Simple, Stimulating Activities to Keep Your Two Year Old Entertained

April 7, 2021 in Babies & Toddlers, Motherhood, Toddlers

Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Natalie

As a mom who is home all day with her toddler, it’s easy to run out of ways to interactively entertain my two year old.

We don’t really do screen time (with the exception of watching some Car Toons shorts as a family on the weekend) so I need to find ways to hold his attention in engaging ways.

In addition, I try to be mindful and present so I can savor all the moments and slow down time, as I touch on in my post 5 Ways to Slow Down Time. By the way, it works.

And finally, aside from the bonding aspect for you and your little, toddlers learn and develop through play so as you can see enriching their brains with fun activities is loaded with benefits.

There is an endless list of simple, free or almost-free activities that I can do together with my little one.

I have found that some of the best activities that my son LOVES, require no tools or toys and some can be done with things I already have at home.

This List of Stimulating Toddler Play Ideas Has a Dual Purpose

As a way for me to collect new ideas from other moms that I can try with my son
To share my and above-mentioned other moms’ ideas with other toddler moms

Everyone wins!

Without further ado…here come all the interactive play ideas for you to try with your toddler.

No Tools or Toys Necessary

Hide and Seek

My little one gives an immediate “si!” when I ask him if he wants to play Hide and Seek. I get just as much of a kick out of playing this with him as he does. He’s no good at it but it’s adorable. And I love how he requests to play by covering his eyes and counting.

Dance!

Turn on Spotify or whatever you use to listen to music and dance your booty-butts off. Cheap fun that you can also use as a way to burn calories.

Sensory Play

Construction Zone Sensory Bean Box

Construction Zone Sensory Bean Box for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Lorena & Lennox Bilingual Beginnings

Sensory bins help children learn about the world, all while using their senses.

Figurine Ice Escape Water Table

Disney In Ice Escape Water Table STEM Activity for Toddlers by Lorena & Lennox Bilingual Beginnings

This Disney in Ice Escape activity is sensory as well as play-based, but it is also a STEM activity (activities involving science, technology, engineering and math).

Animal Washing Station

Animal Washing Station Sensory Activity by Lorena & Lennox Bilingual Beginnings

This animal washing station is a simple activity to do with your toddler outdoors and enjoy some fun fine motor and sensory play.

Cornmeal Sensory Bin

A Fun Cornmeal Sensory Bin by Apple Green Cottage

The cornmeal sensory bin is both easy to set up and fun!

Art Activities

Shaving Cream Paint for Toddlers

Shaving Cream Paint for Toddlers by Eating Richly

Shaving cream paint is a fun way for your toddler to create beautiful marbled works of art, and get some sensory play at the same time!

Mosaic Heart Chalk Outdoor Activity for Kids

Mosaic Heart Chalk Outdoor Activity for Kids by Lorena & Lennox Bilingual Beginnings

This Mosaic Chalk Activity is an easy, no set-up activity that will stimulate, educate, and provide some fun gross and fine motor activity for your child.