. Tell them to roll it out like a snake and cut it into pieces. It’s fun and easy to put together!

Winter Cutting Strips

Another way to practice cutting is with cutting strips. I set out a basket for my preschooler, and he can practice cutting whenever he wants.

Cutting strips have different lines and shapes for your child to cut. It gives them direction rather than just cutting small pieces of paper all over your floor.

Grab my free printable winter cutting strips !

Winter Sensory Bin with Fake Snow

If you need activities for 2-3 year olds to stay busy in the winter, make a winter sensory bin with fake snow. Grab some items you have around the house and make a winter wonderland for your child to enjoy.

Related : DIY Fake Snow For Sensory Play

Easter Egg Water Scoop

Kids love sensory activities, and they also love playing in water. An Easter egg water scoop activity will keep your 2-3 year old busy for awhile.

It’s definitely a crowd pleaser, and I suggest putting down a towel to reduce your clean up. All you have to do is put Easter eggs into a container of water, and give your child a spoon or cup for scooping them.

He will have tons of fun!

Ocean Scene Jello Toy Dig Sensory Bin

Young children LOVE to get messy! Their little hands and minds are so eager to dig into whatever materials they can find.

One fun and messy sensory experience for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers is playing with  Jell-O . In fact, any gelatin material will provide endless fun and sensory play for your child. Simply mix in some toys or fun new objects and you’ve got an exciting new activity for your little one.

Fall Farm Festival Scavenger Hunt

Fall is the perfect time to head to local pumpkin patches or apple orchards. You can add to the fun by bringing along a fall farm scavenger hunt. It keeps your child entertained and watching for everything on the list!

Pom Pom Tube Drop

This PomPom Tube Drop activity is very simple and only requires 3 items. Most of them you probably already have at home, making it one of our favorite activities for 2-3 year olds. I love when I have what is needed on hand!

Fine Motor Activities for 2 – 3 Year Olds

Playdough creations.

Roll, squish, and shape playdough into various forms, allowing your little ones to exercise their fine motor skills and unleash their creativity.

Threading Beads

Provide large, colorful beads and a shoelace or string. Encourage your child to thread the beads, enhancing their hand-eye coordination.

Finger Painting

Finger painting is a fantastic fine motor activity. Give your child non-toxic finger paints and let them explore their artistic talents on paper.

Related Post: Why are Fine Motor Skills Important?

Learning With Letters and Numbers

Alphabet hunt.

Hide foam letters around the room or outside and have your child find them. Or as an alternative write letters and have your child find items that begin with that letter.

As they find each letter, you can say its name together, helping them become familiar with the alphabet.

Number Matching

Create number cards and corresponding cards with the same number of dots or objects. Let your child match the numbers, introducing them to early math concepts.

Counting Games

Use everyday objects like buttons or candies to practice counting. Count them together, and make it a game to see who can count the most.

Sensory Play

Sensory bins.

Fill a container with rice, beans, or sand and hide small toys or objects within. Your child will enjoy digging and discovering hidden treasures, stimulating their sense of touch.

On a warm day, set up a water table or simply provide bowls of water and various containers. Let them pour, splash, and experiment with water.

Nature Exploration

Take nature walks and encourage your child to touch leaves, flowers, and rocks. Describe the different textures and colors they encounter.

You don’t need a planned activity for your toddler or preschooler each day. Free play is always a favorite, but try adding a few planned activities to your week. It will help your child develop new skills and have fun, especially when it’s too cold to go outside!

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30 Best Activities for 2-Year-Olds: Preparing for Fun Learning Activities

What are the best activities for 2-year-olds ? Let’s explore some indoor and outdoor options that can support their motor skills, learning, and sensory experiences.

As parents, we always want the best for our little ones.

We want to provide them with the right Activities for 2-Year-Olds that will not only keep them engaged and entertained but also help in their overall development.

Keep reading to find out the Best Activities for 2-Year-Olds that you will sure to love!

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What are Activities for 2 Year Olds?

Activities for 2-year-olds are designed tasks, games, or projects tailored to the developmental stage, interests, and abilities of toddlers aged two. These activities aim to foster cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.

They often involve hands-on exploration, sensory experiences, and play-based learning, ensuring that the child remains engaged while acquiring new skills and knowledge.

30 Activities for 2-year-olds

Here’s a detailed list of 30 activities for 2-year-olds, with each activity followed by an in-depth description:

1. Finger Painting

Finger painting is a wonderful sensory activity for 2-year-olds. It allows them to explore colors and textures while developing their fine motor skills.

By dipping their fingers into non-toxic paints and creating patterns on paper, toddlers can express their creativity. This activity not only enhances their artistic skills but also helps in color recognition.

Parents can introduce new colors and teach color mixing, showing how two colors can create a new one. It’s a messy but fun activity, so make sure to cover the play area with newspapers or an old sheet.

2. Building with Blocks

Blocks are classic toys that never go out of style. They are perfect for 2-year-olds as they help in developing hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.

Toddlers can stack them, sort them by color or size, or even use them for pretend play. As they build towers or structures, they learn about balance and gravity.

Parents can challenge their kids by asking them to replicate a pattern or create specific shapes, turning playtime into a learning experience.

3. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Taking your toddler outside for a nature scavenger hunt is a great way to introduce them to the wonders of the natural world.

Prepare a list of simple items they can find in your backyard or a nearby park, such as a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth stone.

As they search for these items, they’ll develop observational skills and learn about different elements of nature.

This activity also encourages physical activity as they walk or run around, exploring their surroundings.

4. Playdough Play

Playdough is a versatile toy that can keep a 2-year-old engaged for hours. It’s excellent for developing fine motor skills as toddlers pinch, roll, and mold the dough into various shapes.

They can use cookie cutters to create different forms or even make imaginary food items.

Playdough also offers a sensory experience as kids feel its texture and can even explore different scents if you use scented playdough.

5. Bubble Blowing

What toddler doesn’t love bubbles? Blowing bubbles is not just fun but also educational. As 2-year-olds try to catch or pop them, they improve their hand-eye coordination.

Watching bubbles float around also introduces them to concepts of light, reflection, and transparency.

Parents can discuss how bubbles form, their colors, and why they pop, turning a simple play activity into a mini science lesson.

6. Sorting Games

Sorting is a fundamental skill, and at the age of two, toddlers can start with simple sorting games.

Provide them with a mix of items like colored pom-poms, buttons, or beads and ask them to sort them based on color, size, or type.

This activity enhances their observational skills, teaches them about categorization, and introduces basic math concepts.

7. Storytime

Reading to your 2-year-old is crucial for language development. Choose colorful picture books with simple stories that can hold their attention.

As you read, point to different objects in the illustrations and ask questions to improve their vocabulary and comprehension.

Storytime also fosters a love for reading, setting the foundation for future academic success.

8. Dancing to Music

Put on some lively music and let your toddler groove to the beat! Dancing helps in physical development, improving balance and coordination.

It’s also a mood booster, ensuring your child has a lot of laughs and fun. You can introduce them to different music genres, enhancing their auditory senses and cultural awareness.

9. Water Play

Whether it’s in a bathtub or a kiddie pool, 2-year-olds love playing with water. Provide them with cups, spoons, and other utensils, and watch them pour, stir, and splash.

Water play introduces them to concepts of volume and density. It’s also a calming activity, perfect for hot days.

10. Animal Sounds Game

Toddlers are fascinated by animals. Play a game where you make an animal sound, and your child has to guess the animal. This activity improves their listening skills and introduces them to different animals.

You can also discuss where each animal lives, what they eat, and other fun facts.

11. Shadow Play

Playing with shadows can be a magical experience for a 2-year-old. On a sunny day, take your toddler outside and show them how every object casts a shadow.

Let them experiment with their hands to create different shadow shapes on the ground. This activity not only entertains but also introduces basic science concepts about light and shadow.

At night, you can use a flashlight indoors to continue the shadow fun.

12. Nature Collage

Collecting leaves, twigs, flowers, and other natural items can be turned into a creative art project. Let your toddler glue these items onto a piece of cardboard or paper to create a nature collage.

This activity enhances their creativity and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a great way to discuss different plants and their parts.

13. Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with rice, beans, sand, or water and add some toys or objects. Let your toddler dig in and explore.

Sensory bins are excellent for tactile exploration and can keep a child engaged for a long time.

They can scoop, pour, and feel different textures, which is great for their sensory development.

14. Puzzle Time

Simple jigsaw puzzles are perfect for 2-year-olds. They challenge their thinking and improve hand-eye coordination. As they try to fit pieces together, they also learn about shapes and spatial relationships.

Celebrate with them when they complete a puzzle, boosting their confidence.

15. Play “Simon Says”

A game of “Simon Says” can be both fun and educational. It teaches toddlers to follow instructions and improves their listening skills.

It’s also a great way to get them moving, practicing actions like jumping, clapping, or turning around.

16. Kitchen Helper

Toddlers love to mimic adults. Let them help you in the kitchen by giving them simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring, or pouring.

This not only makes them feel involved but also teaches them about different foods and basic cooking concepts.

17. Chalk Drawing

Give your toddler some sidewalk chalk and let them unleash their creativity on the driveway or a sidewalk.

They can draw, scribble, or even practice writing numbers and letters. It’s a fun outdoor activity that also improves their grip and hand control.

18. Nature Walks

Take your toddler on a nature walk in a nearby park or even your backyard. Let them observe birds, insects, and plants.

It’s a great way to introduce them to the wonders of nature and also get some physical exercise.

19. Dress-up Play

Provide your toddler with some old clothes, hats, and accessories and let them play dress-up.

It’s a fantastic way for them to engage in imaginative play, develop storytelling skills, and understand different roles and professions.

20. Musical Instruments

Introduce your toddler to simple musical instruments like drums, tambourines, or maracas. Let them explore different sounds and rhythms.

Making music can boost their auditory skills and also introduce them to different musical concepts.

21. Gardening Together

Even a 2-year-old can help with simple gardening tasks. Let them water plants, dig a little, or even plant a seed.

Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and also introduces them to how plants grow.

22. Bubble Play

Every toddler is fascinated by bubbles. Whether you’re using a store-bought bubble solution or a homemade one, blowing bubbles can provide endless entertainment.

Chasing and popping these floating wonders can help improve your toddler’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

Plus, it’s a delightful sensory experience as they watch the bubbles shimmer and float.

23. Storytelling with Props

Using simple props like dolls, action figures, or even everyday objects, you can weave a story and encourage your toddler to join in.

This activity stimulates their imagination, enhances their vocabulary, and introduces them to the concept of narrative. It’s a cozy way to spend time, especially on rainy days.

24. Water Play

Fill a tub or basin with water and add some toys. Let your toddler splash, pour, and play. This simple activity is not only refreshing but also teaches them about concepts like floating, sinking, and water displacement.

Always ensure close supervision during water play for safety.

25. DIY Playdough

Making playdough at home is easy and safe. Let your toddler help in the process. Once ready, they can mold, roll, and create various shapes, enhancing their creativity and fine motor skills.

Plus, the kneading and molding can be a therapeutic sensory experience.

26. Obstacle Course

Using cushions, chairs, and toys, create a simple obstacle course in your living room. Guide your toddler to climb, crawl, and navigate through it.

This activity is excellent for their gross motor development and also teaches them problem-solving as they figure out how to get through the course.

27. Finger Painting

Unleash your toddler’s inner artist with some non-toxic paints and large sheets of paper. Let them use their fingers to create abstract art.

It’s a tactile and visual treat, and the open-ended nature of the activity allows them to express themselves freely.

28. Memory Games

Using cards or simple objects, play memory games. Show them briefly and then hide them, asking your toddler to recall what they saw.

This activity sharpens their memory and observational skills, and it can be as challenging or as easy as you make it.

29. Nature Treasure Hunt

On your next walk or trip to the park, turn it into a treasure hunt. Give your toddler a list (or pictures) of things to find, like a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth stone.

It makes the walk more engaging and teaches them observation and categorization.

30. Dance Party

Put on some lively music and have a dance party in your living room. Dancing is not only a great physical activity but also helps with rhythm, balance, and coordination.

Plus, it’s a joyful way for both of you to bond and let off some steam.

Engaging in these activities with your 2-year-old not only ensures they’re learning and developing essential skills but also strengthens your bond with them.

Remember, the key is to keep things fun and relaxed. The joy of discovery and the pleasure of spending time together is what makes these activities truly special.

Best Learning Activities for 2 year olds

Dive into the vibrant world of toddlerhood with our curated list of the best learning activities for 2-year-olds!

At this age, curiosity knows no bounds, and every moment is an opportunity for discovery.

From sensory explorations to playful puzzles, these activities are not just fun but are also tailored to nurture the budding intellect and creativity of your little one.

Let’s embark on this delightful journey of learning and play!

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What are some indoor activities for 2 year olds?

Indoor activities for 2-year-olds include puzzles, coloring, building with blocks, and imaginative play with dolls or action figures.

10 Indoor activities for 2 year olds

When it comes to indoor activities, sensory activities are a great way to engage your 2-year-old.

• Creating a sensory bin filled with materials like rice, dried beans,
• Pom poms can stimulate their senses and provide a hands-on learning experience.
• Additionally, craft activities using construction paper and safe scissors can improve their fine motor skills as they create art.
• Learning activities are also crucial for a 2-year-old’s development.
• Simple activities like sorting objects by color or shape can help them understand basic concepts and develop cognitive skills.

Incorporating puzzles, matching games, and building blocks into their playtime can enhance their problem-solving abilities.

1. Color Sorting Game

Introduce your toddler to the vibrant world of colors with a simple sorting game. Use colored bowls and corresponding colored objects (like pom-poms or toy blocks).

Encourage your child to match the items with the same-colored bowl. This activity not only sharpens their color recognition but also improves their fine motor skills.

2. Homemade Playdough

Making playdough at home is both fun and educational. Let your child assist in the process, feeling the texture and watching the transformation.

Once ready, this playdough can be a source of endless creativity, from making shapes to imaginative play.

3. Indoor Obstacle Course

Using cushions, chairs, and toys, create a mini obstacle course. This activity helps in developing their gross motor skills and understanding of spatial awareness.

Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some energy!

4. Storytime with Puppets

Reading stories is always fun, but adding puppets can elevate the experience. Use sock puppets or store-bought ones to enact stories.

This boosts their listening skills and sparks their imagination.

5. DIY Musical Instruments

From rattling rice in a sealed container to banging on pots and pans, making music is a joy.

This activity introduces them to different sounds and rhythms.

6. Sticker Line-Up

Provide your toddler with a roll of stickers and a large sheet of paper. Encourage them to line up the stickers in straight lines, curves, or even patterns.

This simple activity is not only fun but also enhances their fine motor skills and understanding of patterns.

7. Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with items like rice, beans, or sand. Add in some small toys or objects and let your child dig in and explore.

Sensory bins are fantastic for tactile exploration and can keep a toddler engaged for a long time.

8. Shape Matching

Cut out various shapes from colored paper and create a matching board. Ask your toddler to match the shapes to the board.

This activity reinforces shape recognition and boosts cognitive development.

9. Building with Blocks

Whether it’s wooden blocks, magnetic ones, or even cardboard boxes, building is a fundamental play activity.

It promotes creativity, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills. Plus, it’s fascinating to see the structures your little architect comes up with!

10. Kitchen “Cooking”

Set up a mini kitchen station with safe utensils, pots, pans, and some play food. Let your toddler “cook” meals.

This imaginative play activity not only mimics real-life tasks but also boosts their creativity and understanding of the world around them.

What are some outdoor activities for 2 year olds?

Outdoor activities for 2-year-olds can be playing in a sandbox, blowing bubbles, riding tricycles, or having a picnic in the backyard.

Outdoor Activities for 2 Year Olds

Outdoor activities are essential for your child’s gross motor skills development.

• Encouraging them to engage in activities like running, jumping, and climbing can improve their coordination and balance.
• Playing with balls, riding tricycles, or even exploring nature can be great for their physical growth and overall well-being.
• Fine motor skills activities can also be incorporated outdoors.
• Introduce your child to activities like drawing with chalk or playing with small objects like pom poms.
• These activities can help improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
• Don’t forget about educational activities.
• Take your 2 year old on a nature walk and teach them about different plants and animals.

You can also engage them in simple counting or alphabet games to introduce them to early math and language concepts.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Equip your toddler with a small bag and a list of natural items to find, like a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth stone.

This activity enhances their observational skills and fosters a love for nature.

2. Chalk Drawing on the Sidewalk

Give them colorful chalks and let their creativity run wild on the sidewalk. It’s a great way for them to practice their grip and unleash their inner artist.

3. Water Play with Plastic Cups

Fill a large basin or kiddie pool with water and provide your toddler with plastic cups, spoons, and other safe utensils.

They can pour, scoop, and stir, which is not only fun but also excellent for their motor skills and understanding of basic scientific concepts like volume and gravity.

4. Bubble Blowing Fun

Who doesn’t love bubbles? Provide your toddler with a bubble solution and a wand.

Chasing and popping bubbles can be endless fun and is also great for developing their hand-eye coordination.

5. Sandbox Play

If you have access to a sandbox, it’s a wonderful sensory play area. Provide them with shovels, buckets, and molds.

Digging, building, and creating shapes in the sand can keep them engaged and help in enhancing their creativity.

6. Ball Games

Simple games like rolling, throwing, or kicking a ball can be very engaging for a 2-year-old.

It’s not only fun but also aids in their gross motor development and hand-eye coordination.

7. Plant a Flower

Gardening can be a delightful experience for toddlers. Give them a small pot, some soil, and a flower seed or sapling.

They can water it daily and watch it grow, teaching them patience and care for nature.

How can I encourage my 2 year old’s development?

You can encourage your 2-year-old’s development by providing a variety of age-appropriate toys, reading together, and engaging in interactive play and conversations.

Ways to encourage my 2 year old’s development

There are several ways to promote your 2 year old’s development. Engaging in sensory play is one of them.

• Let your child explore different textures, tastes, and smells through activities like finger painting, water play, or playing with sand.
• These experiences can stimulate their senses and support their cognitive and social-emotional development.
• Problem-solving is another important skill to foster at this age. Provide your child with toys or puzzles that require them to find solutions.
• Encourage them to think critically and come up with their own ways to solve problems.
• This can boost their confidence, creativity, and logical thinking.
• Promoting language skills is crucial during the early years. Talk to your child as much as possible, describing their surroundings, objects, and actions.
• Read books, sing songs, and engage in conversations with them.

These activities can help expand their vocabulary, improve their communication skills, and enhance their overall language development.

1. Puzzles and Problem Solving

Introduce simple jigsaw puzzles. This challenges their cognitive skills and teaches patience.

2. Play Pretend

Engage in imaginative play with your toddler. Whether it’s playing house, doctor, or supermarket, pretend play stimulates their creativity, social skills, and understanding of the world around them.

3. Interactive Reading

Don’t just read to them; ask questions about the story, characters, and illustrations. This promotes comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

4. Counting Games

Incorporate counting in daily activities. Whether it’s counting toys, steps, or snacks, this introduces them to basic math concepts.

5. Craft Time

Provide materials like paper, glue, and safe scissors. Crafting aids in fine motor development and allows them to express themselves creatively.

6. Sing and Dance

Music is a powerful tool for development. Singing familiar nursery rhymes and dancing helps with memory, rhythm, and physical coordination.

7. Nature Walks

Take them outside and explore nature. Point out birds, trees, and flowers. This fosters curiosity and a love for the environment.

8. Building Blocks

Playing with blocks or Lego helps with spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and creativity as they build towers or structures.

9. Memory Games

Simple games like “I spy” or matching card games can boost their memory and attention span.

10. Cooking Together

Simple tasks like stirring or pouring can be done under supervision. This introduces them to different textures, tastes, and the concept of cause and effect.

11. Teach Self-care Skills

Encourage them to try dressing themselves or brushing their teeth. This fosters independence and self-confidence.

12. Playdates

Interacting with peers can be beneficial for their social development. It teaches sharing, cooperation, and understanding emotions.

Encouraging a 2-year-old’s development is all about providing varied experiences that challenge and stimulate their growing brains and bodies.

By introducing them to different activities, you’re not only keeping them engaged but also laying a strong foundation for their future learning and development.

What are some fun learning activities for 2 year olds?

Fun learning activities for 2-year-olds include counting games, sorting shapes and colors, simple craft projects, and singing nursery rhymes.

Fun learning activities for 2 year olds?

Crayons are wonderful tools for 2 year olds to practice coloring and drawing.

• Provide them with large sheets of paper and let their imagination run wild.
• This not only improves their fine motor skills but also encourages creativity and self-expression.
• Puzzles are great for improving hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Start with simple puzzles that have larger pieces and gradually progress to more complex ones.
• This helps your child develop their spatial awareness and logical thinking.
• Play dough is a versatile material that offers a range of sensory and fine motor skills development opportunities.

Let your child mold, squish, and create various shapes with play dough. This activity enhances their tactile senses, hand muscles, and creativity.

1. Counting with Everyday Objects

Use fruits, toys, or buttons to teach basic counting. It’s a hands-on way to introduce math.

2. Alphabet Fishing

Create a mini “fishing pond” using a blue sheet or towel.

Place cardboard letters on it and provide a toy fishing rod or a magnet tied to a string.

As they “catch” each letter, say its name aloud. This activity enhances letter recognition and fine motor skills.

3. Colorful Shadow Matching

On a sunny day, place colorful toys or objects in direct sunlight and trace their shadows on paper.

Ask your toddler to match the objects to their corresponding shadows.

This game sharpens their observational skills and introduces them to the concept of light and shadow.

4. Sensory Sand Writing

Fill a tray with sand or salt and let your toddler draw shapes, numbers, or letters with their finger.

This tactile experience is not only fun but also aids in letter and shape recognition while stimulating their sense of touch.

5. Nature Collage

After a walk in the park or garden, collect leaves, flowers, and twigs.

Once home, let your toddler glue them onto paper to create their own nature collage. This activity promotes creativity and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Introducing 2-year-olds to fun learning activities is a delightful way to spark their curiosity and love for knowledge. These activities are not only educational but also ensure that learning is an enjoyable process, setting the stage for a lifelong love of discovery.

How can I entertain my 2-3 year old at home?

To entertain a 2-3 year old at home, you can set up a mini obstacle course, have a dance party, bake together, or create a DIY sensory bin.

Tips to Entertain my 2-3 year old at home

At home, you can engage your 2-3 year old with sensory play activities using items like pom poms and sensory bins.

• Fill a bin with colored rice or dried beans and let your child explore and play with them.
• This helps in their sensory development and provides hours of entertainment.
• Setting up craft activities can be a fun way to entertain your child.
• Draw a hopscotch pattern on the floor using chalk or help them make pom pom creatures.
• Crafts not only nurture their creativity but also improve their hand-eye coordination and concentration.
• To keep them active, encourage gross motor skills activities like playing with balls or running around in an open area.
• You can set up simple obstacle courses or play games like Simon Says to make it even more engaging.

These activities promote physical fitness and coordination.

1. Theme Days

Have a ‘Dinosaur Day’ or ‘Space Day’ where all activities revolve around the chosen theme. It’s a fresh way to learn and play.

2. DIY Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with rice, beans, or sand and hide small toys inside. Let your toddler dig and discover, stimulating their tactile senses and keeping them engaged for hours.

3. Cooking Together

Even toddlers can help in the kitchen. Let them wash veggies, stir ingredients, or decorate cookies. It’s a fun way to bond and introduce basic cooking skills.

4. Dance Parties

Put on some lively music and let loose with your little one. Dancing is not only a great way to burn energy but also helps with rhythm and coordination.

5. Craft Corner

Set up a craft station with safe scissors, glue, colored paper, and other craft supplies. Let them create whatever they fancy, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

6. Indoor Camping

Build a fort using blankets and cushions. Once inside, read stories, have a snack, or just cuddle. It’s an adventure without leaving the house!

7. Gardening Together

Even if it’s just potting a plant indoors, gardening teaches patience, care, and introduces them to the world of plants.

8. Water Play

Fill a basin with water, add some toys, and let them splash around. It’s simple, but most toddlers love it. Just remember to keep a close eye for safety.

9. Story Creation

Using toys or drawings, create stories together. It can be as simple as a day in the life of a toy or as imaginative as a journey to another planet.

10. Dress-up and Role Play

Use old clothes, hats, and accessories for dress-up. Role-playing scenarios like shopping, going to the doctor, or being superheroes can be both fun and educational.

Entertaining a 2-3 year old at home can be a delightful experience when you mix creativity with learning.

These activities not only keep them engaged but also stimulate their imagination, cognitive abilities, and motor skills.

Remember, the key is to make every moment a blend of fun and discovery.

What are some toddler sensory activities?

Sensory activities for toddlers are designed to stimulate their senses and boost their development.

Fun activities like playing with toy cars in painter’s tape roads or engaging in messy activities with safe, non-toxic materials are great.

These activities not only keep your toddler busy but also help them learn about shapes, colors, and textures.

List of Toddler Sensory Activities

Here is a List of toddler sensory activities for children.

1. Water Play with Colored Ice

Freeze colored water in ice trays and let your toddler play with them in a tub. It’s a cool way to explore temperature and colors.

2. Edible Mud Play

Create ‘mud’ using chocolate pudding and let your toddler explore its texture. It’s a messy yet delicious way for them to experience different consistencies.

3. Scented Playdough

Make homemade playdough and add different scents using essential oils or extracts like vanilla or mint. This engages their sense of smell while they mold and shape.

4. Sound Bottles

Fill small containers with different items like rice, beans, or bells. Seal them and let your toddler shake them to explore various sounds.

5. Texture Walk

Lay out different textured materials like bubble wrap, sandpaper, or a soft rug. Let your toddler walk over them barefoot, feeling the different sensations under their feet.

6. Sticky Wall Exploration

Using contact paper, create a sticky wall where toddlers can stick and remove lightweight objects. It’s a unique tactile experience and also works on their fine motor skills.

7. Taste Test

Introduce your toddler to different tastes using safe foods. Sweet, salty, sour, and bitter can be explored using fruits, pretzels, lemon slices, and dark chocolate.

8. Sensory Bags

Fill zip-lock bags with materials like hair gel, water beads, or sand. Add some small toys or glitter and seal them. Toddlers can squish and move the materials inside, observing the effects.

9. Nature Texture Collage

After a nature walk, collect various items like leaves, twigs, or flowers. Let your toddler glue them onto paper, creating a collage while feeling the different textures of nature.

Which developmental craft activities are suitable for toddlers?

Sensory activities play a crucial role in a toddler’s development, helping them understand the world around them.

These activities not only stimulate their senses but also enhance their cognitive and motor skills. It’s all about making learning a hands-on, immersive experience.

Craft activities for 2-year-olds, such as simple arts and crafts using materials you already have at home, are excellent for fostering creativity and imagination.

Activities like finger painting or making shapes with playdough are both fun and beneficial for a toddler’s development.

What are fun sensory activities for 2-year-olds?

Two-year-olds love activities like playing with water beads, exploring different textures in a sensory bin, or even just feeling different fabrics.

These sensory activities are not only engaging but also crucial for their developmental growth.

What educational activities are best for two year olds?

Educational activities for 2-year-olds include sorting games, color matching, and simple puzzles. These activities help toddlers develop cognitive skills while also being a fun game they love to play.

How can you improve fine motor skills in 2-year-olds through activities?

Activities like threading large beads, using child-safe scissors, or even just playing with playdough can help improve a 2-year-old’s fine motor skills.

These activities not only keep toddlers engaged but also help them practice and refine their hand-eye coordination.

What are some gross motor skills kids activities suitable for toddlers?

Simon says, dancing, or even just a fun game of tag in the backyard are great ways to get your toddler moving and improve their gross motor skills.

These activities are not only fun but also vital for physical development.

How can you engage in activities with your toddler effectively?

Engaging with your toddler means choosing activities that are both fun and developmental.

Whether it’s an indoor activity like reading together or outdoor play, the key is to be present, participate, and let your toddler lead the way sometimes.

How can crayons be incorporated into fun activities for toddlers?

Crayons can be used for more than just coloring. Let your toddler practice their grip by drawing, create imaginative play scenarios with crayon characters, or even learn about shapes and colors by sorting crayons.

How does the game “Simon Says” benefit 2-year-old developmental toddler activities?

“Simon Says” is a fun game that helps toddlers develop listening skills, follow directions, and improve their gross motor skills.

It’s a game that kids love to play and is also educational.

Why do year-olds love to play so much?

Play is a natural way for toddlers to explore the world, learn new skills, and express themselves.

Through play, toddlers also learn about social interactions, problem-solving, and much more, making it a vital part of their development.

What are some craft activities specifically designed for 2-year-olds?

Two-year-olds can engage in simple craft activities like making handprint art, creating collages with cut-out shapes, or even just drawing with chalk.

These activities foster creativity and are also great for developing fine motor skills.

Why do toddlers love engaging activities so much?

Engaging activities stimulate a toddler’s curiosity and natural desire to explore.

When an activity is both fun and challenging, it captures their attention, making learning an enjoyable experience.

Which educational activities are most beneficial for 2-year-olds?

Two-year-olds benefit most from activities that combine fun with learning.

This includes sorting games, counting toys, reading aloud, and any activity that encourages them to use their creativity and imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Activities for 2 Year Olds. Get some quick answers to everything you need to know.

What activities are appropriate for 2 year olds?

Appropriate activities for 2-year-olds include finger painting, playdough play, storytime, and simple board games like “Memory.”

How do I keep my 2 year old entertained?

Keeping a 2-year-old entertained involves a mix of physical activities, creative play, and educational games that cater to their curiosity and energy levels.

How do I entertain my 2 year old boy at home?

To entertain a 2-year-old boy at home, consider building forts, playing with toy cars, engaging in water play, or setting up a mini race track.

What educational activities for two year olds?

Educational activities for two-year-olds include reading picture books, playing with alphabet puzzles, counting toys, and exploring nature items like leaves or rocks.

What activities are good for 2 year olds?

Good activities for 2-year-olds stimulate their physical, cognitive, and emotional development, such as dancing, drawing, or playing pretend games.

What should a 2 year old know academically?

By age 2, children should recognize some colors and shapes, be able to count to 10, know basic body parts, and have a vocabulary of around 50-100 words.

How do you mentally stimulate a 2 year old?

To mentally stimulate a 2-year-old, offer a variety of toys and games that challenge their thinking, ask open-ended questions, and encourage them to explore and ask questions about their environment.

Wrapping up Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Navigating the world of a 2-year-old is a delightful challenge. As they inch towards becoming a 3 year old, it’s vital to engage them in developmental activities.

• Our curated list, from craft activities for 2-year-olds to educational games, is not just about keeping a busy toddler entertained but fostering learning.
• Year olds love these fun and easy activities, making them a favorite for at-home exploration.
• Whether it’s practicing letters or diving into games, each activity is a step in their developmental journey.

In essence, every moment with your toddler is an opportunity for growth, ensuring learning and fun go hand in hand.

If you enjoyed this article about Activities for 2-Year-Olds and would like to learn more, please leave a comment below.

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12 Fun Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Looking for ways to entertain and educate your toddler? Check out these expert-recommended indoor activities for 2-year-olds to enhance your little one's development.

After your child celebrates their second birthday, they will experience major intellectual, physical, social, and emotional changes that help them make sense of the world. With that, having a supply of hands-on learning activities for 2-year-olds is incredibly important.

"The stage from 2 to 3 is major because language is really beginning to develop ," explains Robert Myers, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychologist, founder of the Child Development Institute, and assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. "Children are also starting to recognize that they're independent beings and are actively exploring their world."

Dr. Myers notes that parents can provide encouragement and support that enable the child to master key developmental tasks. "Always layer activities with lots of language, interaction, and imaginative play," adds Roni Cohen Leiderman, Ph.D., dean of the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development at Nova Southeastern University, and co-author of Let's Play and Learn Together . "Child development comes through the portal of relationships with parents or caregivers."

To get started with your little one, try these simple learning activities for 2-year-olds to keep them entertained, engaged, and always growing.

Play Dress-Up

Haul out a pile of old clothes and let your child play dress-up. "You can also participate, but it's great to encourage group play with two or three other children their age," Dr. Myers suggests.

Skills learned: Creativity, imagination, language skills, and social development

Decorate a Crayon Carrier

Cover a table with newspaper, then gather a resealable zipper storage bag, glue stick, pompoms, and crayons. Let your child use the glue stick to coat the bag and help them stick on the colorful pompoms. They can fill the bag with crayons when it dries. Next time you go to a restaurant, whip out the carrier and let them show off their creation. They will be excited to use their creativity again.

Skills learned: Motor skills, planning, creativity

For an easy indoor activity for 2-year-olds, hide a toy somewhere in the house, and ask your child to find it. Explore with them, using cues like "warmer" and "colder" to guide them. You can also use flashlights for the search or hide several objects at one time.

Skills learned: Listening, problem-solving, social skills, and memory

Make a Mailbox

Create a mailbox by decorating an old shoe box or cardboard box and cutting a slit in the top. Fill it with your junk mail for your child to open. "Not only does this develop fine motor skills as they open the envelopes and take out what's inside, but you can also use it to teach your child basic concepts," Dr. Leiderman says.

"Talk about the pictures, colors, and letters; help them sort it by size, shape, or color; or count the pieces. You can also layer in imaginative play by playing post office, or playing store with the coupons."

Skills learned: Develops an understanding of basic concepts, and fine motor skills

Imagine a Boat

Lay out a towel or blanket on the floor and have your toddler sit it, gently pull them around the room. Pretend the blanket is a train or a boat and that you are stopping at different places, like the zoo, the grocery store, or a favorite restaurant. This activity for 2-year-olds at home will also improve balance !

Skills learned: Balance, pretending

Trace Their Body

Have your child lie down on a large piece of paper and trace the outline of their body. "Because the child has to lay still to be traced, they learn self-control," Dr. Leiderman says. "You can show them where the two eyes, nose, and mouth go, but if your child just wants to color all over it, that's fine. Don't impose anything on them, just let them have fun with it."

Note: If your child doesn't want to lie still, don't force them. Start with tracing just their hand or foot, or tracing your hand or foot.

Skills learned: Sense of self, self-control, and identifying body parts/language skills

Play Simon Says

Start out with simple directions ("Simon says, touch your toes"). Then graduate to silly, more complex routines ("Simon says, tug on your left ear, then your right ear"). You can also encourage your child to jump, skip, catch something, and more. And don't forget to drop "Simon says" every now and then during this learning activity for 2-year-olds!

Skills learned: Gross motor skills, following directions, and receptive language

Try a “Stop and Go” Game

Play games that involve starting and stopping, such as "red light, green light" or "freeze dance." Developing self-control will eventually help children negotiate, compromise, and work out conflicts without losing their temper, Dr. Leiderman says.

Skills learned: Self-control

Craft a Collage

Cut out different noses, eyes, hair, and other features from old magazines, and give them to your child. Encourage them to make funny creatures or silly faces with the features, then glue them onto a piece of paper.

"Talk to your child about the pieces and how to glue them down, but don't be too directive with it," Dr. Leiderman says. "Ask a lot of 'wonder questions,' like 'I wonder what would happen if you put the pieces down without the glue?' and 'I wonder why the glue is getting all over the table?' Childhood is about learning new facts and applying them to theories, so help them make theories."

Skills learned: Creativity, language

Pass a Ball

This fun activity for 2-year-olds requires a play tunnel. Standing at opposite ends with your child, take turns lifting each end to roll a softball back and forth. "This can take some trial and error for your kiddo to get the hang of, but it's great motor planning practice and takes teamwork," says Rachel Coley, occupational therapist, author of Simple Play: Easy Fun For Babies , and founder of CanDo Kiddo .

Skills learned: Motor planning, understanding cause and effect, teamwork

Draw a Song

As you sing one of your child's favorite songs, draw a simple picture of what is happening in the lyrics, then hand your child the paper to draw something else mentioned in the song. For example, Coley would sing "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" to her son, first drawing the spider and then having him draw his version of the rain. Go back and forth until the song ends.

Skills learned: Language skills, creativity, storytelling

Initiate Conversation

Hand over a doll or plush toy, and encourage your child to hold, talk, dress, and take care of it. "Talk to the doll the way you would talk to a child, and encourage your child to do the same," Dr. Myers says. In addition to language skills, this activity for 2-year-olds also teaches creativity and imagination.

Skills learned: Social, language, and fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination

Related Articles

30 Learning Activities for 2 Year Olds

Discover fun learning activities for 2 year olds ! From educational activities to arts and crafts, get ideas to do with your toddler.

I don’t stock sensory bins or organize trays of card stock at home. I also don’t like how many toddler activities seemed to focus on the parents’ crafting skills, not necessarily the child’s.

And I’m more interested in child-directed learning, not the “final product.” It’s not so much about creating a beautiful item as it is about allowing kids to be curious and ask questions.

Still, even as a non-crafty mom, I wanted to provide my kids with activities that encouraged their desire to learn and explore. After all, toddlers still have the same curiosity as when they were infants, but with the ability to do more complex tasks.

Below, I’ve listed the best activities I’ve done with my kids when they were this age. I divided them into five categories for a total of 30 activities (which makes for a fun month-long challenge!). These activities are bound to keep your toddler busy and engaged.

That said, I purposefully kept these activities realistic to do as well. You won’t need to buy science toys or craft supplies galore. If you do decide to buy anything, you’re more than likely going to use the materials over and over.

And these activities are simple . We’re all busy, and we know 2 year olds don’t exactly sit still for hours at a time. They can definitely go at their own pace. Hopefully, you can find them useful. As one parent said:

“I don’t even comment on blogs. But I’m trying to introduce new activities that we can do together and this has really helped. I just wanted to say thank you for putting these ideas and resources together!” -Kaitlin

Table of Contents

Craft activities

1. play dough.

Roll play dough into balls and count them one by one as you place them into a pile. Or roll them into long strings and spell the letters of your child’s name. Encourage fine motor skills by allowing her to pinch bits and pieces off of a large ball.

2. Fractions with paper

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Grab a sheet of paper, cut it in half, and explain how the two pieces make up the whole paper. Then, cut those two pieces in half, making quarters. Keep going, making eighths.

After each round of cutting, assemble the paper so your child can see how all the pieces form the original sheet. You can also get these pizza fraction toys to make it even more fun.

3. Matching game

Using card stock or index cards, write two sets of the letters of the alphabet and have your child match them together. Start with a few at a time to avoid overwhelming her with all 26. Either way, keep the letters all the same color so she understands that she’s matching by letters, not color.

4. Glue by color

Cut tiny pieces of colored paper—for instance, blue, red, yellow, and green. Then, on separate sheets of paper, draw two circles per sheet using different-colored crayons. One sheet can have a blue circle and a red circle, while another has a yellow and a green one.

Finally, have your child glue the cut-up pieces into the matching-colored circles (green bits into the green circle, for instance).

5. Mix colors

Using the three primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, show your child how to mix and match to make different colors. A few to try include:

• red + blue = purple
• yellow + blue = green
• red + yellow = orange

6. Count with dot markers

Have your child practice numbers with dot markers . Print two sheets of paper in landscape format, with the numbers 1-10 along the side. Show her how to color the appropriate number of dots next to each letter, counting along with her.

FREE printables: Make these activities even easier with these ready-made printables ! You’ll get a set to play the matching game, sheets to glue by color, printables to count with dot markers, and samples of my workbook, Letters and Numbers.

Grab the printable pack below—at no cost to you. You’ll also get my newsletters, which parents say they LOVE:

“Loved this email, it came precisely when I needed it! Many thanks for sharing your insight and helping me see things differently!” -Alejandra M.

Educational activities

7. sort colors.

Find a set of items and sort them by color. A few ideas include building blocks, magnets, cars—anything you’ve stored in a box! Then, sort them into different piles or place them into empty bowls, one for each color.

8. Count everything

Play a game of counting everything . Count toys like building blocks and pom poms, or snacks like crackers and carrots. Use any opportunity to count. Climbing a set of stairs? Count the steps you take. Pushing her on a swing? Count each time you give her a push.

9. Cut paper strips by size

Play a game of sorting by size, using 10 pieces of paper strips, straws, or pipe cleaners, ranging from one to 10 inches long. For instance, you can have one piece that’s one inch long, then another that’s two inches long, and so forth.

Once you have all 10 pieces, shuffle them on the ground and encourage your child to arrange them in order, from smallest (one inch) to largest (10 inches).

10. Sink or float

Gather a few household materials or toys and experiment to see which ones sink or float. You can do this during bath time, or pour water into a large bowl, water table, or kiddie pool. Find water-safe items with varying weights so your child can see different results.

Tip: Afterward, you and your child can use the water for your plants!

11. Letters in the tub

My kids played with a set of foam pieces of the alphabet , which they used to learn even more about letters and numbers. I’d also show them simple words to spell, or how certain letters come together to form their names.

12. Trace and write letters and numbers

Worksheets like those in my Letters and Numbers workbook are another fun way to introduce your child to the alphabet. Start with large letters and encourage him to “trace” with his fingers, before moving on to smaller letters to trace with a pencil or crayon.

Outdoor activities

13. nature scavenger hunt.

Make a list of items your child might find outdoors and help her collect her findings. A few ideas include leaves, twigs, rocks, pebbles, or flowers. Bring a bag to store the items, and cross the item off your list once you’ve found what you were looking for.

To make this game even easier, task her with finding just one type of item during your nature walk. For instance, my son loved finding baby pine cones, which our local park had plenty of. We’d simply make a pile of pine cones on the base of a tree until we found nearly all of them.

14. Collect and compare leaves

Collect a variety of leaves outdoors, lay your findings in a row, and talk about how each leaf looks and feels. You might talk about the different textures, colors, or shapes, and describe why some are soft and green while others are brown and crinkly.

15. Plant a seed

Plant a seed and watch it grow over the next few days and weeks. Depending on the weather, you can start the seeds in small containers indoors, or sow them directly into the ground outside. And stick to large seeds like sunflowers or bush beans—these are easier to hold and they grow quickly.

16. Bucket of ice

At a children’s birthday party we attended, the kids were intrigued with nothing more than a simple bucket of ice. They had found an empty water cooler with only ice and water. They’d grab pieces of ice and move them to the grass to watch them melt.

You can do something similar by placing a few ice cubes in a bowl and heading outdoors. Allow your child to grab the ice cubes and lay them on the ground. Talk about the differences between how it melts on the grass versus the hot concrete.

17. Mud play

Find a spot in your backyard or park and pour water into the soil. You can even bring pretend cooking items or old kitchen utensils you no longer use for imaginative play. For instance, stir and “bake cookies” on an old baking tray.

18. Sidewalk chalk

Grab sidewalk chalk and head to your sidewalk, driveway, or park. Draw pictures, write words, and practice coloring in shapes. Sidewalk chalk lets her be creative in a way that’s different from the crayons and pencils she probably uses often.

Practical activities

19. sweep into a square.

Encourage your child to do chores with simple sweeping! Using painter’s tape ( we have a bunch of these at home ), make a square on your kitchen floor. Then,  with a child-size broom , have her sweep all the dirt from the rest of the floor into that square.

20. Pour water

Place a bowl and a measuring cup filled with water on a baking sheet. ( I like this Oxo one because it’s lightweight with a rubber grip for easy handling.) Then, have your child pour water from the measuring cup into the bowl.

Using two measuring cups, she can pour the water into one measuring cup, going back and forth easily. She can also pour and scoop small items like dry rice, beads, or sand. Keep a towel handy for easy clean up.

21. Use liquid droppers with water

Using kid-friendly liquid droppers , show your child how to collect water by pinching the dropper and dipping the end into a bowl of water.

Then have her open her fingers, drawing water into the dropper. And finally, she can press the dropper once more, releasing the water into another bowl. This is a fantastic way to develop fine-motor skills.

22. Use tweezers and puff balls

With kitchen tongs ( or kid-friendly tweezers) , have your child collect cotton or puff balls from one bowl to another.

If you use different-colored puff balls, you can also have her sort them by color or number. For instance, all the blues in one pile, or make a pile of one, then two, then three, and so forth.

23. Sort laundry

As much as we dread laundry, you have to admit, it can make for an easy activity to do with your 2 year old. For instance, have her sort laundry by type (like shirts and pants) or by color. She can also match socks or set aside household laundry like napkins and rags.

24. Water plants

Kids love watering plants! Use a simple watering can like this to help your child learn how to water both indoor and outdoor plants. You might even make this part of her weekly chores—something she’ll do every Saturday morning, for instance.

Places to go

25. children’s museums.

Nearly every major city has a children’s museum. I prefer these types of museums because they invite hands-on participation (so I don’t have to holler “Don’t touch!” all the time). In Los Angeles, I love going to Kidspace , California Science Center , Discovery Cube , and Skirball’s Noah Ark .

26. Libraries

Many libraries include activities for kids, from story time and magic shows to arts and crafts. Grab calendars from your local libraries so you can attend events specifically for toddlers. Plus, going to the library encourages you and your family to make regular trips to borrow and read books at home.

27. Nature walks

Explore a new trail or nature walk with your child! You might check out a local hike, the lagoon, or the forests in your area. Bring a magnifying glass so she can observe curious finds along the way.

28. Sandbox or beach

Playing with sand either at the beach or in a sandbox at your local park can be so much fun! Bring sand toys and encourage your child to build, experiment with water, and learn through sensory play.

Don’t want to deal with the mess? Grab a bag of kinetic sand, which is easier to mold and less messy. I keep this in a plastic storage box with a lid for easy clean up.

29. Botanical gardens

I love taking my kids to botanical gardens because they invite so much exploration. The trees and plants are wilder than more polished gardens, and they include streams and even animals like lizards, fish, and turtles.

In Los Angeles, my favorites are the UCLA Botanical Garden and the South Coast Botanic Garden .

30. Aquariums

Discover the ocean and marine world by visiting your local aquarium! Your child can have an up-close opportunity to meet many of the animals who live in the water while learning about ways to care for the environment .

As you can see, these activities don’t need to be complicated or take too much time. Your child can play with mud or mix primary colors, and learn about sizes with paper strips or water volume with measuring cups. And most importantly, she can develop a love of learning.

You can do activities with your toddler—even if you’re not a crafty mom.

Don’t forget: Join my newsletter and grab the printable pack below —at no cost to you:

Nina Garcia is the founder of Sleeping Should Be Easy, a leading parenting resource and online blog. She has spent the last 14 years creating helpful content for parents through online courses and workshops, ebooks, newsletters, and the Sleeping Should Be Easy website.

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10 Comments

Love your ideas!!

Thanks, Tracey! Glad the article is helpful.

Incredible and helpful ideas

Thank you for letting me know, Lillian!

I enjoy some of the activities to perform with my almost 2 year old granddaughter- I have worked with pre-school for 26 years and teaching on this level is somewhat different for me,

I’m glad to hear it, Charlotte!

I don’t even comment on blogs. But my toddler is going through the only wanting daddy phase and I’m trying to introduce new activities that we can do together during our quality time and this has really helped. I just wanted to say thank you for putting these ideas and resources together!

I’m so glad to hear that Kaitlin! Thanks so much for letting me know.

Very informative, thank you

I’m so glad, Natalie! Thanks for letting me know <3

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Parent Resources for Learning > Core Skills > 7 Fun and Easy Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

7 Fun and Easy Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

by Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos | May 16, 2023 | Core Skills

Welcome to the terrific twos! Toddlers are bursting with energy and movement, and the age of 2 is a crucial time in their brain development. This is a wonderful opportunity to refocus their energy into fun learning activities for 2-year-olds. We know that as a parent to a toddler, it may feel more like lots of cleanups, tantrums, trying to prevent physical injuries…so we’re here for you with a curated list of fun things to teach your toddler! 

While children do learn through everyday play, it’s also essential to create specific activities for them . At Begin, we recommend teaching toddlers fun activities focused around the 5 C’s , or 5 key areas of learning for all children: Core Skills , Creativity , Curiosity , Character , and Critical Thinking . By thinking in terms of the 5 C’s, you can ensure that your child’s learning development is holistic and well-rounded. 

The Short Cut

• Learning activities for toddlers can help them with the 5 C’s that help them thrive in school and life
• Toddlers are bursting with growth–this is a crucial time in their development, and they’re ready to learn! 
• Activities that involve one or more of their senses will help your child stay better engaged
• Parents can teach kids at their own pace to excite their interest
• A learning membership that grows with your child can provide great opportunities for toddler and 2-year-old learning

Introducing Your Toddler to New Learning

Stumped on what to teach a 2-year-old? Read on! In a nutshell, educational activities for 2-year-olds are essential because they:

• Introduce children to new concepts and Core Skills 
• Allow kids to practice Critical Thinking as they face new challenges
• Help children learn to try until they succeed
• Encourage Curiosity as kids try new or unfamiliar things
• Help children continue developing their fine and gross motor skills 

Try out some of the activities below—and watch your child’s creativity and curiosity grow! 

Engage Your Child’s Senses

At this stage, one of the best ways your child is discovering their world is through their senses. You’ve probably noticed how your child’s tiny fingers and hands love touching and exploring new textures.

Of course, it’s not always possible to engage every sense through play, but ensuring that the activity you choose involves using at least a couple of their senses will help your little learner continue learning through external stimuli.

Is the Activity Safe?

It’s important to choose activities for 2-year-olds that are child-friendly. For instance, consider if the items for a game you’ve selected are small enough to fit in your child’s mouth. Choking is a serious hazard for children under three.

While you’ll likely be closely monitoring their play, it’s beneficial to be proactive and avoid unnecessary stresses.

Is the Activity Age-Appropriate?

When choosing learning activities for 2-year-olds, keep in mind the developmental milestones to expect from your child.

For instance, by the 24-month mark, children can sort shapes and colors, build towers of four or more blocks, and communicate in simple two- to four-word sentences. 

Understanding these and other milestones will help you choose the most relevant games to help your child continue learning and growing at a healthy rate.

Fun Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

1. mini-tangram puzzle.

What You’ll Need:

• Our printable mini-tangram puzzle guide
• A pair of scissors

What to Do:

After printing out the file, proceed to cut out the different shapes on the first page. The second page has an outline that the cutouts from the first page will fit into perfectly.

Start by showing your child where and how to put the puzzle pieces together. Afterward, step back and let them practice on their own.

In the beginning, there might be a lot of trial and error. That’s okay! This is the perfect opportunity for them to practice their problem-solving skills.

To make it more challenging, your child (or their older sibling) can complete the puzzle using only the border on page three.

Optional: Make Your Own Puzzle

If your child has mastered our mini-tangram puzzle, why not make your own?

Start by gluing a picture you like onto some firm paper (bond or construction paper). Then cut this into four, five, or more pieces. Just like that, you have yourself a new puzzle!

You can also give your child a piece of bond or construction paper and let them draw their own puzzle, which you can then cut out for them to piece back together.

2. Crazy Costumes

• An iOS or Android device with the HOMER app
• Another favorite character

In this fun activity, children get the opportunity to dress up their favorite HOMER characters! Your child’s storytelling and creativity will be front and center here.

You can follow this link to get detailed instructions about playing Crazy Costumes on different devices (iOS and Android). If you don’t have the HOMER app, see what characters you already have around the house. Does your child have a favorite stuffed animal or poster? Get creative using found objects to recreate their favorite character’s look and vibe, or come up with a brand-new persona! 

What crazy costumes will your child come up with?

3. Play Dough

If your child loves play dough (what kid doesn’t?), then don’t forget to incorporate this soft and squishy material into their playtime.

There are many relevant play dough activities for 2-year-olds, including:

• Creating basic shapes, like a ball or a pancake
• Forming animals, like a snake, fish, or dog (remember it’s okay if these animals aren’t perfect!)
• Learning basic 2-D shapes by outlining triangles, squares, and circles with their play dough

We also encourage you to use a variety of play dough colors so your child can practice learning colors while they play. Hands-on activities engage kids’ senses and are a fantastic way to fully immerse your child in learning!

4. Building Blocks

• Set of building blocks
• Large play mat

If your child is like most 2-year-olds, they probably love playing with blocks! Playing with building blocks is a great independent activity for children, but you can also join in to help enhance learning.

You may ask questions to encourage Creativity, such as:

• What is your building — a school or a home, a toy store or an ice cream parlor?
• Who lives in your building?
• Who might visit it?
• What else is in the neighborhood?

By thinking through these questions, your child will be improving their language skills as well as Creativity.

Additionally, you can use blocks to demonstrate how to create a solid base for a building and to practice counting and learning colors (e.g., let’s stack two red blocks on top of each other).

5. Color Mixing Sensory Bag

• Icing or shaving cream
• Food coloring
• One small bowl
• Toothpick or spatula
• Large zip-top bag and tape, or cookie sheet

Start by filling your bag with icing or shaving cream. After selecting two different colors, add a few drops of each into the bags. Proceed to tape the bag carefully onto a working surface. Now, your child can use their fingers to squish and mix the colors.

While they’re mixing, put some icing or shaving cream into your bowl. Next, add a few drops of food coloring into the bowl and fold the color into the icing or shaving cream.

Lastly, it’s time to scoop the colored icing or cream into the bag or cookie sheet and encourage your child to mix the two colors.

Color mixing is a great hands-on activity to engage your child’s senses while they learn Core Skills.

6. Colorful Cookies

• 1 cup of butter or margarine
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 ¾ cups of flour
• Rolling pin
• Cookie sheet
• Cookie cutters

For detailed instructions on making delicious cookies your 2-year-old (and you!) will enjoy, check out this activity put together by the team from our HOMER app .

This is a great activity to help your child explore kitchen items. They can also act as a little sous chef by helping you roll the cookie dough and use the cookie cutters.

This activity is also excellent for language development, learning colors, and sensory skills. Considering all the yummy goodness from this activity, they probably won’t need much encouragement to participate!

7. Plant a Seed

• This printable field notes template
• Crayons or pencils
• A large jar (glass or clear plastic)
• Fast-growing seeds (e.g., peas or beans)
• Paper towels
• An old milk or juice carton
• A ruler or measuring tape

Follow the simple instructions from our field notes template to help you plant a seed and watch it grow! Your child can actively participate by measuring the plant daily and observing any noticeable changes.

We love this activity, as it helps to encourage language development. It also helps your child boost Critical Thinking by learning to compare and contrast (as the seeds grow) and understand the basic needs of a growing plant (e.g. sunlight and water).

Teach Them at Their Own Pace

Toddlers grow at an incredible rate! By introducing the 5 C’s through fun learning activities for 2-year-olds, you’re helping support that growth even more. Whether you use some or all of the above activities, we hope you and your child have fun through it all! 

If you find yourself needing extra things to do with a 2-year-old, check out our learning membership , which helps them develop the right skills as the right time to thrive.

Take our quiz to see which stage is right for your family today!

Jody has a Ph.D. in Developmental Science and more than a decade of experience in the children’s media and early learning space.

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Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos

Chief Learning Officer at Begin

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The Best Activities for 2-Year-Olds, According to a Child Development Expert

They're really not terrible at all.

Two-year-olds get a bad rap. They may have the occasional (or frequent) tantrum , true, but the “terrible” age is often a golden period of curiosity, bemusement, increased abilities, and even cooperation. They are, generally speaking, interested in…everything, but they have a few behavioral leanings that make certain learning activities optimal — pretend play, scribbling, and socializing among them.

When picking out activities for 2-year-olds, start with their interests, as well as their current abilities, then create experiences that match these. Look for open-ended toys that can be used in a variety of ways, advises Rebecca Parlakian, a senior director of programs at the nonprofit children’s advocacy organization Zero to Three . This provides an opportunity for the child to develop multiple skillsets at the same time.

Two-year-olds also like a challenge. “We want children to have fun, and having fun means they are challenged and it’s within their ability to master the challenge.” So, rather than propping your 2-year-old with a rattle, give them a puzzle or, better still, a set of blocks. At age 2 they might bang them together, but at age 3 they will build a house and by age 5, an entire village.

Don’t be afraid to include your 2-year-old in household activities, as well. “As much as young children learn through play, they also learn through rich, responsive interactions with caregiving adults and peers.” When we bring children into our everyday activities, they experience it in the same joyful way as they experience play. This kind of involvement, when matched with a show of appreciation from the adult, ultimately strengthens bonds and relationships.

Play Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Sink or float.

Tools: Large Bowl, Water, Toys

How to Play: Fill up a large bowl with water, then get toys and items of different properties and have your child drop them individually into the bowl of water. As they drop each item in, have them identify whether the items sink or float. Aside from the fact that kids love playing with water, this will also serve as a great way to have them introduced to the basic elements of science.

Body Tracing

Tools: Cardboard, Marker

How to Play: Have your two-year-old lay flat with their back to the cardboard paper, then ask them to outline their body shape. Because the outlining process requires intricate detail, it should encourage them to build on the self-control that is required to stay still for extended periods of time. Additionally, as they hold on to the marker and move their hand across their sides, to get the drawing in, they are developing their fine and gross motor skills. Once they are done outlining, you can encourage them to draw in their complete facial features or play with the piece as their creativity leads.

Bears on a Ladder

Tools: Counting Bears, Paper, Marker

How to Play: This activity for 2-year-olds is an open-ended one that could help expand your child’s vocabulary as well as early math skills. Draw a ladder on a paper and have your 2-year-old move the counting bear around it. You can use directional worlds like, “Put two bears on the ladder.” Move the blue bear up the ladder. Place the red bear below the blue bear.

Tools: Costumes

How to Play: Ask your 2-year-old what they would like to be, then give them a set of clothes and watch them create an entire scenario. This activity gives them the creative license to use their imagination. It also helps them improve their communication and thinking skills. Don’t be surprised if you discover a mini Tarantino.

How to Play: This classic game will help improve your child’s communication and listening skills. Feel free to explore different target areas as you play the game. A good rule of thumb is to pay attention to what your child is currently good at, then identify areas for improvement and work that into the game.

Freestyle Drawing on a Whiteboard

Tools: Whiteboard, Marker

How to Play: This activity is as simple as it sounds, but it allows your 2-year-old to explore their creativity while passing time. Simply prop a whiteboard on a wall and invite them to come to draw on it. Then watch as their artistic tendencies take flight. (The key here is that they are standing while performing this activity.) Don’t worry about if the drawing “looks like” anything; instead of asking “what is it,” ask them to tell you about it.

Softball Balloons

Tools: Balloons or a Nerf or Other Soft Ball

How to Play: Clear out an area of the room and give your 2-year-old a softball or balloon to play with. Since they are at the stage where they tend to push, pull, and throw things, this activity will be right up their alley. The advantage, softballs are not strong enough to mess up your beloved flat screen tv.

Chore Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Sorting laundry.

Tools: Laundry Basket, Clothes

How to Play: Ask your 2-year-old to “help out” with the laundry. Sorting clothes is a fun activity for 2-year-olds that targets their concentration, hand-eye coordination, and ability to implement simple instructions. You can target specific aspects of their development: ask them to sort by colors (sense of sight) or by textures (sense of feeling).

Cleaning Windows/Painting Steps

Tools: Spray Bottle, Water, Cleaning Cloth or Paintbrush

How to Play: Kids love water, and these are easy and interesting ways for them to play with and observe it, without any huge messes. Give them a spray bottle and a rag and ask them to clean off the windows. The wiping is good for their hand-eye coordination, and they’ll enjoy the sense of accomplishing a task. Painting the steps is similar: give them a paintbrush and ask them to “paint” the stairs/fence/house outside.

Tools: Step Stool, Food

How to Play: Give your toddler a step stool and ask them to help you put the carrots in a bowl or make a gingerbread man out of dough. This activity is great for 2-year-olds to build a variety of skills at once: from balance to math skills to fine motor skills. What you see as a chore, your 2-year-old considers an intriguing fun activity and will be excited to help every step of the way.

Putting Dishes in the Sink

Tools: Dirty Dishes, Sink/Dishwasher

How to Play: This activity for 2-year-olds is loved by parents for obvious reasons. It is a great way to introduce your toddler to the act of cleaning-up while keeping them busy at the same time. After your toddler’s meal ask them to bring over their dishes and watch them place them into the sink. This activity will challenge their movement and coordination. Don’t forget to give them positive reinforcement every step of the way.

17 Best Montessori Activities for 2 Year Olds (Top Picks)

On the hunt for engaging and imaginative Montessori activities for 2 year olds? Rest assured, you’re in good hands! We’ll assist you in discovering age-appropriate activities that will spark curiosity and stimulate their development. 

There are several Montessori activities designed specifically for young children that help provide stimulation, challenge them intellectually, introduce self-care skills, and foster independence in a safe and supportive environment. 

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best Montessori activities for 2 year olds so that you’re able to get more out of each play session.

The Importance of Montessori Activities for 2 Year Olds

Montessori activities for 2-year-olds are like a rich buffet of stimulation, nurturing their development in all sorts of delightful ways. These little adventurers are ready to conquer the world, and Montessori is their secret superpower! 

These activities are designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing toddlers to engage their senses and actively participate in their learning process. From simple puzzles to sensory bins filled with different textures, Montessori activities captivate the child’s curiosity and encourage them to discover new concepts through direct experience.

Montessori activities also promote independence and self-confidence as children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, make choices, and take ownership of their learning. 

Whether it’s pouring water from a small pitcher or sorting objects based on colors, these activities empower young learners to become more self-sufficient and capable in their daily lives. 

Where little ones finesse motor skills, solve problems, and talk like pros! It sets the stage for future success because, hey, starting strong is half the battle. 

By diving into these meaningful activities, two-year-olds gain the superpowers of cognition, social skills, and emotional intelligence – that’s some next-level growth and happiness right there! 

In Montessori, it’s all about embracing the process and loving learning, putting the “fun” back in fundamentals from day one. Who said education couldn’t be a wild adventure? 

Easy Montessori at Home Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Embracing Montessori activities for 2-year-olds may initially seem daunting, but fear not! It can be surprisingly effortless to incorporate Montessori principles into your child’s everyday playtime, fostering a rich and engaging learning environment. 

A great starting point is to set up inviting play stations, known as invitations to play, that pique your little one’s curiosity and spark their exploration. For instance, arrange a tray with small scoops and a bowl filled with dry beans, allowing your child to delight in the sensory experience of touching and scooping the beans. 

Not only will they enjoy the tactile sensation, but they’ll also be enhancing their fine motor skills and learning about cause and effect as they manipulate the beans.

Furthermore, you can easily create a sorting activity using everyday objects found around the house, such as building blocks or natural materials like leaves and sticks. 

By engaging in these seemingly simple yet purposeful Montessori-inspired activities, your child gains hands-on experiences that fuel their cognitive development and curiosity. 

These interactive playtime adventures foster their creativity, encourage independent exploration, and promote problem-solving skills. Moreover, as they explore these activities regularly, they build confidence in their abilities, paving the way for future learning and development. 

So, don’t be daunted by the idea of Montessori activities; instead, embrace the enriching possibilities they offer and watch your child thrive in their learning journey.

Motor Skill Development: Montessori Games for 2 Year Olds

Practical life Montessori activities for toddlers play a crucial role in promoting their motor skill development while nurturing their independence and self-confidence. These activities are designed to engage children in meaningful tasks that mimic real-life experiences, allowing them to refine their fine and gross motor skills. 

By incorporating these Montessori-inspired games into a toddler’s routine, parents and caregivers can create a supportive and enriching environment that lays a strong foundation for their future learning and growth.

Pouring and Transferring : Provide a child-friendly pitcher and cups, and let your toddler practice pouring water from one container to another. This activity enhances their hand-eye coordination, wrist control, and concentration while instilling a sense of responsibility.

Buttoning and Snapping : Introduce clothes with large buttons or snaps that your child can easily manipulate. Encourage them to dress and undress themselves, fostering their fine motor skills and independence in self-care routines.

Threading Beads : Offer a string and large beads for your child to thread, promoting their hand dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and focus. This activity helps prepare their fingers for writing in the future.

Washing Hands : Create a child-sized washing station with soap, a small basin, and a towel. Encourage your toddler to wash their hands independently before meals, instilling a sense of responsibility and self-care.

Sweeping and Dusting : Provide child-sized brooms and dusters for your little one to help with light cleaning tasks. This activity strengthens their gross motor skills while fostering a sense of contribution to the household.

Opening and Closing Containers : Offer containers with different types of lids for your child to open and close. This activity enhances their hand strength and coordination, as well as their problem-solving skills.

Peeling and Slicing Fruit : Use child-safe knives and present fruits like bananas or oranges for your toddler to peel and slice. This activity hones their fine motor skills and introduces basic food preparation concepts.

Watering Plants : Engage your 2-year-old in caring for plants by providing a small watering can for them to water indoor or outdoor plants. This activity enhances their hand strength and coordination, while also instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the environment.

Adding these nifty Montessori activities to a toddler’s daily routine not only boosts motor skills but also fuels their sense of independence and confidence. With hands-on learning and self-directed exploration, these activities create a well-rounded and empowering learning adventure for little ones. Get ready to ignite their curious minds! 

Some practical life activities for toddlers are:

Pouring Exercise: Pouring from one container to another is like Montessori’s version of a magic trick! Start with pompoms or beans, then level up to liquids like water. This activity boosts hand-eye coordination, precision, and concentration. And hey, spills are all part of the learning fun! Equip your little one with a sponge or cloth to master cleanup skills in no time. 

Dressing Frames: Dressing frames: old-school Montessori gear to transform your tot into a fashion pro! These fabric frames are all about buttons, zippers, and snaps. Watch your little one conquer closures and rock fine motor skills. They’ll feel so accomplished and independent—future style icon in the making! 

Food Preparation : Want to keep your toddler entertained and promote their independence? Get them involved in simple food prep activities like washing fruits, peeling bananas, or cutting soft fruits with a child-safe knife. It’s a slice of fun that helps develop their motor skills and encourages healthier eating habits!

Watering Plants: Make watering plants a splashy adventure for toddlers! Equip them with a mini watering can and let their green thumbs work their magic indoors or outdoors. Not only will this cultivate their fine motor skills, but it’ll also sprout a sense of responsibility and nature appreciation. 

Sorting Activities: Level up your toddler’s cognitive skills with this sneaky sorting game! Use fun objects from around your house (think vibrant pom poms, speedy toy cars, and blocky blocks) and watch as they sort them into different bowls or bins by color, size, or type. It’s like a mini genius in the making, learning to recognize patterns and categories while having a blast! 

Engage, explore, and conquer! These activities empower toddlers to master their environment, hone motor skills, and embrace practical life skills. With a dash of Montessori magic, watch your little one blossom with independence. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but the joy of learning through the process. So be patient, offer encouragement, and let your child conquer the world at their own pace! 

Cognitive Development: Montessori Activities for 2 Year Olds

Montessori activities for 2-year-olds play a crucial role in nurturing cognitive development, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for exploration and learning. These activities focus on various skills and concepts while encouraging independent exploration.

Sorting and Matching : Get those little hands moving and their minds buzzing with Montessori games tailored for 2-year-olds. In this thrilling adventure of Sorting and Matching. Watch as they group objects based on various characteristics like size, shape, color, and texture. By doing so, they unlock their problem-solving superpowers and revel in the excitement of organizing items into unique categories, nurturing their cognitive growth like never before.

Counting Games : Get ready for some high-energy fun as your 2-year-olds transform into number ninjas. In this active game, they’ll sharpen their countinf skills by physically pointing to and counting objects around them. With every triump “one, two, three,” their fine motor skills will thrive, and they’ll build a remarkable memory for numbers. The best part? They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re becoming little Math wizards.

Puzzles : Puzzles come in all shapes and sizes, captivating little minds with their colorful pieces. As your toddlers explore these intriguing challenges, they actively figure out how each pieces fits together to complete the picture. This process not only enhances their visual recognition but also boosts their spatial awareness- a cucial aspect of cognitive growth. Aside from that, each time they successfully complete a puzzle, they gain a sense of accomplishment that fosters self-assurance and confidence in their abilities.

Storytelling with Picture Cards: Gather a set of colorful picture cards with simple illustrations of everyday objects, animals, and people. Sit down with the toddlers and ask them to pick a card that catches ther eye. Encourage them to create a story around the picture they’ve chosen.As they describe the scene, as open-ended questions to expand their narrative and vocabulary. This activity enhances their listening skills as they engage with the storylines and their own imaginative tales. The best part? It’s a delightful way to unlock their creativity and build language fluency.

Montessori activities, where curious 2-year-olds can wander, wonder, and grow their little minds! By diving into purposeful play, toddlers gain skills, independence, and problem-solving magic, paving the way for epic communication and friendship skills. 

The engaging and interactive nature of these activities ensures that toddlers enjoy their learning journey while gaining essential knowledge and skills.

How to Make the Most of Montessori Activities with Your 2-Year-Olds

Montessori activities for two-year-olds, where exploration, problem solving, and critical thinking meet to create an engaging and brain-boosting learning playground! 

These activities are like setting the stage for real-life awesomeness: pouring, spooning, threading beads, hammering nails into wood blocks, sweeping like a pro, buttoning and zipping clothes like a champion, cutting paper with scissors like a boss, using tweezers with finesse, and sorting like a genius!                                                                                            

In addition to these practical life skills, the Montessori Method emphasizes hands-on learning through sensory activities such as sand tray play, water pouring, baking with measuring spoons and cups, manipulating clay or dough figures, puzzles, and counting beads. 

Artistic pursuits are also encouraged and may include painting with a variety of tools on different surfaces.

The goal of Montessori activities is to build self-confidence and independence in two year olds by providing them with opportunities to explore and practice new skills. 

Parents can support this process by offering encouragement, supervision, and guidance while their children complete the activities. It’s also important to create an environment that encourages exploration without feeling rushed or judged for making mistakes.

By presenting activities in a way that is both fun and inviting, two year olds can gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their learning journey. With patience and guidance from parents, these Montessori activities are sure to foster an enriching learning experience for young children. 

Is 2 years old too early for Montessori?

When it comes to Montessori, we often wonder if enrolling our little ones at 2 years old is too soon. But hey, according to Erik Erickson, toddlers are rocking the Autonomy vs Self-doubt phase! It’s the perfect time for them to shape their independence and self-confidence, which are like gold in Montessori educationWith Montessori’s child-centered approach, kids can explore and learn at their own pace, nurturing their autonomy and self-esteem. 

What should a 2 year old learn in Montessori?

At this age, children are knowledge sponges, ready to soak up experiences! Montessori classrooms for 2-year-olds offer a curriculum packed with practical life skills, language development, math concepts, and sensorial adventures. From pouring, touching, to exploring textures and colors, these little ones begin their journey towards building skills that will shape their future. Montessori education: preparing them for a lifetime of greatness! 

How do I start my 2 year old Montessori?

To kick things off, flex those research skills and scout out a Montessori school or daycare that jives with your values and educational vision. Get ready to mingle with the staff, tour the joint, and fire away with questions about their teaching approach and kiddo policies. Also, don’t forget to involve your little one since their personality and learning style are key to finding the perfect match.

Is it ever too late to start Montessori?

No, Montessori education has got you covered at any age! Every child progresses at their own pace, no matter when they start. While starting at three surely gives a head start, it’s never too late to jump in. Four, five, or even older, your child will benefit big time from the Montessori method. Plus, older kids often outshine their younger peers, thanks to their maturity, patience, and focus. 

Engaging your toddler in Montessori activities designed specifically for two year olds, and teaching them how to explore their environment will be a great benefit in the long run. 

Your toddler’s confidence and development can be positively nurtured by introducing Montessori activities that promote independence and curiosity. 

The more new skills they master, the more empowered and encouraged they’ll be as they enter into their preschool years! Montessori activities for 2 year olds provide you with the opportunity to give your child an early advantage in life. 

Get started today – pick out a few activities that you think your toddler will enjoy. Not only will you be positively contributing to their growth, but you’ll also have some quality bonding time together with these educational playtime activities!

© Montessori Toddler 2023.

How Wee Learn

Out of the box learning ideas, playful art, exploring nature, and simple living - that is How We Learn!

Learning Activities for 2 Year Olds

May 18, 2022 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Two-year-olds love to learn, and they learn best through play and exploration. In this post, I’ve rounded up some of the best learning activities for 2-year-olds from across the web.

These simple activities will help your toddler develop the skills needed for preschool and beyond—skills like fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language development, early math skills and social-emotional skills. 

Just before we get into all of the learning activities, I have a freebie for you! This Rainbow Puzzles Pack is full of ideas for playing with your toddler:

And speaking of playing and learning with your toddler, perhaps it is time for my Playful Days Toddler Program? One beautiful learning-filled craft or activity every day at your fingertips. Find out more: Playful Days

I hope you love it!

Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Your two year old will love doing these learning activities as they develop fine motor and gross motor skills, learn by exploring the senses and develop vocabulary, social and emotional skills through play. 

Fine Motor Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

DIY Twist-Top Board by Busy Blooming Joy  – This simple activity is great for developing a two year old’s fine motor skills and practical life skills. All you need are some twist caps of various sizes, hot glue and an old cutting board. 

Pom Pom Transfer Fine Motor Activity by Mombrite  – Simple activities are great for two year olds. This fine motor activity only uses a muffin tin, a bowl of pompoms and a spoon. 

Threading Station by Busy Toddler – This fun threading station is a great way for two year olds to practice fine motor skills. You will need cut-up straws and pipe cleaners for this activity. It also makes for a great quiet time activity!

Basic Cereal Threading Activity by Hands On As We Grow  – Here’s a simple fine motor activity that is perfect for two year olds. All you need is some play dough, spaghetti and o-shaped cereal. Toddlers will stay busy threading that cereal onto the spaghetti!

Clothespin Pull Toddler Fine Motor Activity by Days with Grey  – This fine motor activity is perfect for two year olds. You will need clothespins and paper tubes. Then your toddler can explore pulling them off and clipping them back on again. 

Gross Motor Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

3 Ways to Learn with a Bouncy Ball – Bouncy balls are fun for everyone, but especially two year olds! This post has some fun ways for little kids and big kids to play and learn together with bouncy balls.

Bubble Wrap Runway by Hands On As We Grow  – Setting up bubble wrap on the floor is a great way to encourage gross motor development for two year olds! They can walk, run, crawl, and push trucks across it to their hearts content!

Jungle Vine Gross Motor Activity by What We Can Do With Paper & Glue  – Creating a jungle for your two year old to crawl through is a fun way for them to get in some gross motor movement. All you need is a roll of green streamers and tape. 

6 Creative Movement Activities Using Streamers by The Inspired Treehouse – Streamers, whether paper or ribbon, are a versatile tool for encouraging gross motor movement in two year olds. This posts give 6 different ideas for how to play with them. 

Throw and Roll a Ball to Improve Gross Motor Skills by Moms Have Questions Too – All two year olds love balls! This simple activity is a great way to help your two year old improve their gross motor skills using a ball. 

Sensory Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Simple Nature Sensory Bin – Two year olds can learn so much from a simple nature sensory bin. They can learn to recognize different textures, scents and all about nature!

Bubble Sensory Play for Toddlers – Bubble play is a fascinating activity for two year olds. Bubbles are also an excellent learning activity that encourages fine motor skills, visual tracking, and oral motor skills for speech, plus they are just plain fun!

Woolly Sheep Sensory Play for Toddlers – This adorable Woolly Sheep craft really engages the senses for toddlers! It is also an excellent activity for working those fine motor muscles. 

Simple Pour and Scoop Sensory Bin by Laughing Kids Learn  – Two year olds can learn valuable practical life skills with this simple pour and scoop sensory bin. All you need is a bin of peas and lentils with cups and scoops in various sizes.

Easy Water Sensory Bin for Toddlers by My Bored Toddler  – Toddlers will learn so much from this easy water sensory bin. All you need is a bin of water and various containers and tools for your two year old to experiment with. 

Vocabulary Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

5 Natural Language Development Activities for Toddlers – Development of language and vocabulary is very important for toddlers and two year olds. This post contains 5 wonderful activities to help develop oral language in the natural world.

Learning Body Parts Activity for Toddlers by Activity Mom  – This is a fun way to teach your two year old the names of the body parts. You will need a picture of your toddler, sticky contact paper and little pompoms. 

Position Words: The Over Under Game by Busy Toddler  – This simple game is a fun way to teach your two year old position words like over and under. All you need is a toy and a cup making it the perfect game to play while on the go.

What’s In The Bag? A Fun Early Language Activity by The SLT Scrapbook – This simple early language activity is a fun way to get your two year old talking. All you need is a bag full of small toys to get your toddler interested in talking. 

Imaginative Play Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Play-Doh Faces Invitation to Play by Busy Toddler – This creative activity is the perfect way for two year olds to play using their imaginations. All you need is some colorful playdough and a variety of craft supplies. 

An Invitation to Play: Cardboard Cookie Shop by My Baba  – This activity invites toddlers to play creatively by making cardboard cookies. For this simple, imaginative activity you’ll need cardboard circle cutouts,  shaving cream and sprinkles.

Giant Nail Salon for Kids by Happy Toddler Playtime – Your two year old will have so much fun painting these giant fingernails! All you need is some cardboard, markers, washable paints and paintbrushes.

Shaving Cream Sensory Play to Decorate the Cake by Days with Grey – What would be more fun and creative for a two year old than decorating a birthday cake! For this imaginative play activity, you’ll need a cardboard box, shaving cream and decorations. 

Loose Parts Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Fall Play Dough Tree by Stir the Wonder – Loose parts can be combined with play dough as a fun, fine motor activity for two year olds. This is an excellent activity for toddlers to explore colors, textures and themes. 

Construction Site Play Dough Invitation by Fantastic Fun and Learning  – What two year old doesn’t love construction vehicles? This loose parts and play dough activity is sure to be a hit among toddlers!

Light Table Free Play with Loose Parts by Where Imagination Grows  – Adding loose parts to a light table is a great way to capture the imagination of a two year old. This type of play lends itself well to developing fine motor and early math skills. 

Mirror Play and Loose Parts by Little Bins for Little Hands  – Including a mirror with loose parts is another way to add some excitement to loose parts play. This is a great way for two year olds to explore reflections and symmetry. 

So there you have it, 27 amazing learning activities for two year olds! I hope these activities inspire you to help your two year old learn through play and exploration.

And if you love these ideas, have I got something you will adore!

Play into Kindergarten Readiness is my program for 2 and 3 year olds . ONE activity per day, twenty minutes a day, with ALL core skills covered. Everything is step-by-step with no prep needed. Check it out here: Play into Kindergarten Readiness

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Printable Quiet Time Play Mats!

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100+ EASY Activities for 2-3 Year Olds

• Preschooler

Are you looking for fast and easy activities to keep your 2 year old or 3 year old busy? Are you also looking for activities that don’t require a lot of prep or any prep at all? And are you also looking activities that are easy to clean up, engaging, education and fun?

If you answered yes to all or any of these questions then you are indeed in the right place!

Here is our ultimate list of the best super easy no or low-prep activities you can do at home with your 2 and 3 year old toddler or preschooler .

Skills 2-3 Year Olds are Learning

Two and three-year-olds are at a crucial stage of development, and they tend to make significant progress across many areas. Here are five key skills that are usually developing during this period:

• Motor Skills :
• Fine Motor Skills : At this age, children start to develop better control over hand and finger movements, allowing them to perform tasks like turning pages in a book, using simple tools like crayons, stacking blocks, and beginning to use utensils more effectively.
• Gross Motor Skills : Two and three-year-olds improve their ability to run, jump, throw, and kick. They also become more adept at climbing and balancing, which helps them navigate their environment more confidently.
• Language and Communication Skills :

Children rapidly expand their vocabulary, often reaching up to several hundred words by the end of their second and third year. They begin to string words together into simple sentences, ask questions, and are better able to express their needs and desires through both verbal and non-verbal communication.

• Cognitive Skills :

Two-year-olds start to engage in more complex play, including pretend play, which helps develop their imagination and cognitive abilities. They also show rapid development in problem-solving skills, understanding cause and effect, and can follow simple instructions.

• Social and Emotional Development :

This is a critical period for emotional regulation and social skills. Two-year-olds begin to exhibit greater independence, start to play alongside other children (parallel play), and show a wider range of emotions. They may start to test boundaries, which is a normal part of learning about their environment and social norms.

• Sensory and Perceptual Development :

At this age, children become more aware of their surroundings and are keen to explore them. They develop deeper levels of concentration and are keen observers. Their ability to differentiate between sounds, sights, textures, and other sensory information sees marked improvement, aiding in their overall cognitive development and interaction with the world.

Overall, each of these developmental areas is important as they build on each other to support a child’s holistic growth. Activities that promote these skills are invaluable in fostering a well-rounded development for two-year-olds.

Supplies Needed For Activities

For a quick guide to activity supplies check out my Amazon shop .

For more help on how to start to do activities with your kids check out this post for things to buy and save for kids activities.

Activities for 2 and 3 Year Olds

Are you ready for the best list of activities?

Please note: that for most activities, additional details can be found by clicking on the title.

Enjoy and Happy playing!

1. Pillow Road

What You’ll Need:

• Several pillows
• Toy cars or trucks

How to Set Up:

• Lay Out Pillows: Arrange the pillows on the floor to form a road.
• Press Pillows: Gently flatten the pillows to make a smooth path.
• Add Cars: Place toy cars at the start of the road.
• Play: Let your toddler push the cars along the road and rearrange the pillows to change the route.

2. Snack Names

• Variety of snacks (small pieces like cereal, fruits, or crackers)
• Prepare the Paper: Write your toddler’s name on the paper, making large, clear letters. Draw a circle below each letter.
• Add Snacks: Show your toddler how to place one snack in each circle below the letters.
• Letter Identification: As your toddler places each snack, encourage them to say the letter and its sound.
• Eat and Repeat: As they eat each snack, repeat the letter and its sound. This reinforces learning through a fun and tasty activity.

3. Sock Puzzles

• A large sock
• Wooden puzzle pieces from a simple puzzle
• Prepare the Sock: Place all the wooden puzzle pieces inside the large sock.
• Find and Match: Have your child reach into the sock without looking to find a piece. They should feel the piece and try to guess which part of the puzzle it might be.
• Assemble the Puzzle: Once they pull out a piece, they can try to place it in the correct spot on the puzzle board. This activity is great for sensory development and fine motor skills.

4. Mess Free Rock Painting

• A clear plastic bag or sealable sandwich bag
• Place Rocks in Bag:  Put rocks inside the plastic bag.
• Add Paint:  Squirt different colors of paint into the bag.
• Seal and Paint:  Seal the bag and let your toddler move the paint around by pressing on the outside, painting the rocks without a mess.

5. Snack Math

• Snacks (small, countable items like cereal or fruit pieces)
• Add Numbers: Write numbers 1 to 5 and beside them draw the corresponding number of circles or squares large enough to fit a snack.
• Count and Place: Invite your toddler to place the correct number of snacks in each marked space.
• Discuss: As they place each snack, talk about the numbers and help them count aloud.

6. Free the Animals

• Toy animals
• Small ziplock bags
• Bag the Animals: Place each toy animal into its own ziplock bag and seal it.
• Rescue Mission: Give the bags to your toddler and encourage them to open the bags and “free” the animals.
• Enhance Play: Once all animals are freed, they can play with them, creating various rescue or adventure scenarios.

7. Dinosaur Bath

• Dinosaur toys
• A bathtub or large container with water
• Fill the Tub: Fill the bathtub or container with water.
• Add Dinosaurs: Place the dinosaur toys in the water.
• Play Time: Let your toddler enjoy giving the dinosaurs a bath, using cups or sponges to wash them.

8. Painting Bread

• White bread slices
• Food coloring
• Small bowls
• Clean paintbrushes
• Make Edible Paint: Mix a few drops of food coloring into small amounts of milk in different bowls to create various colors.
• Prepare the Bread: Lay out slices of white bread on a clean surface.
• Paint: Give your toddler a paintbrush, and let them paint designs on the bread using the edible paint.
• Toast and Enjoy: After painting, toast the bread lightly (optional) and enjoy eating their colorful creations.

9. Ice Sensory Bin

• A large container
• Ice cubes or frozen toy-filled ice blocks
• Fill the Bin: Freeze water in an ice cube tray or freeze toys over top an ice cube tray filled with water. Freeze over night.
• Add Tools: Place ice cubes or ice blocks in the container. Include spoons or scoops for exploration.
• Play Time: Let your toddler explore the ice as it melts, discovering toys or experimenting with the cold texture.

10. Snowman Towers

• Paper towel rolls
• Decorative items like buttons, fabric scraps, markers
• Prepare Rolls: Collect several paper towel rolls.
• Decorate: Let your toddler decorate the rolls with markers, buttons, and fabric to make them look like snowmen.
• Stack and Play: Build towers by stacking the decorated rolls.

11. Paint with Kitchen Tools

• Kitchen tools (potato masher, fork, etc.)
• Setup Paint Station: Pour paint into shallow containers.
• Choose Tools: Select a few kitchen tools to use as brushes.
• Create Art: Dip the tools in paint and press or roll them on paper to make interesting patterns.

12. Car Bowling

• Toilet paper rolls or makeshift bowling pins
• Set Up Pins: Line up the rolls or pins.
• Bowl with Car: Use the toy car to knock them down, setting them up again for repeated play.

13. Alphabet Match

• Alphabet fridge magnets
• Metal surface or fridge
• Construction paper
• Write letters on construction paper that correspond to the fridge magnets. Tape the construction paper on the fridge.
• Display Letters: Spread alphabet magnets on the floor or attach them low on the fridge.
• Match: Challenge your child to match letters.

14. Tea Bag Water Play

• Herbal tea bags
• Large bowl or container of water
• Cup, spoons
• Scissors (optional)
• Place tea bags, scissors, cups and spoons into a sensory bin. Fill a few container with water.
• Let your toddler dip and swirl the tea bags, observing color changes.

15. Pom Pom Number Sweep

• Number flashcards or puzzle pieces or tape
• Broom or brush
• Number Lanes: Tape sections on the floor and label them with numbers or place the number flashcards or puzzle pieces down.
• Scatter Pom Poms: Spread pom poms around.
• Sweep into Sections: Have your toddler sweep pom poms into the numbered sections.

16. MegaBlok Names

• Butcher paper
• Write on Blocks: Write letters of your child’s name on a large sheet of butcher paper.
• Build & Learn: Let them trace and build and arrange the blocks on their name.

17. Foil Puzzle Presents

• Puzzle pieces and board
• Aluminum foil
• Wrap Pieces: Wrap each puzzle piece in foil.
• Solve the Puzzle: Have your toddler unwrap and solve the puzzle, enjoying the surprise element of unwrapping each piece.

18. Build a Book Rainbow

• A collection of colorful children’s books
• Sort by Color: Arrange books in a spectrum to form a rainbow.
• Read and Discover: Choose books to read from the rainbow, revisiting favorites and uncovering forgotten ones.

19. Sponge Letter Match

• Foam Letters
• Sensory Bin or bathtub
• Prepare Letters: Use the sharpie to write letters on the sponges to correspond with your foam letter.
• Match with Sponges: Place letters into a sensory bin with water. Invite them to match the letters with the correct sponge. They can then wash the letters with corresponding sponge.

20. Salad Spinner Toddler Activities

• Salad spinner
• Various small items (like pom poms, paper pieces)
• Insert Items: Place different items in the salad spinner.
• Spin and Observe: Let your toddler spin and watch as items swirl around, exploring centrifugal force and motion.

21. Spaghetti Drop

• Dried spaghetti
• Cardboard tubes
• Sensory Bin (optional)
• Set Up Tubes: Stand the tubes vertically along a wall or sensory bin.
• Drop Spaghetti: Let toddlers drop spaghetti strands through the tubes, exploring gravity and coordination.

22. Cloud Dough Kitchen

• Oil (baby oil or vegetable oil)
• Make Cloud Dough : Mix 8 parts flour to 1 part oil to create moldable cloud dough.
• Play Cooking: Provide kitchen utensils for pretend play with the dough.

23. Nature Puzzle

• Various natural items (leaves, twigs, stones)
• Create Puzzle Base:  Arrange natural items on a piece of cardboard and trace their outlines using a marker.
• Match and Fit:  Remove the items and have your toddler match and fit them back into the traced outlines.

24. Rain Painting with Water

• Permanent marker
• Paint brush
• Prepare Paper:  Tape sheets of construction paper on the wall. Use a permanent maker to draw a picture to color on the paper.
• Hand your child a paint brush and fill a cup with water and inviter them to color in the picture with water.

25. Colour Mixing Tea Party

• Transparent cups or teapots
• Prepare Colored Water: Fill cups with water mixed with different food colors.
• Mix and Match: Invite toddlers to pour and mix colors to discover new ones.

26. Cardboard Box Wash & Paint

• Large cardboard box
• Brushes or sponges
• Prepare Box: Place the box in an area that can get messy.
• Paint and Wash: Let toddlers paint the box with the water, exploring textures and effects of water on the cardboard box.

27. Stone Washing

• Smooth stones
• Shaving cream
• A large container or bin
• Small brushes or old toothbrushes
• Prepare the Bin: Fill a large container with a small amount of water and place smooth stones inside it.
• Add Shaving Cream: Squirt a little shaving cream on the stones.
• Wash the Stones: Give your toddler brushes to scrub and wash the shaving cream off the stones. This activity is surprisingly clean, as the shaving cream and water mix to form an easy-to-clean foam.

28. Wine Cork Push

• A cardboard box or a yogurt tub
• Hammer or another tool to make holes (if needed)
• Prepare the Board: If using a cardboard box, punch holes just big enough for the corks to fit snugly. If using a yogurt tub, you might need to use a tool to carve the holes.
• Push the Corks: Show your preschooler how to push the corks through the hole. This activity helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

29. Paint Animals

• Animal figurines
• Non-toxic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Paper or a plastic sheet to protect the work surface
• Set Up Painting Area: Lay out paper or a plastic sheet to keep the area clean.
• Prepare Paints: Set out small containers of paint and brushes.
• Paint the Animals: Let your 2 or 3 year old paint the animal figurines. This activity encourages creativity and sensory exploration as children feel the textures and work with different colors.

30. Pom Pom Water Transfer

• Pom poms or sponges
• Two containers
• Fill One Container: Place water in one container.
• Transfer with Pom Poms: Use pom poms or sponges to soak up and transfer water from one container to another, developing fine motor skills and understanding of absorption.

31. Cutlery Sorting

• Various pieces of plastic cutlery
• Plastic plates
• Arrange Containers: Set up several plates on a table.
• Sort Cutlery: Have your toddler sort the cutlery by type (forks, spoons, knives) onto the plates.

32. Dinner Plate Counting

• Paper plates
• Set Plates: Place several plates on a table and use a marker to write a number 1-5 on each plate. Place all the toy food in a container nearby.
• Counting Game: Invite child to counting and place a specific number of food items on each plate.

33. Backyard Toy Painting

• Washable paint
• Toys suitable for outdoor painting
• Prepare Paint Station: Set up a paint station outside with various colors of washable paint.
• Paint Toys: Let your toddler paint the outdoor plastic toys toys, exploring creativity and color mixing.
• Once they are done painting, use soap, sponge and water ad invite them to wash it off before it dries.

34. Bubble Foam Sensory Bin

• A large plastic bin
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Cups and spoons for playing
• Create Bubble Foam:  In the bin, mix water and a generous amount of dish soap. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the mixture until you get thick, fluffy foam. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to make colored foam.
• Add Tools for Play:  Provide cups, spoons, or other utensils for your toddler to scoop and play with the foam.
• Play Area:  Set up the bin either outdoors or in an easily cleanable area, as this can get messy.

35. Window Washing

• Water with mild soap
• Sensory bin or bowl
• Prepare Solution: Mix water and a bit of soap in a bin or bowl.
• Wash Windows: Give your toddler a sponge to wash an outdoor windows.

36. Pom Poms Sorting

• Prepare Mega Bloks: Turn Mega Bloks upside down.
• Sorting Game: Use tongs to sort pom poms by color into the Mega Bloks.

37. Snack Necklaces

• Embroidery needle
• Snacks (e.g., cereal with holes, soft fruits)
• Thread Needle: Thread a string through an embroidery needle.
• Create Necklace: Have your toddler thread snacks onto the string, making a snack necklace.

38. Elastic Bands over Paper Towel

• Elastic bands
• Paper towel roll
• Elastic Band Challenge: Invite your toddler to see how many elastic bands they can wrap around a paper towel roll.

39. Ivory Soap Experiment

• Microwaveable plate
• Prepare Soap: Unwrap a bar of Ivory soap and place it on a microwaveable plate.
• Microwave: Heat the soap in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes and watch it expand.

40. Turtle Boxes

• Cardboard box
• Prepare Turtle Shell: Place a cardboard box on your toddler’s back to pretend it’s a turtle shell.
• Decorate: Let your toddler decorate the “shell” with markers, enhancing creative play.

41. Elastic Bands Around Feet

• Elastic bands or scrunchies
• Choose Bands:  Select a few soft elastic bands or scrunchies. Ensure they are gentle and not too tight.
• Demonstrate:  Show your toddler how to stretch the bands and place them over their feet.
• Encourage Participation:  Encourage your toddler to try it themselves, which helps develop their fine motor skills and dexterity.
• Discuss Similarities:  Explain how this activity is similar to putting on socks to help them understand the practical application of what they’re learning.
• Supervise:  Keep a close eye on your toddler while they play with the bands to ensure safety, and remove the bands immediately after the activity is over to prevent any circulation issues.

42. Bug Whisk Rescue

• Small toys (e.g., bugs, LEGO, pom poms, socks, cotton balls)
• Place Toys in Whisk: Insert the small toys into the whisk’s wires.
• Rescue Time: Encourage your toddler to pull the toys out, stimulating fine motor skills and problem-solving.

43. Dinosaur Bones Sticky Wall

• Contact paper
• Black construction paper
• Tape (painter’s tape or masking tape)
• Cut Dinosaur Shapes:  Use scissors to cut out dinosaur shapes from black construction paper.
• Prepare Sticky Wall:  Unroll a section of contact paper, with the sticky side facing out, and use tape to secure it to a wall or vertical surface.
• Create Bones:  Break Q-tips into smaller pieces to resemble dinosaur bones.
• Attach Dinosaur Shapes:  Stick the dinosaur shapes onto the contact paper.
• Add Bones:  Invite your toddler to use the Q-tip pieces to create skeletal structures on the dinosaur shapes, sticking them directly to the sticky contact paper. This activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills.

44. Laundry Basket Dump Truck

• A laundry basket
• Heavy items (e.g., bags of flour, bottles of vinegar or oil)
• Load the Basket: Place heavy items in the laundry basket.
• Push and Pull: Challenge your toddler to move the basket around, mimicking a dump truck.

45. Balloon Bug Tennis

• A cardboard tube, paper plate and tape
• Make a Racket: Use the tube and plate as a racket.
• Play Tennis: Use the balloon as the ball, encouraging active play and coordination.

46. Body Trace

• LEGO DUPLO or MEGA BLOKS
• Trace Body: Lay down butcher paper and trace your child’s body.
• Decorate with LEGO: Use the blocks to outline or fill in the body trace, enhancing creativity and spatial awareness.

47. Finish the Animals

• Draw Animal Outlines: Sketch incomplete animals on butcher paper.
• Use LEGO: Have your child complete the animals using LEGO pieces, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

48. Step Stool Jumping

• A step stool
• Safe Jumping: Ensure the area is safe and supervise as your toddler climbs and jumps off the step stool, aiding in physical development.

49. DIY Cardboard Puzzles

• Large pieces of cardboard
• Markers or paint
• Create Puzzle Pieces:  Draw and cut shapes out of the cardboard to create puzzle pieces.
• Decorate:  Use markers or paint to add colors and designs to the puzzle pieces (optional).
• Puzzle Play:  Mix up the pieces and encourage your toddler to put the puzzle back together, enhancing their problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.

50. Fizzy Ice

• Ice cube tray
• Baking soda
• Dropper or small squirt bottles
• Place ice into sensory bin. Sprinkle baking soda on top. Prepare bowls of vinegar with food coloring added to them.
• Fizzy Reaction: Provide droppers or squirt bottles for your toddler to squirt onto the ice cubes, watching the colorful fizzing reactions.

51. Stick Ladder

• Sticks, broomsticks, or painter’s tape
• Create a Ladder: Arrange sticks or tape on the floor to form a ladder.
• Climb the Ladder: Encourage your child to step over or along the ladder, promoting balance and coordination.

52. Book Drop

• A cardboard box
• Make a Book Drop: Cut a slot in the box.
• Return Books: Let your toddler ‘return’ books through the slot, mimicking a library book drop.

53. Pom Pom Water

• Large plastic bin
• Colorful pom poms
• Optional: cups or scoops
• Fill the Bin:  Add water to the bin until it’s about halfway full.
• Add Pom Poms:  Drop pom poms into the water.
• Provide Tools:  Give your toddler cups or scoops to play with the pom poms in the water. This encourages sensory play and motor skills development.

54. Magna-Tile Colour Sorting Boxes

• Magna-Tiles or similar magnetic tiles
• Caps, Pom Poms or anything colorful for sorting
• Prepare Boxes:  make magnetic tiles boxes in different colors
• Sorting Activity:  Encourage your toddler to sort them into the boxes based on the color of the tiles boxes.

55. Fly Swatter Bubbles

• Fly swatters
• Make Bubble Solution: Mix water with dish soap in a bowl.
• Create Bubbles: Let your toddler make bubbles by dipping fly swatter in solution and waving it around, providing a fun way to develop gross motor skills.

56. Clouds in the Sky Picture: Cotton Ball Gluing

• Blue construction paper
• Cotton balls
• Glue Clouds: Apply glue to the blue paper.
• Attach Cotton Balls: Have your toddler stick cotton balls onto the glue to form cloud shapes.

57. Water Pouring Station

• Towel or sensory bin
• Arrange Station: Set bowls and cups with water on a towel or in a sensory bin.
• Pour Water: Let your toddler practice pouring water between containers.

58. Ice Cream Cone Balloon Toss

• Brown construction paper
• Create Cones: Twist the brown construction paper into cone shapes and secure with tape.
• Blow Up Balloon: Inflate a balloon.
• Play: Invite your toddler to toss the balloon using the cone and try to catch it again.

59. Taste Test

• 4-5 containers
• Various foods (sweet, sour, salty, bitter)
• Prepare Samples: Place different types of foods in containers—sweet (honey, chocolate), sour (lemon, lime), salty (chips), and bitter (kale).
• Taste and Discuss: Have your toddler taste each and discuss the flavors. Ask which one they like best and why.

60. Pull the Pipe Cleaners

• Pipe cleaners
• Insert Pipe Cleaners: Stick pipe cleaners through the colander holes.
• Pull and Play: Encourage your toddler to pull them out and reinsert them, enhancing fine motor skills.

61. Spice Container Measuring

• Various spice containers
• Explore Measuring: Use empty spice containers to measure different items around the house, like toys or parts of their body.

62. Pillow Walk

• Pillows and cushions
• Create a Path: Arrange the pillows and cushions on the floor to form a path.
• Walk the Path: Have your toddler walk along the path, improving balance and coordination.

63. Giant Nail Salon

• Fine paintbrushes or Q-tips
• Set Up Salon: Draw nail shapes on the cardboard box to mimic hands.
• Paint Nails: Pour paint into the ice cube tray and let your toddler paint the nails using Q-tips or brushes.

64. Wash the Toys

• Plastic toys
• Dish soap or bubble bath
• Sensory bin or outdoor setup
• Prepare Washing Station: Fill a bin with soapy water.
• Clean the Toys: Let your toddler scrub and clean their plastic toys outdoors.

65. Oat Sensory Bin

• Plastic animals
• Sensory bin or large container
• Fill the Bin: Pour oats into the bin.
• Add Animals: Place plastic animals in the oats for your toddler to find and play with.

66. Draw A Farm

• Markers or paint sticks
• Farm animal toys
• Prepare Paper: Lay out a large sheet of butcher paper.
• Draw Habitats: Draw different farm habitats or let your toddler draw and place farm animal toys accordingly.

67. Pom Pom Drop

• Cardboard tube
• Painter’s tape
• Secure Tube: Use painter’s tape to attach a cardboard tube to a wall or chair.
• Drop Pom Poms: Let your toddler drop pom poms through the tube, watching them fall and collect at the bottom.

68. Prepared Playdough Kits

• Prepared Playdough Kit
• Purchase one here .
• Open and play.

69. Tube Pattern Matching

• Cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, etc.)
• Decorate Tubes:  Cover the cardboard tubes with washi tape.
• Create Pattern Cards:  Cut holes large enough to fit cardboard tubes down. Decorate opening with washi tape.
• Matching Game:  Spread out the patterned tubes. Have your toddler match each tube to the corresponding opening in the box and push it through. This activity enhances visual recognition skills and pattern matching.

70. Painting with Water and Chalk

• Colorful chalk
• A bowl of water
• A paintbrush
• Wet the sidewalk or payment with water.
• Water Painting: Have your toddler draw with the chalk on the wet surface.

71. Salad Spinner Art

• A salad spinner
• Coffee filters or cut circles of paper
• Prepare Paper: Place a coffee filter or paper circle inside the salad spinner.
• Add Paint: Drop a few drops of different colored paints onto the paper.
• Spin and Reveal: Close the lid and encourage your toddler to spin. Open to reveal the created art.

72. Pasta Threading

• Penne pasta
• Threading Materials: Provide penne pasta and a few pipe cleaners.
• Thread Pasta: Show your toddler how to thread the pasta onto the pipe cleaners.

73. Car Wash Sensory Bin

• Mild soap or baby shampoo
• Sponge or brush
• LEGO Toy cars and other small vehicles
• Towels for drying
• Fill Bin with Soapy Water:  Mix water and a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo in the bin.
• Add Cars:  Place toy cars and other vehicles into the soapy water. Build a simple car wash using the LEGO. Optional: Add a car wash brushes out of a foam sheet.
• Provide Cleaning Tools:  Give your toddler a sponge or brush to wash the cars.
• Dry Station:  Set out towels where your toddler can dry the cars after washing them. This sensory bin helps develop sensory awareness and practical life skills.

74. Oobleck

• A container
• Make Oobleck: Mix cornstarch and water in the container until you achieve a non-Newtonian fluid that is hard under pressure and liquid when still.
• Explore Textures: Let your toddler play with the oobleck, exploring its unique properties.

75. Popsicle Bath

• A bathtub or large container
• Prepare Bath: Fill a bathtub with water.
• Enjoy Popsicles: Let your toddler enjoy a popsicle while taking a bath, adding a fun twist to bath time.

76. Clothespin Pattern Match

• Clothespins
• washi tape or colorful tape
• A piece of cardboard or sturdy paper
• Prepare Clothespins:  Put different patterned or colored tape on each clothespin.
• Create a Matching Board:  Place matching patterns on the cardboard.
• Match and Clip:  Your toddler will match each clothespin to the corresponding pattern on the board by clipping it in place.

77. Fizzy Experiment

• Eye droppers
• A sensory bin or Tupperware container
• Prepare Base: Spread baking soda in the bottom of the bin or container.
• Mix Vinegar: In separate bowls, mix vinegar with different colors of food coloring.
• Fizzy Fun: Use the droppers to squirt colored vinegar onto the baking soda, watching the fizzy reactions.

78. Toilet Paper Rolling

• Toilet paper roll
• Unroll the Toilet Paper: Carefully unroll the toilet paper along the floor.
• Place a Toy: Put a small toy at one end of the unrolled toilet paper.
• Invite to Roll: Ask your toddler to roll the toilet paper back onto the roll, trying to keep the toy balanced on top without falling off.
• S Play and Learn: This activity not only entertains but also helps develop fine motor skills and patience.

79. Feed the Baby Sensory Bin

• Rice or beans
• Baby dolls or animal figurines
• Fill Container:  Place rice or beans in a large container.
• Set Feeding Stations:  Place baby dolls around the bin with small bowls.
• Feed Babies:  Use a spoon to transfer rice or beans to ‘feed’ the babies.

80. Fill the Letters

• Sensory Bin
• Beads or rice
• Foam letter
• Fill sensory bin with beads or rice. Tape foam letters to 3-4 bottles.
• Fill Letters:  Call our a letter sounds and have your toddler fill the bottle with that letters with the beads or rice.

81. Cotton Ball Names

• Write Name:  Write your toddler’s name on paper with large letters.
• Apply Glue:  Cover the letters with glue.
• Stick Cotton Balls:  Have your toddler stick cotton balls onto the glue to form their name.

82. Alphabet Sensory Bag

• Ziplock bag
• Alphabet letters (plastic or foam)
• Prepare Bag:  Write bubble or block letters on bag. Fill each letter with washable paint.
• Seal and Play:  Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Let your toddler trace and paint each letter. Identifying the letters and sounds.

83. Watercolors and Rocks

• Smooth rocks
• Watercolor paints
• Clean Rocks:  Ensure the rocks are clean and dry.
• Set Up Painting Station:  Lay out watercolors and fill a cup with water for rinsing brushes.
• Paint Rocks:  Let your toddler paint the rocks with watercolors, exploring color mixing and texture.

84. Rainbow Milk Experiment

• A shallow dish
• Milk (whole or 2% works best)
• Cotton pads
• Washable Markers
• Prepare Milk Base:  Pour milk into the dish to just cover the bottom.
• Decorate the cotton pads using washable makers.
• Magic Reaction:  Place a drop of dish soap on the cotton pads and gently place on the milk’s surface to see the colors explode and swirl.

85. Nature Cutting Bin

• A bin filled with natural materials (leaves, soft twigs, flower petals)
• Child-safe scissors
• Fill Bin:  Collect and place natural materials in a bin.
• Cutting Practice:  Allow your toddler to practice cutting the materials with safe scissors, enhancing their fine motor skills.

86. Painting Ice Cubes

• Ice cubes or block of ice
• Sensory bin or tray
• Paint and Paint brushes
• Place ice in a sensory bin and paint.

87. Color Sorting Box

• A shoebox or similar container
• Popsicle sticks colored or painted in various colors
• Small slits or holes in the box lid, each labeled with a color
• Prepare Box:  Cut slits or holes in the lid of the box, each labeled with a different color.
• Sorting Activity:  Your toddler can sort the popsicle sticks by color, inserting them into the corresponding colored slit.

88. Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup water
• Dinosaur toys or shapes
• Baking sheet
• Oven (optional, for permanent fossils)
• Make Salt Dough:  Mix the flour, salt, and water in a bowl until it forms a dough. Knead the dough until smooth.
• Shape and Press:  Roll the dough out on a flat surface and let your toddler press dinosaur toys into the dough to make fossil imprints.
• Cut Out Fossils:  Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut around each imprint, creating individual fossil shapes.
• Dry or Bake:  Allow the fossils to air dry for a couple of days or bake them in the oven at 200°F (about 93°C) for 2-3 hours to harden. This step should be handled by adults if using the oven.
• Discovery Time:  Once the fossils are dry or cooled, your toddler can use them for imaginative play or as a learning tool about dinosaurs and fossils.

89. Foil Painting

• Q-tips or brushes
• Prepare Foil:  Spread aluminum foil sheets as a canvas.
• Apply Paint:  Squirt some paint on the foil and give your toddler Q-tips or brushes to spread the paint.

90. Fingerprint Patterns

• Ink pads or washable paint
• Dot stickers and paper
• Prepare patterns using dot stickers on a larker sheet of paper.
• Prepare Ink/Paint:  Set out ink pads or small plates of washable paint.
• Create Patterns:  Show your toddler how to dip their fingers into the ink or paint and make patterns on the paper.

91. Magnetic Treasure Hunt

• A variety of magnetic and non-magnetic items
• A magnetic wand or large magnet
• Colored rice
• Sensory bin
• Hide Items:  Scatter magnetic and non-magnetic items in a sensory bin filled with rice.
• Search with Magnet:  Give your toddler a magnetic wand to find out which items are magnetic.

92. Tubes & Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin

• Colored rice (dyed with food coloring and vinegar)
• A large bin
• Fill Bin with Rice:  Pour colored rice into a large bin.
• Add Tubes:  Place various lengths of cardboard tubes upright in the rice.
• Explore and Pour:  Let your toddler scoop and pour rice through the tubes, watching as it cascades down (find full instruction here ).

93. Cereal Box Magnetic Tile Puzzles

• Cereal boxes
• Magnetic tiles
• Make Shapes/Tiles:  Cut shapes from cereal boxes and attach magnetic tiles to the back.
• Match and Stick:  Have your toddler put the cereal; box back together on the fridge.

94. Button Counting

• Buttons of different sizes and colors
• Paper and marker
• Draw simple shirts on paper each with a different number of buttons from 1 to 5.
• Match and Count:  Have your toddler place the correct number of buttons on each shirt using glue.

95. Bathtub Paint

• Food coloring or washable paint
• Small containers or muffin tin
• Prepare Paint:  Fill each container or muffin tin section with shaving cream.
• Add Color:  Mix in a few drops of food coloring or washable paint into each section.
• Bathtub Fun:  Let your toddler use the bathtub walls as a canvas for their colorful creations.

96. Fridge Shape Match

• Dry erase marker
• Trace magnetic tiles using a dry erase marker on the fridge (test for staining first).
• Invite child to fit the correct magnetic tile on the fridge.

97. Shapes Parking Lot

• Large paper or cardboard
• Foam or paper shapes
• Draw Parking Lot:  Draw a large parking lot with different shapes in each parking spot on the paper.
• Park Cars:  Label each car with a foam shape sticker and ask your toddler to park the cars in the matching spots.

98. Make Silly Putty

• 2 parts cornstarch
• 1 part dish soap
• Mix Ingredients:  Mix cornstarch and dish soap in a bowl. Add food coloring if desired to create vibrant silly putty.
• Knead and Play:  Let your toddler knead the mixture until smooth, then play with the stretchy, moldable putty. (Full instruction here ).

99. Shape Match Sensory Bin

• A variety of shapes cut from different materials (felt, cardboard, wooden etc.)
• A bin filled with a sensory medium (shredded paper, rice, beans)
• Paper an marker
• Trace shapes on a piece of paper.
• Prepare Bin:  Fill a bin with sensory material.
• Hide Shapes:  Mix the shapes into the sensory material.
• Find and Match:  Have your toddler dig and find the shapes, matching them to corresponding outlines on a side sheet.

100. Sticky Tape Shapes Activity

• Create Shapes with Tape:  Use tape to make large shapes on the floor or paper. Place the tape facing upwards so the sticky surface it up.
• Trace and Fill:  Trace the larger shape by sticking the foam or paper shapes on the tape.

101. Homemade Playdough

• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• Mix Dry Ingredients:  Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
• Add Oil and Water:  Mix in the vegetable oil, then carefully add the boiling water and stir until the mixture comes together.
• Add Color:  If using food coloring, divide the dough and knead in different colors.
• Play Time:  Once cool, the playdough is ready for your toddler to mold and shape.

Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers

There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!

But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.

Play2Learn for Toddlers  includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

Play2Learn Preschool  which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years.  That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again! 

These  toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities  will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!

Click here for more information: Play2Learn

Book:  Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids

Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information  Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids . Or grab your copy at  Amazon . 

Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book:  Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids

Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more. 

Find out more and grab your copy  here .

Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.

Book:  Big Book of Riddles for Kids

Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast?  The Big Riddle Book for Kids , of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles tha. t show them how to think outside the box.

• 350 riddles for kids —Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
• Level up their skills —Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
• Double-check their work —Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!

Designed for kids ages 6 years   old and up.

TV Show:  Curious Crafting

I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show  Curious Crafting  which launched in July 2022 on  TVOkids  and  TVOkids YouTube ! Season 2 aired in August 2023! My show was also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.

Curious Crafting Season 1 is also now airing in Australia on ABC ! Watch it here !

Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.

In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create. 

Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.

This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up. 

Filed Under:

• Three Year Olds
• Two Year Olds

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30 Best Games For Toddlers: Boost Their Growth & Development

1. SplashLearn Online Games

2. sink or swim experiment game, 3. odd one out, 4. jigsaw puzzles, 5. color sorting, 6. shape-hole puzzles, 7. guess what’s inside, 8. finding hidden objects, 9. memory games, 10. create-a-story games.

Toddlers are full of energy and love interacting with new objects, spaces, and activities. The ideal games for toddlers have lots of colors, entertaining characters, and fun-filled experiences to keep them engaged.

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun ., you see real learning outcomes ..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

It’s important for your toddler’s growth and development to introduce them to different types of activities, games, and experiences. You can select a handful of games from each of the categories mentioned in this article to ensure that your child maximizes their developmental years in an enriching environment. These 30 online games for toddlers can also be played in groups to maximize social learning, teamwork, delegation, and other crucial skills.

Looking for more online Math games and ELA games to educate and engage your kids? Here are more games to check out!

The Best Learning Games for Toddlers

Educational games for toddlers are valuable from an overall cognitive development perspective because they allow kids to learn while having fun. The best games for toddlers include learning apps, animated games, and science activities.

SplashLearn games are fun for kids in grades PreK-5, making them dynamic, engaging, and fun-filled. A great learning game that toddlers can play is the Tracing Game. They can follow cute, cuddly animated guides to Tracy Farm and trace numbers correctly as they collect honey from Buzzy the Bee. 

Online games with rich storytelling create a more immersive educational experience. You can play the game here right now from any device! It’s one of the most engaging free online games for toddlers aged 3 and above.

Age Range – 3 to 11 years old

Players – 1 

One of the most fun learning games for toddlers is the sink-or-swim experiment. You fill a bucket of water and use 5-10 different types of objects for experimentation. To give toddlers an intuitive sense of buoyancy, you can test and explain why some objects float while others sink. Toys can also help strengthen development and recall in this domain.

Age Range – 3 years and older

Players – 1 player or more

In this game, you can stack multiple objects and props before your toddler and have them guess the odd one. You can use flashcards, household objects, toys, and other elements with similar themes and stand-out objects. Using different elements of similarities will keep them thinking and teach them how to spot patterns. 

Players – 1 or more players

Puzzles, both digital and physical, can be the perfect learning game for toddlers who want to use their creative thinking skills each day. Younger children love visually appealing puzzles that involve different animals, objects, and landscapes. Keeping puzzles under 20 pieces can be perfect for toddlers who are just starting out.

With the color sorting game, you can give your toddler a bowl of different colored objects and have them sort them out by grouping them according to color. You can start with primary colors, then secondary, and finally, tertiary colors to help them get an intuitive sense of why colors are important. 

You can explain why certain colors are used in specific instances, such as red is used to mean ’no’ or ‘stop,’ while green is used for ‘yes’ or ‘go.’ Use colorful household items that toddlers can easily recognize and categorize similar colors and shades.

As a parent, you should remember to get shape-hole-style puzzles, allowing your toddlers to use trial and error to figure out the right shape for the right piece. To play the game, use a board with holes of different shapes hollowed out, like a circle, square, or triangle. Children use different blocks that fit the shape of the holes.

This uses fine motor skills, encouraging kinesthetic application and memory. More complex shapes can be introduced when your child gets older.

Guess What’s Inside is a sensory-based game for toddlers about understanding spatial dimensions through touch and estimation. Your preschooler should be able to guess vegetables, fruits, toys, and other simple household objects with some guesswork. You can add multiple objects inside the box to make the game challenging. 

Board Games to Improve Mental Acuity

Board games help strengthen problem-solving, pattern detection, and logical reasoning skills that children can cultivate over time. Toddlers can develop long-term thinking when they apply their skills to board games. You can even play some great board games for toddlers online if you download the right online app for the associated game.

Board games for toddlers that involve finding hidden objects or monuments in busy landscapes make for bundles of fun and excitement. The joy of finding the right object is magnified when you collaborate to find important clues. You can make the game more interactive by crafting a story around finding the object. Each game to find the hidden objects can have different rules depending on what your toddler is comfortable with. If you want to mix it up, there are many free online games for toddlers aged 4 and above related to finding hidden objects.

Age Range – 4 years and older

Players – 1-3 players

Games like Life on Earth, Picture Bingo, and What’s Missing focus on maximizing memorization and recall. Memory games are important for toddlers to craft their sense of perception and understanding. These games are also important to develop short-term retention. Adding cartoons and animated characters will make the game more fun.

Players – 1-2 players

In these board games, the objective is to create a unique story based on the card prompts provided to your toddlers. You can get create-a-story cards online or print them out to host a storytelling session with your kids. Adding prompts will help toddlers make longer stories.

Players – 2 or more players

11. Stacking Games

Your toddler can learn the art of stacking similar objects in games such as Animal Upon Animal . They can practically apply their skills in the form of a stacking challenge and create impressive works of design. A variety of stacking-type board games can be used to strengthen lateral thinking.

12. Hoot Owl Hoot

3D color matching games offer toddlers a multisensory experience that is immersive and instantly visually appealing. Games like Hoot Owl Hoot can be fun hours for younger children who want to enjoy simple-to-understand games. Diversifying the types of matching games will be the best option.

Price – Starts from $17.95

Movement and Physical Games That Engage Toddlers

One of the most impactful forms of games for toddlers is movement and physical games. Any activity that involves movement and kinesthetic input can be immediately awe-inspiring for any toddler. It is important to get the right movement games that toddlers can learn from instantly.  

13. Balance Beam

You can make a mini balance beam type of game on the floor of your home with some thread, tape, or paper. Challenge your kids to walk along this straight line by placing their feet on it and balancing their bodies. This game for toddlers is a great way of building coordination and following instructions in a gamified format. Your toddler can also carry objects to make the game challenging.

14. Tape Maze

In the tape maze game, you can design a mini maze for your toddler to go through and reach the finish line. This can help them improve coordination, active participation, and interactivity with their environment. It will also help them improve their ability to perform trial-and-error methods. Multiple colors of tape can indicate new pathways.

15. Driving Course

You can design a quick driving course if your toddler loves driving their mini-car or wheeled scooter around. Adding cones, objects, obstacles, and roadblocks can make things more interesting for your toddler. You can have them do multiple laps to strengthen their abilities.

16. Simon Says

This classic game for toddlers is perfect for testing their deductive reasoning skills. One player is chosen as “Simon.” The other players gather around Simon and must listen and follow the instructions given. For example, “Simon says jump twice.” You can strengthen your toddler’s active listening skills with the game and ask them to perform unique tasks that keep them engaged. The more unique the task, the more engaged toddlers will be in the game.

Players – 4 or more players

17. Getting Hot Or Going Cold

You can hide a toy or a memorable object and have your toddler guess where it is hiding based on the cues of hot and cold. You can help strengthen your toddler’s ability to demonstrate patience, long-term thinking, and compartmentalization skills. The game can be made more exciting by using numbers as well, such as going from 0 to 10 (0 being the closest to the hidden object) etc. You can also hide multiple objects to get them thinking.

18. Mini Basketball

The best way to get toddlers interested in sports early is to get them to play mini-basketball. You can hang a small hoop anywhere in their room and have them practice shots, layups, dribbling, and other fantastic skills. This can boost confidence, strengthen hand-eye coordination, and keep them active. You can also start them off with a laundry ball, rolled socks, and laundry baskets.

19. Treasure Hunt

A theme-based treasure hunt can be an entire day of exciting fun for toddlers. You can print out clues or make them by hand to make the activity more immersive for toddlers. You can also use different props, technologies, modes, and spaces to make the game dynamic. The hunt can be made exciting by drawing maps, adding clues, puzzles, etc.

Players – 5 or more players

20. Obstacle Course

You can design an obstacle course for your toddler to explore with cardboard boxes, cones, strips, sheets, and rope. You can construct the course outside or inside the house, making it as challenging as your little one can manage. Using soft pillows and blankets will prevent unwanted injuries

Players – 1 or more players 

21. Red light – Green light

The classic momentum-based game strengthens your child’s audio differentiation and body control skills at the same time. You can instruct your toddlers to move when you say green light and be completely frozen when you say red light, after which you turn around and look at the kids. The player is eliminated if you catch them moving after you say red light. 

Red light – green light, or Statues, is a great game for young kids. You can add obstacles to make the game challenging. 

Indoor Games For Spatial Awareness And Motor Skills

Indoor games can lead to hours of fun, especially when played together. They are extremely fun and involve multiple forms of input. Toddlers can run around, hide, find objects, and do other multi-cognitive activities. The great part is these are easy to play, making them some of the best free games for toddlers.

22. Charades

Charades keep toddlers guessing the correct word or phrase. The game requires prompts that you can tailor to improve their experiences. Players must explain the given word or phrase without talking, using only actions and signs. 

You can turn it into an educational game for toddlers by having clues around reading, writing, logic, and memory. You can also keep the rules simple for them to enjoy without worrying about the specifics. 

23. Hide & Seek

This classic game for toddlers can be personalized by making it a mission-based game. You can have toddlers role-play as astronauts hunting for aliens or scientists looking for dinosaurs. Individuals can hide and play out the role assigned to them and the tasks they need to accomplish. Giving tasks to hiders makes the game multidimensional for toddlers.

Jenga is a simple-to-understand concept that toddlers can intuitively grasp within minutes. They can even help stack the tower and easily remove the pieces using careful precision and visual acuity. You can add fun rewards at the end of each round. For toddlers, you should get colorful Jenga towers that can be used for other games as well.

The classic visual assessment game can help your toddler improve their sense of detection and differentiation within a mixed signal environment. One player will count to 10 while the other players hide within a specified area, indoors or outdoors. The player will then try to find every hiding player. 

They must find all the players before someone who hasn’t been caught tags them, and everyone gets to hide again. You can make the game more interesting by integrating toys, objects, stories, and puzzles your child loves. You can use different themes for the game.

Related Reading: Best Indoor and Outdoor Team Building Activities for Kids

26. Hot Potato

You can help develop your toddler’s hand-eye coordination, quick thinking, and strength-based skills with the classic Hot Potato game. You can roll up socks, use a ball, or any rounded object to make the ‘Hot Potato,‘ that is soft enough for them to catch and hold. 

The children have to sit in a circle and pass the hot potato once a song or music plays to the player next to them. The player holding the ball when the music stops is eliminated. Additionally, if a player in the circle fumbles and drops the ball, they are eliminated.

Players – 4 or more players 

27. Building Block Games

Parents should encourage their toddlers to make different types of structures, animals, and landscapes using blocks, magnets, and sheets. This improves creative thinking, visual application, and analytical skills early on. You can combine different types of blocks and shapes for maximum creative output.

28. Card Games

You can play simple card games, such as sorting, matching according to numbers or colors, etc., with a toddler for hours. You can teach them new games while ensuring a social learning element is attached to the experience. Card games can also be used to strengthen dexterity and quick thinking. 

29. Broken telephone

A group of children can sit in a circle and whisper a 5–6-word sentence into each other’s ears. Everyone repeats the same phrase or sentence, and the last player in the circle has to say the sentence they heard out loud. The players cannot repeat the sentence when whispering to the next player.  The game aims to strengthen memory skills, focus, and clarity in speech.

Players – 7 or more players 

30. Singing Games

You can play games like Floating Down the River, Brown Bear, and Dum Dum Song as musical games with your young children as fun musical experiences. You can use instruments and have them rhyme and fill in the blanks with their singing. You can create your own songs and sing them based on your toddler’s interests.

Explore more online educational resources and printable worksheets for kids to aid their learning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which specific skill areas do games positively impact in a child’s development.

Multiple types of games affect different skill areas for kids. Games can positively impact cognitive development involving motor skills (fine and gross), spatial awareness, social skills, problem-solving, and pattern detection.

How do I get my toddler excited about playing games?

If your child is reluctant to participate in playing the games or shows disinterest, then the best course of action is to show enthusiasm as they play along. You can reward them through cheer and attention and appreciate their effort through each task.

How often should I play games with my toddler?

Games are a great way to entertain children under 3 years of age. The best approach is to keep them engaged through a pre-designed schedule of games and activities – carving out an hour of a day is a good start.

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Activities For 2 Year Olds

Video: Fun and Engaging Activities for 2 Year Olds

Importance of activities for 2 year olds, developmental activities, educational and learning activities, art and craft activities, indoor activities, outdoor activities.

Hey there, fellow parents and guardians! Are you tired of racking your brains for fun and engaging activities for your energetic 2-year-olds? Fret not, because we’ve got your back! Toddlers have an insatiable curiosity and a never-ending thirst for exploration. And what better way to nurture their growth and development than through play and games? That’s why we’ve put together a list of 39 awesome activities for 2-year-olds that will help them learn, grow, and have a blast all at the same time. So, get ready to join in on the fun and watch your little ones thrive!

Also Read: Boredom Busting Activities for Toddlers

As parents, being involved in your toddler’s development takes less effort, but has numerous advantages. Here are some advantages of developmental activities.

• Boosts problem-solving skills and allows children to think strategically
• Introduces children to new concepts and things, right from textures, colours, numbers, etc.
• Some activities require multiple tries to get right. This allows children to try hard until they succeed, along with processing emotions.
• Helps children face their fears and try new things, without the fear of failing.
• Children learn to think more flexible, with developmental activities.

Some of the developmental activities for 2-year-olds are as follows:

1. Building Blocks

This game introduces your child to letters and numbers.

Give your toddler a set of  colourful blocks  labelled with alphabets or numbers, and ask him/her to stack them.

What Does it Teach?

• Fine motor skills

2. Simon Says

Simon Says is a simple game which keeps toddlers entertained for long, while teaching them to follow instructions.

• One child will be ‘Simon’, who will give commands to other children, to follow.
• The catch is, only commands beginning with ‘Simon Says’ must be followed.
• You can also try this activity with your child, without involving anyone.
• Start with easy directions like, “Simon says, place both hands on your cheeks”. And your child will have to follow the command. This way his/her motor skills improve.
• As your child gets good at this activity, you can give complex commands or instructions like, “Simon says, pull your right ear and then your left ear“.
• Many children can participate in this game, which makes it a fun group activity that keeps kids entertained.
• Following instructions
• Gross motor skills

Also Read: Language Development Activities for Toddlers

3. Object Line Tracing

Object line tracing proves useful in preparing your kid to write, later on.

• Place a few objects on a white sheet and encourage your kid to trace lines around it, with chalk or crayons.
• Self-control

4. All Aboard

This activity helps in advancing your toddler’s imagination and creativity.

• Design a car out of a cardboard box.
• Let your kid pretend to drive it around the house
• Creative imagination

Also Read: Best Activities To Develop Gross Motor Skills in Toddlers

5. Obstacle Course

This activity boosts many useful skills in your kid.

• Set up an obstacle course using your  kid’s toys  and allow him/her to navigate a toy car or truck through it.
• Use different textures to boost the learning experience.
• Eye-hand coordination
• Motor skills

6. Name That Sound

Do you hear that? It’s time for a sound guessing game!

• Grab some household items like keys, a bell, or a whistle
• Make a sound using these objects
• Ask your toddler to identify the sound and match it with the corresponding item.
• Listening skills
• Sound recognition.

7. Paint with Nature

An activity to bond with nature, and explore your artistic skills? Well, count us in!

• Take a walk outside and gather some leaves, flowers, and sticks.
• Dip them in paint and let your little ones go wild with their creativity.
• Appreciation for nature.

8. Play Dress Up

Dress up time isn’t just for Halloween!

• Get out some hats, scarves, and costumes
• Let your toddler use their imagination to become whoever they want to be.
• Creativity, imagination
• Social Skills

Some educational and learning activities at home for your 2-year-old, can be:

1. Count Everything

You can use everyday household items for this activity.

• Stack toys or any simple things from your home in a row.
• Count loudly and point at each item as you count.
• Let your child repeat after you until he/she memorises the numbers
• Begin from one to ten, and slowly progress to 20, 30, and so on, as the days pass.
• Counting skills
• Cognitive skills

Also Read:   Independent Activities Toddlers Can Do Well

2. Colourful Balls

Toddlers usually love kicking, throwing, and rolling balls. So, get colourful balls for your little one and let him/her play.

• You can provide your kid with a set of soft, plastic, colourful balls which are bound to keep him/her entertained for hours.
• Motor skills, timing
• Hand-eye coordination

3. Sink or Float

This boosts your toddler’s scientific learning.

• Collect a few toys, and fill up a bucket with water. You can even do this during bath time.
• Drop the items into the water, one by one, to see which one sinks or floats.
• Use objects of different weights, so that your toddler can understand the difference between the two.
• Early scientific development

4. Colour Sorting

This activity helps nurture your toddler’s love for colours.

• Arrange a collection of similar items, like wood blocks,  Lego pieces , blocks,  cars , and magnets, and prompt your kid to categorise them by colour.

5. Matching Game

This activity can be an excellent learning tool.

• Draw a vertical line on a sheet of paper.
• Draw two sets of same items, like fruits or vegetables, and have your kid match them.

6. ABC Match-Up

It’s time to learn the alphabet!

• Write uppercase and lowercase letters on index cards
• Ask your toddler to match them up.
• Letter recognition
• Basic literacy skills.

7. Shape Scavenger Hunt

A fun game to explore shapes and your surroundings, this one is a sure hit!

• Take a walk around the house
• Find objects that match different shapes like circles, squares, and triangles.
• Shape recognition
• Critical thinking skills.

8. Sensory Play

Sensory play is a great way to promote exploration and creativity.

• Fill a container with rice, beans, or sand
• Let your little one play and experiment with different textures.
• Sensory development
• Problem-solving skills.

Here’s a list of the sensory art and craft activities for a 2-year-old:

1. Play Dough

Play dough is a versatile activity for kids that provides hours of fun learning

• Buy playdough of different colours and encourage your toddler to create various shapes and patterns with it.

2. Colour Mixing

You can make colours more enjoyable for your child, with this activity.

• Show your kid how to combine and make new colours.
• Begin with primary colours, like red + blue= purple.
• Colour recognition

3. Finger Painting

A messy, yet fun activity for kids!

• Tape a piece of paper to the table and give your toddler small cups of paint.
• Let your kid take control and paint what his/her heart desires.
• It maybe a good idea to dress your kid in old clothes and keep wet wipes handy.
• Sensory skills

4. Paper and Glue

This activity is both, educative and entertaining.

• Take a sheet of coloured paper and cut small pieces out of it.
• Have your kid paste it on another piece of paper, with  glue .
• You can also draw different coloured circles and cut corresponding coloured paper, to develop colour recognition in your kid.

5. DIY Craft

DIY craft is a good activity to stimulate your toddler’s creative skills.

• You can try a simple craft, by utilising easily available household items, like a  ball of  cotton,  and giving it an animal form.
• Focus more on the process of creating the art, rather than what the final result looks like.
• Exploring with new materials can make the activity more exciting for your kid.

6. Squishy Painting

Let your little one explore colours and textures with this fun art activity.

• Squirt different coloured paints onto a large sheet of paper
• Cover with a clear plastic sheet
• Let your toddler squish and mix the colours with their hands.

What does it teach?

• Develop their fine motor skills
• Sensory exploration.

7. Sponge Stamping

Turn ordinary sponges into works of art with this easy stamping activity.

• Cut different shapes out of sponges
• Dip them into paint
• Let your toddler stamp them onto paper to create their own masterpiece.
• Develop their creativity
• Hand-eye coordination.

8. Pipe Cleaner Sculptures

 Let your toddler explore their imagination with this simple sculpture activity.

•  Give your toddler some colourful pipe cleaners
• Let them twist and bend them into different shapes
• Now they can create their own unique sculptures.
• Spatial awareness.

Some fun activities for 2-year-olds at home, which may retain their interest is:

1. Opposites

This activity is simple and does not require any materials.

• Select a few easy opposites, like sad- happy, and have your kid act them out.
• You can also encourage him/her to speak the words.
• Cognitive development

2. Balancing

Balancing activity may tick off most boxes of your  toddler’s growth and development .

• You can turn a plastic bowl upside down or use a  stool  and have your kid balance himself on it.
• Your kid may enjoy stepping down or jumping off and, climbing over it again.
• Make sure to supervise your kid, during this activity.

This activity keeps your toddler entertained, and doesn’t take much effort

• Stick colourful tape in various patterns, to the floor in your house.
• Tell your kid to walk on the tape, without losing balance
• Motor Skills

4. Straws and Cups

Your toddler will find this light-hearted activity fun.

• Provide your kid with an empty cup and a straw.
• Direct him to put the straw in the cup.

5. Touchy-Feely Activity

This interesting activity can be both, informative and exciting.

• Gather a few items that have a different sensory feel, like soft, rough, sticky, or bumpy, in a bowl.
• Then say the word, and have your kid pick out the matching item.

6. “Shake It Up” Dance Party

Turn up the music and let your little one dance their heart out! Encourage them to shake their whole body, jump, twirl, and clap along.

• Clear some space
• Put on some music and start moving!
• You can even join in on the fun and show your little one some new dance moves.
• Dancing helps children develop gross motor skills
• Coordination and rhythm

7. Pillow Forts

Build a cozy fort with pillows and blankets (bonus points for string lights!)

• Gather pillows, blankets, and some creativity.
• Use furniture as a foundation
• Layer pillows and blankets to create a cozy hideout.
• String lights can add an extra touch of magic!
• Spatial awareness
• Imaginative play.

8. Puzzle Play

Challenge your child’s problem-solving skills with a puzzle.

• Choose a puzzle that is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level
• Sit with your child and encourage them to fit the pieces together.
• Praise their efforts and celebrate their success!
• Problem-solving skills
• Perseverance.

Some meaningful outdoor activities which help in your toddler’s development are :

1. Pouring Water in Cups

There’s always fun in simplicity.

• Provide your kid with few plastic cups and a pitcher.
• Allow him/her to pour water into the cups, from the pitcher.
• Refill the pitcher when it gets empty.

2. Playing in Sandbox

Playing in  a sandbox   keeps your kid amused for a considerable amount of time.

• Create a sandbox and fill it with sand, toys, and small buckets.
• Muscle skills

3. Watering the Plants

Toddlers can indulge in their love for water play, through this activity.

• Give your child a plastic watering can and show him/her how to water the plants.

4. Planting a Seed

This activity helps inculcate in your kid, a love for nature.

• Assist your kid in planting a seed, and watch it grow!
• Locomotor skills
• Object control skills

5. Sidewalk Chalk

This activity can be a fun way to present shapes and colours to your kid.

• Draw a sidewalk with chalk and have your kid colour it.

6. Obstacle Course

Create a mini obstacle course in your backyard.

• Use household items like cones, hula hoops, and cushions
• Create a fun obstacle course for your child to navigate.
• Encourage them to crawl under or jump over objects.
• Problem-solving
• Coordination.

7. Picnic Time 

Have a picnic outdoors for a change of scenery.

• Pack a lunch or snack and head outside to a nearby park or your backyard.
• Spread out a blanket and enjoy your meal together while enjoying the outdoors.
• Socialization
• Appreciation of nature
• Exploration.

1. How You Can Mentally Stimulate A 2 Year Old?

Here are a few ways you can mentally stimulate a 2 year old:

• Engage them in toddler activities that promote creativity and problem-solving skills, such as building blocks, coloring or playdough.
• Play games for two year olds that involve counting, sorting, or matching. Activities such as puzzles, memory games, and shape-sorters are perfect for this age group.
• Plan fun indoor activities for toddlers that encourage exploration and learning, such as sensory bins, reading books or playing with puppets.
• Remember, every child is unique and may have their own preferences when it comes to activities.

The key is to keep it fun, engaging and age-appropriate, so your little one can develop new skills while having a blast!

2. Which Cognitive Skills Should A 2 Year Old Have?

At 2 years old, a child’s cognitive skills are rapidly developing. Some of the cognitive skills that 2 year olds typically exhibit include:

• Improved memory and recall abilities.
• Basic problem-solving skills and the ability to find solutions to simple challenges.
• Enhanced language skills, such as the ability to understand basic instructions and follow simple rules.

To support your child’s cognitive development, try engaging them in toddler activities that are both fun and stimulating. This could include playing games for two year olds, reading books together, or engaging in creative play with puppets or building blocks. With a little creativity and a lot of patience, you can help your child grow and develop into a confident, capable learner!

3. How Many Hours A Day Should You Play With 2 Year Old?

As a general rule, experts recommend that toddlers engage in at least 1-2 hours of structured playtime each day, in addition to plenty of unstructured playtime as well. Structured playtime could include toddler activities such as reading books, playing games for two year olds, or doing arts and crafts together. Unstructured playtime could include free play with toys, exploring the outdoors, or simply playing together.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to follow your child’s lead and respond to their needs. If they seem to be getting bored or restless, it may be time to switch things up and engage in a new activity. Similarly, if they seem tired or overstimulated, it may be time to take a break and let them rest. With a little flexibility and a lot of love, you can help your child develop into a happy, healthy learner!

These activities will certainly keep your little one engrossed. However, there can never be enough to please him/her , once your child develops an affinity for art and craft activities! Apart from these fun activities, another great way to ensure that your little one stays away from the screen and engrossed in developmental activities is by getting him an activity box for toddlers .   It will offer your child exciting and fun new ways to improve his/her ability to imagine, create and make memories. There is a different box for every month, which packs learning into challenging DIY activities, storybooks, and attractive worksheets!

Learning through play is a delightful way to get your child started off on the journey of gaining knowledge and exploring the world around him. Not only does he/she get to learn something new, your little one gets to have plenty of fun with it as well!

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Feed your child’s natural curiosity and help them develop a love for learning with these inexpensive educational activities.

The Joy of Learning at Home

I know first hand how the years when our children are 2-years-old are a whirlwind of growth and discovery. 

At this stage, their minds are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. 

Engaging in educational activities not only stimulates their brain but also strengthens our bond with them. 

Be it through sorting shapes or finger painting, each activity is an opportunity to teach valuable skills in a way that feels like play. 

The Importance of Play in Learning

Play transcends mere entertainment for toddlers; I consider it an essential component of young children’s development.

Through the act of playing, 2-year-olds engage multiple senses simultaneously, laying the groundwork for robust cognitive growth. 

More than just words and sounds, language development blossoms as toddlers express their thoughts and comprehend instructions during play. 

This interaction solidifies a foundation for future communication skills that they will build upon with each imaginative dialogue and curious inquiry.

They refine their coordination and balance with activities such as stacking, rolling, or kicking balls. 

These physical activities are not just about movement; they integrate learning by doing, which for toddlers is one of the best ways to grasp new concepts and master developmental milestones.

Move the flash cards aside, replace screen time and get ready to bring much fun into your day.

Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play

Imagine the delight on your toddler’s face as they grasp tiny pom poms, meticulously sorting them into matching color cups. 

Your next rainy day can be the perfect time to grab empty water bottles and fill them with pasta shells to make maracas and start a band.

​Reach for your turkey baster to add to some water play.

So much so in fact, we had to get more of some kitchen tools for the outdoor activities in the kids mud kitchen.

Posting Activities

Let’s explore the world of play dough together. Play dough play can contribute so much to a toddler’s development.

Such manipulation tasks serve as building blocks for future skills, like holding a pencil or buttoning up a shirt. 

Play Dough Activities

Consider threading beads onto string as another engaging pastime. 

As toddlers concentrate on piercing the string through the tiny bead holes, they build precision and hand-eye coordination. 

Other resources that can be used for threading include pasta, cardboard toilet tube rings, leaves, buttons, cotton reels and wooden rings.

For toddlers just starting out, using pipe cleaners for threading makes it easier to navigate. 

Threading Activities

Colour sorting and matching games.

I find that one of the best ways to introduce toddlers to the concept of colours, other than incidental learning, is through engaging sorting and matching games. 

You can start with a simple colour matching game that involves a muffin tin and a handful of coloured balls or pom poms. 

Another creative activity is providing your toddler with various coloured objects and a series of containers or buckets labeled with matching colors. 

If you’re looking for a sensory play twist, mix in objects of different textures and sizes to broaden their sensory experience.

On laundry day , I often turn this routine task into a fun learning activity. 

Colour Sorting Activities

Enhancing gross motor skills with movement.

I find that integrating movement-based play activities into a toddler’s day is an excellent method to foster their gross motor skills. 

Even simple things such as shaking her ‘sillies out’ before sitting to have lunch make her body more comfortable and concentrating an easier task.

Gross Motor Activities

Let’s encourage young ones to move their bodies and explore the limits of what they can do as they grow stronger and more confident by the day.

Discovering Patterns with Creative Crafts

For instance, making necklaces with beads of different shapes and colours not only hones their fine motor skills but also introduces them to the basic concept of patterns. 

You can start by showing them how to create a simple pattern, like red, blue, red, blue, and then let them take the lead. 

Show them how to arrange the stickers in a sequence, such as star-circle-star-circle, and watch as they replicate the pattern or come up with their own. 

They can make alternating patterns, like yellow strip, green strip, yellow strip, or even more complex ones as they advance. 

These crafts are interactive methods to introduce young minds to the concept of order and sequence, laying a solid foundation for math and observational skills later on. 

The key is to keep it playful and allow for exploration, as this is when they learn the most.

Pattern Activities

Letter recognition and early literacy.

These tools make it easy to introduce the alphabet during snack time or craft projects. 

Press them into paint before stamping them onto a sheet of paper.

Similarly, alphabet mats serve as a colourful playground for toddlers to explore the shapes and sounds of different letters. 

Incidental Learning

Our local library has a huge alphabet play mat. My little one loves doing letter hunts, running from one to the other.

It’s a playful way to boost their understanding of language structure and phonics. 

In these ways, I transform the daunting journey of literacy into a series of delightful steps that entertain as they educate. 

It’s a gratifying process to watch toddlers grasp new words and take pride in their growing abilities.

Letter Recognition Activities

Sensory bins for tactile learning.

You can create these bins by filling a container with an array of items that intrigue the senses. 

Little hands learn what happens when they pour water from their jug into their water table.

They learn to isolate different sounds as they listen to the rustle of bubble wrap.

We spend so much time exploring sensory play. It can be such an easy activity to set up and present so many learning opportunities.

What to put into your sensory bin

Boosting problem-solving skills.

Problem-solving skills are a cornerstone in the developmental journey of a 2-year-old. 

We can nurture these skills with activities specifically designed to challenge and engage toddlers in thinking through solutions. 

As your toddler gets more confident, you can enhance the play by wrapping the pieces in foil or adding them to a sensory bin.

Building blocks also offer countless opportunities for toddlers to experiment and solve problems. 

I encourage them to build towers, bridges, and even simple representations of things they see in everyday life to expand their creativity and understanding.

These come in various forms, from traditional plastic sorters to homemade alternatives using cardboard and household items. 

They learn to trial different solutions, and in doing so, they build confidence in their capability to overcome challenges, which is a crucial aspect of problem-solving.

Pretend Play for Social Development

When children engage in make-believe with dolls, they learn to express themselves and understand the complexities of social interactions. 

For instance, I might guide a child to ‘feed’ a doll, which then opens a dialogue about caring and empathy.

Kitchen sets offer a fantastic arena for pretend play. 

I encourage little ones to ‘prepare’ meals, which teaches them about different roles people have and how collaboration works. 

As toddlers navigate the pretend scenarios, they face challenges and learn to manage frustrations, which is a key part of emotional growth.

No-Mess Activities for Hassle-Free Fun

I’ve discovered some fantastic ideas that require zero prep and leave no trace behind once playtime is over.

Stack pillows in a line and let your child’s toys have the thrill of their plushy lives sliding down. 

It’s a great sensory experience and teaches them about gravity and incline without any spills or stains.

It’s a fantastic way to build fine motor skills and visual tracking, plus you don’t have to worry about tidying up afterward. 

This activity is a solid choice for introducing scientific concepts like temperature and phase changes, and the only thing that gets wet is a bit of water – easy to clean!

So say goodbye to long clean-ups and hello to hassle-free fun that keeps the learning going.

Cultivating Imagination with Storytelling

I find storytelling an incredibly powerful way to spark imagination in 2-year-olds as it invites them into worlds beyond their immediate experiences. 

Questions like, “What do you think is happening here?” or “What might happen next?” help them think creatively and predict outcomes.

For words or concepts that seem new, I suggest simple explanations or mimicry to convey their meaning. 

If a character in the book is jumping, we can both stand up and jump, laughing as we bring the story to life.

This nurtures empathy and helps them apply the tale to their own world. 

With these approaches, you and I empower your 2-year-old to not just hear a story, but to live it, learn from it, and love it.

Outdoor Exploration and Nature Play

Fresh air, sunlight, and the endless curiosities of nature make for a perfect educational playground. 

Together, we create a list of natural items to find, such as a smooth stone, a feather, or a flower of a certain color. 

Sidewalk chalk games, on the other hand, offer both a creative outlet and a learning tool. 

“Hop to the circle,” or “Find the letter A,” gets them moving and learning simultaneously. 

Mixing in food colouring makes for an exciting lesson on colors as they watch the water change hues with each drop.

​Play at home curriculums for toddlers

For others it can be useful to have a step by step list of toddler activities at their fingertips.

Creative Ways to Say ‘Well Done!’

As parents and caregivers, acknowledging the achievements of our toddlers can reinforce their love for learning. 

These acts of recognition affirm their capabilities and boost their confidence to take on the next challenge with enthusiasm.

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