Simple Fun for Toddlers

Last updated on: July 23, 2009 at 10:45 am by Marwa Aly

Simple Fun for Toddlers 2009-07-23T10:45:19-04:00 Marwa Aly

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Digging in the ground or in a sand pit is also a great activity!

I’m always on the lookout for easy, wholesome ideas to entertain my two daughters, and never bore of reading how others do it with their children. Here are some ideas that take zero to little preparation on my part, and hopefully keep my toddlers and yours entertained for a fairly long time.

Water Play

Kids love playing with water, in any shape, structure or form. It takes a little bit of effort on my part cleaning up afterwards, but the amount of time they spend doing these activities is well worth my ten minutes of cleaning:

Dish Washing: My daughter likes to pull a small chair up to the kitchen sink, open the faucet, grab a sponge and ‘wash’ away the dishes and utensils. At some point I might actually gather enough courage to let those dishes end up in my clean dishes rack, but for now she’s satisfied putting her washed dishes next to the sink.

Toothbrushes and tub cleaning: This activity works for most ages. I give my two toddlers old toothbrushes, a small bucket of soapy water and a soap bar and let them clean out my shower tiles. Lately, I’ve added spray bottles and squeegees to their cleaning items and it’s given them a new dimension of fun. You can consider letting them wear their crocs in the bath tub in case they slip.

Sink play: Fill the sink with soapy water, put a stopper in, and let them play away! (A friend’s advice: A plastic apron for these water activities is a good investment, especially for kids who are prone to sickness.)

Bean Play

I like to save empty glass jars of all sizes for childrens’ activities. One of these activities involves dry beans, measuring spoons, cups and jars. Just lay out your mat, and leave the toddlers to measure, pour, and tea party away. The beans remain in edible condition, and I can always wash them and cook them afterwards. Warning: Beware of hungry 18 month old girls and evening diapers.

Play dough

I really think that a play dough activity pack is a nice investment, especially the ones that come with pressing machines and items for making spaghetti shapes, stars, cylinders, etc. With some cookie cutters, rolling pins, and measuring spoons to add to the fun, your kids should love it.

Some words of wisdom

Prepare to let go. Let go of the dry bathroom, let go of the clean carpets, let go of the dry clothes. This helps me release my anger if (when!) things get bigger than I expected. Prepare your kids and the house so the aftermath is less of a disaster zone (place a large plastic table cloth under their play zone, dress them in water-resistant clothing, or keep in mind that they will get wet and/or dirty.) Enjoy your kids and give me tips on how to entertain mine!

Fatima Abdallah

Fatima Abdallah lives in Virginia with her two daughters and travelling husband. Her interests include Islamic work, healthy living and graphic design.

Motherhood Reflections

educational fun for toddlers

toddler play

water play

Previous Post

July 20, 2009

The Quintessential Fairytale

Next Post

July 27, 2009 Remembrance

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book and Movie Reviews Community Connecting with Allah Counselor's Corner Environment fatherhood five stars GrowBaba Spotlight GrowMama Picks Growmama Roundup Health Light Fare marriage Motherhood Reflections moving Parenthood Photography Poems Schooling Self-development tragedy Tutorials Uncategorized

Select a Month December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 November 2008

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which Christian group is known for its emphasis on health and diet?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Methodists Seventh-day Adventists Jehovah’s Witnesses Presbyterians