Indoor Activities for Toddlers

Anyone else have cabin fever like us? The month of January has been pretty cold, so we've been stuck inside a lot. I'm thankful we haven't had a blizzard like last year, but I'm still feeling stranded here. We've been trying to come up with some new boredom busters - this is what we've been up to:

Cardboard boxes - we've played in them, made them into castles, decorated them...for whatever reason, it keeps them entertained forever. In the picture above (taken first week of January, that's why my tree is up :), we made it into a train and I pushed them around the room. Nice exercise for mom! ;)

Cooking - Abby is obsessed with cooking and baking. We've been stocking up our freezer with meals, cookie dough, and muffins/breads. Her favorite request: brownies ... I can't complain! :) She also likes putting on her apron and washing the dishes afterward. Just make a nice bubble bath for the dishes, give the girl a sponge, and she's a happy camper for awhile. :)

Sensory play - I found a lot of ideas on Pinterest that are made from items around the house. We did a lot of measuring, color sorting into ice cube trays, pipe cleaner activities... I like how it keeps Abby entertained and she's learning too! For more ideas, see our board for Sensory Play.

I cut different shapes into boxes and had her sort items through the holes. Then she got to decorate the box with stickers. :)

Blanket forts - we have been making lots of forts with old sheets. We do puzzles, color pictures, and read all the time, so it's a nice change of scenery inside the forts. Plus, Tim finds it hilarious to rip down so he can watch us rebuild it! ;)

Messy play - we've made play dough and cloud dough (pictured above). Cloud dough was insanely messy, but Abby loved it. It is really easy to make - 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 2 cups of flour. Mix together and enjoy!! I like how it's made from food, so if your little one wants a sample (because you know they will!), it's safe to eat! :)

Any other fun ideas for indoor play? What are you doing to keep sane this winter?

   

Sharing my 
Thoughts for Thursday with Natalie and Annie, 5 on Friday with Katie, Caitlin, Tif, Della, 

Darci, Natasha, Christina, April, Karli, and Amy, Week's End with Elizabeth
The Pick with Astleigh, Intentional Parenting Link Up with Keri, Friday Faves Andrea, Erika, and Narci,  Jennie