Indoor Activities for Young Toddlers (No TV!)

It’s been a long, rainy winter in Seattle.  It’s important to me (for his sanity and my own), that Gray has opportunities to explore, learn, and get his wiggles out without making a mess or watching TV.

Here are some of the things we’ve been up to these last few months (13-18 months) to have fun (note that none of these are sponsored but the Amazon links are affiliate links):

Gymboree

We first joined Gymboree around Gray’s first birthday, and although it’s a little spendy, it has been so worth it.  In addition to the “play and learn” classes once a week where we gently work on things like following directions, imitation, and interacting with others, we have taken advantage of “open play” hours as much as we can.  Every couple of weeks, the equipment orientation changes (so the kids are always challenged!), and a new age-appropriate theme is introduced (e.g. high/low, big/little).  I’m kind of a germaphobe but this place is kept really clean.  We have met some great new friends and spent many rainy days at Gymboree.  If you have a location in your area, I can’t recommend it enough!

Library storytime

Many libraries and bookstores offer free storytimes, and we have definitely taken advantage of these since Gray was about nine months old.  I like to rotate and go to libraries in different neighborhoods because each one has a different style.

Community center classes and drop-in playgyms

This is a biggie but it takes a little sleuthing.  We probably utilize five or so various community center-type places in the Seattle area.  Many of these have designated drop-in gym times, where you can pay a couple bucks to play with different toys and equipment (note: germaphobes beware).  Others offer classes that are pre-preschool in nature.  We go to one once a week now that is an hour and a half combination of free play among activity stations (PlayDoh, craft table, sensory table) and circle/song/bubble/parachute time.  It’s pretty affordable and really fun.

Museum and zoo memberships

If you do the math for a one-day admission, it really makes sense to buy a membership if you are going to return more than once or twice.  We have memberships at the children’s museum and zoo right now.  This summer might consider an aquarium membership.  Check the organization’s facebook page for coupons or promotions.

Fun at home

We still love Gray’s homemade toddler busy book and of course books in general are read all throughout the day.  But when I need him to play more independently, Pinterest comes is handy (check out my board for more Kiddo Activities).  I can’t take credit for any of these ideas, but of the ones we have tried, here are our favorites:

Craft Pom Pom Balls!

These are the best and cheapest “toy” investment we have made in the last several months.  Buy a huge bag on amazon here, which will probably last you for your kid’s entire craft career.

These activities can be a good way to encourage fine motor skills, counting, color recognition, and concepts like out, in, under, and around.  I have also observed that they help lengthen his focus, patience, and problem solving.

Drop through re-purposed toilet paper, paper towel, and wrapping paper rolls:

Load into vehicles and dump:

Spin in a salad spinner, stir in a pot, or sort into an egg carton:

Q-tips in a bottle (also good for fine motor skills, or so I am told):

Learning Tower involvement

We bought a used Learning Tower a few months ago and it has been great for getting G involved with everyday activities.  Doing dishes and meal prep, for example, are things that need to get done and are also great opportunities for learning.  Just be careful about the large openings in the Learning Tower with young kids.  They need constant supervision at this age!

I would love to hear more ideas for toddler fun if you have any to share!