Life with a baby and toddler can feel like a whirlwind of meals, naps, diaper changes, and repeat—but tucked into the must-do routine are some of our favorite moments for play, learning and connection. If you're looking for simple ways to bond and nurture your little one, here are 10 baby and toddler activities we genuinely love doing together. No fancy toys required—just time, attention, and a bit of creativity.
1. Sensory Play at Home
Babies and toddlers learn by exploring the world with all their senses. Sensory play has been a go-to in our house. Some of our favorite setups:
- Water play with cups and measuring spoons
- A basket of textures: crinkly paper, soft scarves, wooden spoons
These activities are messy but magical—watching them concentrate or giggle over the simplest things is worth every cleanup.
2. Story Time & Song Time
Even before they could understand the words, our baby loved listening to us read. Now, with a toddler, books are part of every day. We also sprinkle in songs with actions (like “The Wheels on the Bus” or “Itsy, Bitsy Spider”)—which always get a giggle or a toddler dance.
3. Walks & Nature Time
Fresh air helps everyone. Whether it’s a walk around the block with the stroller, a short trail in a nearby park, being outdoors resets our moods.
We point out flowers, squirrels, birds, airplanes—anything and everything becomes a teaching moment. For toddlers, we let them walk, stop, and explore at their own pace. Slower, yes—but it’s so rewarding to see the world through their eyes.
4. Play Kitchen & Pretend Play
Pretend play started subtly but blossomed quickly. Our toddler loves stirring play foods on a pan and offering us pretend snacks. We turned a corner of the kitchen into a mini kitchen play area and added simple props like plastic/silicone food, small pans, and old containers. Our son loves to cook in his kitchen while we prepare meals.
5. Dance Parties & Movement Fun
Sometimes when the day feels long or the energy is low, we turn on music. Instant mood changer! We’ve had dance parties in the living room, freeze dance games, and toddler yoga stretches. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a few minutes of moving together makes a huge difference.
6. Helping with Simple Tasks
Babies love watching you work, and toddlers love helping. We bring our toddler into everyday tasks: loading the laundry machine, watering plants, sweeping the floor. It might take longer, but they feel involved, and these are the beginnings of life skills.
7. Quiet Time Activities
Not everything has to be go-go-go. We also enjoy:
- Puzzles
- Stacking blocks
- Looking through photos
These calm moments help balance out the day and give us a chance to slow down together.
8. Grocery Store Adventures
What used to be a routine errand has turned into one of our favorite outings. With a toddler in tow, the grocery store becomes a place full of colors, textures, and opportunities to learn.
We talk about fruits and veggies, count items as we put them in the cart, and name familiar foods. Our toddler loves choosing fruits and picking out snacks. It’s slow, yes—but a great way to make them feel included in everyday life.
Bonus: pushing the cart or riding in it is usually a thrill all on its own.
9. Special Outings: Zoo & Museums
Getting out of the house for a “big day” adventure is always exciting! We love visiting:
- The Zoo: There’s something magical about watching toddlers light up when they spot a lion, hear a monkey howl, or see a giraffe up close.
- Museums: We took our toddler to see the dinosaurs and animal sections of the museum and he loved it! He only had the attention span for about an hour, so it might not be worth it to pay full price for the family to go. Look for free nights at the museum.
These special outings take more planning, but the joy and stimulation they provide are always worth it. Go with friends to make the outings even more special.
10. Library Visits & Story Time
Our local library has become one of our favorite weekly outings. Many libraries offer story time sessions, play corners, and special toddler events. It’s a peaceful space to explore new books, and meet other caregivers and their little ones. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Final Thoughts
Every stage of baby and toddlerhood brings new challenges—but also new joys. We’ve learned that it doesn’t take expensive toys or elaborate plans to connect with our little one. A cardboard box, a warm lap, or a day at the grocery store can be all you need.
Whether you're looking for ideas to fill the day or just hoping to create more intentional moments, we hope these activities inspire you to play, explore, and grow together.
What are your favorite activities to do with your baby or toddler? Let us know—we’re always looking to try something new!
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