Toddler Activities

I can’t believe I didn’t find this great free resource sooner!

NickJr.com has tons, and I mean TONS of free printables to keep your toddler busy. There are over 101 of just Dora the Explorer (Bumblebee’s favorite), not to mention Blue’s Clues and the rest of the Nick Jr. gang.

Blue’s Clues even has printables on potty training (just what we need right now). The best part as that these are all educational and FREE!! (Can you tell I am excited?)

I have started printing a few new ones each day, and she loves it.

The next time your toddler is rambling for something to do, make sure check this site out.

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As a work at home mom with a toddler all day, I often find myself looking for new ideas to keep her from getting bored…which seems to be rather easily lately!

We have gone through a television phase with watching Dora the Explorer (who she loves) and believe it or not, I think she has learned quite a bit from those videos. However, I don’t believe a child should sit in front of the TV all day (and I am getting sick of seeing Dora) so I am starting to plan new, fun, educational activites for her through out the day.

Here are a some fun ideas for your toddler:

Go for a nature walk – Educational yet lots of fun. Your toddler will love exploring and collecting different treasures to bring home. Point out big leaves to him or different colored plants or flowers. Collect opposites such as a small leaf and a big leaf or a small stick and a big stick.

Take your time and have fun. Don’t worry if you don’t live near a nature reserve or park. A simple walk around your neighborhood will be sufficient. Your toddler won’t mind and there will still be lots for him to see.

Bake Cookies – The bad news first, things will get messy. The good news, cooking is both fun and educational and even children as young as 2 can get involved. Depending on your toddler’s age let her help and don’t worry too much about how the final product will look or even taste, concentrate on the actual putting it together part. As you’re mixing the ingredients tell your toddler what you’re doing. Name out each ingredient and measurement out loud and once you finish enjoy your delicious homemade treats.

Have Fun With Water - Fill a small tub with water and give your toddler several containers of different sizes. Let her pour water from one container to the other and you can even add some bubbles for extra fun. This is a fun activity that also helps build hand eye coordination. You can also place different objects in a tub and show your child how some of them float and others sink.

I purchased this Water Table for my bumblebee this year. This was a wonderful purchase because of how hot it has been this summer. She loves goining outside and splashing the water and pouring down the little wheel. Highly recommended way to cool off on a hot day with your toddler!

Start a Photo Album – Make a photo album and fill it with pictures of your toddler, your family and extended family as well. This is especially good if your toddler has relatives that live far away. Talk about who each person is and where they come from or where they live.

Paper Tearing or Cutting – Find a couple of old magazines or catalogues and let your toddler tear pages out, try to get her to tear small shapes or just let her have fun. If your toddler is a little older you can teach her how to use toddler scissors to cut out shapes.

Toddlers are constantly learning. This is the perfect age for you to have fun with your child while helping them learn. And don’t think you have to do something too elaborate. Toddlers are easily pleased and will find wonder and amazement in even the smallest of things. Enjoy these years. I know I am.

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