10 screen-free indoor activities for toddlers - post

Why do #toddlers need screen- #free indoor #play?

Screen- #free-play helps toddlers:

• Use their hands and bodies (fine motor + #gross-motor-skills)
• Practice talking and listening
• Learn to wait, share, and take turns
• Feel proud when they “do it myself!”
• Build focus in short, toddler-sized steps (#ToddlerActivities)

How can you set up screen-free play fast (even on a busy day)?

Try this simple #plan: 

• Pick 2–3 activity choices (not 10 at once)
• Use trays or bins so cleanup is quicker
• Show, don’t tell: demonstrate in 10 seconds, then let them try
• Set one clear rule ( #example: “Balls stay low.”)
• Rotate materials every few days so old toys feel new again

Safety reminders:

• Watch for small pieces (choking risk)
• Use non-toxic supplies
• Keep water play shallow and fully supervised
• Clean and sanitize items that go in mouths

What can toddlers do indoors without screens? (10 simple activities)

1) How can you make a tape-road “town” in 5 minutes?

Use painter’s tape on the floor.

• Make roads, parking spots, and “garages”
• Add toy cars, blocks, and paper “stop signs”
• Learning: #pretend-play, words like “go/stop,” turn-taking

2) How can you build an indoor obstacle course that is #safe?

Use pillows, couch cushions, and masking tape lines.

• Crawl under a chair “tunnel”
• Step over a taped line “river”
• Toss soft socks into a basket
• Learning: balance, listening, body control (#ChildCareActivities)

3) How can you do a toddler “posting” game with recycled items?

Cut a slot in a clean container (like an oatmeal tub).

• Post: big pom-poms, large bottle caps, or chunky blocks
• Add tongs for older toddlers
• Learning: hand strength, focus, problem-solving

4) How can you make a simple #sensory bin (without a big mess)?

Use a shallow bin and a small amount of filler.

• Options: dry oats, shredded paper, or big pasta (avoid tiny items)
• Add scoops, cups, and safe toys
• Tip: put a sheet under the bin for fast cleanup
• Learning: calming sensory input, exploring textures

5) How can you do a “wash station” indoors?

Set up a tray with:

• A small bowl of water
• Sponges and towels
• Plastic animals or dolls
  Toddlers “wash” and “dry” toys.
• Learning: care skills, pretend play, vocabulary (“wet/dry,” “clean/dirty”)

6) How can you do sticker and dot art for toddlers?

Give toddlers:

• Stickers or dot stickers
• Thick paper
• A simple “target” (like circles drawn on paper)
• Learning: fine motor control, matching, attention

7) How can you make #playdough time feel brand new?

Turn playdough into a “bakery.”

• Add: plastic lids (cookie cutters), toy plates, safe rolling pins
• Ask: “Can you make 3 cookies?”
• Learning: counting, pretend play, hand strength

8) How can you do a color sorting game with things you already have?

Use colored paper on the floor as “sorting #mats.”

• Sort: blocks, pom-poms, toy food, or socks by color 
• For younger toddlers: start with two colors
• Learning: #early #math skills, following directions

9) How can you turn story time into active play?

Make a “story basket.”

• Put 3–5 items that match a simple book (toy dog, spoon, small blanket)
• Read, then let toddlers act it out
• Learning: #language, memory, confidence

10) How can you add movement without turning it into chaos?

Try “Dance and Freeze” (no screens needed).

• Play music, dance, then pause and say “Freeze!”
• Add simple directions: “Freeze like a statue!” “Move like a turtle!”
• Learning: self-control, listening, big body movement

How do you handle big feelings during activities (grabbing, yelling, or refusing)?

Toddlers are still learning. Try:

• Name the feeling: “You’re mad. You wanted that toy.”
• Give a simple choice: “Blocks or stickers?”
• Offer a turn plan: “First Maya, then you.”
• Keep words short: toddlers understand more when we use fewer words
• Praise the right behavior: “Gentle hands. Nice waiting.”

Which ChildCareEd trainings can help you plan more toddler activities?

If you want more ideas (and a clearer plan), these ChildCareEd courses are great matches:

• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities 
• Playful Learning: Infant & Toddler Activities 
• Playing with a Purpose: Infant/Toddler Lesson Planning 

What is one free ChildCareEd resource you can use right away?

Need a ready-to-go printable with movement ideas (including toddler-friendly ball play)? Try:
March Madness Activities

What is one related ChildCareEd article to read next?

If you want more ideas for hands-on, screen-free learning, this article is a helpful read:
Why Finger Paint and Sand Tables Are Just as Important as Phonics: The Science Behind Messy Play

Where can you find more ideas (and follow ChildCareEd)?

For quick tips, activity ideas, and updates, follow ChildCareEd here:
https://linktr.ee/childcareed (linktr.ee)

Pick two activities from this list for tomorrow, and you’ll already have a solid, screen-free indoor plan.