Got a toddler, huh? I bet you’ve heard that “the days are long but the years are short.” Still, that “days are long” part can be tough! My daughter and I had to find some stuff to pass the time once her big brother started kindergarten. And now I pass on my list of fun things to do with your toddler – with a free PDF list included for you to download and print!

Fun Things to Do With Your Toddler! - Real Simple Mama

Things to Do at Home:

  • Gardening – aka digging around in the dirt!
  • Work out/yoga – it is possible to work out when you have kids!
  • Art – from watercolor to crayon to markers!
  • Music Time with instruments
  • Write to soldiers – Google various charities where you can send cards and letters
  • Scissors practice – have your child work with safety scissors and try to cut on a dotted line
  • Disinfect toys – sounds lame but my kids love washing their toys!
  • Dust/vacuum – my children literally fight over who gets to use the handheld vac or the duster
  • Large beads – help with hand-eye coordination and patterns, plus you can either make something new, or take the beads off to string again later!
  • Playdoh
  • Cook! – check your library or Pinterest for toddler-friendly recipes to make together
  • Puzzles – we cut up a picture or photo to make our own puzzles, too
  • XBOX/Wii – let your kid hold a battery-less controller for games like Viva Pinata!
  • ASL/Spanish practice – with flash cards, YouTube videos, or apps like Endless Spanish by originator (their literacy stuff is all fantastic, btw)
  • Flash cards – either homemade or from the dollar store, and check out these suggestions for helping your kid learn their ABCs!
  • Dry erase board – can be a really fun, no-mess way to be artistic!
  • Chalk – make something beautiful indoors or out, and explore coloring on various textures
  • If you’re stuck at home due to illness or whatever, I have a list just for that! 
  • If you’d like to see my suggestions for toys that inspire creativity and imagination (aka things that don’t make noise nor require batteries), you can check out those ideas here.
  • Finally, check out the toys we actually have in our playroom with a tour here.

Fun Things to Do With Your Toddler! - Real Simple Mama

Things to Do Out and About

  • Local zoo – we love our San Antonio Zoo and will always support it!
  • Children’s museum
  • Local library, which often has toddler read-alongs or crafts
  • Jumpy places or bounce houses
  • Costco – free samples for lunch, anyone?
  • Target
  • Dollar Tree
  • Local pet store – see which animals you can find and learn about habitats!
  • Swimming pool or YMCA – practice water safety like how to get in and out of a pool
  • Toddler-safe volunteer opportunities, like a community garden
  • Local mall play area (bring your hand sanitizer!)
  • Local mall to walk around
  • Botanical Gardens

Fun Things to Do With Your Toddler! - Real Simple Mama

Park Ideas

  • Play on the playground
  • Go for a walk/jog with your stroller!
  • Take your dogs on a walk with your child
  • Picnic snack or lunch
  • Nature walk
  • Chalk
  • Bug hunt
  • Outdoor yoga
  • Hide and seek!
  • Tag
  • Copying silly walks that you do for each other
  • Teddy bear picnic
  • Parade with strollers and stuffed animals

Restaurant Ideas for Meals, Snacks, and Treats!

  • Look for local places that are kid-friendly or have a playground
  • Some restaurants offer deals or “kids eat free” on certain days of the week
  • See if local ice cream or froyo places have punch cards so you can earn free treats!
  • Teach your toddler about the food groups: where is the protein in this meal? How would you classify crackers or broccoli?
  • It’s also a good opportunity for you to model how to treat others, including waiters and people in the food industry. Kindness and patience are great qualities to exemplify!
  • Check out my baby led weaning gear recommendations for what to bring with you.

Fun Things to Do With Your Toddler! - Real Simple Mama

And here it is: the ideas in this article in friendly, downloadable PDF form.

Need help with the inevitable tantrums? Learn about the science – and how to help!

And if you’re worried about the terrible twos, worry no more – read my helpful article here.

What would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments and put your favorites! And thanks as always for sharing this out and pinning!

Fun Things to Do With Your Toddler! - Real Simple Mama