With their rapiddevelopment, 18-month-old toddlers are becoming increasingly curious and independent. This is an excellent opportunity to engage them in activities that promote sensory exploration, cognitive growth, and problem-solving skills. Engaging them in activities that encourage running and climbing helps strengthen their muscles and promotes balance and coordination. In this article, we'll explore 25 different activities to do with an 18-month-old toddler to help keep them entertained and learning at the same time.
1. Sensory Play
Sensory play is an essential part of a toddler's development. It stimulates their senses and helps them understand the world around them. You can use materials like playdough, water, sand, or even make an arctic ice sensory bin. This type of play enhances fine motor skills, promotes imaginative play, and introduces basic science concepts.
2. Color Sorting Games
Introducing colors to toddlers can be a fun learning experience. You can use colored balls, blocks, or everyday objects for this. This activity helps in color recognition and can also improve their sorting and categorizing skills, which are essential for cognitive development.
3. Ball Games
Physical activity is crucial for the healthy growth of a toddler. Simple ball games like rolling, throwing, and catching are excellent ways to develop gross motor skills. This activity not only develops their coordination but also encourages social interaction.
4. Obstacle Courses
Creating a simple obstacle course at home using pillows, boxes, and other household items can be an exciting way for toddlers to expend energy. This enhances their physical abilities and also helps in understanding spatial relationships
5. Stacking and Sorting Shapes
Give your toddler blocks or containers of various shapes and sizes. Encourage them to stack them or sort them by shape. This activity helps in developing their fine motor skills and understanding shapes. It also builds the foundation for problem-solving skills as they figure out which shapes fit together.
6. Music and Movement
Introduce your toddler to different types of music and encourage them to move to the beat. This can be as simple as clapping hands, stomping feet, or dancing around. Music stimulates a child’s auditory senses, while the movement helps in physical development and coordination.
7. Hide and Seek with Objects
Playing a simple game of hide and seek with objects can be a thrilling experience for toddlers. This activity enhances their problem-solving skills and understanding of object permanence, and is also great for developing memory.
8. Puzzles
Simple puzzles with large pieces are perfect for 18-month-olds. These puzzles usually feature basic shapes, animals, or other familiar objects. Working on puzzles helps improve their hand-eye coordination, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It’s also a great way to introduce them to new words and concepts in a fun and engaging manner.
9. Reading Together
Of course, reading books together with your child is always one of the best 18 month old activities. Reading helps your child grow his vocabulary by hearing brand new words. It’s one of the best things you can do for your child to encourage early literacy.
10. Finger Painting
Finger painting is a fantastic sensory activity that encourages creativity. Use non-toxic paints and let your toddler explore colors by painting with their fingers. It’s not about creating a masterpiece but rather about the process and experience.
11. Playing with Toy Animals
Provide your toddler with a set of toy animals. Not only does this encourage imaginative play, but it's also an excellent way to teach them about different animals, the sounds they make, and the environments they live in.
12. Building with Blocks
Building with blocks is a classic activity that never gets old. It encourages creativity, helps develop motor skills, and teaches them about balance and structures. Plus, it’s a great way for them to play independently or with others.
13. Playing in Water
Most toddlers love playing in water. Fill a shallow basin or use a kiddie pool. This activity is not only fun but also excellent for sensory development. Always supervise your toddler closely during water play to ensure their safety.
14. Mimic and Imitation Games
Play games that involve imitating each other's actions and sounds. This can be a fun way to teach them new movements, sounds, and words. It also helps in developing social and emotional skills as they begin to understand how to mimic emotions and expressions.
15. Exploring Nature
Take your toddler outside for a walk or to a nearby park. Let them explore the natural environment. They can touch leaves, pick up sticks, or just enjoy the fresh air. Being in nature has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
16. Simple Household Chores
Involve your toddler in simple household chores like wiping surfaces, picking up toys, or helping in the garden. This teaches them responsibility and the value of contributing to family life. It also helps develop their motor skills and understanding of everyday tasks.
17. Play with Magnets
Use large, safe magnets and let your toddler explore how they attract and repel each other. You can also use alphabet magnets on a refrigerator to introduce them to letters. This activity teaches them basic science concepts and can help in early literacy skills.
18. Exploring Textures
Create a texture board with different materials like fabric, sandpaper, or foil. Let your toddler touch and explore the various textures. This sensory activity helps them understand and differentiate between different sensations.
19. Bubble Play
Blowing bubbles is always a hit with toddlers. Whether you are inside or outside, this activity is sure to bring lots of smiles. Chasing and popping bubbles is also great for developing motor skills and can be a joyful sensory experience.
20. Making Music
Create simple instruments like shakers from bottles filled with rice or beans. Allow your toddler to make music with these homemade instruments. This activity enhances their understanding of sounds and rhythms and can be a stepping stone to a love for music.
21. Playdough Creativity
Playing with playdough is an excellent way for toddlers to get creative and develop fine motor skills. Provide them with playdough and some tools like cookie cutters or rolling pins. Let them explore and create whatever they like. This activity is also great for sensory exploration and imaginative play.
22. Finger Paint and Make a Mess
Bringing out your toddler’s artistic side and finger paint. Listening, I know – dealing with messes is the last thing you want to do, but it’s worth it. Not only is finger painting a form of sensory play, but kids need a chance to work on those artistic skills in a free environment. Making crafts doesn’t develop artistic skills in the same way. All you need is some simple washable finger-paints and mixed media paper. Using thicker paper helps prevent the paint from leaking through.
23. Finger Paint WITHOUT The Mess
Sometimes, making a mess just doesn’t fit into your plans for the day. That’s okay!
This no-mess finger paint activity idea came when trying to give my toddlers a fun experience right after a bath. I realized that I didn’t want them to get all messy again so I came up with this activity.
You put the paint on a plate inside of a plastic bag – or just put the paint in the bags!
I suggest making sure you duct tape the ends closed to ensure no explosions happen.
24. Doodle with Chalk
I can’t lie; I love chalk. It’s pretty much a no-mess art supply since chalk brushes off easily.
Drawing with chalk is fun for all ages; it feels different than crayons and disappears with water or wiping away. A chalkboard easel provides plenty of fun for your toddler and gives your child the opportunity to doodle, scribe, and draw lines.
It’s not too hard to find enjoyable 18 month old activities. Pay attention to what your child enjoys the most when selecting the things to do that day together!
Related Posts:
- What to Teach an 18-Month-Old: 14 Skills to Develop
- What Should a 18-Month-Old Be Learning?
- An 18-Month-Old Toddler: Learning and Growing, 18-month-olds are a fun and exciting age. They are rapidly developing and curious, making this a fantastic stage to teach and engage them in activities that promote sensory exploration, cognitive growth, and problem-solving skills. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you'll help your child grow and learn while having fun.