I know it’s May and I’m mentioning the words ‘rainy day’ in a blog post but it’s cold and windy down South so I thought these suggestions might be useful. I’ve put together a list of activities that are suitable for keeping a toddler (say from about 2-4 years old anyway) occupied and entertained on days/mornings/afternoons when the sun ain’t shining and the wind is howling. The ones I’ve suggested are the ones that I’ve found keep my lady entertained for the longest amount of time and also which require only a little supervision (as in you can be making lunch or sorting a wash or, dare I say, having a hot cup of coffee!) while they are working away by themselves. I’m all for independent play and for the control freak in me these aren’t overly messy activities (for the most part!).
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Arts and Crafts – goes without saying painting, sticking, gluing, colouring, glittering etc all a big hit in our house. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration on days when you’re lacking some creative juice!
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Baking – I absolutely love baking with my lady and she gets such a thrill out of helping to create something (or is it the sugar she gets at the end of it all? I wonder!). I weigh out the ingredients and she pours them into the bowl and mixes etc. I also get her to sort out the bun cases into the baking tray. A little bit messy for sure but nothing that can’t be cleaned up easily.
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Science experiments – yes even though she can’t even say the second word our lady is mad about these. I bought this book from The Book People at work and I would HIGHLY recommend it. It only cost me about €10 and there are so many easy experiments in it suitable for a big range of ages. The reactions one is her absolutely favourite – pour some vinegar in a bowl/glass and let the child put a spoon of baking powder in and watch the reaction. Let them try out other liquids like washing up liquid, orange juice, milk, water to see what else will cause a reaction. Another great one is the density experiment – start with oil (a small amount) in a glass, then add water, honey, washing up liquid etc to see how the liquids separate and settle. My lady knocked ages out of mixing and then letting the liquids separate and mixing again. There are some nice wind experiments with paper planes and pinwheels too that we’ve passed a bit of time on also.
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Lunch/dinner – get them involved by asking them to put the vegetables into a bowl once you’ve chopped them (obviously beware of sharp knives and eager hands!). A toddler will usually go one by one rather than pick up a handful so it can keep them busy for a (short) while. I think this may also go towards getting them to eat more vegetables, the theory is if they’re involved they’re more likely to eat them – I don’t know, our lady isn’t bad either way but if you little one is this could be worth a shot.
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I suppose I have to mention the obvious activities too like jigsaws, lego, colouring and books – all of these on regular rotation in our house.
So there you are, 5 easy activities to keep a toddler entertained for an hour, an afternoon or a day.
And no mention of a television!
Great ideas, my LO probably needs to be a little older as he’s only 16 months but I can’t wait to be able to bake with him and the science experiments sound so much fun! #BrillBlogPosts
Yes Kaye I’d imagine anything over 2 years and they’d be able to start even running around after paper airplanes and decorating things! Thanks for the comment!
I know what Easter egg you daughter had 😛 lol we have the same Peppa Pig bowl. Thanks for the science idea – something I’ve never done with either of my girls!
Ha ha! Can’t get away with anything!!!
We do most of these from time to time, but haven’t actually tried science experiments yet! Sounds like a lot of fun, might have to give it a go! #TheList
Yes Madelline the science is actually lots of fun, that book or Pinterest are full of great ideas! Thanks for the comment!
Thank you!!
We might need these tips over the next couple of days! Thanks for sharing on #TheList x Arts and Crafts is always a winner in this household!
oooh I need to get in on the science experiments! great idea for a rainy day had not thought about that…#TheList
Ah great timing, I’m just thinking of half term ideas. LOVE the science experiments idea – need to try some out!
#TheList
Glad my timing was good! Enjoy the break!
Awesome ideas! My kids love doing crafts, and you just reminded me that I should get some baking done with my eldest!
I can’t wait to start baking with Lizzy in a few months time, and she isn’t really into crafts yet (she doesn’t like the sticky glue on her fingers!) but I’m keeping the science experiment idea in mind!
Carolyn
http://stylishmemories.com
there are so many experiments that don’t include sticky fingers you’ll find something she loves!
Great ideas! We do enjoy a bit of baking…well, sort of! I love the paper plate art, that’s ace 😀 Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx
Ha ha yes baking can be stressful at the best of times! The paper plates are handy though and cheap and a bit cleaner than baking!!
Some great ideas! My little boy is nearly two and is really into painting and crafts now. The only thing I haven’t tried is food related activities, usually because if he sees food he eats it right there & then! Might have to wait till he’s a little older for that one but love the idea that he’ll be making me bake cakes soon 🙂 #wineandboobs
Yes my smallest lady loves to test everything in her mouth! thanks for the comment!
Nice ideas. It is May yes, but this is also the UK so there will be rainy days everywhere 😀 I will definitely need to try some science activities with the boys. Thanks for the tips! #thelist http://2littlefaces.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/lets-get-social.html
I know its the same this side of the water, lots of rainy days! Yes the science is a big hit in our house but its a bit messy at the best of times! Thanks for the comment!
Great ideas. I wish my little one liked doing more crafts, baking though, yes! xx #kidscorner
Great ideas, we have just started baking and it’s so much fun =D
great ideas, it’s always a good idea to keep some rainy day activities up your sleeve!
Thanks so much for linking up to #toddlerapprovedtuesday this week x
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Some great rainy day ideas! Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday
Loving the ideas. Must try out the science ones! I completely agree with the being involved with cooking theory. It always works with mine. It has been pouring today too! #ToddlerFunFriday
great list we love to do some baking on rainy days and dry days actually I just love baking at the moment haha! thanks for linking up to #kidscorner x
Some great reminders of what to do – especially now that I have three kiddos for the summer with no breaks. It is usually 115 here in Phoenix, Arizona – so it is like a rainy day. No one wants to go out and be scorched to death! Love the science stuff – easy and fun to do!
You are going to think me mad but I have never thought to get them involved with meals, such a simple idea! Thanks for sharing in #KidsCorner x