Toddlers are always on the go; keeping them entertained can be a full-time job. If you’re looking for fun activities to keep your toddler occupied while they learn and have fun, sensory activities can come in handy! Sensory activities are perfect for toddlers because they help stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development. Kids learn about texture, temperature, smell, taste, and sound through sensory play. They also develop fine motor skills and problem-solving skills. From tactile experiences to taste testing, your toddler will love these eight fun activities!
Play with Playdough
This classic activity is always a hit with toddlers. Not only is it fun to squish and shape the dough, but it is also great for developing fine motor skills. You can even hide small objects in the dough for your toddler to find. For a different sensory experience, add some dried spices to the dough before you start playing.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Take your toddler on a hunt around the house or backyard to find certain items. This is an excellent way to help them develop their observation skills. You can make a list of items for them to find or simply let them hunt for anything that catches their eye. Either way, they are sure to have fun while they search!
Finger painting
Finger painting is another great activity for developing fine motor skills. It is also a lot of fun! Use washable paint, so you don’t have to worry about accidents. You can finger paint on paper, cardboard, or shaving cream! Shaving cream will give your toddler an extra tactile experience as they paint. Just supervise them closely so they don’t eat any of the paint—or the shaving cream!
Plant a garden
Gardening is a great way to introduce your toddler to the outdoors and teach them where food comes from. Let them help you plant seeds in pots or in the ground. Give them their little shovel and rake to use as well. Watering the plants together is also a great bonding experience for you and your little one. As a bonus, once the plants start growing, you will have fresh fruits or vegetables to enjoy together!
Play in kinetic sand
You are missing out if you haven’t played with kinetic sand before! This particular type of sand is moldable, like wet sand but doesn’t get wet or sticky. It’s perfect for indoor sensory play on rainy days—and cleanup is a breeze! Your toddler will love molding and shaping the sand into whatever they can imagine. Not to mention it’s excellent for developing fine motor skills.
Listen to music
Listening to music is a great way to relax and de-stress—and it’s suitable for toddlers, too! Research has shown that listening to music can help improve cognitive development, memory, and focus in young children. So put on some of your favorite tunes and dance with your toddler! They are sure to have a blast—and you might even get some exercise!
Make homemade pizzas
Not only is making homemade pizzas delicious, but it’s also a ton of fun! Let your toddler help you choose the toppings, mix the dough, and spread on the sauce. Then let them top the pizza with their favorite ingredients. Not only will they love eating their creation, but they will also be proud of it!
Read together
Reading books with your toddler is not only enjoyable, but it’s also very beneficial for their development. Reading aloud helps improve language skills, enriches vocabulary, and strengthens memory. Plus, it gives you quality time together! Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy one of their favorite stories today.
These eight sensory activities are fun for your toddler and will also help them learn about the world around them. So next time your little one is feeling antsy, give one of these activities a try, and they might just be surprised at how much fun learning can be!
At Children Central, our curriculum will help your child develop their cognitive, social, emotional, fine and gross motor skills. Our highly trained and educated teachers provide endless opportunities for the toddlers to explore and develop in a safe learning environment. Visit us to learn more!
