Children's Activity Ideas: 1-2 Years

Courtesy: Toddler Town

Sensory Exploration

Resources Needed:

• Marker pen
• Baby wipe lids (from packets of  wipes)
• Different materials
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Large piece of foam board

Instructions:

Firstly, you will need to collect the lids from the packs of baby wipes until you have enough to create the sensory board – how many you choose is up to you.

Next you will need to collect a range of different materials that are suitable for your child to explore. You can then place a lid on top of the material, draw around the lid and then cut out the material to the desired size. Next, using the foam board, arrange the wipe lids around until you are happy with the layout.  Then carefully use a hot glue gun to glue the wipe lids to the board.  Finally, glue the cut pieces of the material samples inside and leave to dry.

Once everything is complete, your toddler can explore the different textures and learn how to open and close the lids themselves.

Keepsake Handprints

Resources Needed:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Bowl for mixing
• Rolling Pin
• Food colouring (optional)
• Paint and sequins etc for decoration (optional)
• Cookie Cutter (whichever shape you wish)

 Instructions:

This activity is great to remember how much your children have grown and it can be done every year if you wish.

First mix the salt and flour in a large bowl, then make a well in the mixture and add in the water.Knead the mixture until it is smooth and the consistency of dough, and make into a ball shape. If you want to colour your salt dough, simply mix in a few drops of food colouring while you are kneading it.

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough and then cut out a shape using a cookie cutter. Then cut out a hole big enough to thread a piece of ribbon through at the edge of the dough. Finally take your child’s hand and create an imprint deep enough to ensure it is visible.

 You can let your salt dough handprints air dry, but they can also be dried in the oven. If you wish to do it this way, place them on a baking tray and bake at 200°F until dry.  

When it is dry you can let your child paint and decorate it with sequins if you wish.

Sensory Sea Bags

Resources Needed:

• Gallon-sized ziplock bag
• Hair gel
• Blue food coloring (optional)
• Glitter
• Sea animal toys
• Packing tape

 Instructions:

This activity takes minutes to set up and can be used over and over again to keep your little ones entertained.

 Firstly, squirt the hair gel into the ziplock bag. You can buy ones that are already blue, or you can add blue food colouring to clear gel to make it blue or if you want to give it a bit more colour. Next add in the sea creature toys then zip the bag closed and cello tape it to ensure it is safe for your child to play with. Now your little one can explore the contents and enjoy hours of fun.

 This activity can be adapted and you can add in a range of objects for your child to explore.

Squishy Bag Painting

Resources Needed:

• Paints
• Heavyweight paper or a small cardboard canvas
• Gallon size plastic bag with a zip top

 Instructions:

This activity is great for all ages but it is especially good for young children and can even be done as a tummy time activity for younger babies who can support themselves well.

Firstly, squeeze different coloured paint onto the paper or cardboard canvas (whichever you have chosen to use). Then put the canvas inside of the plastic bag and zip it closed. You can then cellotape the bag to a surface if you wish.

Next let your child squish around the paint to mix it up! Children will have fun using their finger pads, nails and knuckles. Maybe even stamp the paint with various objects, such as a small cup or the back of a spoon if you wish to see what happens.

Your child can have free rein squishing around paint and making an abstract masterpiece.

Ice Painting

Resources Needed:

• Water
• Paint—different colours
• Short Popsicle sticks (optional)
• Ice cube tray

 Instructions:

If you’re looking for a fun summer activity that will keep your little one focused you have to try painting with ice! All you need to do is make some ice paints and let them get super creative while keeping cool at the same time.

Pour water into your ice cube tray evenly, then add just a  drop of paint to the cubes and mix well. You can use one colour or a range of colours depending on what you have available.

Next, you can place a short popsicle stick into each ice cube mold or you can skip this step if you want your child to explore the ice with their hands.

Finally freeze the ice cubes for about 4 to 6 hours or overnight and then the fun can begin! Your children will not only make a great picture but they will also gain a sensory experience from feeling the cold ice on their hands whilst they paint.