How to Entertain a Toddler Without Toys

Did you know there are countless ways to entertain a toddler without toys? Toddlers can have fun for hours without any store-bought toys if you just give them a chance.

How to Entertain a Toddler Without Toys

Picture this: You’re on vacation with a toddler and left the bag of toys at home. How do you keep your two year old occupied? The easy route is to hand them a cell phone or iPad – but there are numerous ways to engage a toddler without turning on a mobile device. For example, hide and seek is one of the most easy fun and free things toddlers love to do.

Play is essential for a young child’s development because it contributes to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. The average attention span of a 2-year-old falls between 4 and 6 minutes and that bumps to 6 and 8 minutes for 3-year-olds. That means, most toddlers can play on their own for short periods of time, but they require support and encouragement from a grownup to stick with an activity for longer. Here are five ways to entertain a toddler without toys (and without yourself!).

10 Everyday Objects Toddlers Like to Play With

1. Various size cardboard boxes – endless fun can be had with a box and crayon (under supervision)
2. A bag with handles – who wants to play store? Let’s go shopping in the kitchen!
3. Water – this is not just for hydration, water play is amazing (bonus if you have many buckets)
4. Various kitchen items for water play – strainer, measuring cups, ladle
5. Cooking pot with lid and wooden spoon – this is how all drummers start out
6. A blanket + couch cushions/pillows – building a fort is so much fun
7. Leftover cardboard roll from toilet paper or paper towel – is it a telescope or a megaphone?
8. Whole vegetables – Arbor won’t tell me why baking potatoes are such a good time
9. Egg crate or ice cube tray + snacks/toys
10. Solo cups – stack them, fill them, throw them

5 Outdoor Activities (without toys) for Toddlers

1. Scavenger Hunt – Ask your toddler to find and collect things outside.
2. Have a Picnic
3. Water Play – Fill a spray bottle with water and let your child spray the grass/plants/sidewalk.
4. Play Hide and Seek
5. Nature Walk – We love to look for new plants and birds.