This weekend was a busy weekend in the Crafts on Sea household as it marked my daughters second birthday! I’m not sure quite how she’s two already since I’m sure I only gave birth to her a few weeks back (that’s sleep deprivation for you) but apparently it’s true. One is a lovely age, learning and discovering and hopefully without too many meltdowns! As my son spent more time at playgroup and then school I had a lot of time on my own with this little one so I was always on the lookout for activities for one year olds that would keep us both entertained. Today I’m sharing some of my favourite ideas that I hope you’ll enjoy too.
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Tips for activities with one year olds
Don’t expect activities to last for long and don’t be upset if they don’t. Sometimes one year olds are happy to play with something for hours and sometimes they’ll get bored after two minites, it’s just the nature of their age. Try to look for activities that won’t take ages to set up or clean up afterwards and most of all make sure you join in and have fun!
Fun activities for one year olds
If it’s warm outside get a paintbrush and some water and draw pictures on your fence
Help their fine motor skills with this fun pom pom activity
Let your kid have some pennies and a money box to put them into. This is always a winner round our house and is great for fine motor skills too.
We love this fun sensory play idea which is super pretty too!
Make a sweet piece of art using buttons
Play with toys in the sandpit. We love putting all the diggers in there
My daughter loved playing with this Paw Patrol sensory tub
Play with washi tape – my daughter loved creating this autumn themed activity but it would be super easy to change it up for different themes
Have a tea party – get out plastic or paper cups and saucers and invite the toys round for drinks and snacks!
Does your kid like Miffy? Or rabbits or maybe sheep? This activity is great fun!
Give the toys a bath
Make a sensory bin – we had loads of fun with this Easter chick inspired bin
Play with stickers
Make playdough – both my kids adore this and my one year old had a great time making and playing this one to help calm them down.
Raid your home for fun things to add to your playdough activities. We love spaghetti, cookie cutters, plastic cuttlery and googley eyes.
Make a pom pom apple tree.
Play peak-a-boo
Make a rainbow sensory bin – this is my go to activity that always kept her happy for ages!
Play football – ‘goal’ is one of my daughters most used words!
Make some DIY stamps for an alternative to painting with paintbrushes.
Make a handprint sun – this is a great activity for a group of children
Blow bubbles
Turn your window into a canvas and create some ocean themed art.
Get the babywipes at the ready and have fun painting
Use a washing up bowl or water table to make some sensory soup
Invest in a pack of paper plates and make these paper plate crabs or sea turtles
Kids getting older? Make sure you check out my list of over 40 fun activities to do with your two year old!
Need more ideas?
Make sure you follow my kids crafts and activities board on Pinterest!
Follow Kate Williams CraftsonSea’s board Crafts and Activities for Kids on Pinterest.
Great ideas I’m always looking for inspiration….playdough is always high on our list as well 🙂
Yes, you can never go wrong with playdough!