Top 10 Engaging Activities for Toddlers in 2025 to Keep Them Busy and Happy
Discover expert-approved, low-effort activities to keep your young children entertained safely, perfect for busy parents balancing work and parenting in 2025.
Parenting young children can be exhausting, especially when your energy is low and you crave a moment of calm without endless role-playing. Whether you have toddlers under two, a newborn, or little ones who resist sleep, finding simple, engaging activities is essential. Here are expert and parent-recommended ideas to keep your kids happily occupied with minimal effort and screen time.
Balancing parenting with work-from-home demands during these challenging times can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled easy, creative play ideas that help you manage your day while your children stay engaged and safe.
Safety first: Always supervise water play, avoid choking hazards, and choose age-appropriate toys. If you feel drowsy, ensure your child is in a secure environment before resting.
1. Play “Don’t Wake the Dragon”
Certified sleep coach Erin Rossi suggests pretending to be a sleeping dragon while your child tries to sneak a favorite toy without waking you. If they make a noise, open one eye and let out a playful “dragon’s growl” to add excitement. It’s a fun way to encourage quiet play and imagination.
2. Mini Scavenger Hunt
Teacher and blogger Jaymi Torrez recommends sending kids on a hunt for items like something big, small, red, or blue. Turn it into a friendly race if you have multiple children, and finish by finding a wonderful book to read together for some cozy bonding time.
3. Sensory Bins for Exploration
Single mom and traveler Jackie Omotalade uses sensory bowls filled with ice, hot water, or just ice to captivate her toddler. You can also create bins with cornmeal, rice, or beans, adding scoops and measuring cups for tactile fun that promotes development.
4. Build a Boredom Box
WorldWise Tutoring CEO Lindsey Wander advises assembling a box filled with crafts, LEGOs, play dough, and science kits that your child can explore independently. Let them pick what they want to enjoy, fostering creativity and self-directed play.
5. Silly Guessing Games
When life gets hectic, blogger Sarah Cook found relief by playing “What’s on My Butt?” where she guesses which toy her toddler places on her back. This simple game provides a chance to rest while keeping your child entertained.
6. Painter’s Tape Play
Author and mom Justine Green suggests using painter’s tape on the floor to create shapes, roads for toys, or hopping lines. Kids love peeling the tape off afterward, making cleanup easy and fun while enhancing motor skills.
7. Bathtub Creativity
Marketing VP Liz Jeneault lets her toddler enjoy bath crayons, foams, and glitter bombs during bath time. This creative playtime sparks imagination and provides a relaxing break—just remember to supervise closely.
8. Toy Washing Station
Create a washing station with buckets of soapy and clean water where kids can wash their toys. This activity keeps them engaged and teaches responsibility while you can multitask nearby.
9. Pretend Play with Music
Former teacher Rachel Kamath uses Alexa to play “Freeze Dance,” where children act as animals or objects starting with random letters and freeze when the music stops. No smart device? Simply call out prompts yourself for a fun, active game.
10. Keep It Simple and Enjoy
The key to managing busy days is having go-to activities ready that require minimal setup. Experiment with these ideas and invite your children to share their favorites. Remember, your kids don’t need perfect, Pinterest-worthy plans—simple, silly fun often works best.
Margarita Tartakovsky, MS, is a freelance writer and associate editor at PsychCentral.com, specializing in mental health and parenting topics. She lives in Florida with her family. Learn more at www.margaritatartakovsky.com.
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