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Thursday, January 22, 2015

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 KatieCaitlinTifDella
DarciNatashaChristinaAprilKarli, and Amy, Week's End with Elizabeth
The Pick with Astleigh, Intentional Parenting Link Up with Keri, Friday Faves AndreaErika, and Narci,  Jennie  

15 comments:

  1. Great ideas! We have major cabin fever over here too, I'm going to have to remember to make a blanket fort- I loved those as a kid!

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  2. The cloud dough looks like fun!! I'll have to give blanket forts, cloud dough and sensory play a try while we're cooped up inside. I rarely bake and freeze or cook and freeze so I'd love to hear your tips on doing it successfully (how long things last, thaw out, keeping things fresh, etc).

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  3. This is a good list! I swear, they love a good box just as much as something expensive (if not more)!

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  4. Love all of these ideas! Cloud dough is a favorite at our house. I've tried the cardboard box and coloring but my mini didn't go for it!

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  5. Such great ideas! I loved playing with cardboard boxes a kid. You just can't go wrong with them!

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  6. Such good ideas! Cardboard boxes are always a plus! Stopping by from the Friday linky.

    Kristen @ www.ladybug-blessings.com

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  7. These are such great ideas. Love them! We are big on forts in our house :-)

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  8. Yes! We are so ready for some outside play. These are great ideas to keep the little ones busy inside! Thanks for stopping by and linking up with me!

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  9. Cardboard boxes and bins are the best! Juliet loves getting inside of them. I swear, anything that isn't expensive or made to be a toy is exactly what kids gravitate too! haha


    Thanks for linking up for H54F! Hope to see you again this week :)


    Caitlin @ Coffee with Caitlin
    coffeewithcaitlin.com

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  10. I need to look into sensory activities!

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  11. I found a ton of ideas on Pinterest! I used a lot of stuff from around the house...cotton balls, clothes pins, ice cube trays, etc. She really liked it :)

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  12. Agree! Christmas this year was very low key - we learned our lesson last year as Abby only wanted the box the toy came in! haha
    Thanks for hosting H5FF! :)

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  13. Washing dishes is a great activity that can take a good half hour. Also, helping cook-- wash the veggies, measure dry ingredients, etc. It is a little messy, but it is an equivalent of sensory play, plus dinner gets cooked!

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  14. Abby is obsessed with the Pioneer Woman/cooking ... and yes, it is definitely messy but a good learning experience too! :)

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  15. These are great ideas! Thank you for sharing them at the Intentional Parenting Link Party- pinning these for our next indoor day!

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I love reading your comments - it makes my day! :) Thanks for dropping by!

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