It’s no secret that toddlers have a lot of energy. As such, keeping them entertained while staying inside during quarantine can be challenging. Now that many schools and daycares are closed, the task of entertaining your young child throughout the entire day falls solely on you. No pressure.
After spending multiple weeks indoors, your toddler—and you—are likely in need of some fun activities to keep you from going stir crazy. If you’re starting to run out of ways to keep your toddler entertained during quarantine, consider trying out some of these fun ideas.
Create a Sensory Bin
Sensory play is important for your child’s development. Research has shown that sensory play can help enhance children’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks by supporting their fine and gross motor skills, cognitive growth, and language development.
A fun way to help your child engage in this beneficial type of play is by creating a sensory bin. A sensory bin is typically a plastic tub or another large container that is filled with objects and materials designed to stimulate one’s senses. For example, a sensory bin could be filled with sand, water, themed toys, and any other objects your tot desires. While playing with their sensory bin, toddlers can enhance their visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses.
Play Board and Card Games
Board games and card games are fun activities that allow various members of the household to spend quality time together. Plus, playing games is a valuable way to teach your toddler various life skills such as problem-solving, social skills, teamwork skills, and decision-making skills.
Just make sure that the games are suited to your child’s age, so they can understand and enjoy each game. Examples of some board and card games that toddlers can enjoy include Candy Land, Color Go-Fish, or Hoot Owl Hoot.
Get in Some Exercise
Exercise is very important for a child’s physical development. Although getting exercise while cooped up in one’s home is slightly more challenging, there are still many ways to help your toddler stay active. As such, you should consider incorporating some active play into their days.
Examples of ways to help your toddler get exercise include doing some basic yoga together, playing tag in the backyard, or creating simple obstacle courses for them to go through using yarn or furniture. Going on walks outside in unpopulated areas with your toddler is also a great way to get in some exercise and escape the house for a while. Trust me, you will both benefit!
