best educational activities for 2 year olds

17 Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds: Teaching Toddlers Through Play

Play-based learning is the best way for your toddler to learn about themselves and their world.

The world of your 2-year-old is full of exciting possibilities. They are developing quickly, and you will find them ready to dive into learning experiences. They are actively looking for ways to assert their independence and test their boundaries (and yours!).

Learning activities for 2-year-olds should look at their development holistically and engage them in new ways of thinking. Toddler learning activities are a fun way for you to connect with your child as you learn and grow together.

Play-Based Learning for Toddler Development

When your 2-year-old is playing, they are learning how the world works. Play ignites their curiosity and gets them to think creatively about simple tasks.

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning” – Diane Ackerman.

Here are some other ways that play is beneficial for development:

• Practice life skills
• Improves communication
• Develops empathy
• Encourages imagination
• Allows for independence and autonomy
• Fosters problem-solving skills

17 Learning Activities for Your 2-Year-Old

When it comes to educational activities for toddlers, you want to make them hands-on and fun. Learning should be joyful and creative. Fun activities can teach your child and keep them happily immersed in play.

Activities for Gross Motor Skills Development

1. Play Silks and Dancing

There is something magical about watching a child lost in their own world. Play silks are a great way to encourage imaginative movement in little kids. 

Put on some music and let your little one move to the rhythm. This unstructured activity allows them to use any movements they want. The play silks help them move their bodies, become aware of themselves within a space, and embody different characters. 

Fun Tip: Try music that evokes different moods. Watch as your child adjusts their movements to the music.

Benefits: 

• Imagination
• Free movement
• Express emotion

2. Animal Imitation

What toddler doesn’t love pretend play? 

You can use animal cards, toy animals, or even recorded animal sounds for this activity. Help your child think about how each animal moves and then watch as they try to imitate that movement. They can include the sound the animal makes to really get into character.

Fun Tip: Do this activity with your child. Yes, it may seem silly, but they will love it. Play is how our kids communicate with us, and something special happens when we join them in their world.

• Crossing the midline and gross motor skills
• Builds core strength
• Improves focus and attention

3. Mud Monster

Getting dirty is a great way to learn and a fun activity. Not only is mud a fantastic sensory experience, but it contains friendly bacteria that stimulate the release of serotonin . 

To create your mud monster, draw one on a wall with mud or build one around a hula hoop placed on the ground. Your toddler will then make mud balls and have to throw them into the mud monster’s mouth. Your 2-year-old is learning to throw overhand at this stage, and this is a fun activity to practice.

Fun Tip: Let your toddler help you make the mud. The process of mixing sand and water is a valuable learning opportunity.

• Develops tactile skills
• Strengthens throwing motion
• It helps them identify their dominant arm

Activities that Develop Fine Motor Skills

4. Building Blocks

Building blocks are a classic toddler activity that has a multitude of benefits. Simply place a bag of blocks on the floor and watch as your little one begins to create. At this age, your 2-year-old will be able to build a tower of 4-7 blocks, opening up a world of possibilities for them.

Fun Tip: Add other elements such as cars, animals, and wood planks. This will help your toddler play with the blocks in new and imaginative ways.

• Problem-solving
• Early math skills

5. Simple Tracing

Your 2-year-old might not be holding a pencil confidently, but they will enjoy simple tracing activities. They will help them develop tensile strength in their fingers and work on their fine motor skills.

Use simple shapes and lines with an easy-to-follow dot-to-dot pattern. A chunky pencil or marker will work best for your child’s inexperienced fingers.

Fun Tip: Start with sidewalk chalk to encourage large, free-flowing movements. Before starting with a pencil, try a Q-tip and paint to follow a series of dot patterns.

• Hand-eye coordination
• Concentration
• Crossing the midline

6. Paper Washing Line

Reaching the washing line outside might be tricky, but you can create a mini version indoors. All you need is a cardboard box, some twine, and two pieces of dowel rod. You can cut out clothing from cardboard and let your 2-year-old peg them onto the line.

Fun Tip: You can use clothes pegs to hang up art, count, color sort, and paint with. They are a versatile option for 2-year-old development activities. 

• Improve pincer grasp
• Motor accuracy
• Hand preference

7. Playdough Jars

Play dough is fantastic for sensory play and fine motor skills development. Put playdough and loose parts into different jars with the lids on. Then let your toddler open the jars and empty the contents. Opening the jars is good fine motor practice and your toddler is also at a stage where they love to empty containers.

Fun Tip: Ask your toddler to sort the items and place them back into the jars at the end of the activity. 

• Strengthens fingers, hands, and wrists
• Improves concentration

Activities for Language Development

8. Picture Books

Picture books are essential in child development, particularly for emergent language. Reading picture books allows you to foster connection with your toddler while demonstrating a love of reading. Your 2-year-old will also learn to connect the words to the pictures. This will help them understand their meaning better.

Fun Tip: Play a game of ‘spot the x.’ You can help your child learn new words as they associate them with a picture.

• Listening skills
• Strengthen visual thinking skills
• Encourage conversations

9. Mystery Bag

This is a versatile game that you can play with almost any object. Put a selection of things into a bag. Ask your toddler to reach into the bag and try and name an object they feel before pulling it out. This is a fun way to introduce new words to your child’s vocabulary.

Fun Tip: For an interesting variation of this game, draw the outline of your toddler’s body on a large piece of paper. Then ask them to point to and name their different body parts. 

• New vocabulary
• Improved tactile sense

10. Story Cubes

Story cubes have scenes/characters/objects depicted on them. Your toddler can choose the order of the cubes, and you can create a story together. This activity is excellent for teaching toddlers about creative thinking and future scenarios.

Fun Tip: Incorporate tower building into the process. Then start the story from the top of the tower and reverse it. This is a fun way to introduce the concepts of top and bottom while helping your toddler use their imagination.

• Imaginative play

11. Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are great for teaching 2-year-olds about phonics and help with language development. Keep your rhymes simple and choose ones with repetitive verses.

Some great nursery rhymes for 2-year-olds are Incy Wincy Spider, Old MacDonald, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Humpty Dumpty, and Hickory Dickory Dock.

Try to incorporate rhymes that have corresponding movements. The car is also great for practicing nursery rhymes with your toddler.

• Develop motor skills
• Teach grammar
• Introduce counting, colors, and shapes

Activities for Social/Emotional Development

12. Emotion Cards

2-year-olds are learning about themselves in relation to other children so talking about emotions is vital. Emotion cards work well as they show the picture that relates to a feeling. Start your day with the emotion cards and regularly bring them out. 

Fun Tip: Take a ‘sportscasting’ approach to toddler behavior. That means you observe and repeat the facts of the situation. This allows your toddler to feel and deal with the emotion for themselves.

• Builds empathy
• It helps them learn self-regulation and self-control
• Emotional vocabulary development

13. Simon Says

2-year-olds are starting to copy the behavior they see around them. That makes Simon Says a fun and simple game to play. Your toddler is also becoming more aware of themselves, and Simon Says is a fun way to start teaching them about the parts of their body.

Fun Tip: Use the anatomical names for body parts. Children must know the real names as they become aware of themselves and their bodies.

• Developing body awareness
• Sequencing Skills
• Following instructions

14. Kitchen Time

Your 2-year-old is becoming more independent, and you may find them increasingly defiant. Spending time in the kitchen is a great way to help them feel empowered and capable.

Simple cookies, scrambled eggs, and banana muffins are easy recipes that your 2-year-old can make with you.

Fun Tip: Involve them in the whole process by allowing them to crack, mash, and scoop but also wash up.

• Basic math skills
• Builds independence
• Boosts confidence

Activities for Cognitive Development

15. Puppet Play

Puppet play is an amazing developmental tool for toddlers. Your 2-year-old is starting to engage in make-believe play and new language. Puppets encourage creativity, imagination, and new vocabulary. It also helps develop social skills.

Fun tip: You don’t need fancy puppets. Toddlers love craft activities, so why not make your own out of socks? You know, the ones that make it out of the dryer without a partner?

• Motor skills
• Builds self-confidence

16. Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt is a versatile learning experience that you can use repeatedly. For example, you can have a color hunt where your toddler has to find items in the house that are a specific color. Or you can stick shapes around the house and ask them to find and sort them.

Fun Tip: Take this activity outside for a diverse sensory experience with different textures.

• Color identification

17. Sorting Basket

Sorting baskets are another fun matching game to help your toddler learn colors, numbers, shapes, and sizes. You can put almost anything in a sorting basket, from leaves and stones to blocks and fabric scraps.

Fun Tip: Mix up textures and color shades to challenge your toddler.

• Develops reasoning and thinking skills
• Encourage categorizing
• Early literacy and numeracy skills

Teaching Your Toddler Through Play

Play-based learning opportunities are the best activities to get your toddler engaged and excited. They allow you to introduce complex concepts through simple play that your 2-year-old can easily understand.

Watching your little one engage with the world around them is a magical time, so get on their level and get playing.

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20+ Best Fun Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

7 Educational Activities for 2 Year Olds

7 developmental activities for 2 year olds, 8 fun activities for 2 year olds with no prep, no mess, get started now.

We know that parenting a toddler can be both rewarding and challenging, so we’ve put together a list of activities to help your little one learn and grow while having lots of fun. Welcome to our guide of 20+ fun and learning activities for 2 year olds!

From simple crafts and games that help with fine motor skills to more active pursuits that will get your toddler moving, there’s something here for everyone. And the best part is that most of these activities can be done using things you already have around the house, so there is no need to go out and buy anything special.

We hope you enjoy trying out these activities with your toddler and that they help make your days a little bit brighter.

1. Color Sorting

What you’ll need:  Construction paper in different colors, crayons, markers, or paint

What to do:  Cut out different shapes from each color of construction paper. Talk about the different colors with your toddler as they sort the shapes. You can also have them trace the shapes with crayons, markers, or paint.

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What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting color recognition and fine motor skills. Toddlers also learn about shapes as they play.

2. Letter Matching

What you’ll need:  Construction paper, scissors, crayons, markers, or paint

What to do:  Cut out different letters from construction paper. Talk about the different letters with your toddler as they match them up. You can also have them trace the letters with crayons, markers, or paint.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting letter recognition and fine motor skills. Learning letters early can also help your toddler with reading and writing later on.

3. Pattern Matching

What to do:  Cut out different patterns from construction paper. Talk about the different patterns with your toddler as they match them up. You can also have them trace the patterns with crayons, markers, or paint.

Some patterns that toddlers can work with include stripes, polka dots, and zigzags.

What kids will learn:  This activity promotes pattern recognition and fine motor skills. It also helps toddlers develop their problem-solving skills.

4. Play Math and Reading Games Online

What you’ll need: A computer with internet access

What to do: Many great math and reading games for toddlers are available online. Spend some time playing these games with your toddler to help them learn new skills. Ensure that children aren’t spending too much time looking at screens. For toddlers, 20–30 minutes is enough screen time.

What kids will learn: This activity encourages children to improve their math and reading skills. Toddlers also learn about computer use and basic game skills.

5. Put Together a Simple Toy Train Set

What you’ll need: A toy train set, such as the Thomas the Tank Engine Wooden Railway Starter Set.

What to do:  Let your toddler help you put together a simple toy train set. They can connect the track pieces, place the trains on the tracks, and press the buttons to make them go.

What kids will learn:  This activity promotes problem-solving, fine motor skills, and hand–eye coordination. Toddlers also learn about cause and effect as they play.

6. Paint With Watercolors

What you’ll need: Watercolors, paintbrushes, water, and paper.

What to do:  This is a classic activity that toddlers will love! They can experiment with mixing the colors, painting different strokes, and adding water to create different effects.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting art and creativity. Toddlers also learn about colors and mixing different shades.

7. Talk to Your Baby

What you’ll need:  Nothing!

What to do:  One of the best activities for 2 year olds, this is a great way to promote language development. Talk to your toddler about anything and everything. Describe what you’re doing, such as “I’m making lunch.” or “I’m putting on my shoes.” You can also ask them questions and encourage them to answer.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting language development. Toddlers also learn about communication and conversation.

1. Trace the Body

W hat you’ll need:  Paper, a pencil, and some crayons or markers

What to do:  Help your toddler trace their body on a piece of paper. Then, they can decorate it however they like! This is a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting art and creativity. Toddlers also learn about their own bodies and how to use different art supplies.

2. Get Dressed

What you’ll need:  Some clothes, shoes, and a mirror.

What to do:  One of the most important activities for 2 year olds is to learn how to get dressed independently. You can start with simple clothing items, such as a shirt or pants. Show them how to wear clothing and then let them try it themselves. As they get better at dressing themselves, you can add more items, such as shoes, socks, and jackets.

This is a great activity to do when you are vacationing with the family as you can afford the time and patience it needs to help your kids learn how to button their shirts or tie their shoes correctly.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting fine motor skills and independence. Toddlers also learn about different types of clothing and how to put them on.

3. Put Toys Away

What you’ll need:  A toy box or bin and some toys.

What to do:  Show them how to put the toys away in the toy box or bin. As they get better at this, you can add more toys or make it a game by timing them to see how fast they can put the toys away.

What kids will learn:  This is a great activity for teaching toddlers about organization and responsibility. It is also a good way to promote problem-solving skills. Toddlers thus learn about cleaning up.

4. Clap to the Beat

What you’ll need:  Some music or you can clap your hands yourself

What to do:  Help your toddler clap their hands to the beat of the music. As they get better at this, you can add other body parts, such as their feet or head.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting music and rhythm skills. Toddlers also learn about following directions.

5. Read to Your 2 Year Old

What you’ll need: Any good picture books, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or The Cat in the Hat .

What to do:  This activity is great for promoting literacy skills. Sit down with your toddler and read one of their favorite books . As they get better at this, you can start asking them questions about the story or having them point out different objects in the book.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting literacy skills. Studies show that early exposure to reading is linked with higher reading achievement later in life. Toddlers also learn about communication and conversation.

6. Imitate Animal Sounds

What you’ll need:  A video or audio recording of animal sounds, or you can make the sounds yourself.

What to do:  This activity is great for promoting listening skills. Help your toddler identify different animal sounds. You can play a recording of the sounds or make them yourself. As they get better at this, you can start asking them questions about the animals, such as “Where does a lion live?” or “What does a cow eat?”

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting listening skills. Toddlers also learn about animals, their sounds, and maybe their habitats.

7. Play Kitchen Assistant

What you’ll need: A play kitchen, some pots and pans, and some plastic food

What to do:  Show your toddler how to pretend to cook in the play kitchen. Let them help you stir the pots and pans or cut up the plastic food. As they get better at this, you can start asking them to make specific dishes.

Some 2 year old development activities that can be done in a real kitchen include; helping to pour ingredients into a bowl, using a child-safe knife to help cut soft foods, or helping to stir—all with adult supervision!

What kids will learn: This activity is great for promoting imaginative play. Toddlers also learn about cooking and following directions.

1. Pillow Roller Coasters

What you’ll need:  Pillows, blankets, and a lot of space on the floor.

What to do:  Create a pillow roller coaster for your toddler to ride. They will love going up and down the hill. As they get better at this, you can start asking them to go faster or slower.

You could create a smaller pillow road for their toy vehicles. Children can hold a race with their toy cars and make them go up and down the road.

Remote-controlled tanks or any other remote-controlled toy can also be used for this activity.

After your 2-year-old is done playing with the pillow roller coaster, you can just put the pillows, blankets, and toy cars away—no mess to clean up!

What kids will learn:

This activity is great for promoting gross motor skills. Toddlers will also learn about ramps and the energy needed to go up and down the slopes. This basic experiential learning can help them in their future physics classes.

2. Rescue Animals (from zip-lock bags)

What you’ll need: Clear zip-lock bags and small plastic animals.

What to do:  Put their animals in clear zip-lock bags. Now ask them to help the animals get out by using their hands or opening the zip.

You can say, “I see the lion is roaring. It wants to come out. Can you help him?”

You can also put different kinds of objects in the zip-lock bags, like fruits, vegetables, leaves, etc. This will help your toddler learn about different textures and shapes.

After they are done playing with this activity, you can store animals and zip-lock bags separately or throw them in the toy box just as they are.

What kids will learn:  Such games and 2 year old activities help kids learn about animal names, sounds, and textures. It also helps them develop their fine motor skills.

3. Balloon Pop

What you’ll need:  Balloons and a sharp object (like a pin or a needle).

What to do:  Help your toddler blow up the balloon and then let them pop it with the sharp object. Be sure to supervise them closely so that they don’t hurt themselves.

Your toddler will have a blast popping the balloons. The toddlers love the loud noise of the balloons popping and the feeling of popping them.

This activity can get a little messy since the balloon bits will be scattered around. But, it is easy to clean up—gather all the pieces and throw them away.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting gross motor skills and hand–eye coordination. Toddlers will also learn about cause and effect as they see that their actions (popping the balloon) result in the desired outcome (the balloon makes a loud noise and pops).

4. Origami for Toddlers

What you’ll need:  Square pieces of colored paper

What to do: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. There are many simple origami shapes that even toddlers can make.

You can start with something simple like a paper airplane or a boat. Just fold the paper in half and then in half again. Then, help your toddler make the folds to create the shape. Once they get the hang of it, they’ll be able to do it on their own.

We all know 2-year-olds love to display their creations, so be sure to have a spot ready to showcase their origami masterpieces.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting fine motor skills and concentration. Toddlers will also learn about following instructions and different shapes.

5. Magnetic Letters

What you’ll need:  Magnetic letters (you can find these at your local dollar store or online) and a metal surface

What to do: Stick the magnetic letters on the fridge or any other metal surface. Then, help your toddler spell out words with the letters. You can start with simple three-letter words and then move on to more difficult words.

You can even use these magnetic letters to offer clues to your toddler during a treasure hunt or pass on messages like a detective.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting literacy skills and creativity. Toddlers will also learn about the alphabet, spelling, and simple words.

6. Decorating with Clothes Pegs

What you’ll need:  Clothes pegs and containers or surfaces to decorate

What to do: Accept it: Painting with your baby can be a messy affair. Clothes pegs allow you to bring a pop of color and beautiful works of art together. And, with this method, you don’t have to worry about paint stains.

Just let your toddler put clothes pegs around the containers or surfaces. You can even use them to create patterns or shapes.

If you want, you can paint the clothes pegs before your toddler starts decorating or buy cheap plastic clothes pegs in different colors. This will add an extra layer of color and fun to the activity.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting creativity and imagination early in children. They will learn that anything can be turned into a work of art with a little bit of creativity.

7. Transfer Books and Toys From One Box to Another

What you’ll need:  Two cardboard boxes with lids and some toys or books

What to do: You will be surprised how much a toddler loves to help you do a chore and win compliments and hugs from you. It is a great way to keep them occupied while you’re busy with other things.

To set up, put some toys or books in one box and then close the lid. Then, have your toddler transfer the items into the other box. You can even make it a race to see who can transfer the most items in a minute.

You can easily make this a sorting and organizing activity, asking them to sort books, toys, or other objects by colors, shapes, or sizes.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting fine motor skills and concentration in toddlers. It is also a good opportunity for parents to inculcate a sense of responsibility and ownership in their toddlers and build their confidence.

8. Play with Kinetic Sand

W hat you’ll need:  Kinetic sand and some plastic toys

What to do: If you haven’t played with kinetic sand before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a type of sand that’s moldable and easy to shape. And it’s also very therapeutic to play with.

Let your toddler explore the sand and mold it into different shapes. You can even use the sand to make patterns or write words. If you want, you can add some plastic toys to the mix and see how your toddler plays with them.

And it does not create any mess! You can easily store the sand in a container when you’re done playing.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting creativity and imagination in toddlers. They will also learn about different textures and how they can be manipulated.

Learning activities for 2 year olds must be creative, hands-on, and FUN! Parents must realize that a young child’s attention span can be short. So, the activities must be structured to maintain their interest, even outdoor activities for 2 year olds must be engaging and interesting. The key is to keep it short and sweet.

Do you need some “you” time? Engage your toddlers in one of the fun activities for 2 year olds mentioned above and take that five-minute break. These activities will not only occupy your toddler but also help their overall development.

Here are more online educational resources for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to decide which activity is age-appropriate for 2 year olds.

Most two-year-olds can start with sorting shapes and colors, finding things hidden under objects, and doing simple puzzles. They may complete sentences in books they read regularly, follow two-step instructions, and love make-believe games. Activities built around developmental milestones for toddlers can help them progress to the next level.

What are some engaging indoor activities for two year olds that require few or no equipment?

Here are some indoor activities for 2 year olds that don’t require much equipment, if at all:

• transferring books and toys from one box to another
• sorting objects by colors, shapes, or sizes, 
• playing with kinetic sand or clay,
• playing online learning games .

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The Best Playful Learning Activities for 2 Year Olds

July 30, 2017 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: These 20 toddler learning activities are super fun, getting young children engaged with a hands-on approach.

You are a teacher who is putting together a curriculum for your toddler classroom. Or you are a parent that wants to add some learning to your toddler’s day.

It’s really much easier than you probably think. You don’t need flashcards. You don’t need fancy materials.

I’ve put together a collection of learning activities that your toddlers will love! And they are learning at the same time!

Activities that are age-appropriate and engage as many senses as possible. These learning activities involve concepts such as shapes, colors , numbers and letters in a fun, playful way. They can be done at home or in a classroom environment , with one child or a group of children.

Easy hands-on fun.

Touch and explore colors .

Learn about the farm while driving farm vehicles through paint.

Paint pigs (using free printable) using golf balls.

Stamp toys into paint for some fun shape art .

Grab some small brushes and use with paint for a fun process art activity .

Stamp spools into paint on big sheets of paper.

Include a no-mess sensory art activity to your day (free printable).

Drive cars through shaving cream rainbows to make roads.

Paint with fire trucks .

Squeeze paint onto pine cones and strengthen fine motor skills.

Roll a ball through paint.

Learn about the colors of the rainbow while painting on bubble wrap.

Get the hands involved while color mixing .

Learn about the shape of a circle while stamping with a paper tube.

Related: Easy Toddler Process Art Activities

Water Table

Make some alphabet soup using foam letters.

Sort colors in the water table.

Strengthen fine motor skills while using basters with water .

Learn about farm animals while washing them in a water table .

Related: 10 Ways to Have Fun with Water

Sensory Bin

Explore letters in the sensory bin.

Push construction vehicles through kinetic sand.

Put together a flower sensory bin that includes letters.

Scoop and pour colored pasta . (My Bored Toddler)

Make some 2-ingredient (toddler safe) cloud dough . (Happy Hooligans)

Practice pincer grip while transferring rainbow cereal . (The Resourceful Mama)

Related: Big Collection of Sensory Table Activities

Make an alphabet train to put on the wall. (Thriving Home Blog)

Add some fine motor with this ping pong name recognition activity . (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Press letter stamps into playdough. (This Little Home of Mine)

Wipe letters that have been written on a window. (Busy Toddler)

Put alphabet pieces into a bin of rice. (Autistic Mama)

Related: 16+ Playful Toddler Alphabet Activities

Mix colors while driving cars through rainbows .

Learn what happens when yellow and blue are mixed using paper tubes.

Strengtehn fine motor skills while making rainbow sun catchers .

Go on a toy color scavenger hunt . (Hands On As We Grow)

Create your own color toss activity with bean bags. (Minne-Mama)

Collect leftover paint swatches to make a color book . (Craftulate)

Experiment with colors by painting with cotton balls and clothespins. (Domestic Mommyhood)

Related: How to Teach Colors to Toddlers with 15 Fun Activities

Match numbers using stickers. (Learning 4 Kids)

Add literacy to your day with foam letters .

Put pom poms into numbered ice cream “scoops” . (Happy Tot Shelf)

Work on color skills and numbers with this count and sort posting box. (The Imagination Tree)

Related: 25+ Number Games for Toddlers

Recycle paper tubes for some simple circle shape art .

Work on triangle shape recognition while pressing buttons into playdough.

Invite your toddlers to go on a circle hunt .

Feed the hungry shape monsters . (The Imagination Tree)

Roll the ball on the taped shape. (Hands On As We Grow)

Paint giant shapes on paper. (Happy Toddler Playtime)

Related: 25+ Shapes Activities

Strengthen fine motor skills with some DIY cardboard beads . (The Imagination Tree)

Press colored tissue paper to a big sheet of contact paper for a fun window display.

String Cheerios on spaghetti. (Juggling with Kids)

Balance dinosaurs (or other toys) on blocks. (Moments Enriched)

Related: 25 Easy Toddler Fine Motor Activities

Make fizzy ice cubes . (Busy Toddler)

Have fun with enormous bubbles ! (Happy Hooligans)

Related: 10 Toddler Science Activities that are Full of Fun

Invite your toddlers to make some pumpkin muffins .

Put together a simple chocolate chip banana muffin cooking activity .

Make some applesauce using a steamer – quick and easy!

Related: Cooking With Kids – Easy Recipes

Explore nature with a scavenger hunt. (Childhood 101)

Take a nature walk, notice the birds, and make a bird feeder . (Happy Hooligans)

Related: 15 Nature Activities for Toddlers

Looking for more ideas? Check out these 15 toddler activity packets that I helped create!

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 25 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

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September 11, 2017 at 2:55 am

You need to write a book!]

September 11, 2017 at 10:43 am

I just did! It includes lesson plans for 20 different themes. It’s on the front page of my blog. But I have more I want to write. 🙂

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The Incremental Mama

Get Organized & Create Routines for Your Family

20+ Super Easy Activities for 2 Year-Olds

By Erin   |   Updated: October 29, 2022   |   3 Comments

This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience (which means that, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission). Read my  full disclosure policy

While 2 year-olds get a bad rap (i.e. “Terrible Two’s”) I gotta say, I love them. Irrational? Sure. But after driving you nuts, they have a way of throwing their little arms around you and turning you into putty.

They love whole-heartedly, say hilarious things, and are fascinated by basically everything (except vegetables).

The hard part: keeping them busy and engaged, without acting as their sole source of entertainment. 

We’ve got a million things our to-do list. And if planning and organizing elaborate and messy toddler activities is not on that list, you’re in the right place. Because here I’ve stockpiled a list of super easy activities for 2 year-olds that are:

• fun & help develop fine motor skills

Of of these activities are crazy easy to whip up and will keep your toddler busy so you can get stuff done.

RELATED: How to Keep Kids Busy So You Can Get Stuff Done

SUPPLIES YOU MAY NEED

There are a few simple and inexpensive toddler activity staples worth having around the house for on-the-fly fun. Here’s what I recommend:

• Kinetic sand

Other than these few items (which you most-likely have already), you’ve probably got everything else lying around your house. If you don’t have them and don’t want to pick them up, you can whip up a batch very quickly using this easy play dough recipe or this recipe for kinetic sand .

If you wanted to spend a couple of bucks to get a Craft Kit with pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and googly eyes, you’ve basically got everything you need for endless toddler fun.

RELATED: How to Get Stuff Done with a Toddler and a Baby

SUPER EASY ACTIVITIES FOR 2 YEAR-OLDS 

I’ve listed the activities based on the supplies needed to make it easier to scan to find the right activity for your little one based on what you have.

Activities with Play Dough & Kinetic Sand

• Play Dough and cookie cutters – Let your toddler practice smashing dough and using cookie cutters to make shapes or letters.
• Play Dough with small toys – My kids love playing with small toys in play dough. for example, they love making terrain for their little dinosaurs and animals . Or they can imprint the animals and make “fossils.”
• Smash with Tools – Grab a potato masher or other kitchen utensil and let your child explore with smashing the play dough.
• Bug Fossils – This is a simple play dough activity from Plain Vanilla Mom.
• Printable Play Dough Mats – These free play dough mats from Picklebums are beyond brilliant and will let your little one’s imagination run wild (even my older kids like these!).
• Kinetic Sand Lego Stamping – Super simple kinetic sand activity from And Next Comes L.
• Straws, Pasta, and Playdough Activity – This is a fantastic STEAM activity from Raising Dragons.

RELATED: Free Printable Chore Chart for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Activities Using Junk Mail or Recycling

• Rip Junk Mail – Let your child’s destructive instincts let loose by allowing her to rip up junk mail into strips or other shapes. Then you can get your toddler to place the ripped pieces into a trash bin or other container.
• Cut up Junk Mail – If your toddler is ready to use safety scissors , you can let your little one practice cutting up junk mail or scratch paper then putting t in
• Build with Recycling – All the items in your recycling bin (empty cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, etc) make for good building materials for your toddler.
• Paper Ball Toss – After crumpling up paper/junk mail into balls, your toddler can practice trying to throw the balls into the waste basket.

Activities Using Pom-Poms

• Pom-Pom Push  – All you need are pom-poms and old food containers for this activity from Busy Toddler.
• Grab & Sort (from Busy Toddler)
• Pom-Pom Whisk – This activity from Hello Wonderful is perfect for toddlers learning fine motor skills.
• Pom-Pom Pouring – Another easy pom-pom activity from Busy Toddler using stuff you already have around your house.
• Scooping Pom-Poms – A simple pom-pom activity from Buggy and Buddy

Miscellaneous Easy Activities for 2 Year-Olds

• Rainbow in a Bag – A mess-free way for your toddler to explore with paint from Powerful Mothering.
• Laundry Hamper Fishing – from Munchkins and Moms
• Card-Slot Drop from Busy Toddler
• Pasta Jewelry – With tube pasta and pipe cleaners , let your toddler thread the pasta to create pasta jewelry! While you can use ribbon or yarn, using pipe cleaners is much easier for such little fingers.

PERSONALIZE A ROUTINE CHART FOR YOUR 2 YEAR OLD

Kids need engaging activities where they can play and let their imaginations run wild. And they also need routines and schedules that they can expect.

With so much out of their control, kids are happier when they have routines they can rely on. And as a parent, you’re happier when things run smoothly and there are fewer tantrums.

So in addition to keeping an arsenal of activities to keep your little one busy, having set routines also go a long way to keeping your child happy.

With these fillable routine charts , you can personalize your child’s morning and evening routines.

MESS-FREE ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOUR TODDLER BUSY

There you go! Over 20 super easy activities to keep your 2 year-old engaged and busy–without making a huge mess. Occupy your busy toddler so you can get stuff done.

What easy activities does your toddler enjoy?

READY TO GET YOUR LIFE ORGANIZED?

The Organized Home Toolkit has everything you need to go from overwhelmed to crushing your day. 

With hundreds of customizable printables and short instructional videos, the Toolkit is the resource library you need to quickly & easily organize your life and home.

…AND for less than a dinner out with the family!

Here’s what Allison, a busy mom of 3 said about The Toolkit:

“This toolkit helped me go from drowning in housework and feeling unmotivated to feeling organized and like my life was more manageable in a week. I woke up to a plan, a schedule, routines and manageable expectations for my kids that helped combat the depression and burn-out I often feel as a mom . And I love the videos. I feel like it’s ‘Running a Home & Raising Kids 101’ and it’s the class I have needed for YEARS .”

>>> Check out The Organized Home Toolkit

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

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Jessica says

April 2, 2020 at 9:36 am

i am def trying these! we are going crazy here in the house. thanks for sharing!

April 3, 2020 at 8:03 am

I hear ya! Stay safe!

May 1, 2020 at 1:06 pm

I will try these ideas with one of my students since we have to provide few weekly activities to his mom. Thanks!

Feeling like a hot mess & craving some balance?

Two Year Olds Can Learn Through Play Activities

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I know that children can learn a significant amount of knowledge through their everyday play.

Toys and gadgets may be teaching them things like cause-and-effect, problem solving, and new language. They’ll also be developing key skills like hand-eye coordination and independence.

Both structured and unstructured play are important to develop these necessary skills. Most of what they learn, you won’t even realize that you’re teaching them!

However, if you’re not in the education field, you may be unsure of simple ways to teach your two year old or ways to incorporate new learning into everyday activities.

What You Can Teach Your Two Year Old

Below are a bunch of skills and concepts that you can help your 2-year-old to understand . Practice and exposure is the best way to develop new skills with your child.

Below is a list of learning activities for two year olds for the whole range up to 3. Not exclusively once they turn two.

Always remember that every child develops at their own pace so don’t worry too much if your child doesn’t know all of these concepts yet. This isn’t a list of what they should know at this point, but rather a guide to help you understand what they may be capable of learning at this age.

1. NEW WORDS AND CONVERSATIONAL SPEECH

Your 2-year-old should have gained a slew of new vocabulary words in the past year. Now they’re learning how to put these words together to form 2-3 word phrases, short sentences, and questions. Here are some of the common words, phrases, and concepts that your two year old may be able to say and understand:

• Action words to help them communicate (more, go, come, want, up, down, etc.)
• Manners (please, thank you)
• Names of body parts
• Animal sounds and names of animals
• Names (their own first and last name, and names of family and friends)
• Vehicles (cars, trucks, firetruck, airplane)
• Household objects (names of certain food, utensils, furniture, clothing, etc that they use daily)
• Colors and Shapes
• Sizes (big, small, tall, short)
• Direction words (below, above, next to, on top, underneath, etc. although this may still develop more later )
• Weather (sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, snowy, hot, cold, etc.)

Before they turn 3, they should have a pretty extensive vocabulary. If your child has several words, help them to group words together if they’re not doing so on their own. For example, if your child says “more,” repeat after them, “more Cheerios?” and have them repeat the two words together. If they say, “want water,” repeat after them, “I want water?” and have them repeat that as well.

Adding on words to their current vocabulary will help them speak in longer phrases and sentences.

If your child is not continuing to gain more words throughout the past few months, consult your pediatrician. Here are more  tips to get your toddler to talk  here.

2. READING BOOKS

At 2, your child should definitely get the concept of “reading” a book. Of course, they won’t actually be reading the words , but they will most likely grab a book and snuggle in the corner of the couch to flip through the pages.

Make sure they understand how to read the book from front cover to back cover and the right way to hold it. They will simply look at the pictures at this age, but as they get later in their 2’s, they’ll start to recognize that there are letters and words on the page that actually mean something.

When you are reading to them, be sure to use your finger to follow along with the words on the page so they start to associate the letters with what you’re saying. At this point, you can stop making up your own words or just describing the pictures on the page and actually read word-for-word . This way, your toddler will get the concept that a story is being told.

Have your toddler describe the pictures to you and you can even ask them questions about the pictures or the words that you just read. Questions like, “What color is the girl’s dress” or “Which one is bigger, the lion or the snail?” are appropriate at this age.

They’ll still benefit most from board books where they can easily turn the pages, but may start exploring books with thinner pages. Some favorite types of books around 2 years old are Lift-The-Flap Books , Touch-and-Feel Books , and Play-A-Sound Books .

They’ll love books with lots of pictures, their favorite characters and objects, or silly books. Check out my list of the Best Books for 2 Year Olds here.

Related Post:  The Outstanding Benefits of Reading to Babies and Toddlers

3. PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE 

Your two-year-old is probably begging to do things on their own so give them these opportunities to learn, understand, and make mistakes (within limits, of course).

Of course they may not have perfected the skill yet, but the only way a child will learn these new skills is by doing it by themselves. You can help them to complete the task once they’ve already tried it on their own.

They should be increasing their independence in areas like:

• Dressing : choosing their own clothes, taking on/off shirt/pants with help, underpants/pull-up with help, shoes, and socks, and even learning the right way to put on items (backwards or forwards)
• Feeding:  using utensils with some spills, choosing their meals and snacks, opening containers, drinking from a straw cup regularly, and practicing with an open cup with supervision. I love these OXO utensils for 2 year olds as they have a good gripper and can really pierce the food, but if your toddler wants to be even more like mom and dad, these ones are great toddler utensils also.
• Brushing teeth and hair:   Teach them how to brush back and forth on their own and using a cup to rinse. My toddlers LOVE using an electric toothbrush like this one , especially the ones with their favorite characters.
• Cleaning up:  wiping up messes, putting toys away, bringing dishes, cups, & utensils to the sink when done, throwing away their garbage, and using a handheld vacuum to clean
• Hygeine : Blowing their nose, washing their hands, using a washcloth to wash themselves in the tub. Make washing hands and standing at the sink much easier by using stools and sink faucet extenders .
• Transitions:  Getting in and out of the car on their own, going up and down the stairs, ending one activity and moving to the next without complaining, turning on/off lights when entering/leaving the room

Be sure to model and show your childhood to do these skills the right way so that they don’t keep practicing something the wrong way.

4. PRETEND PLAY

Using their imagination opens up a world of fun and play for your toddler. This skill typically comes naturally as they copy and imitate what they see in the real world, in books, or on tv. They will use a combination of imagination and reality to copy the things they see daily , like these:

• Cooking in a play kitchen with pots and pans
• Hosting a tea party for their dolls and stuffed animals
• Feeding, burping, and changing a baby doll with play spoons, bottles, and diapers
• Talking on the phone with a play cell phone
• Playing doctor with a doctor or nurses kit
• Going shopping with a shopping cart and fake food
• Driving a car
• Sweeping, mopping , and vacuuming the floor

5. DRAWING AND COLORING

These are great fine motor learning activities for 2-year-olds . At this point, they should have moved past scribbling and be able to make some intentional marks on the paper, including a straight line down, straight line across, and maybe even attempt a circle. Of course, these may not be perfect, but they should get the concept of making intentional marks.

They’ll love coloring pictures, but getting them used to making marks will help improve their drawing and writing down the road. Print out pictures of their favorite characters or get a coloring book from their favorite tv show.

Also, you can draw or print out pages with letters so they can trace and get familiar with the alphabet.

I highly suggest  these finger crayons for the young ones.  They are perfect for little hands and promote a good grasp when holding the crayons.

If you’ve already started using markers, you have probably discovered that toddlers and markers aren’t a good match (unless you want a mural on your wall), so these Crayola Mess-Free Coloring Sheets are my absolute favorites!

The markers come out clear if they are used on any other surface besides the paper. On these special sheets, they’ll turn a color so your toddler sees the masterpiece that they are creating. They have so many characters available so I’m sure you can find a pack that your child will love.

6. NUMBERS AND COUNTING

Your 2 year old may be able to count to 10 (with some errors at times) from memory and maybe even higher with more practice. They can also work on recognizing and identifying those numbers and counting objects.

You can practice counting with so many different, everyday objects :

• count each step while you’re walking up the stairs
• count the number of French fries on their dinner plate
• count the number of toys in their bin

Numbers are everywhere so be sure that they are counting whenever they can.

The concept of one-to-one correspondence (one object is one number) comes later, but many toddlers can get the idea early on. Just show them how to point to each object as they count it and correct them if they start saying 2 numbers as they count one object or skip over objects when counting.

Related Post: 19 Activities to Introduce Counting to Your Toddler

7. LETTERS AND SOUNDS

Your child may already know many of the letters of the alphabet. They may be able to recite the ABC’s from memory (with some errors and help as needed). Now you can work on recognizing letters, as well as the sounds they make.

When talking about a letter, for example M: say M says mmm for mom. Always have them repeat you to etch it into their memory.

Be sure to have your child look at both uppercase and lowercase letters when learning . Most children are taught all of the uppercase letters first, however, the lowers case letters are the ones that they will see more often when they read or see words.

These name puzzles from Bloom Owl are a great way to get your child learning the letters of their name. They’ll love playing with the puzzle as they start to recognize the letters they see all the time.

By far my favorite resource for having your child learning letters and letter sounds is the Leap Frog shows on Netflix . They include Letter Factory, Phonics Farm, and more. If you have Netflix you can access these shows! My 20 month year old was reciting all of the letter sounds because he loves this show so much!

Related Post: Sticker Activity for Learning Letters

8. BUILDING

Building helps to improve your child’s hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. They’ll be able to use their imagination and creativity to create masterpieces and then knock them all down when they’re done.

This Melissa & Doug Alphabet block set  is great for small hands to stack. Two year olds also love Mega Blocks as they are perfect for stacking, putting together, and taking apart. My kids are obsessed with Magnetic Tiles and Bristle Blocks for building too.

These toys and learning activities for two year olds encourage imaginative play and let them problem solve and investigate the world around them. Tell them to build a robot, a tall building, or a table. They’ll love trying to come up with ways to make these items.

Puzzles are a great activity for fine and visual motor skills (hand-eye coordination). Having to fit a piece into it’s correct spot by turning and manipulating it is great for visual-spatial awareness.

Your 2 year old may still enjoy doing inset puzzles with knobs or pegs, which allow them to easily match shapes and items and fit the pieces in a spot. If they seem to have moved past simple inset puzzles, they may be ready to start with interlocking puzzles.

If you want to try out some more complicated interlocking puzzles try these to start. Also the name puzzles mentioned above are great to also enhance letter learning at the same time.

10. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND GETTING OUTSIDE

Two-year-olds are known to be pretty wild so you probably won’t need much coaxing to get them active. However, make sure they’re getting plenty of physical activity to learn new gross motor skills . These include:

• Pedaling a tricycle or ride-on toy
• Throwing/catching/kicking a ball

The best way to get them active is to give them lots of outdoor time . Take them to playgrounds to climb on the equipment as they offer so many opportunities for enriching gross motor skills. Take them for a walk and point out all the sights you see.

11. MUSIC, DANCE, AND RHYTHM

Children love rhythm and music so get them singing, dancing, and exploring their bodies with music. Put on music for them to dance to, sing along to their favorite songs with a microphone , or make their own music with  toy instruments like maracas, xylophone, tamborine, etc .

You can also make musical ‘instruments’ with so many household objects , like shaking pill bottles, banging wooden spoons, or filling plastic Easter eggs or water bottles with uncooked beans or rice.

Songs are also the best way for little ones to learn and memorize new concepts. Therefore, you can sing songs like the ABCs, head, shoulders, knees, and toes, or Old McDonald to learn letters, body parts, and farm animals, respectively.

12. POTTY TRAINING

Around 2 is the typical age that most parents decide to start potty training. Between 2 and 3, many children will be fully capable of using the toilet.

You can start gradually by introducing the potty and have them sit on it during different periods of the day when you know that they usually go.

Be sure to wait until they’re ready and don’t force it on them. You can start slow and steady with gently potty training to get them familiar or dive all in on a 3-day potty training binge.

Here are some great tips on potty training your toddler here.

13. SENSE OF TIME

This is something that may not come until closer to 3 and of course your two year old will not be able to tell time. However you can still teach them a basic sense of how much time is remaining or when time is over.

For example, when you say “5 more minutes left to play until dinner time” or “go brush your teeth in 1 minute,” They still won’t have a true sense of how long these increments of time are, but you can try to make them aware that 1 minute is quick, compared to 10 minutes or 20 minutes.

Before they fully have a sense of time, try setting an audio or visual timer when you need to show them when time is up. For example, when you say clean up in 5 more minutes, set a timer for 5 minutes to ring when it’s time.

We love the Time to Wake clocks for my toddlers. They let them know when it’s time to call for mom or get out of bed by simply turning a different color when it’s almost time to get up or when they should leave their room.

This is a great visual way for them to “see” and understand time.

Of course, safety is a crucial lesson to teach your child. This is the age where they will probably have no fear or understanding of dangerous situations. The following practices need to be taught and don’t just come naturally to your little one:

• not running away in public
• not running out into a parking lot
• stranger danger
• staying close to mom or dad
• being cautious when crossing streets
• holding hands when in public or outside
• sun safety: applying sunscreen, wearing hats

Speaking of safety for your little ones, the Whystle App is a great resource for all parents to have that tracks all safety information that’s important to your family. This includes product recalls for toys, food, and more that could promote dangers into your home. Download this app free on your phone and then there’s a free trial for the subscription so you never miss an important safety warning.

15. MANNERS AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS

Understanding how to properly treat others is a valuable trait to instill in your child. This goes for respecting both adults and other children. It’s important to teach your children how to use polite words and actions to show manners.

At this age, they are starting to test their boundaries and explore new ways of getting what they want. Instill rules for respecting others even through times of frustration.

• Saying  excuse me  when needing someone to move or get their attention
• Patiently waiting  for a parent to finish talking to another parent before chiming in
• Saying  please and thank you  shows consideration and appreciation
• Making  eye contact  when speaking to others
• Apologizing  when you do something wrong
• Share  their toys or items that belong to them
• No pushing, hitting, biting, or pulling hair to hurt others in any way

16. STAYING HEALTHY: GOOD HYGIENE AND EATING WELL

Teaching your child to practice good hygiene and healthy eating is great to start young . Build-in their hygiene routine throughout the day and they will become accustomed to this regimen. Eating healthy foods early on to set them off for a healthy diet for the rest of their life. These include:

• eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Avoid: processed foods, unhealthy snacks, and sweets
• washing hands after meals and potty
• brushing teeth morning and night
• bathing daily
• keeping their clothes and body clean while they eat or play
• covering their mouth when they sneeze or cough
• blowing their nose into a tissue
• wiping their own privates after going potty

Complying with:

• brushing and combing hair
• cutting fingernails and toenails
• cleaning inside ears with a  child safety q-tip

Related Post:  How to Get Your Picky Toddler to Try New Foods

17. ACTING APPROPRIATELY IN PUBLIC AND UNDERSTANDING “NO”

Toddlers are very ego-centric (only care about themselves). It’s totally normal for them to only think about how things will affect them. This almost always leads to inappropriate behaviors as they learn what behaviors get them what they want.

Don’t always give in to every cry  and teach them that sometimes they can’t get everything that they want. Don’t always give them the cookie that they’re begging for or the new toy at the store. If they must get the object that they desire, make them earn it.

Teach your 2-year-old how to act appropriately to avoid tantrums in public. Try  putting rules in place  when you are out so they know what is expected of them. Always have a way to redirect or distract them when you see a tantrum starting (using something else they are interested in). Lastly, just avoid situations that could set them off.

This is a great article about  Tips for Cry-Free Shopping with Your Toddler

18. HAVING A ROUTINE

Your child probably already has some routine in place th roughout their day . However, you want to ensure that they are consistently doing what is asked of them so that they could even do it on their own if needed. The more structure that your child has in their day, the more they will start to understand time and a daily schedule.

I love using a  routine or responsibility chart (like the blue/green one on the right) so my toddler can have a visual cue of everything that is expected of her. Use  one with pictures  instead of just words, ( like this Mickey Mouse chart ), so your toddler actually understands what it’s for.

Here are some examples of day-to-day routines that you can create a specific pattern for:

• Bedtime: Brush teeth, go potty, wash hands, put pajamas on, read a story, go to sleep
• Morning: Go potty, wash hands, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast
• Before naptime
• Pre-dinner wind-down time
• Cleaning time

Related Post:  Why Your Child Needs a Daily Routine and How to Make One

19. STAYING ON TASK

A toddler has a very limited attention span (unless of course, they’re watching their favorite television show). It’s only reasonable to ask them to focus on a task for around 4-6 minutes at this age. However, it is important for them to be aware that once they start a task they should finish it to completion.

My daughter loves to grab a puzzle and put in 3 pieces and walk away or sit down and read 2 pages and then walk away.

The goal of teaching your child to stay on task is to complete what they start.  Here are some tips:

• While playing with your child, make sure that they complete the entire activity, ie. puzzle or read through the whole book, before they get up and run around.
• If they’re coloring or building a tower, keep them engaged in that one activity for as long as possible before you let them move on to the next.
• During mealtimes make sure they remain seated and finish their meal before getting up and playing.
• Make sure they clean up one activity before moving on to the next

20. BEING A HELPER

Little kids LOVE to help grown-ups. They want to do everything that you’re doing because they’re starting to gain this growing confidence and independence. Invite them to perform tasks that they may not be able to do independently, but that they can help you with.

• Get the mail
• Take the trash out
• Refill the toilet paper roll dispenser
• Help with cooking: mixing, adding ingredients
• Carrying in bags or groceries
• Fill the dog bowl
• Entertain a younger sibling

21. TECHNOLOGY

Technology or screen time should be  limited  for toddlers to 1 hour a day, but it is important for your child to learn how to use these devices. The fine motor skill of swiping, clicking, and sliding to nagivate through tablets and smart phones are something that your 2 year old can easily learn.

Ipad  educational games like  ABC Mouse are great to sharpen a lot of the educational skills listen above, as well as practice using a tablet or smart phone. My toddler loves  ABC Mouse because of the wide variety of games and fun. She’s learning how to trace letters, numbers, make new sounds and words, etc. They’re giving a  FREE 30-day trial now  so sign up while you can!

Leapfrog Laptop  is also a fun interactive computer that toddlers can easily use and learn on.

Most of these skills can be accomplished at some point while a child is two (24-35 months old), but every child develops at their own pace. This article is not intended to skew your mind into thinking that your child MUST know these concepts.

However, if you are looking for learning activities to do with your child, ways to engage their mind, or knowledge to teach them, these are some great tips. Your child is NOT behind if they can’t adequately do all of these things, but if you are concerned, please speak to your pediatrician.

Have fun teaching your two-year-old and enjoy watching them blossom this year. They’ll be growing and developing before your eyes so don’t blink! Here are some more great learning activity ideas to do with your 2 year old.

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How Wee Learn

Out of the box learning ideas, playful art, exploring nature, and simple living - that is How We Learn!

Learning Activities for 2 Year Olds

May 18, 2022 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Two-year-olds love to learn, and they learn best through play and exploration. In this post, I’ve rounded up some of the best learning activities for 2-year-olds from across the web.

These simple activities will help your toddler develop the skills needed for preschool and beyond—skills like fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language development, early math skills and social-emotional skills. 

Just before we get into all of the learning activities, I have a freebie for you! This Rainbow Puzzles Pack is full of ideas for playing with your toddler:

And speaking of playing and learning with your toddler, perhaps it is time for my Playful Days Toddler Program? One beautiful learning-filled craft or activity every day at your fingertips. Find out more: Playful Days

I hope you love it!

Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Your two year old will love doing these learning activities as they develop fine motor and gross motor skills, learn by exploring the senses and develop vocabulary, social and emotional skills through play. 

Fine Motor Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

DIY Twist-Top Board by Busy Blooming Joy  – This simple activity is great for developing a two year old’s fine motor skills and practical life skills. All you need are some twist caps of various sizes, hot glue and an old cutting board. 

Pom Pom Transfer Fine Motor Activity by Mombrite  – Simple activities are great for two year olds. This fine motor activity only uses a muffin tin, a bowl of pompoms and a spoon. 

Threading Station by Busy Toddler – This fun threading station is a great way for two year olds to practice fine motor skills. You will need cut-up straws and pipe cleaners for this activity. It also makes for a great quiet time activity!

Basic Cereal Threading Activity by Hands On As We Grow  – Here’s a simple fine motor activity that is perfect for two year olds. All you need is some play dough, spaghetti and o-shaped cereal. Toddlers will stay busy threading that cereal onto the spaghetti!

Clothespin Pull Toddler Fine Motor Activity by Days with Grey  – This fine motor activity is perfect for two year olds. You will need clothespins and paper tubes. Then your toddler can explore pulling them off and clipping them back on again. 

Gross Motor Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

3 Ways to Learn with a Bouncy Ball – Bouncy balls are fun for everyone, but especially two year olds! This post has some fun ways for little kids and big kids to play and learn together with bouncy balls.

Bubble Wrap Runway by Hands On As We Grow  – Setting up bubble wrap on the floor is a great way to encourage gross motor development for two year olds! They can walk, run, crawl, and push trucks across it to their hearts content!

Jungle Vine Gross Motor Activity by What We Can Do With Paper & Glue  – Creating a jungle for your two year old to crawl through is a fun way for them to get in some gross motor movement. All you need is a roll of green streamers and tape. 

6 Creative Movement Activities Using Streamers by The Inspired Treehouse – Streamers, whether paper or ribbon, are a versatile tool for encouraging gross motor movement in two year olds. This posts give 6 different ideas for how to play with them. 

Throw and Roll a Ball to Improve Gross Motor Skills by Moms Have Questions Too – All two year olds love balls! This simple activity is a great way to help your two year old improve their gross motor skills using a ball. 

Sensory Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Simple Nature Sensory Bin – Two year olds can learn so much from a simple nature sensory bin. They can learn to recognize different textures, scents and all about nature!

Bubble Sensory Play for Toddlers – Bubble play is a fascinating activity for two year olds. Bubbles are also an excellent learning activity that encourages fine motor skills, visual tracking, and oral motor skills for speech, plus they are just plain fun!

Woolly Sheep Sensory Play for Toddlers – This adorable Woolly Sheep craft really engages the senses for toddlers! It is also an excellent activity for working those fine motor muscles. 

Simple Pour and Scoop Sensory Bin by Laughing Kids Learn  – Two year olds can learn valuable practical life skills with this simple pour and scoop sensory bin. All you need is a bin of peas and lentils with cups and scoops in various sizes.

Easy Water Sensory Bin for Toddlers by My Bored Toddler  – Toddlers will learn so much from this easy water sensory bin. All you need is a bin of water and various containers and tools for your two year old to experiment with. 

Vocabulary Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

5 Natural Language Development Activities for Toddlers – Development of language and vocabulary is very important for toddlers and two year olds. This post contains 5 wonderful activities to help develop oral language in the natural world.

Learning Body Parts Activity for Toddlers by Activity Mom  – This is a fun way to teach your two year old the names of the body parts. You will need a picture of your toddler, sticky contact paper and little pompoms. 

Position Words: The Over Under Game by Busy Toddler  – This simple game is a fun way to teach your two year old position words like over and under. All you need is a toy and a cup making it the perfect game to play while on the go.

What’s In The Bag? A Fun Early Language Activity by The SLT Scrapbook – This simple early language activity is a fun way to get your two year old talking. All you need is a bag full of small toys to get your toddler interested in talking. 

Imaginative Play Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Play-Doh Faces Invitation to Play by Busy Toddler – This creative activity is the perfect way for two year olds to play using their imaginations. All you need is some colorful playdough and a variety of craft supplies. 

An Invitation to Play: Cardboard Cookie Shop by My Baba  – This activity invites toddlers to play creatively by making cardboard cookies. For this simple, imaginative activity you’ll need cardboard circle cutouts,  shaving cream and sprinkles.

Giant Nail Salon for Kids by Happy Toddler Playtime – Your two year old will have so much fun painting these giant fingernails! All you need is some cardboard, markers, washable paints and paintbrushes.

Shaving Cream Sensory Play to Decorate the Cake by Days with Grey – What would be more fun and creative for a two year old than decorating a birthday cake! For this imaginative play activity, you’ll need a cardboard box, shaving cream and decorations. 

Loose Parts Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Fall Play Dough Tree by Stir the Wonder – Loose parts can be combined with play dough as a fun, fine motor activity for two year olds. This is an excellent activity for toddlers to explore colors, textures and themes. 

Construction Site Play Dough Invitation by Fantastic Fun and Learning  – What two year old doesn’t love construction vehicles? This loose parts and play dough activity is sure to be a hit among toddlers!

Light Table Free Play with Loose Parts by Where Imagination Grows  – Adding loose parts to a light table is a great way to capture the imagination of a two year old. This type of play lends itself well to developing fine motor and early math skills. 

Mirror Play and Loose Parts by Little Bins for Little Hands  – Including a mirror with loose parts is another way to add some excitement to loose parts play. This is a great way for two year olds to explore reflections and symmetry. 

So there you have it, 27 amazing learning activities for two year olds! I hope these activities inspire you to help your two year old learn through play and exploration.

And if you love these ideas, have I got something you will adore!

Play into Kindergarten Readiness is my program for 2 and 3 year olds . ONE activity per day, twenty minutes a day, with ALL core skills covered. Everything is step-by-step with no prep needed. Check it out here: Play into Kindergarten Readiness

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Printable Quiet Time Play Mats!

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43 Quiet Time Activities for 2 Year Olds

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12 Fun Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Looking for ways to entertain and educate your toddler? Check out these expert-recommended indoor activities for 2-year-olds to enhance your little one's development.

After your child celebrates their second birthday, they will experience major intellectual, physical, social, and emotional changes that help them make sense of the world. With that, having a supply of hands-on learning activities for 2-year-olds is incredibly important.

"The stage from 2 to 3 is major because language is really beginning to develop ," explains Robert Myers, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychologist, founder of the Child Development Institute, and assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. "Children are also starting to recognize that they're independent beings and are actively exploring their world."

Dr. Myers notes that parents can provide encouragement and support that enable the child to master key developmental tasks. "Always layer activities with lots of language, interaction, and imaginative play," adds Roni Cohen Leiderman, Ph.D., dean of the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development at Nova Southeastern University, and co-author of Let's Play and Learn Together . "Child development comes through the portal of relationships with parents or caregivers."

To get started with your little one, try these simple learning activities for 2-year-olds to keep them entertained, engaged, and always growing.

Play Dress-Up

Haul out a pile of old clothes and let your child play dress-up. "You can also participate, but it's great to encourage group play with two or three other children their age," Dr. Myers suggests.

Skills learned: Creativity, imagination, language skills, and social development

Decorate a Crayon Carrier

Cover a table with newspaper, then gather a resealable zipper storage bag, glue stick, pompoms, and crayons. Let your child use the glue stick to coat the bag and help them stick on the colorful pompoms. They can fill the bag with crayons when it dries. Next time you go to a restaurant, whip out the carrier and let them show off their creation. They will be excited to use their creativity again.

Skills learned: Motor skills, planning, creativity

For an easy indoor activity for 2-year-olds, hide a toy somewhere in the house, and ask your child to find it. Explore with them, using cues like "warmer" and "colder" to guide them. You can also use flashlights for the search or hide several objects at one time.

Skills learned: Listening, problem-solving, social skills, and memory

Make a Mailbox

Create a mailbox by decorating an old shoe box or cardboard box and cutting a slit in the top. Fill it with your junk mail for your child to open. "Not only does this develop fine motor skills as they open the envelopes and take out what's inside, but you can also use it to teach your child basic concepts," Dr. Leiderman says.

"Talk about the pictures, colors, and letters; help them sort it by size, shape, or color; or count the pieces. You can also layer in imaginative play by playing post office, or playing store with the coupons."

Skills learned: Develops an understanding of basic concepts, and fine motor skills

Imagine a Boat

Lay out a towel or blanket on the floor and have your toddler sit it, gently pull them around the room. Pretend the blanket is a train or a boat and that you are stopping at different places, like the zoo, the grocery store, or a favorite restaurant. This activity for 2-year-olds at home will also improve balance !

Skills learned: Balance, pretending

Trace Their Body

Have your child lie down on a large piece of paper and trace the outline of their body. "Because the child has to lay still to be traced, they learn self-control ," Dr. Leiderman says. "You can show them where the two eyes, nose, and mouth go, but if your child just wants to color all over it, that's fine. Don't impose anything on them, just let them have fun with it."

Note: If your child doesn't want to lie still, don't force them. Start with tracing just their hand or foot, or tracing your hand or foot.

Skills learned: Sense of self, self-control, and identifying body parts/language skills

Play Simon Says

Start out with simple directions ("Simon says, touch your toes"). Then graduate to silly, more complex routines ("Simon says, tug on your left ear, then your right ear"). You can also encourage your child to jump, skip, catch something, and more. And don't forget to drop "Simon says" every now and then during this learning activity for 2-year-olds!

Skills learned: Gross motor skills, following directions, and receptive language

Try a “Stop and Go” Game

Play games that involve starting and stopping, such as "red light, green light" or "freeze dance." Developing self-control will eventually help children negotiate, compromise, and work out conflicts without losing their temper, Dr. Leiderman says.

Skills learned: Self-control

Craft a Collage

Cut out different noses, eyes, hair, and other features from old magazines, and give them to your child. Encourage them to make funny creatures or silly faces with the features, then glue them onto a piece of paper.

"Talk to your child about the pieces and how to glue them down, but don't be too directive with it," Dr. Leiderman says. "Ask a lot of 'wonder questions,' like 'I wonder what would happen if you put the pieces down without the glue?' and 'I wonder why the glue is getting all over the table?' Childhood is about learning new facts and applying them to theories, so help them make theories."

Skills learned: Creativity, language

Pass a Ball

This fun activity for 2-year-olds requires a play tunnel. Standing at opposite ends with your child, take turns lifting each end to roll a softball back and forth. "This can take some trial and error for your kiddo to get the hang of, but it's great motor planning practice and takes teamwork," says Rachel Coley, occupational therapist, author of Simple Play: Easy Fun For Babies , and founder of CanDo Kiddo .

Skills learned: Motor planning, understanding cause and effect, teamwork

Draw a Song

As you sing one of your child's favorite songs, draw a simple picture of what is happening in the lyrics, then hand your child the paper to draw something else mentioned in the song. For example, Coley would sing "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" to her son, first drawing the spider and then having him draw his version of the rain. Go back and forth until the song ends.

Skills learned: Language skills, creativity, storytelling

Initiate Conversation

Hand over a doll or plush toy, and encourage your child to hold, talk, dress, and take care of it. "Talk to the doll the way you would talk to a child, and encourage your child to do the same," Dr. Myers says. In addition to language skills, this activity for 2-year-olds also teaches creativity and imagination.

Skills learned: Social, language, and fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination

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17 Learning Activities for 2 Year-Olds

When it comes to your toddler’s development, a lot happens between the ages of 2 and 3. And there are lots of things you can do as a parent to support that development. These 17 easy and fun learning activities for 2 year-olds are great way to foster your child’s growth and development.

* Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, including links to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend resources, products, and services that I adore and find to be useful. If you happen to make a purchase using one of my affiliate lin ks, I will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Read more about our policies here .

Learning Through Play Activities for 2 Year-Olds

One of the best ways for children to learn is through play.

Play allows them to experience the world through multiple senses, as with sensory play . Play is a wonderful way to help your child target their developmental milestones, too. Learning through play also gives kids an opportunity to use their imagination, which is super developmentally-appropriate for 2 year-olds.

In addition to using their imagination, there’s more to know about your child’s capability during this stage and what milestones you should be watching out for. The learning activities below were chosen with these things in mind. They are perfect for your child’s developmental stage and ability, and they will help you target those developmental milestones every 2 year-old is working to master. 🙂

Developmental Stage and Ability

Kids between the ages of 2 and 3 are capable of quite a lot! They are developing their physical skills, cognitive skills, language skills, social-emotional skills, and more.

This exciting stage of development is sometimes referred to as the ‘terrible twos’. But when you realize that those incessant no’s and floor-dropping tantrums are just your child’s natural push for independence, it’s easy to see there’s really nothing terrible about it! Challenging and exhausting, yes, but terrible, no. 🙂

Your kid is learning how to be their own person, how to understand their world, and how to do things just like you. So why not harness that energy with learning activities for 2 year-olds that work with their drive for independence, not against it? The activities below will help you do just that.

Developmental Milestones

It’s helpful to remember that kids develop at their own pace. Sometimes they develop along a one track at a time. For example, if your child’s verbal language is blowing up, it might mean her physical development is on pause for the time being. The point is, just because your child hasn’t hit a specific milestone yet, it doesn’t mean that they won’t suddenly achieve it in the next week or two.

Hitting Milestones and When to Worry

Resources from the CDC , or your country’s equivalent, can tell you what’s expected and when it’s time reach out to your doctor. And you can always ask you child’s pediatrician if you are worried about specific milestones. If your child is still within the expected age range to hit a certain milestone, more often than not, they are just on their own unique developmental path.

Be as patient as you can and try not to pressure your child into doing the desired behaviors. Let them learn at a comfortable pace. Fun activities (like the ones below) that foster learning offer excellent opportunities for your child to practice new skills and ultimately achieve their milestones.

Though there are loads of milestones that 2 year-olds may achieve, here are some of the main ones to focus on, as recommended by the CDC:

Physical Milestone Activities for 2 Year-Olds

• Climbs fairly well
• Walks up and down stairs one foot per step
• Runs with ease
• Able to pedal a tricycle

Social-Emotional Milestone Activities for 2 Year-Olds

• Shows concern when someone is upset
• Imitates adults and peers
• Takes turns when playing a game
• Displays a wide range of emotions

Cognitive Milestone Activities for 2 Year-Olds

• Copies a circle with pencil or crayon
• Can work toys with buttons, levers, and moving parts
• Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
• Builds towers of 6 or more blocks
• Able to complete a 3-4 piece puzzle

Language Milestone Activities for 2 Year-Olds

• Follows 2 or 3-step instructions
• Carries on a conversation made up of 2-3 sentences
• Able to say their name, age, and gender
• Can name most familiar things

To learn more about development between the ages of 2 and 3, check out this slideshow from Parent.com or this article from the CDC , which includes info on how to download their milestone tracker app.

Now that you have a good idea about the milestones your 2 year-old is developing, you can design your own (very do-able) series of play activities for your 2 year-old. Here are some of my tried-and-true learning activities for 2 year-olds. They are super easy to throw together and your 2 year-old will love them!

• Beans and Pompom Tray
• Shape Puzzles and Shape Sorters
• Baking Cookies
• Stacking with Blocks
• Learning Apps
• Fun with Glue
• Busy Board Play
• Finger Painting
• Pouring Station
• Museum Exploration
• Painting at an Easel
• Sensory Play Outdoors
• DIY Shape and Color Game
• Memory Game
• Paper Flowers
• Fun with Emotions

When it comes to learning how to scoop and pour, dried beans are an excellent material. They are cheap, durable, and easy to clean up. Plus, their color and texture are fun for 2 year-olds to play with. For this sensory activity, I combined kidney beans and colorful pompoms for a fun tray activity. Don’t know what it is about pompoms, but my toddler is obsessed! These are the pompoms I buy from Amazon . They come with googly eyes! 🙂

Shape sorters and shape puzzles are a great way to help your child learn to categorize objects, identify colors and shapes, and stack and match objects. They offer an opportunity to sharpen fine motor skills through tactile play and also help with problem-solving skills.

These two are our absolute favorites: the LOVEVERY Peg Puzzle (part of their play kits) and the Melissa and Doug Stack and Sort Board . (see below)

Last Christmas, I started a new tradition of baking cookies, and my daughter absolutely loved it! I enjoyed watching her experiment. She had so much fun squeezing the dough, using the rolling pin, and pressing the cookie cutters down to create shapes. We used these cookie cutters from Amazon , which were really nice because they have a silicone covering that’s soft the touch when you press down on them.

If you and your kiddo really get into the baking scene, you might want to get a subscription to something like Baketivity . They send you fun baking kits each month, specifically designed for family fun.

You can get 10% off this month’s Baketivity box with code BAKE10.

One of the CDC developmental milestones mentioned above relates to stacking blocks. In my opinion, there is no better way to help your child learn to do that than with a big pack of of Mega Bloks. We have the Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag and my daughter is a block-stacking rock star thanks to how much fun these blocks are! They stack smoothly and come in bright colors (great for sorting, too). She has gotten lots of practice with stacking blocks thanks to this block set and she is able to stack regular old blocks pretty high as well.

So we got into learning apps around the time that we decided we were going to enroll our toddler in preschool. We knew she would be one of the youngest kids there (turning 3 about five days before the cutoff), so we wanted to ensure she would feel ready. Replacing TV time with educational app play made screen time much more productive. Don’t get me wrong Dora is great, but these learning apps are incredible!

We love ABCmouse the most because it’s set up like a toddler classroom. Get a free trial for ABCmouse here . We also love the other amazing learning apps I talk about in this post, too.

• Fun With Glue

It was our LOVEVERY play kit subscription that first helped us realize how much our daughter loves playing with glue. One of the play kits came with precut shapes and a bottle of glue and it was over after that. 🙂 Ever since, we have done countless ooey-gluey crafts with pompoms, googly eyes, bits of paper, and even glitter, much to my daughter’s delight.

Not only are these activities great for sensory play, but they also sharpen fine motor skills. The LOVEVERY play kit also included a little paint brush and glue tub for more precise gluing. I didn’t think my rambunctious 2 year-old would be able to handle such precision, but she loved that part the most!

When it comes to activities for 2 year-olds, busy boards are an excellent choice. They target fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and engage the senses. Plus, they help your kiddo achieve a few of their developmental milestones.

In my opinion, the best (and most affordable) busy board you can get is this Montessori-style busy board from OleOletOy. If you are super crafty, you could also make your own .

Finger painting is one of my favorite activities to set up for my toddler. She loves the way the paint slides around and mixes together. It’s an awesome sensory play activity. We use the Washable Finger Paint Set from Crayola to make things easier. It comes with 4 paint tubes (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue) and 10 Large Sheets of Special Paper. The paints are washable so it’s super easy clean up.

When it comes to easy activities for 2 year-olds, nothing beats water! Whether it’s in a tray, in the bath, or in a water table, water play allows your child to really dive in, make a splash, and drink it all in! 🙂 (Disclaimer: I do not apologize for those water puns.)

You can do water play activities ranging from a simple sponge and tray, to something more interactive like a water table. We adore this Little Tikes Frog Pond Water Table . It has little sling shots on the side and you can try and land your frogs on the center lily pad (see below). Highly recommend!

And speaking of water…making a pouring station is super easy. All you need is a safe space for water play, a collection of cups, containers, and pouring pitchers, and water. Sometimes we will use food coloring to dye the water different colors for added fun. I especially enjoy the picnic set from one of our LOVEVERY subscription play kits . The colorful metal pitcher is the perfect size for toddler hands.

We are lucky enough to have lots of excellent museums in our area and we especially love our natural history museum. Lots of places for toddlers to roam and explore and touch and engage. Really perfect for learning and development. Major bonus for our daughter who is obsessed with dinosaurs.

Painting activities make wonderful activities for 2 year-olds because they promote fine motor skill development and provide an excellent sensory experience. When you set up for your child to paint at an easel, you also nurture her physical development, too.

Working on a vertical surface does wonders for your kid’s coordination! We adore our standing art easel not only for it’s storage space and ease of use, but for it’s multi-functionality as a vertical workspace for our toddler. This art easel supply pack from Melissa and Doug has everything you need to go with your standing art easel.

It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s good for your mental health. It’s the great outdoors!

Go for a hike, start a leaf collection, create a scavenger hunt, play hide and seek – the outdoor activities for 2 year-olds are endless when you are exploring green spaces. Your kids will love the freedom to roam and you will love the peace of mind that they can explore in an open area. When we are looking for a stress free way to get our daughter some exercise, we hit up our local county park and all it’s well-maintained natural beauty!

In the early days of the COVID shutdown, I was looking for new and fun learning activities for my 2 year-old. Inspired by something I saw on Pinterest, I came up with this DIY shape and color sorting game. I bought some tempera paint, some sticky Velcro strips , and some painters tape. Then I upcycled an old Amazon box to create the game below. My daughter could stick the shapes onto the box, sorting them by color or shape.

It was easy to make and honestly kind of of fun to put together. (I needed all the creative outlets I could find during the shutdown, LOL.) My daughter had a blast playing with my creation and she got lots of practice with identifying and sorting colors and shapes.

Creative activities for kids, self-care tips for parents, family bonding ideas & more with the Centered Parenting Facebook Group . Join now !

While your child may not seem ready for a memory game, it can still be a really helpful learning tool when it comes to developmental milestones for 2 year-olds. The more you play with memory game cards, the more your child will get the hang of it. When we first got the memory cards pictured below, our 2 year-old simply enjoyed flipping the cards over to see what images lay hidden beneath. But after a while she started to really grasp the idea of finding a match for ‘orange car’ and trying to recall where she saw it last.

The memory game pictured below came with one of our beloved LOVEVERY play kits . The cards are durable and high-quality, and the images are super fun and easy for little ones to identify. It comes with a little storage box to keep them in, too.

And we also adore this wooden memory game from Melissa and Doug , which got the American Academy of Pediatrics seal of approval for fostering brain development. It’s got a “flip-to-win” feature that means no loose pieces so it’s awesome for travel. It comes with 7 different double-sided, themed cards to slide into the game board. It’s honestly genius. FYI: It says ages 5+ on the Melissa and Doug website, but I feel like it works well for 2 year-olds, too.

We got this activity idea from one of the Orange Art Box subscription boxes we recently received.

Side note, Orange Art Box is a fantastic subscription box for kids, always beautifully packed with super creative art activities! It’s geared toward slightly older kids but what is so awesome is that many of the art activities work well for 2 year-olds, too. Like this paper flowers activity!

It came with cutout paper flowers (that felt like coffee filter material), a water color set, and bright green pipe cleaners for the ‘stems’. Our toddler had an absolutely amazing time swirling the water color onto the super absorbent flowers. When they were dry, we fashioned them onto the pipe cleaner stems. My daughter was so proud of the finished product. Our lovely paper flower bouquet is pictured below.

If you want to get an Orange Art Box subscription for your kiddos, you can get 15% off with code THECENTEREDPARENT.

Books and games are the perfect vehicles to boost your child’s emotional intelligence. We used this book, Baby Faces Peekaboo , when our daughter was in early toddlerhood to teach her about what different emotions look like on other children. She especially loved the textured pages and the peekaboo flipbook parts of the book.

Nowadays, she is able to recognize our emotions easily and she has even created her own game where she names an emotion and we make that face, or vice versa. It’s a blast.

Baby Faces Peekaboo

I also highly recommend these awesome emotional learning flash cards that use real-life pictures to depict a range of emotions.

Emotional Learning Flash Cards

My Moods, My Choices Flipbook

And for more emotion regulation support, the My Moods, My Choices Flipbook uses adorable little monsters to do the job, and it’s an excellent way to teach your child how to manage their emotions as well.

(For more on that, check out my post on Emotional Meltdowns and How to Stop Them .)

Thank you so much for exploring my collection of fun and easy learning activities for 2 year-olds. I just know you and your little one are going to have a blast learning through play! Don’t forget to tell us how it goes in the comments below!

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Hayley Wilds, MA, LPC

Hayley Wilds, MA, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, certified family-based therapist, art therapist, and sleep-deprived mom, with 20+ years of experience working with parents and families. Hayley is the founder of The Centered Parent, a strength-based parenting blog that delivers reliable info on parenting, self-care, activities for kids, and family bonding.

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The Best Activities for 2-Year-Olds, According to a Child Development Expert

They're really not terrible at all.

Two-year-olds get a bad rap. They may have the occasional (or frequent) tantrum , true, but the “terrible” age is often a golden period of curiosity, bemusement, increased abilities, and even cooperation. They are, generally speaking, interested in…everything, but they have a few behavioral leanings that make certain learning activities optimal — pretend play, scribbling, and socializing among them.

When picking out activities for 2-year-olds, start with their interests, as well as their current abilities, then create experiences that match these. Look for open-ended toys that can be used in a variety of ways, advises Rebecca Parlakian, a senior director of programs at the nonprofit children’s advocacy organization Zero to Three . This provides an opportunity for the child to develop multiple skillsets at the same time.

Two-year-olds also like a challenge. “We want children to have fun, and having fun means they are challenged and it’s within their ability to master the challenge.” So, rather than propping your 2-year-old with a rattle, give them a puzzle or, better still, a set of blocks. At age 2 they might bang them together, but at age 3 they will build a house and by age 5, an entire village.

Don’t be afraid to include your 2-year-old in household activities, as well. “As much as young children learn through play, they also learn through rich, responsive interactions with caregiving adults and peers.” When we bring children into our everyday activities, they experience it in the same joyful way as they experience play. This kind of involvement, when matched with a show of appreciation from the adult, ultimately strengthens bonds and relationships.

Play Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Sink or float.

Tools: Large Bowl, Water, Toys

How to Play: Fill up a large bowl with water, then get toys and items of different properties and have your child drop them individually into the bowl of water. As they drop each item in, have them identify whether the items sink or float. Aside from the fact that kids love playing with water, this will also serve as a great way to have them introduced to the basic elements of science.

Body Tracing

Tools: Cardboard, Marker

How to Play: Have your two-year-old lay flat with their back to the cardboard paper, then ask them to outline their body shape. Because the outlining process requires intricate detail, it should encourage them to build on the self-control that is required to stay still for extended periods of time. Additionally, as they hold on to the marker and move their hand across their sides, to get the drawing in, they are developing their fine and gross motor skills. Once they are done outlining, you can encourage them to draw in their complete facial features or play with the piece as their creativity leads.

Bears on a Ladder

Tools: Counting Bears, Paper, Marker

How to Play: This activity for 2-year-olds is an open-ended one that could help expand your child’s vocabulary as well as early math skills. Draw a ladder on a paper and have your 2-year-old move the counting bear around it. You can use directional worlds like, “Put two bears on the ladder.” Move the blue bear up the ladder. Place the red bear below the blue bear.

Tools: Costumes

How to Play: Ask your 2-year-old what they would like to be, then give them a set of clothes and watch them create an entire scenario. This activity gives them the creative license to use their imagination. It also helps them improve their communication and thinking skills. Don’t be surprised if you discover a mini Tarantino.

How to Play: This classic game will help improve your child’s communication and listening skills. Feel free to explore different target areas as you play the game. A good rule of thumb is to pay attention to what your child is currently good at, then identify areas for improvement and work that into the game.

Freestyle Drawing on a Whiteboard

Tools: Whiteboard, Marker

How to Play: This activity is as simple as it sounds, but it allows your 2-year-old to explore their creativity while passing time. Simply prop a whiteboard on a wall and invite them to come to draw on it. Then watch as their artistic tendencies take flight. (The key here is that they are standing while performing this activity.) Don’t worry about if the drawing “looks like” anything; instead of asking “what is it,” ask them to tell you about it.

Softball Balloons

Tools: Balloons or a Nerf or Other Soft Ball

How to Play: Clear out an area of the room and give your 2-year-old a softball or balloon to play with. Since they are at the stage where they tend to push, pull, and throw things, this activity will be right up their alley. The advantage, softballs are not strong enough to mess up your beloved flat screen tv.

Chore Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Sorting laundry.

Tools: Laundry Basket, Clothes

How to Play: Ask your 2-year-old to “help out” with the laundry. Sorting clothes is a fun activity for 2-year-olds that targets their concentration, hand-eye coordination, and ability to implement simple instructions. You can target specific aspects of their development: ask them to sort by colors (sense of sight) or by textures (sense of feeling).

Cleaning Windows/Painting Steps

Tools: Spray Bottle, Water, Cleaning Cloth or Paintbrush

How to Play: Kids love water, and these are easy and interesting ways for them to play with and observe it, without any huge messes. Give them a spray bottle and a rag and ask them to clean off the windows. The wiping is good for their hand-eye coordination, and they’ll enjoy the sense of accomplishing a task. Painting the steps is similar: give them a paintbrush and ask them to “paint” the stairs/fence/house outside.

Tools: Step Stool, Food

How to Play: Give your toddler a step stool and ask them to help you put the carrots in a bowl or make a gingerbread man out of dough. This activity is great for 2-year-olds to build a variety of skills at once: from balance to math skills to fine motor skills. What you see as a chore, your 2-year-old considers an intriguing fun activity and will be excited to help every step of the way.

Putting Dishes in the Sink

Tools: Dirty Dishes, Sink/Dishwasher

How to Play: This activity for 2-year-olds is loved by parents for obvious reasons. It is a great way to introduce your toddler to the act of cleaning-up while keeping them busy at the same time. After your toddler’s meal ask them to bring over their dishes and watch them place them into the sink. This activity will challenge their movement and coordination. Don’t forget to give them positive reinforcement every step of the way.

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30 Best Activities for 2-Year-Olds: Preparing for Fun Learning Activities

What are the best activities for 2-year-olds ? Let’s explore some indoor and outdoor options that can support their motor skills, learning, and sensory experiences.

As parents, we always want the best for our little ones.

We want to provide them with the right Activities for 2-Year-Olds that will not only keep them engaged and entertained but also help in their overall development.

Keep reading to find out the Best Activities for 2-Year-Olds that you will sure to love!

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• Fun Craft Projects for Kids

What are Activities for 2 Year Olds?

Activities for 2-year-olds are designed tasks, games, or projects tailored to the developmental stage, interests, and abilities of toddlers aged two. These activities aim to foster cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.

They often involve hands-on exploration, sensory experiences, and play-based learning, ensuring that the child remains engaged while acquiring new skills and knowledge.

30 Activities for 2-year-olds

Here’s a detailed list of 30 activities for 2-year-olds, with each activity followed by an in-depth description:

1. Finger Painting

Finger painting is a wonderful sensory activity for 2-year-olds. It allows them to explore colors and textures while developing their fine motor skills.

By dipping their fingers into non-toxic paints and creating patterns on paper, toddlers can express their creativity. This activity not only enhances their artistic skills but also helps in color recognition.

Parents can introduce new colors and teach color mixing, showing how two colors can create a new one. It’s a messy but fun activity, so make sure to cover the play area with newspapers or an old sheet.

2. Building with Blocks

Blocks are classic toys that never go out of style. They are perfect for 2-year-olds as they help in developing hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.

Toddlers can stack them, sort them by color or size, or even use them for pretend play. As they build towers or structures, they learn about balance and gravity.

Parents can challenge their kids by asking them to replicate a pattern or create specific shapes, turning playtime into a learning experience.

3. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Taking your toddler outside for a nature scavenger hunt is a great way to introduce them to the wonders of the natural world.

Prepare a list of simple items they can find in your backyard or a nearby park, such as a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth stone.

As they search for these items, they’ll develop observational skills and learn about different elements of nature.

This activity also encourages physical activity as they walk or run around, exploring their surroundings.

4. Playdough Play

Playdough is a versatile toy that can keep a 2-year-old engaged for hours. It’s excellent for developing fine motor skills as toddlers pinch, roll, and mold the dough into various shapes.

They can use cookie cutters to create different forms or even make imaginary food items.

Playdough also offers a sensory experience as kids feel its texture and can even explore different scents if you use scented playdough.

5. Bubble Blowing

What toddler doesn’t love bubbles? Blowing bubbles is not just fun but also educational. As 2-year-olds try to catch or pop them, they improve their hand-eye coordination.

Watching bubbles float around also introduces them to concepts of light, reflection, and transparency.

Parents can discuss how bubbles form, their colors, and why they pop, turning a simple play activity into a mini science lesson.

6. Sorting Games

Sorting is a fundamental skill, and at the age of two, toddlers can start with simple sorting games.

Provide them with a mix of items like colored pom-poms, buttons, or beads and ask them to sort them based on color, size, or type.

This activity enhances their observational skills, teaches them about categorization, and introduces basic math concepts.

7. Storytime

Reading to your 2-year-old is crucial for language development. Choose colorful picture books with simple stories that can hold their attention.

As you read, point to different objects in the illustrations and ask questions to improve their vocabulary and comprehension.

Storytime also fosters a love for reading, setting the foundation for future academic success.

8. Dancing to Music

Put on some lively music and let your toddler groove to the beat! Dancing helps in physical development, improving balance and coordination.

It’s also a mood booster, ensuring your child has a lot of laughs and fun. You can introduce them to different music genres, enhancing their auditory senses and cultural awareness.

9. Water Play

Whether it’s in a bathtub or a kiddie pool, 2-year-olds love playing with water. Provide them with cups, spoons, and other utensils, and watch them pour, stir, and splash.

Water play introduces them to concepts of volume and density. It’s also a calming activity, perfect for hot days.

10. Animal Sounds Game

Toddlers are fascinated by animals. Play a game where you make an animal sound, and your child has to guess the animal. This activity improves their listening skills and introduces them to different animals.

You can also discuss where each animal lives, what they eat, and other fun facts.

11. Shadow Play

Playing with shadows can be a magical experience for a 2-year-old. On a sunny day, take your toddler outside and show them how every object casts a shadow.

Let them experiment with their hands to create different shadow shapes on the ground. This activity not only entertains but also introduces basic science concepts about light and shadow.

At night, you can use a flashlight indoors to continue the shadow fun.

12. Nature Collage

Collecting leaves, twigs, flowers, and other natural items can be turned into a creative art project. Let your toddler glue these items onto a piece of cardboard or paper to create a nature collage.

This activity enhances their creativity and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a great way to discuss different plants and their parts.

13. Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with rice, beans, sand, or water and add some toys or objects. Let your toddler dig in and explore.

Sensory bins are excellent for tactile exploration and can keep a child engaged for a long time.

They can scoop, pour, and feel different textures, which is great for their sensory development.

14. Puzzle Time

Simple jigsaw puzzles are perfect for 2-year-olds. They challenge their thinking and improve hand-eye coordination. As they try to fit pieces together, they also learn about shapes and spatial relationships.

Celebrate with them when they complete a puzzle, boosting their confidence.

15. Play “Simon Says”

A game of “Simon Says” can be both fun and educational. It teaches toddlers to follow instructions and improves their listening skills.

It’s also a great way to get them moving, practicing actions like jumping, clapping, or turning around.

16. Kitchen Helper

Toddlers love to mimic adults. Let them help you in the kitchen by giving them simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring, or pouring.

This not only makes them feel involved but also teaches them about different foods and basic cooking concepts.

17. Chalk Drawing

Give your toddler some sidewalk chalk and let them unleash their creativity on the driveway or a sidewalk.

They can draw, scribble, or even practice writing numbers and letters. It’s a fun outdoor activity that also improves their grip and hand control.

18. Nature Walks

Take your toddler on a nature walk in a nearby park or even your backyard. Let them observe birds, insects, and plants.

It’s a great way to introduce them to the wonders of nature and also get some physical exercise.

19. Dress-up Play

Provide your toddler with some old clothes, hats, and accessories and let them play dress-up.

It’s a fantastic way for them to engage in imaginative play, develop storytelling skills, and understand different roles and professions.

20. Musical Instruments

Introduce your toddler to simple musical instruments like drums, tambourines, or maracas. Let them explore different sounds and rhythms.

Making music can boost their auditory skills and also introduce them to different musical concepts.

21. Gardening Together

Even a 2-year-old can help with simple gardening tasks. Let them water plants, dig a little, or even plant a seed.

Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and also introduces them to how plants grow.

22. Bubble Play

Every toddler is fascinated by bubbles. Whether you’re using a store-bought bubble solution or a homemade one, blowing bubbles can provide endless entertainment.

Chasing and popping these floating wonders can help improve your toddler’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

Plus, it’s a delightful sensory experience as they watch the bubbles shimmer and float.

23. Storytelling with Props

Using simple props like dolls, action figures, or even everyday objects, you can weave a story and encourage your toddler to join in.

This activity stimulates their imagination, enhances their vocabulary, and introduces them to the concept of narrative. It’s a cozy way to spend time, especially on rainy days.

24. Water Play

Fill a tub or basin with water and add some toys. Let your toddler splash, pour, and play. This simple activity is not only refreshing but also teaches them about concepts like floating, sinking, and water displacement.

Always ensure close supervision during water play for safety.

25. DIY Playdough

Making playdough at home is easy and safe. Let your toddler help in the process. Once ready, they can mold, roll, and create various shapes, enhancing their creativity and fine motor skills.

Plus, the kneading and molding can be a therapeutic sensory experience.

26. Obstacle Course

Using cushions, chairs, and toys, create a simple obstacle course in your living room. Guide your toddler to climb, crawl, and navigate through it.

This activity is excellent for their gross motor development and also teaches them problem-solving as they figure out how to get through the course.

27. Finger Painting

Unleash your toddler’s inner artist with some non-toxic paints and large sheets of paper. Let them use their fingers to create abstract art.

It’s a tactile and visual treat, and the open-ended nature of the activity allows them to express themselves freely.

28. Memory Games

Using cards or simple objects, play memory games. Show them briefly and then hide them, asking your toddler to recall what they saw.

This activity sharpens their memory and observational skills, and it can be as challenging or as easy as you make it.

29. Nature Treasure Hunt

On your next walk or trip to the park, turn it into a treasure hunt. Give your toddler a list (or pictures) of things to find, like a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth stone.

It makes the walk more engaging and teaches them observation and categorization.

30. Dance Party

Put on some lively music and have a dance party in your living room. Dancing is not only a great physical activity but also helps with rhythm, balance, and coordination.

Plus, it’s a joyful way for both of you to bond and let off some steam.

Engaging in these activities with your 2-year-old not only ensures they’re learning and developing essential skills but also strengthens your bond with them.

Remember, the key is to keep things fun and relaxed. The joy of discovery and the pleasure of spending time together is what makes these activities truly special.

Best Learning Activities for 2 year olds

Dive into the vibrant world of toddlerhood with our curated list of the best learning activities for 2-year-olds!

At this age, curiosity knows no bounds, and every moment is an opportunity for discovery.

From sensory explorations to playful puzzles, these activities are not just fun but are also tailored to nurture the budding intellect and creativity of your little one.

Let’s embark on this delightful journey of learning and play!

• EXPLORE THE ANIMAL WORLD – Little learners will love the animal theme of these puzzles. Matching each head to the correct…
• INTRODUCE JIGSAWS IN A SIMPLE, FUN WAY – The My First Match It! puzzles are designed to provide just the right level of…
• INTRODUCE KEY PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS – These puzzles are a great way to help your child develop basic problem-solving…
• IMPROVE FOCUS – This My First Match It! puzzle is a great way of boosting your child’s growing ability to focus on the…

• MONTESSORI DINOSAUR TOYS: 48 pcs multi-colored dinosaurs include Brachiosaurus,Tyrannosaurus,Pterosaurus, Ankylosaurus,…
• DEVELOP MATH SKILLS: The counting toys are perfect learning materials for introducing early math skills and developing…
• LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: While sorting the dinosaurs toy, children need to sit and balance core muscles to move hands or use…
• IDEAL GIFTS FOR TODDLERS : Our sensory toy would be a wonderful choice for your toddlers as a Birthday gift, Easter basket…

• Upgrade Busy Book with 36 Core Concepts: Ours busy book for toddlers 3-5 includes 18 themes and 18 drawing pages. Challenge…
• Preschool Learning Activities: Engaging learning toys for toddlers 2-4 years, drawing toys toddler learning books for kids to…
• Safe & Reusable Learning Resources: Educational toys for 5 year old are made of high quality thick cardboard, 0.5*2mm…
• Great Choice for Travel Toys: Workbook busy board comes in an 8″ x 11″ booklet. Comes in a reinforced protective case for…

• Fun Learning: This talking flash card educational toy, covering subjects like animals, transports, food, fruits, vegetables,…
• Easy to Use: Our user-friendly design ensures simplicity. Just flip the switch, slide the card into the reader, and let the…
• Protect Eyesight: The no screen design reduces the toddler time to touch the screen and cares for toddler eyesight. Keep them…
• Talking Flash Cards Pack Include:Machine size is 3.74in x 0.8in x 3.74in.112Pcs Children’s Double Sided Cards, a card…

• The Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe is an interactive desk and includes five activity pages to explore that are filled…
• Extend the fun with expansion packs (each sold separately) that include a wide curriculum; LED display illustrates letter and…
• Transforms from a desk into an easel and chalkboard with storage space for art supplies to encourage play and discovery;…
• For more ways to play, pretend to make a call on the toy telephone or listen to fun tunes on the music player; Progress…

• Wonderful Learning Toys for Toddlers 2, 3, 4 Years Old: Toddlers just need to place the right wooden letters on top of the…
• All letters made of strong wood, carefully polished no sharp corners
• Beautiful storage bag included: Easy store and take out for all the wooden letters and cards
• Gift box included: Great choice as gifts for 2, 3, 4 years old boys, girls, toddlers

• Looking for 1, 3 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift Ideas? This set is also excellent for gifts for 2 year old boys. This gift set…
• It’s the perfect 3 year old gifts that teach letters and numbers. Learn A-Z and 1-20 with realistic images in the ABC and 123…
• Educational Toys and Gifts for 1+, 3 Year Old Kids – Learn to recognize colors and shapes with books, flash cards, and…
• Bonding and Gifts for Two Year Old Boy – Time together is the greatest gift of all! Experience more quality time while…

• Preschool Learning Activities – preschool toys with tracing lines, curves and holding pens, drawing, numbers 1 to 10, shapes,…
• Durable Tracing Activity – The flash card is waterproof and torn, which can be reused for a long time. Kindergarten learning…
• Preschool Classroom Must Haves – Toddler learning toys are specially designed for preschoolers. 48 highly participatory and…
• Toddler Learning Toys – Montessori toys contains 24 double sided activity, 12 double sided drawing cards,4 dry erase markers,…

• Learning Toys for Toddlers: Develop toddler color recognition and sorting skills with this fun collection of…
• Explore New Foods: As they play fun games of pretend with these toddler sorting toys, kids can also expand their vocabularies…
• Preschool-Ready Skills: With the help of color-coordinated play food and easy-to-visualize bushel baskets, kids build…
• Lots of Foods, Lots of Colors: The Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set includes 25 pieces of play food in 5 different colors,…

• ✅ Learning Toys for 3 Year Olds – Teaches toddlers and preschool children the alphabet sounds, new words, numbers, and…
• ✅ Speech Therapy Toys – Designed with the needs of all children in mind, our toys for ages 2-4 are perfect for speech…
• ✅ Musical Toys for Toddler Boys – Sing along and dance to the ABC song, 3 Little Kittens, Wheels On The Bus, Bingo,…
• ✅ Game Room Essential – Such engaging ABC baby learning toys supposed to be ideal accessories for your child’s bedroom or…

What are some indoor activities for 2 year olds?

Indoor activities for 2-year-olds include puzzles, coloring, building with blocks, and imaginative play with dolls or action figures.

10 Indoor activities for 2 year olds

When it comes to indoor activities, sensory activities are a great way to engage your 2-year-old.

• Creating a sensory bin filled with materials like rice, dried beans,
• Pom poms can stimulate their senses and provide a hands-on learning experience.
• Additionally, craft activities using construction paper and safe scissors can improve their fine motor skills as they create art.
• Learning activities are also crucial for a 2-year-old’s development.
• Simple activities like sorting objects by color or shape can help them understand basic concepts and develop cognitive skills.

Incorporating puzzles, matching games, and building blocks into their playtime can enhance their problem-solving abilities.

1. Color Sorting Game

Introduce your toddler to the vibrant world of colors with a simple sorting game. Use colored bowls and corresponding colored objects (like pom-poms or toy blocks).

Encourage your child to match the items with the same-colored bowl. This activity not only sharpens their color recognition but also improves their fine motor skills.

2. Homemade Playdough

Making playdough at home is both fun and educational. Let your child assist in the process, feeling the texture and watching the transformation.

Once ready, this playdough can be a source of endless creativity, from making shapes to imaginative play.

3. Indoor Obstacle Course

Using cushions, chairs, and toys, create a mini obstacle course. This activity helps in developing their gross motor skills and understanding of spatial awareness.

Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some energy!

4. Storytime with Puppets

Reading stories is always fun, but adding puppets can elevate the experience. Use sock puppets or store-bought ones to enact stories.

This boosts their listening skills and sparks their imagination.

5. DIY Musical Instruments

From rattling rice in a sealed container to banging on pots and pans, making music is a joy.

This activity introduces them to different sounds and rhythms.

6. Sticker Line-Up

Provide your toddler with a roll of stickers and a large sheet of paper. Encourage them to line up the stickers in straight lines, curves, or even patterns.

This simple activity is not only fun but also enhances their fine motor skills and understanding of patterns.

7. Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with items like rice, beans, or sand. Add in some small toys or objects and let your child dig in and explore.

Sensory bins are fantastic for tactile exploration and can keep a toddler engaged for a long time.

8. Shape Matching

Cut out various shapes from colored paper and create a matching board. Ask your toddler to match the shapes to the board.

This activity reinforces shape recognition and boosts cognitive development.

9. Building with Blocks

Whether it’s wooden blocks, magnetic ones, or even cardboard boxes, building is a fundamental play activity.

It promotes creativity, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills. Plus, it’s fascinating to see the structures your little architect comes up with!

10. Kitchen “Cooking”

Set up a mini kitchen station with safe utensils, pots, pans, and some play food. Let your toddler “cook” meals.

This imaginative play activity not only mimics real-life tasks but also boosts their creativity and understanding of the world around them.

What are some outdoor activities for 2 year olds?

Outdoor activities for 2-year-olds can be playing in a sandbox, blowing bubbles, riding tricycles, or having a picnic in the backyard.

Outdoor Activities for 2 Year Olds

Outdoor activities are essential for your child’s gross motor skills development.

• Encouraging them to engage in activities like running, jumping, and climbing can improve their coordination and balance.
• Playing with balls, riding tricycles, or even exploring nature can be great for their physical growth and overall well-being.
• Fine motor skills activities can also be incorporated outdoors.
• Introduce your child to activities like drawing with chalk or playing with small objects like pom poms.
• These activities can help improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
• Don’t forget about educational activities.
• Take your 2 year old on a nature walk and teach them about different plants and animals.

You can also engage them in simple counting or alphabet games to introduce them to early math and language concepts.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Equip your toddler with a small bag and a list of natural items to find, like a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth stone.

This activity enhances their observational skills and fosters a love for nature.

2. Chalk Drawing on the Sidewalk

Give them colorful chalks and let their creativity run wild on the sidewalk. It’s a great way for them to practice their grip and unleash their inner artist.

3. Water Play with Plastic Cups

Fill a large basin or kiddie pool with water and provide your toddler with plastic cups, spoons, and other safe utensils.

They can pour, scoop, and stir, which is not only fun but also excellent for their motor skills and understanding of basic scientific concepts like volume and gravity.

4. Bubble Blowing Fun

Who doesn’t love bubbles? Provide your toddler with a bubble solution and a wand.

Chasing and popping bubbles can be endless fun and is also great for developing their hand-eye coordination.

5. Sandbox Play

If you have access to a sandbox, it’s a wonderful sensory play area. Provide them with shovels, buckets, and molds.

Digging, building, and creating shapes in the sand can keep them engaged and help in enhancing their creativity.

6. Ball Games

Simple games like rolling, throwing, or kicking a ball can be very engaging for a 2-year-old.

It’s not only fun but also aids in their gross motor development and hand-eye coordination.

7. Plant a Flower

Gardening can be a delightful experience for toddlers. Give them a small pot, some soil, and a flower seed or sapling.

They can water it daily and watch it grow, teaching them patience and care for nature.

How can I encourage my 2 year old’s development?

You can encourage your 2-year-old’s development by providing a variety of age-appropriate toys, reading together, and engaging in interactive play and conversations.

Ways to encourage my 2 year old’s development

There are several ways to promote your 2 year old’s development. Engaging in sensory play is one of them.

• Let your child explore different textures, tastes, and smells through activities like finger painting, water play, or playing with sand.
• These experiences can stimulate their senses and support their cognitive and social-emotional development.
• Problem-solving is another important skill to foster at this age. Provide your child with toys or puzzles that require them to find solutions.
• Encourage them to think critically and come up with their own ways to solve problems.
• This can boost their confidence, creativity, and logical thinking.
• Promoting language skills is crucial during the early years. Talk to your child as much as possible, describing their surroundings, objects, and actions.
• Read books, sing songs, and engage in conversations with them.

These activities can help expand their vocabulary, improve their communication skills, and enhance their overall language development.

1. Puzzles and Problem Solving

Introduce simple jigsaw puzzles. This challenges their cognitive skills and teaches patience.

2. Play Pretend

Engage in imaginative play with your toddler. Whether it’s playing house, doctor, or supermarket, pretend play stimulates their creativity, social skills, and understanding of the world around them.

3. Interactive Reading

Don’t just read to them; ask questions about the story, characters, and illustrations. This promotes comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

4. Counting Games

Incorporate counting in daily activities. Whether it’s counting toys, steps, or snacks, this introduces them to basic math concepts.

5. Craft Time

Provide materials like paper, glue, and safe scissors. Crafting aids in fine motor development and allows them to express themselves creatively.

6. Sing and Dance

Music is a powerful tool for development. Singing familiar nursery rhymes and dancing helps with memory, rhythm, and physical coordination.

7. Nature Walks

Take them outside and explore nature. Point out birds, trees, and flowers. This fosters curiosity and a love for the environment.

8. Building Blocks

Playing with blocks or Lego helps with spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and creativity as they build towers or structures.

9. Memory Games

Simple games like “I spy” or matching card games can boost their memory and attention span.

10. Cooking Together

Simple tasks like stirring or pouring can be done under supervision. This introduces them to different textures, tastes, and the concept of cause and effect.

11. Teach Self-care Skills

Encourage them to try dressing themselves or brushing their teeth. This fosters independence and self-confidence.

12. Playdates

Interacting with peers can be beneficial for their social development. It teaches sharing, cooperation, and understanding emotions.

Encouraging a 2-year-old’s development is all about providing varied experiences that challenge and stimulate their growing brains and bodies.

By introducing them to different activities, you’re not only keeping them engaged but also laying a strong foundation for their future learning and development.

What are some fun learning activities for 2 year olds?

Fun learning activities for 2-year-olds include counting games, sorting shapes and colors, simple craft projects, and singing nursery rhymes.

Fun learning activities for 2 year olds?

Crayons are wonderful tools for 2 year olds to practice coloring and drawing.

• Provide them with large sheets of paper and let their imagination run wild.
• This not only improves their fine motor skills but also encourages creativity and self-expression.
• Puzzles are great for improving hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Start with simple puzzles that have larger pieces and gradually progress to more complex ones.
• This helps your child develop their spatial awareness and logical thinking.
• Play dough is a versatile material that offers a range of sensory and fine motor skills development opportunities.

Let your child mold, squish, and create various shapes with play dough. This activity enhances their tactile senses, hand muscles, and creativity.

1. Counting with Everyday Objects

Use fruits, toys, or buttons to teach basic counting. It’s a hands-on way to introduce math.

2. Alphabet Fishing

Create a mini “fishing pond” using a blue sheet or towel.

Place cardboard letters on it and provide a toy fishing rod or a magnet tied to a string.

As they “catch” each letter, say its name aloud. This activity enhances letter recognition and fine motor skills.

3. Colorful Shadow Matching

On a sunny day, place colorful toys or objects in direct sunlight and trace their shadows on paper.

Ask your toddler to match the objects to their corresponding shadows.

This game sharpens their observational skills and introduces them to the concept of light and shadow.

4. Sensory Sand Writing

Fill a tray with sand or salt and let your toddler draw shapes, numbers, or letters with their finger.

This tactile experience is not only fun but also aids in letter and shape recognition while stimulating their sense of touch.

5. Nature Collage

After a walk in the park or garden, collect leaves, flowers, and twigs.

Once home, let your toddler glue them onto paper to create their own nature collage. This activity promotes creativity and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Introducing 2-year-olds to fun learning activities is a delightful way to spark their curiosity and love for knowledge. These activities are not only educational but also ensure that learning is an enjoyable process, setting the stage for a lifelong love of discovery.

How can I entertain my 2-3 year old at home?

To entertain a 2-3 year old at home, you can set up a mini obstacle course, have a dance party, bake together, or create a DIY sensory bin.

Tips to Entertain my 2-3 year old at home

At home, you can engage your 2-3 year old with sensory play activities using items like pom poms and sensory bins.

• Fill a bin with colored rice or dried beans and let your child explore and play with them.
• This helps in their sensory development and provides hours of entertainment.
• Setting up craft activities can be a fun way to entertain your child.
• Draw a hopscotch pattern on the floor using chalk or help them make pom pom creatures.
• Crafts not only nurture their creativity but also improve their hand-eye coordination and concentration.
• To keep them active, encourage gross motor skills activities like playing with balls or running around in an open area.
• You can set up simple obstacle courses or play games like Simon Says to make it even more engaging.

These activities promote physical fitness and coordination.

1. Theme Days

Have a ‘Dinosaur Day’ or ‘Space Day’ where all activities revolve around the chosen theme. It’s a fresh way to learn and play.

2. DIY Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with rice, beans, or sand and hide small toys inside. Let your toddler dig and discover, stimulating their tactile senses and keeping them engaged for hours.

3. Cooking Together

Even toddlers can help in the kitchen. Let them wash veggies, stir ingredients, or decorate cookies. It’s a fun way to bond and introduce basic cooking skills.

4. Dance Parties

Put on some lively music and let loose with your little one. Dancing is not only a great way to burn energy but also helps with rhythm and coordination.

5. Craft Corner

Set up a craft station with safe scissors, glue, colored paper, and other craft supplies. Let them create whatever they fancy, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

6. Indoor Camping

Build a fort using blankets and cushions. Once inside, read stories, have a snack, or just cuddle. It’s an adventure without leaving the house!

7. Gardening Together

Even if it’s just potting a plant indoors, gardening teaches patience, care, and introduces them to the world of plants.

8. Water Play

Fill a basin with water, add some toys, and let them splash around. It’s simple, but most toddlers love it. Just remember to keep a close eye for safety.

9. Story Creation

Using toys or drawings, create stories together. It can be as simple as a day in the life of a toy or as imaginative as a journey to another planet.

10. Dress-up and Role Play

Use old clothes, hats, and accessories for dress-up. Role-playing scenarios like shopping, going to the doctor, or being superheroes can be both fun and educational.

Entertaining a 2-3 year old at home can be a delightful experience when you mix creativity with learning.

These activities not only keep them engaged but also stimulate their imagination, cognitive abilities, and motor skills.

Remember, the key is to make every moment a blend of fun and discovery.

What are some toddler sensory activities?

Sensory activities for toddlers are designed to stimulate their senses and boost their development.

Fun activities like playing with toy cars in painter’s tape roads or engaging in messy activities with safe, non-toxic materials are great.

These activities not only keep your toddler busy but also help them learn about shapes, colors, and textures.

List of Toddler Sensory Activities

Here is a List of toddler sensory activities for children.

1. Water Play with Colored Ice

Freeze colored water in ice trays and let your toddler play with them in a tub. It’s a cool way to explore temperature and colors.

2. Edible Mud Play

Create ‘mud’ using chocolate pudding and let your toddler explore its texture. It’s a messy yet delicious way for them to experience different consistencies.

3. Scented Playdough

Make homemade playdough and add different scents using essential oils or extracts like vanilla or mint. This engages their sense of smell while they mold and shape.

4. Sound Bottles

Fill small containers with different items like rice, beans, or bells. Seal them and let your toddler shake them to explore various sounds.

5. Texture Walk

Lay out different textured materials like bubble wrap, sandpaper, or a soft rug. Let your toddler walk over them barefoot, feeling the different sensations under their feet.

6. Sticky Wall Exploration

Using contact paper, create a sticky wall where toddlers can stick and remove lightweight objects. It’s a unique tactile experience and also works on their fine motor skills.

7. Taste Test

Introduce your toddler to different tastes using safe foods. Sweet, salty, sour, and bitter can be explored using fruits, pretzels, lemon slices, and dark chocolate.

8. Sensory Bags

Fill zip-lock bags with materials like hair gel, water beads, or sand. Add some small toys or glitter and seal them. Toddlers can squish and move the materials inside, observing the effects.

9. Nature Texture Collage

After a nature walk, collect various items like leaves, twigs, or flowers. Let your toddler glue them onto paper, creating a collage while feeling the different textures of nature.

Which developmental craft activities are suitable for toddlers?

Sensory activities play a crucial role in a toddler’s development, helping them understand the world around them.

These activities not only stimulate their senses but also enhance their cognitive and motor skills. It’s all about making learning a hands-on, immersive experience.

Craft activities for 2-year-olds, such as simple arts and crafts using materials you already have at home, are excellent for fostering creativity and imagination.

Activities like finger painting or making shapes with playdough are both fun and beneficial for a toddler’s development.

What are fun sensory activities for 2-year-olds?

Two-year-olds love activities like playing with water beads, exploring different textures in a sensory bin, or even just feeling different fabrics.

These sensory activities are not only engaging but also crucial for their developmental growth.

What educational activities are best for two year olds?

Educational activities for 2-year-olds include sorting games, color matching, and simple puzzles. These activities help toddlers develop cognitive skills while also being a fun game they love to play.

How can you improve fine motor skills in 2-year-olds through activities?

Activities like threading large beads, using child-safe scissors, or even just playing with playdough can help improve a 2-year-old’s fine motor skills.

These activities not only keep toddlers engaged but also help them practice and refine their hand-eye coordination.

What are some gross motor skills kids activities suitable for toddlers?

Simon says, dancing, or even just a fun game of tag in the backyard are great ways to get your toddler moving and improve their gross motor skills.

These activities are not only fun but also vital for physical development.

How can you engage in activities with your toddler effectively?

Engaging with your toddler means choosing activities that are both fun and developmental.

Whether it’s an indoor activity like reading together or outdoor play, the key is to be present, participate, and let your toddler lead the way sometimes.

How can crayons be incorporated into fun activities for toddlers?

Crayons can be used for more than just coloring. Let your toddler practice their grip by drawing, create imaginative play scenarios with crayon characters, or even learn about shapes and colors by sorting crayons.

How does the game “Simon Says” benefit 2-year-old developmental toddler activities?

“Simon Says” is a fun game that helps toddlers develop listening skills, follow directions, and improve their gross motor skills.

It’s a game that kids love to play and is also educational.

Why do year-olds love to play so much?

Play is a natural way for toddlers to explore the world, learn new skills, and express themselves.

Through play, toddlers also learn about social interactions, problem-solving, and much more, making it a vital part of their development.

What are some craft activities specifically designed for 2-year-olds?

Two-year-olds can engage in simple craft activities like making handprint art, creating collages with cut-out shapes, or even just drawing with chalk.

These activities foster creativity and are also great for developing fine motor skills.

Why do toddlers love engaging activities so much?

Engaging activities stimulate a toddler’s curiosity and natural desire to explore.

When an activity is both fun and challenging, it captures their attention, making learning an enjoyable experience.

Which educational activities are most beneficial for 2-year-olds?

Two-year-olds benefit most from activities that combine fun with learning.

This includes sorting games, counting toys, reading aloud, and any activity that encourages them to use their creativity and imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Activities for 2 Year Olds. Get some quick answers to everything you need to know.

What activities are appropriate for 2 year olds?

Appropriate activities for 2-year-olds include finger painting, playdough play, storytime, and simple board games like “Memory.”

How do I keep my 2 year old entertained?

Keeping a 2-year-old entertained involves a mix of physical activities, creative play, and educational games that cater to their curiosity and energy levels.

How do I entertain my 2 year old boy at home?

To entertain a 2-year-old boy at home, consider building forts, playing with toy cars, engaging in water play, or setting up a mini race track.

What educational activities for two year olds?

Educational activities for two-year-olds include reading picture books, playing with alphabet puzzles, counting toys, and exploring nature items like leaves or rocks.

What activities are good for 2 year olds?

Good activities for 2-year-olds stimulate their physical, cognitive, and emotional development, such as dancing, drawing, or playing pretend games.

What should a 2 year old know academically?

By age 2, children should recognize some colors and shapes, be able to count to 10, know basic body parts, and have a vocabulary of around 50-100 words.

How do you mentally stimulate a 2 year old?

To mentally stimulate a 2-year-old, offer a variety of toys and games that challenge their thinking, ask open-ended questions, and encourage them to explore and ask questions about their environment.

Wrapping up Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Navigating the world of a 2-year-old is a delightful challenge. As they inch towards becoming a 3 year old, it’s vital to engage them in developmental activities.

• Our curated list, from craft activities for 2-year-olds to educational games, is not just about keeping a busy toddler entertained but fostering learning.
• Year olds love these fun and easy activities, making them a favorite for at-home exploration.
• Whether it’s practicing letters or diving into games, each activity is a step in their developmental journey.

In essence, every moment with your toddler is an opportunity for growth, ensuring learning and fun go hand in hand.

If you enjoyed this article about Activities for 2-Year-Olds and would like to learn more, please leave a comment below.

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100+ No-Prep Indoor Activities for 2 & 3 Year Olds

• Preschooler

Updated in 2023 with new no prep toddler activities! Are you looking for fast and easy activities to keep your toddler busy? No prep or low prep activities that are easy to clean up, engaging, education and fun? The you have come to the right place! Here is our ultimate list of the best super easy no-prep or low-prep activities you can do at home with your toddler or preschooler or 2 and 3 year olds .

Most Requested List on Social Media

I first put this list together back when we were all at home but it has quickly morphed into one of the most requested resources on social media. Hundreds of parents struggling to keep their toddlers busy at home message me on instagram requesting this list. These are the go to activities that I did with my 2 and 3 year olds at home and it will quickly become your go to as well.

I have updated the list with new activities and new pictures and more details.

I put this list together from the best kids activity blogs out there and I hope that it will help you through this time while at home. I will be updating this list periodically as I find more easy no and low-prep ideas. So keep checking back for new ideas. They will be at the top of the list.

Tips for Working Parents

If you are a parent who is now working from home, finding ways to entertain your kids all day can seen very daunting but with this list you will have a resource you can turn to that will help you through this tough time.

The best way to use this list is to go through it the night before and choose 2 or 3 ideas you think your kids will enjoy and you feel comfortable setting up. Write them down on stick them on the fridge so you can refer to them the next day.

Keeping the Mess Down

To help keep the mess down when it comes to doing easy painting or easy sensory activities take advantage of your bathtub! It’s a sure fire way to change the mood of any toddler and messy activities when done in the tub can be cleaner up with a turn of tap.

Supplies For No Prep Toddler Activities

(This post and list contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.)

For a quick guide to activity supplies check out my Amazon shop .

For more help on how to start to do activities with your kids check out this post for things to buy and save for kids activities.

These activities are things you can set up when your child comes to you and says, “I’m bored”. Most of them will take 5 minutes or less to set up. And although it’s hard to predict how long your child will play with an activities, it’s more than likely that they will play with these ideas for more than just 5 minutes!

Quick No Prep and Low-Prep Activities for Toddler

• 50+ Easy Things to Do at Home by Happy Toddler Playtime is a great list of 50+ super no prep activities to do at home with a 3 year old but can also be done with a 2 year old and even older children. That should be the first place you look for easy no-prep ideas. I created it when I was pregnant with my twins and I had a 3 year at home. It saved me on many many days. Click here to find the first 50 super easy and completely doable low prep activities for preschoolers here !
• Mega Blok Jumping

You’ll need Mega Bloks. Set up an indoor jumping range for your toddler using their Mega Blocks. This is a simple active activity that your toddler can help set up with you!

• Pillow Road

You’ll need pillows and cars or trucks. Create a pillow road for your toddlers favourite trucks and cars.

• Toilet Paper Rolling

You’ll need toilet paper and toys. Take a toilet paper roll, unroll is and place a toy at the end. Invite your little one roll is back up trying to keep the toy from falling off.

• Snack Names

You’ll need snack, paper and a marker. Write their name on a piece of paper with circles below each letter. Invite your toddler to place one snack in each circle and have them identify each letter and its sound. As they remove their snacks and eat them repeat the same thing.

• Sock Puzzles

You’ll need a sock and a wooden puzzle. Put wooden puzzle pieces inside a large sock and have your child put their hand in to find the pieces and complete the puzzle

You’ll need paper, marker and snacks. Count snacks on a piece of paper.

• Free the Animals

You’ll need animals and small ziplock bags. Place the animals inside and invite your toddler to open and free them.

• Dinosaur Bath

Put dinosaur toys in the bath

• Decorate your Diapers

Decorate diapers with permanent markers.

• Painting Bread

You’ll need white bread, food colouring and milk. Paint bread with edible paint and then eat it! Find out more here .

• Ice Sensory Bin – an easy idea that works in winter and summer
• Snowman Towers – build a snowman using paper towel rolls.
• 100+ Low -Prep Activities you can Do in Your Backyard by Little Pine Learners are a great set of fun activities to do outside.
• Paint with Kitchen Tools as Paint Brushes by Busy Toddler or with cotton balls.
• Do a craft together using kitchen tools. Check out this post of super easy crafts using a potato masher .
• Car bowling using bowling pins or toilet paper rolls and a car big enough to knock them over. Line the pins or rolls up and then use the car to knock them down.
• Alphabet Match is fun activity using fridge magnets and can be set up in 3 minutes!
• Tea Bag Water Play is a quick activity using herbal tea bags and water.
• Paper Tunnels and Balls by Toddler Approved can be set up in minutes and is fun for little and big kids.
• Pom Pom Number Sweep can be set up in 2 minutes and is fun for 2 and 3 year olds.
• Pouring Station by Busy Toddler is fun water sensory bin that is sure to entertain for more than 5 minutes!
• MegaBlok Names is a quick set up activity to practice name recognition.
• Foil Puzzle Presents is a great way to use a puzzle and has lots of ways to extend the play.
• Toddler Dot-to-Dot by What We Do All Day is a fun idea for Toddlers
• Build a Book Rainbow is a great way to use your children’s library in a fun way. It will lead to reading a few current favourites and some forgotten favourites as well.
• Sponge Letter Match uses sponges and letters and is fun for 2 and 3 years. It can also lead to lots of extending play.
• Animal Tape Rescue by Busy Toddler is a fun fine motor activity that toddlers will love!
• 10 Salad Spinner Toddler Activities is a list of 10 super easy to set activities to do with a salad spinner using items you already have at home.
• How to Make Paper Airplanes by The Best Ideas for Kids has a great full video tutorial. This idea is great for all ages.
• Spaghetti Drop for Toddlers is a quick activity using dried spaghetti and cardboard tubes. You can set it up in minutes.
• STEM Play Dough Building Challenge by Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds. This is a fun idea that you can set up in less than 2 minutes and great for 4-6 year olds as well.
• Cloud Dough Kitchen uses a quick sensory recipe using flour and oil to create a taste-safe dough that is fun and easy to play with.
• Coin Sorting by Rhythms of Play is a fun sorting activity using coins and can be set up in 2 minutes. Great for 3-5 year olds.
• The Drop Anything Toddler Activity have your toddler drop markers, crayons or anything they can find that will fit down a cardboard tube! You can set this up in 2 minutes!
• Towel Holder and Rolls For Toddlers by Powerful Mothering using paper towel rolls and is great for toddlers.
• Feed the Animals by Little Ones Learn
• Cutting a Banana by Rhythms of Play is a great way to combine snack time and playtime. This is great for 2 and 3 year olds.
• Pom Pom Picnic by Happy Toddler Playtime is a fun pretend play activity that lasted for days in my house.
• DIY Sorter by Little Ones Learn is a fun diy activity using a cardboard box and random items in your house.
• Lego Color Sorting by Lorena & Lennox is a quick set up colour sorting activity that has the potential to lead to lots of free play!
• Colour Mixing Tea Party by Happy Toddler Playtime is a quick early colour mixing activity.
• Water Play for Toddlers – Fishing for Colors and Letters by Active Littles is a fun and easy water play activity for toddlers.
• Cardboard Box Wash & Paint by Happy Toddler Playtime for Toddler Approved is a great way mess free way to use a cardboard box.
• Dinosaur Hunting with Paint by Powerful Mothering is fun for 2 and 3 year olds using water colour paints.
• Pom Pom Water Transfer

You’ll need Pom Poms or sponges and two containers and water. Find out how to set it up here .

• Cookie Sheet Sensory Play by Twin Mom Refreshed is a quick to set up sensory activity.
• Stone Washing by Happy Toddler Playtime is a easy set cleaning activity using stones and shaving. Its not as messy as it sounds and will entertain for more than 5 minutes for sure.
• Wine Cork Push by Happy Toddler Playtime is a great way to use those wine corks you might accumulate while working from home with your kids!
• Paint Animals

51. Elastic Bands Around Feet

Take a few elastic bands and invite your toddler to pull them over there feet. Don’t use too many and remove them immediately after playing. This is great practice for putting on socks. You can also use scrunches!

• Cutlery Sorting

53. Dinner Plate Counting

54. Backyard Toy Painting

More No Prep and Low Prep Toddler Activities

55. Car Letters

56. Hand Sock Painting

• Window Washing

You’ll need sponges , water, soap and sensory bin or bowl.

• Pom Poms Mega Blok Colouring Sorting

Your’ll need Pom Poms, Mega Bloks and tongs. Turn your Mega Bloks upside down and use them to colour sort with Pom Poms.

59. Snack Necklaces

Serving snack? Why not turn it into an activity. All you need is string and a embroidery needle and snacks that are soft enough to thread the needle through or have holes or soft

60. Elastic Bands over Paper Towel

Grab some elastic bands and invite your toddler to see how many they can wrap around the paper towel roll.

61. Ivory Soap Experiment

You’ll need ivory soap, microwaveable plate and microwave. Unwrap bar Ivory Soap, place in the middle of the plate. Place in microwave and heat for 1- 2 minutes (about 1:30 is the sweet spot). Keep watching the entire time because it happens fast!

62. Turtle Boxes

You’ll need a cardboard box. Grab a cardboard box and place it on your toddlers back and pretend to be turtles. Can you hide in your shell? Decorate the outside of the shell with markers

63. Bug Whisk Rescue

You’ll need a whisk and small toys, Pom Poms or socks. Place toys like bugs or LEGO or Pom Poms or socks or cotton balls.

64. Book:  Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids

Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more. 

Find out more and grab your copy  here .

Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.

65. Laundry Basket Dump Truck

You’ll need a laundry basket and heavy items like a bag of flour or bottle of vinegar or oil. Place some heavy items into a laundry basket and see if your toddler can move them around like a dump truck.

66. Balloon Bug Tennis

You’ll need a balloon and a cardboard tube like a paper towel roll.

67. LEGO Body Trace Activity for Kids

You’ll need larger butcher paper, LEGO DUPLO or MEGA BLOCKS and marker.

68. LEGO Finish the Animals

You’ll need butcher paper and LEGO and markers.

69. Step Stool Jumping

You’ll need: a step stool. Invite your toddler to climb and jump off the step stool!

70. Feed the Stuffed Animal Ball Relay Race

You’ll need: Plastic balls, cardboard boxes, stuffed animals. Place the plastic ball pit balls into a box on one end of room or backyard and an empty box on the other end. Place their favourite stuffed animals next to the empty box. Invite your toddler to use a spoon to scoop up a ball and walk it over to the box next to the stuffed animals. They can pretend to feed the animals the ball and then place it in the box. Repeat until all the balls have been transferred over.

71. Rescue the Animals

You’ll need pipe cleaners and animals. Wrap elastic bands around your under the sea creatures or farm animals. Invite your toddler to unwrap the animals to free them

72. Stick Ladder

You’ll need sticks. You can use broom sticks or even just painters tape and invite your little one to pretend that it’s a ladder that they have to climb up. Find more ways to play  here .

73. Book Drop

You’ll need: books and a cardboard box and scissors. Does your toddler love to return library books at the library through the book drop? Well all three of mine do so I decided to turn it into a fun activity using a cardboard box!

74. Bubble Wrap Highway

You’ll need bubble wrap, painters tape, sharpie and cars. Use bubble wrap to create a highway for your toddlers toy cars and trucks.

75. Glow in the Dark Bowling

For toddlers use a larger ball so that hitting the balls is not so challenging. Grab some empty large water or pop bottles, fill them with glow sticks. Set them up in your basement or a room that you can make fairly dark and let them try and know them down!

76. Paper Towel Roll Towers

Grab some paper towel roll with the paper towels still on. You can even add some toilet paper rolls with the toilet paper still on. Full rolls for this activity and invite your toddler to stack them like giant blocks! We did activity in the winter and made  snowmen  out of them by adding buttons and a hat. 

77. Fly Swatter Bubbles

You’ll need fly swatter and dish soap, water and a bowl. This bubble making activity is soo easy for toddlers and a great way to get out energy. And bonus no spilt bubble solution!! All you need is a fly swatter! Find out more  here .

78. Clouds in the Sky Picture: Cotton Ball Gluing

You’ll need blue construction paper, glue and cotton balls. Invite your toddler to make a clouds in the sky picture glue the cotton balls to the blue construction paper.

79. Water Pouring Station

You’ll need bowls and cups and water and towel or sensory bin. Fill bowls and cups with water and place them on a towel. You don’t need lots of water to make this fun. Invite your toddler to pour the water in the bowl. If doing this in a sensory bin or outside you can add more water! or even colours with food colouring!

80. Ice Cream Cone Balloon Toss

You’ll need: balloons and brown construction paper. Twist your brown construction paper into a ice cream cone shape and use some tape to secure it. Blow up a balloon. Invite your toddler to toss the balloon in the air using the cone an try and catch it again!

81. Taste Test

You’ll need 4-5 containers and different foods that taste sweet (honey, chocolate), sour (lemon, lime), salty (chips, cucumber with salt) and bitter (kale). Invite your toddler to taste each one. Taste about how it tastes with them. What’s their favourite? Least favourite?

82. Pull the Pipe Cleaners

You’ll need pipe cleaners and a colander or container with small holes. Invite your toddler to insert the pipe cleaners in the colander and them remove them.

83. Spice Container Measuring

You’ll need spice containers. Measure different things using spice containers. My kids loved measuring themselves, stuffed animals and large trucks.

84. Pillow walk

You’ll need pillows. create a path using all the pillows and cushion you have and go for a walk on it!

85. Giant Nail Salon

You’ll need cardboard box, sharpie, ice cube tray washable paint, fine paint brushes or q-tips. Find out how to set it up here .

86. Pom Pom Water Transfer

87. Wash the Toys

You’ll need plastic toys large or small, water, dish soap or bubble bath and water. If indoors use a sensory bin otherwise you can do this outside!

88. Oat Sensory Bin

You’ll need oats, animals and a sensory bin or box or large Tupperware container.

89. UNO Memory Game

You’ll need UNO cards. Choose a match of 3 or 4. Place the card face down. Flip over two cards, if they match you keep them. If they don’t match turn them over and try again.

90. Draw A Farm

You’ll need markers, paint sticks and a large sheet of butcher paper and farm animal toys. Invite your toddler to draw the different habitats of farm animals. For example a mud pit for the pigs, a pond for the ducks, a field for the cows and horses and barn or the chicken. You can draw the outline of item for younger toddlers and let them colour it in or let yourolder toddler create their own farm.

91. Pom Pom Drop

Can’t have a list of easy toddler activities without this classic one. Its a classic for a reason. Its super easy to set up and just plain or fun for toddlers. You’ll need cardboard tube, painter’s tape and Pom Poms.

92. Prepared Playdough Kits

93. Foam Shapes on the Window

You’ll need foam shapes, a bowl and water. Wet the foam shapes and stick them all over a window!

94. Painting with Water and Chalk

You’ll need construction paper, colourful chalk, bowl, water and paint brush. Paint the construction paper with water. Then colour over the water with some chalk.

95. Salad Spinner Art

You’ll need a salad spinner, washable paint and coffee filters or paper and scissors. Place the coffee filter in the salad spinner or cut a circle from white paper to fit inside the spinner. Add a few drops of washable kids paint. Close the spinner and turn as fast as you can. Open the spinner up and see what happened!

96. Pasta Threading

You’ll need penne pasta and pipe cleaners. Thread the penne pasta around the pipe cleaners.

97. Feed the Animals: Puzzle Activity

You’ll need rice, animal puzzle, spoon, bowl and sensory bin or box.

98. Oobleck

You’ll need water and corn starch. Find out how to make it here .

99. Popsicle Bath

You’ll need popsicles and bath.

100. Stacking Challenge

You’ll need flat rocks. Try and stack them as high as you can!

101. Fizzy Experiment

You’ll need baking soda, Tupperware container or sensory bin, bowls, vinegar, eye dropper and food coloring. Spread baking soda out in the sensory bin. Fill bowls with vinegar and a drop of food colouring. Use the eye droppers to apply the coloured vinegar to the baking soda and watch it fizz with colour!

102. Playdough Tool Mark Making

You’ll need paint, paper and play dough tools. Dip the playdough tool in the paint and make prints or marks on the paper.

Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!

Play2learn toddler & preschool programs for curious toddlers.

There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!

But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.

Play2Learn for Toddlers  includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

Play2Learn Preschool  which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years.  That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again! 

These  toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities  will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!

Click here for more information: Play2Learn

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book:  Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids

Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information  Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids . Or grab your copy at  Amazon . 

Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.

Book:  Big Book of Riddles for Kids

Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast?  The Big Riddle Book for Kids , of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles that show them how to think outside the box.

• 350 riddles for kids —Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
• Level up their skills —Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
• Double-check their work —Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!

Designed for kids ages 6 years   old and up.

TV Show:  Curious Crafting

I’m so excited to finally share my new crafting TV show  Curious Crafting  which launched July 1 at on  TVOkids  and  TVOkids YouTube !

Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.

In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create. 

Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.

This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up. 

WILL YOU TRY ANY OF THESE NO PREP & LOW-PREP TODDLER ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR TODDLER OR PRESCHOOLER?

Filed Under:

• Three Year Olds
• Two Year Olds

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11 Great Games to Educate and Entertain Your Kids at Home

If you're stuck inside and your kids are climbing the walls, but you aren't yet ready to let them watch Netflix from dawn to dusk, well, I don't blame you. Here are some games that are sometimes called "edutaining." Think of them as fun games that also teach something, but in a way your kids probably won't notice.

I do suggest setting some screen time limits before handing your children a device, but with these options you can at least rest assured that your kids are learning something.

If you buy something using the links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Here’s how this works . You can also support our reporting and reviewing by purchasing a 1-year print + digital WIRED subscription for $5 (Discounted) .

Ages 6-12 ( Computer , iOS , Android )

Animal Jam is an online virtual world originally created in collaboration with the National Geographic Society. It teaches kids about zoology and ecology with games, adventures, and parties and online social elements. With 160 million registered users, this is one of the largest virtual worlds for kids. If the online play gives you pause, know that the parental controls are pretty good, allowing you to lock down the game if you desire.

Ages 5 and up on Nintendo Switch ( GameStop , Amazon )

Matt Jancer

David Nield

Aarian Marshall

Boone Ashworth

This is a great game that encourages spacial thinking and unique puzzle solving. Kids can pilot Toad through courses based on the Super Mario Odyssey game while hunting down treasures and solving puzzles.

This math-based role-playing game is free to play. Kids proceed through the game by answering skill-building math questions to earn rewards. There's an interactive element, too; they can go on quests with friends. The difficulty levels increase as your kids make progress in the game.

Ages 3-8 ( iOS , Android )

This physics puzzle game features rolling aliens that teach your kids about acceleration, buoyancy, gravity, and more. Like games of yesteryear, there are no ads, no in-app purchases, and it doesn't need an internet connection.

Ages 4 and Up ( Computer , iOS , Android )

Tinybop has dozens of learning-oriented apps and we've been fans for years . You can purchase them in bundles for iPhone or iPad (Android users there is one Tinybop bundle in the Play Store which has six games.) My kids love the Curiosity Kit ($16) , which includes apps about the human body, animal anatomy, and space. Tinybop is currently offering its Tinybop Schools subscription , which features ten science apps and classroom support, for free through the summer to help out parents and kids while schools are closed (no credit card required).

Ages 4 and Up ( iOS , Android )

Dragonbox games are primarily math-related, though they also partnered with chess champ Magnus Carlsen to create Magnus' Kingdom , a chess-learning game that's been very popular in my house. It uses an adventure-style approach to teach kids about different chess pieces and how to play. I strongly suggest picking up a real-world chess board (I like this no-stress chess board for beginners $18 ) as well. Your kids will ask for it. Trust me.

Ages 3 and Up ( Computer , iOS , Android )

It's time you let delightful animated monsters teach your kids everything from basic ABCs to complex sentences. It has puzzle games with talking letters and well-illustrated definitions to help your child learn to read. Originator, the publisher of Endless Alphabet , has many other games as well , including Endless Reader , which helps kids learn sight words, and Endless Spanish which helped my kids significantly improve their Spanish vocabulary.

Ages 4-6 ( Computer )

This language, arts, and music learning site has dozens of games and activities to help your kids learn to read, add, subtract, and identify shapes.

Ages 4-8 ( iOS , Android )

PBS Kids has dozens of apps, many of them related to the shows on PBS Kids. If your kids like a particular show, they'll probably really engage with its related game, as well.

Ages 4 and Up ( iOS )

Stop-motion animation is a fun form of art that teaches patience. This animation app will help your kids start creating their own little animated masterpieces. The interface is reasonably simple, but it might require the help of an adult the first time through.

All ages ( Apple Podcasts for iOS , Google Podcasts for Android )

Check out our guide to kids' podcasts for some ideas on great podcasts that will keep your kids entertained. If you're a podcast fan yourself, you should try using Pocket Casts (great app). I suggest getting a separate podcast app for your kids, so there's no way they'll accidentally end up listening to any adult content you don't want them to hear.

March 25, 9 am: This story was updated to add links to the Tinybop Android app bundle.

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The Military Wife and Mom

Parenting and motherhood in the midst of military life

50+ Best Simple Games for 2 Year Olds and Up

The ultimate list of games for 2 year olds includes board games, DIY games, classic games, free online games and apps, learning games. All of these can help boost your child’s focus, memory, problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

“For a small child there is no division between playing and learning; between the things he or she does ‘just for fun’ and things that are ‘educational.’ The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play.” ~ Penelope Leach

On This Page…

What are the best games for 2 year olds, benefits of games with toddlers..

• Best board games, learning puzzles and toys.
• Fun DIY games (things you already have at home!).
• Top picks for classic games.
• Free online toddler games and apps.

When I’m looking for a toddler game, I’m looking for a couple of things:

1. Is it easy to set up and put away?  If you have a 2 year old not listening , you don’t want a huge mess to clean up.

2. Is it taste safe?  If your child likes to put things in their mouths, this is something to consider.

3. Is it something your child can be successful with?  No need to purposely instigate a toddler tantrum .

4. Does it involve some fine motor or gross motor movement? Young children want to move , not sit still for periods of time.

At first glance, a game seems like a simple way to occupy your child and maybe have a moment of peace.

Surprisingly, you are accomplishing so much more when playing ANY kind of game with a child!

In just twenty minutes of game play with your kids, you can help your child develop:

• color, shape, number, letter recognition
• hand-eye coordination
• increased attention span
• fine motor skills
• gross motor skills
• problem-solving
• social-emotional skills
• imagination
• language skills
• self-control
• critical thinking
• planning skills
• memory skills
• focus ability
• cooperation
• ability to follow instructions

That’s some pretty serious parenting multi-tasking if you ask me!

The  Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University shares that when you play many kinds of games with your kids, you help them develop executive function skills.

Translation: Playing games develops the awesome brain skills listed above.

Let’s dive into the many types of awesome games for 2 year olds!

Best board games and learning puzzles and toys.

1. Coogam Wooden Magnetic Fishing Game

2. Haba First Orchard Cooperative Board Game

3. Interactive Pound a Mole Game

4. Think Fun Roll and Play Game 

5. Stepping Stones Obstacle Course Coordination Game

6. Bean Bag Toss Game for Kids

7. Montessori Shape Sorting Puzzle

8. Animals Sorting and Stacking Game

9. Peaceable Kingdom Monkey Around Game

10. Ladybug Montessori Memory Game (So much fun!)

11. Farm animals barn set board game

12. Stepping Stones Active Movement Game

13. Daniel Tiger’s Welcome to Mainstreet

14. The Elephant Stacking Tower Game

15. Peaceable Kingdom Where’s Bear?

16. Eric Carle Brown Bear, Brown Bear Puzzle Pairs

17. CozyBomB Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game

18. Seek-a-Boo

19. Acorn Soup

20. Gamewright Hiss Card Game

21. The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

22. Mollybee Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cooperative Game

23. Montessori Magnetic Worm Toy

Find a comprehensive list of best board games for 2 year olds here .

Fun DIY Games (Using things you already have at home!)

Many of these are educational games that you can create at home, and most of the time, they are created using things you already have on hand. No need to head to the store.

Bonus: I often find that my kids love a homemade game better than a traditional board game. And they like to help set it up too! When kids help create what they play with, they are naturally more inclined to use it and enjoy it.

Skills often learned during these games include:

• learning different colors / color recognition
• letter and number recognition
• social-emotional skills like taking turns
• imaginative play

1. Montessori Games for 2 Year Olds

2. Sorting Games for Toddlers

3. Alphabet Matching Game

4. Pool Noodle Fishing Game

5. Straw Sorting Game

6. Feed the Bunny Color Game

7. Matching Game with Socks

8. 40+ Painters Tape Games

9. 10 Games Using Only Hands / Voice / Body

10. DIY Emotion Card Games

11. Printable Roll-A-Shape Game

12. Sidewalk Chalk Game

13. Flashlight Games

14. Car-Parking Numbers Game

15. Post It Name Game for Kids

16. DIY Rainbow Game (Printable Board Game)

17. Indoor Scavenger Hunt Game

18. Construction Pom-Pom Sort Game (Super cute!)

19. Fishing Fun Number Recognition Game

20. Pom-Pom Color Match Game

21. Ball Games for 2 Year Olds

22. DIY Printable Dice Game for Toddlers

Top Picks for Classic Games

These are great for preschoolers too!

1. Simon Says

One person is Simon or Elmo or Dora or Spiderman or Teacher or Whoever, and this person is the “leader.” Simon gives a set of instructions and everyone else follows. The person who doesn’t follow the instructions is “out.” And the person who follows the instructions throughout the game, wins Simon Says.

2. Red Light, Green Light

One person is the leader who calls out “Red Light” or “Green Light.” When the leader calls out “Red Light,” everyone stops. When the leader calls out “Green Light,” everyone goes. Anyone who doesn’t stop or freeze during “Red Light” is out.

3. Follow the Leader

Take a walk around your house or outside and whatever you (or the leader) does, everyone else must follow. This is a great game to allow your child to be the leader and have you follow your child. It’s a perfect opportunity to model following directions for your child!

4. Visual Direction “Games”

With kids, visual directions are so important! You can make life simpler and fun using visual directions for your kids, such as  a printable daily schedule for kids .

• Bedtime routine cards
• Morning routine cards
• Mealtime routine cards

5. Scavenger Hunt

You can do a verbal version of this and just tell your child what you’ll be looking for next, or you can find some pictures of items, print it out, and have your child look for these items around the house, and mark them off as they find each item.

6. Dance Party

Turn up the music and have a dance party. 2-year-olds have a lot to teach us when it comes to unhindered dance moves!

7. Count and Clap

Clap for certain number of times while counting aloud. Have your child repeat the claps the same number of times. Keep going with different numbers 1-10.

8. Draw on Back

Draw letters or numbers on your child’s back and have them guess the letter. Then have the child draw a letter or number on your back and you have to guess what it is.

9. Hide and Seek

Have your child hide while you count to 10. Find your child. Then have your child count (if they can’t, it’s okay. Have them pretend) and come find you.

10. Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Music games for 2 year olds are my favorite because they keep a toddler engaged and happy!

You and your child sing the song while pointing to your heads, shoulders, knees, and toes. Speed it up to make it more challenging, and throw in some different body parts—eyes, elbows, mouths, and nose—to mix it up. Or leave out one of the body parts to see your child is paying attention.

Other song games include:

• The Hokey Pokey
• Ring Around the Rosie
• I’m a Little Teapot
• Motorboat, Motorboat
• Punchinella, Punchinella

11. Freeze Dance

Find a great dance song and and your child dances. Stop the music at various intervals and your child has to freeze in whatever crazy dance position they’re in.

12. Sleeping Lions (or Bears)

Ask the kids to lie on the floor as still as they can possibly be. Each person that moves is out. And the person who stays the most still wins.

13. Pretend to Be Animals

Turn on some fun songs and have the kids pretend to be different animals.

14. Keep the Balloon Up

Blow up a few balloons and have your child try to keep them in the air. 

Free Online Toddler Games and Apps

I try to avoid screens as much as possible with a 2 year old. But the reality is this: Sometimes technology comes in real handy when your child is “on the verge” and you need to wait for a long period of time.

Keep these apps as a backup if you need it!

1. PBS Kids Games | iPhone | Android

2. ABC Mouse (Free for first 30 days) | iPhone | Android

3. LEGO® DUPLO® World | iPhone | Android

4. Peek-a-Zoo | iPhone

5.Toca Kitchen Monsters | iPhone

6. Balloon Pop | iPhone | Android

Games Keep Kids Happy and Mom Sane

While I wouldn’t say that games for 2 year olds are my favorite time of day (I prefer naptime ☺️), they are a fantastic way to help your child develop awesome brain skills, break up the day, keep kids engaged, moving and happy.

This is all a huge stress relief to me as a parent.

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori

Want more on parenting?

• Frustrated with Disciplining Your 2 Year-Old? Try These Ideas!
• 2 Year Old Sleep Schedule That Works Every Time
• 2 Year Old Sleep Regression Explained: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
• 5 Sample Daily Toddler Schedules From Real Moms
• 10 Empowering Ways to Improve Toddler Listening
• How to Get Your Toddler to Follow a Routine Without Reminders
• 2 Year Old Not Listening? Try This Remarkable Tip

I've created a free email series just for you!

If you are struggling with feeling happy in motherhood, let me help you streamline your family's daily routines so you can enjoy your family life without the stress. Yes, really. I've seen my routines work time and time again for parents. I know it can work for you too.

This free email series will help you:

• Free sample routines for your child
• Best morning routine tips and tricks your kids will actually follow
• All-time favorite parenting hacks for getting more cooperation at bedtime
• Step-by-step guide for using a printable daily schedule with kids

Click here to sign up!

About Lauren Tamm

I'm Lauren, a military spouse and Language of Listening® master parent coach. I write about my crazy parenting adventures, discovering happiness in motherhood and navigating the ups and downs of military life. I spend my days re-heating coffee while chasing my kids around the house. Hang around for a bit and join the fun!

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Here’s what real moms are saying about Military Wife and Mom…

Ashlee overdick.

Love the listening course and the routine card printables and listening workbook so far. Listening has been our biggest challenge lately. My son was flat out just ignoring our voices. I started implementing the strategies yesterday and it was such smooth sailing all day long. Not only that, but the empathy statements and “turning a no into a yes” actually had my three year old saying “okay, mom” happily and complying right away without fighting or tears, by the end of the day! And it has worked wonders for my mood and frustration level when the arguing and tears are not averted. Trying to keep the 5:1 ratio has made me realize what a bad habit I’d fallen into. It becomes so easy to give commands and warnings and issue no’s, that you forget to take notice of the good! I feel so much better, as a mom, now that I’m intentionally encouraging my kid for his strengths. Thank you so much!

Megan Schrag

I have been reading your blog now for a few months and I really respect your advice and ideas. I also signed up for your “better listening” email series and have been learning a ton and working on implementing your advice with my 21 month & 3 1/2 year olds. They are responding well and I am looking particularly forward to working through these strategies with my youngest. He is as sharp as a tack and just coming into his own now. These tools are great and it’s awesome to have been equipped with  them right as he’s coming into the defiance stage. I feel much more confident in my ability to manage the challenges of this stage now. Thank you!

Heather Goffrier

I picked up these routine cards this week from The Military Wife and Mom because my 3 year old tends to put up a fight when getting ready to leave the house, or go to bed. Or eat a meal. Or start her day. These made a HUGE difference in like one day.

Instead of reminding and counting down and trying to avoid meltdowns, last night we sang the Olaf song as she cheerfully picked out her Olaf underwear and put them on.

This morning she pumped her fist and said, “the last one is ‘comb hair!’” before she came into the bathroom and started brushing her own hair. I’m sold! I truly love these and think any toddler mom could benefit!

I’m loving receiving your emails. What strategies you suggest are common knowledge, but having the time to sit back and think about them is another thing.  I have used the 2 choices a lot this week. It’s amazing how it can work. Our power struggles have decreased, kids have been getting along together better. I know it has been only a week, but it feels like a massive change. I wish I had have signed up for emails 3 weeks ago and used the strategies on their school holidays lol.

Nikki Olson

Right before I gave up, I came across your site from Pinterest. My heart sunk and I signed up for your daily email list of listening. Every morning I received an email from you before I got out of the bed for the day, which couldn’t have been more perfect and encouraging to start the days. I immediately put your advice in action. My husband and I saw a different child within minutes . It’s been a few weeks since I started and the list could go on! I’m really grateful I came across your site! It changed my relationship 180°. Thank you said so much! I’ve already shared your link with my family and friends! I think every parent needs to read this!

Oh my goodness. I needed this so much. I stumbled upon another post of yours on Pinterest, and it lead me here. My 2 year is soooo strong willed. This had me in tears because finally someone gets it! Without wanting to admit it… I needed some help. Thank you so much for putting this out there.

I am so glad I came across your blog. This really opened my eyes as to why my nearly 2 year-old son will not listen. I was reaching my limit with him not listening, and the techniques you share here are exactly what I need.

A quick thank you while my 15 month old son is sleeping. So glad I found you on my motherhood journey.  After 17 years of being childless (but envisioning a future life with a calm and peaceful soul), I gave birth at 43 to a larger-than-life, highly spirited, vocal baby whom I couldn’t relate to. Everyday has been a challenge to meet his ever increasing needs.  Your guidance has helped organize me and prepare me mentally more than any other blog or support group, thank you .

Mommy Maker Teacher

From Pregnancy To Toddlerhood

75+ Best Educational Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

As a certified K-12 teacher, I am all about educational toys! My core value as a teacher was to “sneak the learning in.” I wanted to make learning so much fun that my students didn’t realize they were learning in the process!  So, I wanted to do the same regarding my own kids.

Now that I’m a seasoned toddler (boy) mom, I have also picked up a few tips for choosing the best educational toys for two-year-olds, which I’ll share.

Feel free to browse the list visually–that’s how I find ideas for my own kids–or read the little blurbs with each toy to see how I use them for teaching. Stick around at the end for important developmental milestones to look for at this age and my recommendations to meet them! 

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through one of these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Always supervise your children when playing. Many of these toys contain small parts that could be choking hazards. Do not play with toys with small parts if your child still puts things in their mouth. Anything that fits through a toilet paper tube is considered a choking hazard. Many of these toys are rated for 3+ and while my child is developmentally ready for them, your child might not be. Always read the manufacturer warnings and labels to understand age requirements.

Jump Ahead To:

Tips For Choosing Educational Toys

Often, I go to friends’ houses and see their dolls and trucks scattered all over the house while the puzzles, flashcards, and books collect dust on the shelf. It’s so important to carefully choose your educational toys with these tips in mind so that they become the *most* used toys in the house!

• Toys you want to play with: You will spend the most time with these toys. If you think it’s awesome, your kid will too. 
• Multipurpose: Find toys that can be played with in many different ways (I’ll give examples). 
• Your child’s interests: My older son (4) has always loved blocks. Instead of changing his interests, we broadened his idea of what blocks are. We have Magnatiles, Duplo, Lego, Squigz, Tinkertoys, Melissa and Doug construction blocks and MegaBloks.
• Brand trustworthiness and durability: If you’ve got a toddler at home, I’m sure you’ve been burned by discount toys that have broken within a few uses. At this point in my career and parenting, I go with brands I trust (you’ll start to see a pattern with my recommendations!) and opt for the most durable option. Educational toys are an investment , so you want them to last. 
• Ignore gender stereotypes: Your little girl might love dolls, and your little boy might love trucks, or the opposite might be true. At this age, it’s all about creating a well-rounded human who feels confident as an independent problem-solver, leader, and caregiver as they age.
• Variety: You shouldn’t expect to hear Beatholven on a mini piano at two years old… But you should explore music , science, art, and literature with your little one to tap into their uncovered interests and talents. 

Pro Tip: Looking for toys and activities for babies and toddlers of other ages ??

Check Out My Other Toy and Activity Guides:

• Activities For A 4 Month-Old
• Toys And Gift Ideas For 9 To 12 Month Babies
• Activities For a 14-Month-Old Busy Toddler
• Educational Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds
• Outdoor Toys for 2-Year-Olds
• Airplane Toys for Toddlers
• Music Players For Toddlers

Side Story: I recently got weird looks at my son’s birthday party when his gifts were about nurturing. I got him a baby carrier for his doll, a feeding set (you know, those “magic” bottles), some doll clothes, and diapers. Of course, his other presents included Hot Wheels, Spiderman, and a GIANT garbage truck. He barely looked at my toys while we were at the party. And everyone assumed that he would never play with dolls, even if I wanted him to… But guess what? As soon as everyone was gone, the *first* thing he did was find his baby, put him in the carrier, and feed him a bottle. These are the nurturing skills that I want to teach my children! Regardless of what everyone else thinks ?. 

Books 

You might think your two-year-old has no interest in books, probably because you haven’t found the right ones yet!

My two-year-old is obsessed with books … But it wasn’t until recently. He discovered one of my older son’s Pop-Up Peekaboo books, one of his favorite things to do since. Before that, he would try and tear the pages or chew on the spines!

These interactive books captivate little learners.

• Huge, detailed pop-up displays.
• Cute story lines.
• Themes for all interests (animals, vehicles, trucks, holidays, and more).

The pages are filled with pokable dots (they remind me of the push tabs on soda cups!).

At 2-years-old these books are great for engaging toddlers and developing hand-eye coordination.

As your child ages, Poke-a-Dot books have hidden games and challenges to do (like counting, Eye Spy, and more).

• Every page has a unique texture to feel.
• Children are eager to turn the pages.
• Teaches kids about their sense of touch.

I love these lift-a-flap books because your toddler can hold on to them themselves without worrying about ripping or tearing the page.

Each page has a hidden object to find that goes along with the storyline.

• Doubles as a search and find.
• Lets children learn authentic sounds of animals, automobiles, nature, and more.

Puzzle books are new to the scene and so much fun for little kids.

• Move the puzzle pieces to their slots throughout the book and become part of the story.
• Use the book as just as puzzle.

Pro Tip: Get your books from the library! Especially if you’re not sure what kind your child likes. Check out a few different types, see what they like, and invest in that series. 

Puzzles 

Recently, I’ve been loving puzzles that double as other things (like that Melissa & Doug puzzle book!).

Puzzles can teach pattern and shape recognition, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Puzzles can also be a bit boring for toddlers . Look at these puzzles that teach your kid all the skills while maintaining an element of play. 

• Use the magnetic spoon to pick up scoops and toppings and place the scoops into the cones and bowls! The cone and bowl pieces have slots to stick ice cream.
• Give your child custom ice cream orders and watch them make it.
• In the end, solve the puzzle to clean up!

Note: I was disappointed that the entire puzzle isn't magnetic (that would make storing it so much easier!). Only the ice cream scoops and toppings are magnetic.

• Fish with the included magnetic fishing rod!
• Practice colors and name recognition with your toddler ("can you catch the blue one?" or "can you catch the turtle?").
• When you're ready to clean up, complete the puzzle to put it away.

You might not think of Velcro food as a puzzle, but it is! Recognizing the shapes and colors that go together and connecting the pieces is what puzzles are all about.

Teach your child fine motor skills associated with cutting and preparing food as well.

This is a quality set and another example of a hidden puzzle. The menu lets your child see pictures and recreate the cones. They can also see which pieces fit together and which don't.

Coding and STEM Toys 

Do you wish you knew Javascript and or HTML? Me too! (although I’ve had to learn a lot as a blogger over the years). Teach your child coding and immerse them in science and engineering with my favorite STEM toys .

• These little guys are the cutest (see their fox and lizard also!).
• Create paths using PUZZLE pieces.
• Coding Critter will follow your path.
• Teach engineering symbols like straight lines, loops, turns, and wavy lines.
• Open-ended play: Coding Critter will follow any black line. Grab your masking tape and create tracks all around your house!

• Things I love: It's super-simple (only goes forward and only turns left), never runs out of battery, and is virtually indestructible.
• Things I don't love: It's super simple (yes, this was also something I originally loved!). Once my son got a little older, he outgrew this toy. I prefer toys that last a little longer. The range is short. Stand too far away, and your car won't go.

Final Verdict: Although my son outgrew this in about a year, I would still purchase it again. The simplicity made it easy for him to learn the controls in one sitting. The speed was perfect, and it is heavy-duty but never scuffed my walls!

I have to admit, I might have a little too much fun with this toy as a 30 year old woman!

Take the car apart and build it back together with the functioning drill.

Teacher Take: This drill wins over some of the others on the market because it has a novice-level drill bit that makes it easy for even little hands to operate.

It also has a reverse function (for taking apart or fixing mistakes).

Finally, you can use the toy car for pretend and imaginative play.

The fun of tools, without the worry of small pieces for toddlers still putting things in their mouth.

Teach your child how to use different tools and the motions associated with them.

Each card has a theme with several learning modes and games.

• Teach your child about touch screens and buttons without screen time.
• Only offer one card at a time to make the toy seem new and exciting for each user.

Note: This is not a toy that I own or have used. I found it online while looking for another toy. I think it's really awesome and might become a birthday present in the near future!

Musical Instruments 

• Strum mode lets you strum the strings like an actual guitar.
• Turn off strum mode and "play" pre-made songs.
• The buttons on the guitar neck play musical notes.
• Select between acoustic, electric, and "barking" guitar sounds.

My kids have a blast with this guitar. They can make their own songs or play along to existing ones!

If you haven't yet bought this for your child, now is a great time!

Not only does this double as a musical instrument and pull toy, but you can also practice colors by having them hit the colors as you say them. Teach them songs this way!

My kids can't get enough of this music player ( one of many we own ).

They can sing pre-recorded Cocomelon classics or sing their songs through Bluetooth. It teaches kids about music and singing for joy.

All of the fun of a drumset without the noise!

• Play the drums by hitting the pads with the drumsticks.
• Several modes allow your child to play their own songs, stick to a beat, recall patterns, and more.

We have an actual piano at home that my two-year-old loves to play. We can play simple songs together.

I love this kid's piano: It has color-coded keys matching the included color-coded songbook. The color-coded notes are shown on a lined sheet of music and identified with a color and letter. Kids can learn music notes by color first, letter second, and finally on sheet music.

I can't say enough good things about the Tonie player. It's a top music player for children, and they've now introduced audiobooks!

We have a Toniebox and a Yoto player . I love them both, and so do my kids.

The Toniebox is great for younger children with shorter attention spans (shorter tracks) and who are more clumsy (it has soft sides that land with a soft bounce).

• Buy character song soundtracks and audiobooks.
• Listen through the speaker or connect headphones.
• Creating your own characters lets you upload custom playlists with infinite possibilities.
• Record your voice and "read" stories to your child.

I have the Yoto Mini , but I recommend the Original Yoto player for children under 3. It's bigger and can sit on a shelf, vs. the Mini, which could be easily dropped or lost. We also have a Toniebox player , which we love, but Yoto offers more variety and customizability for parents.

• Listen to endless free content (daily podcasts and radio stations are free!)
• Create your own Yoto Cards with up to 100 tracks.
• Control the Yoto player remotely from the parent app.
• Connect headphones with a wire or Bluetooth.
• Set daytime and evening parameters (including turning it off after bedtime).
• Use it as a white noise player.
• Built-in alarm clock.
• Built-in okay-to-wake clock (lets children know when it's time to be in bed and when to get up with different colored lights).

Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts can be messy, time-consuming (to prepare and to make), and elaborate. OR they can be simple to set up, mess-free, and require no parental help. We enjoy both types of arts and crafts in my house, so I’ll give you my favorites for each!

Practice colors, shapes, numbers, patterns, and stringing beads with this kit.

Teach sewing skills with this lacing toy.

The board is velcro-like (although dust and debris don't stick to it ?) and comes with colored cords of different sizes that stick to it.

Tracing cards come with it, or you can use the blank cards to create your own design.

I love that the cards and cords are stored within the board, making it easy to store.

Paint sticks are so much fun!

They go on buttery-smooth and have a paint-like feel, but they are half as messy as traditional paint.

Does your baby Hercules have a habit of snapping ordinary crayons in half?

Or wind up eating more than they are coloring?!

These twistables have hard plastic outer shells, so no more snapping!

Some two-year-olds aren't ready to hold pencils and crayons. These eggs fit right in their hands and make for a traditional coloring experience.

Designed just for toddlers, these easy-grip markers teach proper finger placement.

Are all kids in love with markers? Or is it just mine!?

If your little one has mastered holding markers and you're ready for the real deal, these are my top recommendations because they don't dry out!

• Chunkier than standard dot markers (perfect for tiny hands).
• Washable (from a trusted brand!).
• 30 activity pages included to practice numbers, letters, shapes, and pattern recognition.

Pro Tip: Stock your craft supply kit with foam shapes, stickers, tempura paint, paint brushes, glue, construction paper, and more from Dollar Tree. They have a great selection of kid-friendly supplies for $1.25 each!

I could go on and on about how much we love Water WOW products from Melissa & Doug!

• Fill pen with water.
• Color pages.
• Watch the picture appear.
• Watch it dry and fade back to white.

If you're tired of your toddler dumping over paint pots or your paints always drying out, switch to Pop & Paint. It has a self-moistening paintbrush, eight paint colors, a palette, and a cleaning disk.

It's not the same as traditional paint, but we love this set for quick craft sessions!

Parent-to-Parent: I love the Crayola Mess-Free system much more than my kids. There is a 1-2 second delay between using the colorless ink, and it appearing on the special paper. For my oldest, this was a deal-breaker. He never created with these. For my second, he’s more receptive to it but prefers traditional coloring and painting. They make great travel activities that you don’t have to worry about making a mess.

• Color, paint, stamp, and doodle with water
• Colors appear when wet and disappear when dry

Teacher Take: This mat stands out to me from others because of all of the extras that are included: pens, rollers, stamps, foam shapes, etc. It's also from a brand that I know and trust. 

Sorting and Stacking 

Teach hand-eye coordination, building, balance, and more with blocks galore.

I love this toy so much.

• Stack the cars on top of each other
• Recognize colors
• Count how high the cars go
• Lift the exit gate and pull the cars out by the little pegs
• Match the car colors to the levels
• Play with the cars all on their own

Sort, count, and stack all in one.

• Learn shape placement and recognition
• Fine motor skills to put the pieces in the peg
• Teach body parts

• Practice stacking

Play with the animals in their barns to encourage pretend and imaginative play.

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Blocks 

Are they creative toys? Engineering? Fine motor? Gross motor? Blocks are everything ! We have so many blocks that I think my head might explode. If you’ve never branched out beyond traditional blocks, you’re in for a treat!

WARNING: Many of these block sets have small pieces that are choking hazards. Remove any pieces that fit through a toilet paper tube. They could be choked on.

I am a huge Lego Duplo advocate and was even featured in Parent's Magazine with tons of ideas for ways to play and teach your child with Duplo.

Everything you need (including a storage case) to start building with Duplo. Dozens of designs that are ready to make or create your own! Encourage pretend play and imagination with all of the characters included.

Are they expensive? Yes.

Are they worth it? Yes.

The name brand is worth it here. Knock-off brands don't have the magnetic power for building. If you stack too many together, the creation will collapse from the weight.

I love our particular set because you get the car base, some road pieces, functional cranes, and spinning bases. These can be used as pictured or re-configured into your designs.

Pro Tip: When looking for Magnatiles for 2-year-olds, look for sets with mostly square shapes . Triangles are tricky to build, while even young toddlers can grasp building with squares.

Full Disclosure: We don't own them, and I've never played with them, but I see them all the time and think they are so cool as a block-alternative for children who aren't interested in traditional blocks. 

Trains are blocks, too!

They encourage problem-solving, building, connecting, engineering, and more.

We have all BRIO trains and tracks. Just like Magnatiles, I feel the brand is important here. We experimented with several other train sets that crack, splinter, or don't fit well together.

Nurturing Toys 

Let’s normalize teaching our children to nurture. Some might be naturally nurturing souls, while others think that baby dolls should be used to squirt imaginary explosive poop all over everyone–not that I’m talking from experience ?.

I don't know why this is rated 5+ (let me know in the comments if you know why!) . The bottle doesn't seem like a choking hazard to me. The leash is longer than 6", so it could be a strangulation hazard and should be monitored closely. But you could certainly remove the leash.

We LOVE this lamb. It reacts to being petted, asks for attention when lonely, and drinks its bottle. My boys love feeding her (her name is Toot ?) and listening to her burp!

This is rated for ages 6+, and I would use extreme supervision with a toddler doing this activity. You don't want them to eat the dirt or seeds. This would have to be an activity done largely by the parent.

Why I like this set:

• Teaches patience
• Nurturing (watering)
• You can see the plants growing (so it helps our impatient growers!)
• Teaches life cycles
• Teaches about cultivating food for eating

Care for sick animals and nurse them back to health.

Pretend Play

Your fondest memories of playing as a child likely involved pretend play. It’s a chance for children to let their imagination take over and be whoever they want to be. This type of imaginative play should start in children around two years old, but it may take longer for some. 

This also falls under nurturing: preparing food for people.

• Have your child prepare pretend meals
• Pretend to clean dishes
• Take orders from friends and family

Pro Tip: I'll use uncooked pasta or rice (if I'm in the mood to vacuum ?) and let them "cook" with it.

Let their imagination (and carpentry skills) soar with this fun workbench!

The power tools actually work and make sounds.

Toddlers love creating their own little spaces. Use it as a barn, a reading nook, or a place to be silly!

Melissa & Doug have dress-up costumes for whatever your child could imagine. Their costumes are well-designed and sturdy and come with fun accessories to let their imagination run wild.

There are Little People sets for every interest your child could have. It's great to teach them about new interests, careers, skills, and vocabulary related to the different sets. I love that these sets are open-ended with infinite possibilities to play.

This barn playset also sparked some early independent and creative play with my toddler. We also enjoy singing farm-related songs and making animal noises. I teach him to nurture the animals by feeding them and petting them ?.

Independence Tasks 

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that your two-year-old loves to do everything you do. This behavior is adorable and can be great for teaching your child to become independent and self-reliable. Use these toys and everyday objects to teach young children to care for themselves, their surroundings, and others.

This sink has running water but you don't have to fill the reservoir if you don't want to. The accessories that come with it are too cute. Give your toddler some dishes of their own to clean.

You'll be happy to know that these toys aren't just for show! The toys actually function so your little one can help with household tasks.

Yes, this vacuum will suck up dirt and debris but don't count on it for doing any major cleaning.

Disclaimer: Ours was a different color, and the motor eventually burned out after two years of extensive daily use. We then bought the actual "Dyson" toy vacuum, and that broke after only a few weeks of use, so this is still my recommendation.

We have smaller bathrooms, so I love these folding step stools. They can be tucked away when not in use and easily moved from the toilet to the sink.

We've tried a few potty training seats, and this one seems to have the snuggest fit for our toilets. It's a trial-and-error thing!

We use these command hooks to hang a hand towel and their bath towels at toddler height.

Make brushing their teeth a fun experience with their favorite characters and a spinning toothbrush!

Pro Tip: Kids think washing themselves is a blast, and it’s life-changing when they can dress themselves and brush their teeth! You don’t need anything fancy. A few bathroom additions will set them up for success.

Get your little ones involved in real food preparation. I love this set because it has two wooden knife options to teach kids to cut soft foods (think banana, avocado, etc.). This set has everything they need to cook alongside you in the kitchen and will grow with them as they get older.

Mamas, idk if it's just me, but I LOATHE high chairs. When my little one was in a high chair, I felt like I was constantly cleaning clunky trays that got water all over my kitchen. We decided to replace our high chair with this booster seat, and we never looked back. I am actually in love with this seat for all of these reasons:

• It's plastic: no mystery crust and goop in the cushion crevices.
• It grows with your child: there are three height positions.
• It fits at the dining table: you can slide this seat under most tables so it is out of sight.
• Convertible: start your little pushed up to the table with a tray (like a high chair) and eventually remove the tray.
• Additional trays: the additional trays are $6 each and are dishwasher safe. We bought 3 extras (one for each meal of the day plus a backup), which was life-changing!
• Portable: easily take this on and off of any chair. The backrest folds down to save space. The feet are retractable to save space. It even comes with a tray lid to use your tray as a storage container.

Make your tiny tot feel like everyone else in the family with utensils that look like grown-up ones.

Just like with plates, our toddlers drink from glasses at mealtime. It's important to find glasses that are their size. A shot glass makes a perfect training glass when you're just starting with open cups!

Pro Tip: A wise mom once told me, never fill your toddler's glass more than you're willing to clean up. It's the best advice I've gotten for baby-led drinking .

You might be surprised to learn that my two-year-old sits at the table with us and eats from a glass plate and drinks from a glass cup at mealtime!

• Glass plates teach responsibility
• Grab plates that are 6-8" for two-year-olds
• These triple-layer plates are shatter-resistant

As the mom of a toddler who threw his plastic plates and high chair trays, I was hesitant to introduce glass plates as a part of baby-led weaning ... But we've never had an issue with him trying to throw a glass plate. They understand that glass plates are a privilege, making them more responsible at the dinner table.

Tips for Teaching Success

If you aim to teach your child skills and concepts with educational toys, here are my recommendations to get the best results.

Avoid Screens, Plastic, and Noise as Much as Possible 

You’ve probably noticed that most of these toys don’t make noise, don’t have screens (in fact, none of them do), don’t have buttons that light up, and are wood as much as possible. 

Don’t get me wrong, if you go digging in our toy closet, you’ll find all those things! You’ll even see my 2-year-old watching his favorite TV shows after nap while he wakes up and has a snack. It’s not that I’m against these things in general; it’s just when it comes to educational toys. 

Open-Ended 

Educational toys are most beneficial when they are open-ended. I was famous in my school for giving my students problems to solve that I wasn’t even sure there was an answer to! You’d be AMAZED at the things that children come up with when they aren’t given specific instructions, directions, corrections, or looking for a particular outcome. 

Today, your broomstick is a rocket ship; tomorrow, your books are building blocks; and on the weekend, it’s all hands on deck in the “ER” as your child performs surgery with their hard and screwdriver. 

Developmental Milestones For 2-Year-Olds

Remember that 75% of kids can achieve these developmental milestones for two-year-olds  by a certain age . Don’t be discouraged if your little one takes longer to master these skills. 

• Social/Emotional Looks at your face to see how you react. | Notices when others are hurt or upset. | Recognizes familiar people. | Happy to see other children. | Wants to be independent. | Shows defiance. | Has episodes of separation anxiety.
• Language/Communication Points to objects you name. | Says at least two words together. | Knows at least two body parts. | Uses gestures beyond waving and pointing (like nodding, shaking, etc.). | Follows instructions.
• Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) Can use both hands at once. | Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons. | Plays with multiple toys at once. | Begins to stack and sort. | Make-believe play.
• Physical ( outdoor toys are perfect for this) Kicks a ball. | Runs. | Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs without help. | Eats with a spoon. | Climbs up and down furniture.

My best advice? Let your child play without rules . It can be hard sometimes, but they will learn more by experiencing their toys and learning what doesn’t work independently.

My four-year-old would now tell you that brooms are for sweeping, books are for reading, and tools are for building. He figured this out all independently from learning and exploring the world on his terms.

Don’t damper their imagination by only allowing certain toys to be played with the “right” way. 

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I am the founder of Mommy Maker Teacher and a mom of two toddlers. With a degree in education, 12+ years of experience as a K-12 teacher and curriculum developer, and courses in childhood psychology and language acquisition, I share research-backed parenting tips and advice. I provide helpful content for moms on all stages of motherhood—from trying to conceive and pregnancy to postpartum, breastfeeding, and parenting.

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Some of the Best Online Learning Games for Kids

By Courtney Schley

To find our favorite learning apps and games for kids, we spent more than 40 hours researching and testing 50-plus apps recommended by educators, experts, and parents. If your family has a tablet and you want it to be more than a game-playing and video-watching device, or if you’re trying to find apps for your smartphone that will do more than keep your kids occupied in a pinch, we have some great suggestions.

As with our guides to STEM and learning toys, we didn’t test scores of apps to try to find the “best” ones. Rather, most of the apps here have been chosen by teachers for their students in classrooms, used by Wirecutter parents and their kids, or recommended by the experts and educators we spoke with. (For details, read more about how we selected the apps in this guide.) The apps we cover in this guide are great learning apps not because they’re designed to make kids smarter, to drill facts, or to replace in-school learning, but because they each offer something fun, unique, and interesting for kids and adults.

The research

Our favorite math apps, our favorite coding apps, our favorite science and exploration apps, our favorite social and emotional learning apps, our favorite ebook app, how we picked and tested.

These math games don’t simply drill facts or make kids memorize but rather use visuals, narratives, and storylines to help kids discover math concepts and build their skills. We like these apps because they offer games and exercises tailored to different ages and skill levels and because they encourage adults and kids to play together.

A family math app: Bedtime Math

Bedtime Math (iOS and Android)

Bringing math home.

This free app makes math a part of daily family life, like a bedtime story. A peer-reviewed study showed that it not only helps improve kids’ math performance but also makes parents feel more comfortable with math.

Buying Options

How it works: Bedtime Math ( iOS and Android ) seeks to do for math what the bedtime story does for literacy, by turning math into an enjoyable bonding routine between child and caregiver.

The free app offers a daily word problem for children to solve together with an adult during bedtime or anytime. Each exercise centers on a short narrative or interesting fact and poses questions at four difficulty levels, from pre-K through elementary school.

Why it’s great: Bedtime Math is one of the few children’s educational apps that have been evaluated in a peer-reviewed study . This particular study demonstrated that students who used the app significantly boosted their math scores; it also showed that Bedtime Math can help parents mitigate their own math anxiety , a phenomenon that can negatively affect their children’s attitudes toward math and their ability in the subject. Teacher Jennifer Auten told us she liked that the questions were written at a middle-school reading level, meaning an adult must facilitate the discussion but you have a choice of four levels of difficulty based on the child’s age and math level.

Apps for visual math: DragonBox Numbers and DragonBox Big Numbers

DragonBox Numbers (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Visual numeracy.

Cute Nooms help kids visualize and conceptualize numbers and arithmetic operations.

DragonBox Big Numbers (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

More-complex arithmetic.

Kids follow characters called Nooms on adventures, solving long addition and subtraction equations in the process.

Ages: 4 to 8 and 6 to 9

How it works: DragonBox Numbers ( iOS , Android , and Amazon ), aimed at kids 4 through 8, introduces number sense, addition, and subtraction through cute characters called Nooms. (The characters are designed to resemble Cuisenaire rods , math learning aids that introduce kids to arithmetic operations in a hands-on way.) Kids feed, slice, and sort the Nooms, developing familiarity with addition, subtraction, fractions, and ranges. In DragonBox Big Numbers ( iOS , Android , and Amazon ), for kids 5 through 9, players follow the Nooms on more complex adventures, solving long addition and subtraction equations in order to gather and trade resources.

Why it’s great: The Nooms function as digital versions of what classroom teachers call math manipulatives , physical learning aids that help young children understand theoretical math concepts in a concrete way. For older kids, the DragonBox series continues on with algebra and Euclidean geometry.

Many great apps teach coding to kids as young as preschool and progressing through upper elementary grades. We’ve highlighted four of these apps because they’re particularly easy to get started with and don’t require reading or, for the child or the parent, a coding background. Regardless of what app they use, parents should think of coding apps as a family activity, said Pat Yongpradit of Code.org . “You will rarely have such a rich media experience as you can when coding with your kid,” he said.

Coding puzzles for beginners: Lightbot and Lightbot Jr

Lightbot (iOS and Android)

Coding puzzles.

The app’s simple puzzle challenges are easy to jump into for kids and adults with no previous coding experience.

Lightbot Jr (iOS and Android)

Coding puzzles for younger kids.

A slower-paced, easier set of puzzles for kids as young as preschool.

Ages: 9 and up (Lightbot); 4 to 8 (Lightbot Jr)

How it works: In Lightbot ( iOS and Android ), kids solve a series of simple puzzles by lining up commands that make a robot advance over obstacles and light up squares. As they master basic concepts, they add more-complex commands, such as conditionals, loops, and nested statements. Lightbot Jr ( iOS and Android ) follows a similar structure but at a slower pace and with simpler challenges that focus on reinforcing the basics. A minimal amount of reading is required, so pre-readers may need adult help at the beginning.

Why it’s great: Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit educational organization that promotes and develops STEM curricula and resources, told us, “The best apps for young students without previous experience are those that teach and help build logic and reasoning skills [and] critical thinking skills, and provide brain teasers.” PLTW’s curriculum writers like the Lightbot and Lightbot Jr apps as ways to get kids as young as 4 started with the basic concepts and logical structures of coding.

A creative coding app: ScratchJr

ScratchJr (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Visual programming.

Using graphical coding blocks, ScratchJr lets kids animate characters and create storylines.

Ages: 5 and up

How it works: In ScratchJr ( iOS , Android , Amazon ), kids select characters and backdrop scenes and drag graphical programming blocks, which snap together like puzzle pieces, to make animation sequences and storylines. Although the app has some written cues, the programming blocks largely use symbols (such as arrows and stop signs) to indicate what they do (such as move the character forward or make them stop). As kids become familiar with how to structure the code, they can create multi-scene stories.

Why it’s great: ScratchJr isn’t lesson-based (though you can consult a variety of curricula and tutorials for the app) but rather designed to give kids a sandbox in which to experiment, learn, and create through trial and error (the app offers sample animations as well). Pat Yongpradit of Code.org , which recommends ScratchJr among other coding apps and games, noted one particular benefit: “It’s very free-form; you’re not basically being directed down a particular path.” Younger kids will need an adult or older child to guide them as they get familiar with ScratchJr .

An app for hands-on coding: Osmo Coding Awbie

Osmo Coding (iOS)

Tangible coding.

The Osmo system uses physical game pieces in conjunction with the device’s screen, making scripting and coding tangible and accessible for pre-readers.

Ages: 5 to 12

How it works: Osmo Coding Awbie requires a base system—a stand and a mirror that attach to the device’s camera and that are compatible with other Osmo games —for the iPad , iPhone , and Amazon Fire . The system allows players to use physical pieces to interact with the screen-based game. Kids use bricks marked with commands, arrows, numbers, and loops to create scripts that direct a silly character through mazes and challenges, picking up prizes such as strawberries.

Why it’s great: Teacher Jennifer Auten, who uses Osmo Coding Awbie and other Osmo games in her classroom, said the fact that it combined an app with physical pieces made kids more patient and thoughtful as they worked through the challenges: “When something is purely on the screen, kids will sometimes end up just tapping as fast as they can, randomly guessing. With the manipulatives, it slows their thinking down.” Auten also noted that the physical pieces made it easier to play the game with multiple people, fostering discussion, collaboration, and group problem-solving. She also likes that Osmo Coding Awbie is open-ended: “Kids can explore and create their own paths.”

In this category we chose these three apps—focused on anatomy, the natural world, and space—because they offer kids unique, open-ended ways to explore science topics. Each app encourages kids to meander, linger, and dive deeper at their own pace.

An app to see what’s inside: The Human Body

The Human Body (iOS and Android)

Seeing what’s inside.

The Human Body offers a visually and aurally interesting way to wander through the body’s organs, systems, and functions.

How it works: In The Human Body ( iOS and Android ), kids explore anatomy by jumping around to different organs and systems—for example, watching a mouth chew food and swallow drink, sliding into a stomach breaking down food, and following flashing nerve signals as they race up to the brain.

Why it’s great: The Human Body focuses less on teaching kids specific anatomical lessons and more on sparking wonder and fascination toward the body and what it can do. The app’s engaging visuals are neither cartoonish nor graphic, and the thoughtful sound effects are as compelling and instructive as the animations: Gurgles, wooshes, creaks, and spurts give kids a visceral sense of what’s happening inside them. You can toggle on or off the text labels that identify the systems and organs, but no reading is required to get deep into the app, making it equally accessible to pre-readers.

An app for discovering nature: Toca Nature

Toca Nature (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Natural-world building.

Toca Nature is an open-ended building app—similar to Minecraft—where kids can explore and shape the terrain, collect resources, and observe wildlife.

Ages: 4 and up

How it works: In Toca Nature ( iOS , Android , Amazon ), kids start with a simple plot of land where they can raise or lower mountains, create lakes, clear or plant forests, and make deserts. They can zoom in to different areas of their terrain to collect and distribute resources (like mushrooms, fish, or berries). As they change and shape the environment, different kinds of animals, plants, and fish will appear, multiply, migrate, or disappear.

Why it’s great: Similar to popular narrative-less building games like Minecraft , Toca Nature harnesses the enjoyment kids get from open-ended creating, wandering, and exploring games, with a unique focus on the natural world. Common Sense Media senior editor Christine Elgersma said that an app like Toca Nature doesn’t have explicit learning goals—it’s not trying to teach kids the names of animals or types of terrain, for example—but rather is “an exploratory app with experiences that a kid really couldn’t have off screen.” By creating and manipulating the environment, and then observing how the plant and wildlife change as a result, kids can see how animals, resources, and the environment interact.

An app for exploring space: Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System

Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Cats in space.

Explore the solar system with a jet-propelled cat.

Ages: 8 to 12, or 6 and up with an adult

How it works: Kids explore the app much as they would read a book, delving into facts, illustrations, and animations about planets, moons, stars, and space exploration. At various points, quizzes and other challenges let you earn sardine treats for Professor Astro Cat.

Why it’s great: Jana Grcevich , an astronomer, science educator, and author , told us she enjoyed the Professor Astro Cat app ( iOS , Android , and Amazon ), along with the popular book series it’s based on, with her then 6-year-old niece. The app requires reading, but the entertaining storyline and fascinating facts make it fun for adults along with younger children.

Social and emotional learning , which includes self-awareness, empathy, communication skills, and building relationships, among other capacities, has increasingly been recognized as a critical component of children’s education. These three apps let young kids explore different aspects of self-expression, emotions, and social play.

An app for self-expression: Me: A Kid’s Diary

Me: A Kid's Diary (iOS)

A digital diary.

This app lets kids explore self-expression through drawing, writing, photos, and audio and video.

Ages: 7 and up

How it works: Kids create a digital diary of their lives by answering questions about themselves; making avatars for family members, friends, and other loved ones; and designing their own media. Kids navigate all these entries on their Me Map, a sort of multimedia landscape of their lives.

Why it’s great: Me: A Kid’s Diary helps kids creatively document their feelings, experiences, and loved ones through different media and modes of expression. In some ways, the app offers an experience akin to social media—uploading photos, making videos, writing reflections, and mapping personal connections—but in an entirely closed environment (there’s no actual communication or sharing within the app). This can create a space for kids to start to explore (and for parents to discuss) digital self-expression and sharing.

An app for emotions: Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings

Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Exploring emotions.

The beloved PBS character helps young kids identify, act out, and explore their feelings through games, songs and creative activities.

Ages: 2 to 5

How it works: Kids explore the familiar world of the PBS Kids series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood ( iOS , Android , Amazon ) through simple games, songs, and art activities that focus on identifying and exploring feelings and emotions. It offers different ways for kids to practice, talk about, and experience emotions, such as by drawing a picture, taking a photo of themselves feeling angry or happy, or practicing a calming exercise with Daniel Tiger.

Why it’s great: The app is simple and accessible for very young kids, with frequent verbal cues and reminders to help them through the easily navigable interface. “Even without the Daniel tie-in, it could actually still be a pretty successful app for teaching a lot of social, emotional, and self-care skills,” said Harry Sawyers, Wirecutter senior editor and father of three. “But having the familiar characters and songs really helps jump-start their interest if, for example, they ‘have to go potty—stop, and go right awaaaaay!’”

An app for social play: Toca Tea Party

Toca Tea Party (iOS)

Tea for two (or more).

Toca Tea Party presents the elements of a tea party—drinks, desserts, and dishes—for unstructured imaginative play.

Ages: 2 and up

How it works: Toca Tea Party couldn’t be simpler: You set a tea table with plates, cups, drinks, and treats for three guests, and the rest is up to your imagination. There’s no objective beyond pouring drinks, munching treats, and wiping up spills, and the app has a built-in end point: Once you’ve finished the snacks and beverages, the table clears itself and the dishes drop into a sink, ending the party.

Why it’s great: Toca Tea Party isn’t so much a game as a scene for unstructured imaginative and social play for young children. Kids can play alone (perhaps by inviting dolls or stuffed animals as guests) or with one or two others—a unique feature for a tablet game to pull off well. My two daughters, now 4 and 5, haven’t tired of Toca Tea Party after two years, and their play centers on chatting, pretending, and sharing.

An app for reading: Epic! ebook subscription

Epic! e-book subscription

Endless ebooks.

This app allows young readers to choose from up to 35,000 different books for a low monthly cost.

How it works: For $8 a month, kids gain access to some 35,000 children’s books in an intuitively designed app. Epic’s library is updated regularly with new titles, including classics and the site’s original content. Many of the picture books have a “Read to me” function, where a narrator reads the text aloud and the pages turn automatically. The app also suggests books by age and based on what a child has previously read, allowing kids to easily discover new titles at their reading level. Epic! works on iOS, Android and Microsoft tablets and smartphones.

Why it’s great: While some subscription kids’ e-book apps tend to be populated with the kinds of uninteresting titles you’d find in a bookstore bargain bin, Epic! offers an impressive library of children’s books, including many of the beloved classics and award-winning authors you’d find in a well-curated children’s library. (The Wizard of Oz, with the original 1900 illustrations, was one memorable find that gave us many nights of rapt bedtime reading.) The app is simple enough to use that both of my daughters can independently browse books by the cover art and find what interests them—even though they are both pre-readers. Fairy tales abound, but I’ve also found them paging through books about geology, Ramadan, and coding.

Since we began researching learning apps in 2016, we’ve spoken with a range of experts, including a classroom teacher, a child developmental psychologist, a pediatrician, an astronomer, education researchers, app developers, and others.

These have included Kathy Hirsh-Pasek , a professor of psychology at Temple University who has written about and conducted research studies on educational apps for young children; Jennifer Auten , an award-winning teacher in Cupertino, California, who has been using tablet and smartphone apps in her first- and second-grade curricula since the iPad was released in 2010; Christine Elgersma , senior editor, parent education, for Common Sense Media, an organization focused on children’s media; and Pat Yongpradit , chief academic officer at Code.org, a nonprofit that advocates for computer science education. Last, we’ve spoken with parents on our staff for recommendations of apps they and their kids love in categories such as science, music, and coding.

We read articles and reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and child developmental psychologists and educational researchers to learn about kids’ media use and about principles for designing learning apps. Finally, we read through reviews and ratings from well-regarded children’s media sites such as Common Sense Media .

Similar to what we found when researching learning toys , we discovered that developers and app stores often label apps as “educational” with little research or evidence, and few experts, to support those claims. In 2016, the AAP released a broad report on children’s use of digital media, calling for more-rigorous evaluation of apps that claim to be educational: “Unfortunately, very few of the commercially available apps found in the educational section of app stores have evidence-based design input with demonstrated learning effectiveness.” Similarly, in a 2015 article , Hirsh-Pasek writes that educational apps “present a significant opportunity for out-of-school, informal learning when designed in educationally appropriate ways” but notes later on that “[o]nly a handful of apps are designed with an eye toward how children actually learn.”

Experts are still studying what makes learning apps successful pedagogical tools, as well as fun and interesting activities for kids. But after speaking with experts, reading research, and trying out apps ourselves, we identified a few features that seem to be common among great learning apps.

• Offer unique experiences: Several of the experts we spoke to noted that a good educational app should offer children something they couldn’t simply do, learn, or explore in a classroom or the real world. If the app is “basically a worksheet on screen, [or] an experience that could be replicated off screen, then that’s not a good use of the screen,” Elgersma said. “You want it to be an experience that kids could really only have in that screen world.”
• Be open-ended, with limits: Most of the apps in this guide are open-ended in the sense that they encourage kids to independently explore, create, and navigate within the app. But researchers say it’s important to have built-in limits, as well. The AAP has pointed out that digital games have traditionally been designed with rewards and reinforcement designed to keep kids playing as long as possible. The organization recommends that learning apps instead have “automatic ‘stops’ as the default design to encourage children and caregivers to pause the game use and turn to the 3-dimensional world.”
• Be engaging but not distracting: Apps have great potential to engage children through interactive features, but some research has shown that too many bells and whistles can distract children or reduce their comprehension. A good learning app uses interactive, animated, and responsive features to engage kids or enhance their comprehension, not simply to entertain. Hirsh-Pasek has written that parents should evaluate an app’s interactive features and ask: “Do the enhancements actually add value and increase engagement, or do they cause distraction?”
• Encourage interaction: The AAP and other organizations say that learning apps that encourage real-life interaction among multiple people—adult and child, or child and peers—can be especially strong at facilitating learning. The apps in this guide are fun and interesting for kids and adults, and many foster conversation and play outside of the app itself.

As with our guide to learning toys , we focused primarily on apps aimed at kids 3 to 9 years old, though older kids can enjoy many of our recommendations, as well. We chose this age range because, as Hirsh-Pasek has written , “there are so many apps targeted toward [children in this range] that parents and educators do not know how to navigate the marketplace of possibilities.”

All the apps we recommend in this guide adhere to the FTC’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act . Among other things, COPPA requires that websites and apps directed at children under age 13 obtain permission from parents before collecting or sharing personal information from children, or targeting them with behavioral advertising. None of the apps in this guide require children to enter personal information in order to use the app’s functions, and none offer social media sharing or connectivity.

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, et al., Putting Education in “Educational” Apps: Lessons From the Science of Learning , Psychological Science in the Public Interest , April 20, 2015

Yolanda (Linda) Reid Chassiakos, et al., Children and Adolescents and Digital Media , Pediatrics , October 1, 2016

Jana Grcevich, PhD, astronomer, science educator, author , phone interview , December 1, 2016

Jennifer Auten, first- and second-grade teacher, Cupertino, California , phone interview , November 8, 2016

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, professor of psychology, Temple University , phone interview , January 8, 2019

Christine Elgersma, senior editor, parent education, Common Sense Media , phone interview , March 12, 2019

Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer, Code.org , phone interview , April 18, 2019

Meet your guide

Courtney Schley

Courtney Schley, a senior editor covering sleep and appliances, has been at Wirecutter since 2014. She has held several roles at Wirecutter, including research editor, as well as supervising editor of baby and kid coverage.

Further reading

How to Set Up a Remote Learning Space for Your Kids

by Melanie Pinola

With many schools closed this fall, it’s time to set up a remote schoolwork area for kids that’ll make learning a little easier.

Kids Exercise Videos to Help Keep Your Family Moving (and Sane)

by Ingrid Skjong

Free online exercise videos can help everyone from toddlers to teenagers stay active and calm during a coronavirus self-quarantine. These are our favorites.

These Four Video Games Are Fun for the Whole Family

by Haley Perry

If you’re looking for a video game for your next family game night, these are the games we recommend for all ages and skill levels.

8 Time-Tested Sidewalk Games We Love

by Dan Koeppel

Old-school games from the sidewalks of New York are still surprisingly fun—and require not much more than chalk.

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The 41 Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds to Make Busy Minds and Imaginations Run Wild

Build skills and learn new things with these toys for 2-year-olds

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang

Two-year-olds are rapidly developing important milestones. By age 2 , children are likely trying to use buttons and knobs on toys, playing imaginatively, and running or kicking a ball. The best toys for 2-year-olds are the ones that take advantage of all these advances they’ve made and help them build upon their skills in a fun way. When deciding what to buy, consider whether the toy is entertaining, if it plays into their interests, and if it will help them practice developmental milestones.

We spoke with 875 parents to learn more about what toys and brands their families and children love most and why. We wanted to know how children play with the toys and what brings them back to buying from specific brands consistently. We also spoke with a pediatrician and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on toy buying safety and 2-year-old developmental milestones. When evaluating products, we carefully considered toy safety, age recommendations, design, material, and value . Lastly, a pediatrician from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy, advice about common behaviors at this stage, and rotating toys to keep a 2-year-old entertained.

• How We Selected and Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Family

Lego duplo my first number train.

All aboard! The LEGO Duplo My First Number Train teaches toddlers how to count, color recognition, and more . Each LEGO brick features a number from 0 to 9 and connects to the push-along train toy. Parents we surveyed recommend this toy because their children love to play with it, and they appreciate how it encourages imagination and creativity. In addition to the LEGO bricks, littles can play with the DUPLO figures , who double as great passengers or train conductors. 

Little Tikes First Slide

The Little Tikes Learning Slide ranks high on our list because there’s so much joy in slides , and this little one is the perfect introduction for a 2-year-old. It’s 3 feet long, just over 2 feet tall, and it can be played with inside or outside. Plus, when it’s not in use, it folds up for easy storage . This slide is made for kids between 18 months and 6 years old.

VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Spiral Construction Tower

The VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Spiral Construction Tower is full of twists, turns, and, of course, speed . One of our writers received a free sample of this playset from the brand, and her 3-year-old son loves pretending he’s working at a real construction site . While assembly isn’t intuitive, and instructions are unclear, the impressive result is worth it for the kiddos. 

Children ages 1.5 years and up can scoop with the backhoe, swing the crane, tip the bin, and more to strengthen their fine motor skills and encourage imaginative play . An included dump truck zooms down the spiral tower and over ramps throughout the construction site. An important note: This playset is large, so keep that in mind when considering the amount of space and storage you’re working with. 

Fat Brain Toys Rody Horse

Fat Brain Toys

Just one look at this toy and you can see why it would appeal to a toddler. Designed for kids between 18 months and 3 years old, this durable vinyl pony can withstand a ton of bouncing, moving, and riding. Just fill the little horse up with some air and let your kid hop on its back, grab it by the ears, and jump to their heart’s content.

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano

With this little magic piano, kids get three different sheets of music that help them learn how to play some of their favorite songs through color coordination. Between perfecting their favorite melodies, toddlers can also jam out to tunes that they make up. Ideal for kids between 6 months and 3 years old, this piano also features volume control to avoid hurting little ears (and grown-up ones).

Playskool Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head is a classic toy that has passed the test of time. Toddlers love playing with all the different parts and pieces—eyes, ears, and accessories—to create fun characters with unique faces and expressions . When playing together, the toy provides a great chance to practice identifying different body parts. Don't worry about losing all the pieces: The toy comes with a convenient suitcase for stashing everything. (Just make sure to keep an eye on your little one to make sure they’re safe with the small pieces.)

Melissa & Doug Monster Plush Bowling Game

What’s even better than bowling? Monster bowling! For kids between 2 and 6 years old, this set comes complete with six plush bowling pins and a plush ball that kids can either roll or throw to try to knock over the little monsters. Each piece is made from high-quality materials, so the toy is sure to last.

Orange Tree Toys New York Vehicles

Many toddlers love watching cars and trucks go by, so they’re sure to enjoy vrooming around with these sustainable wooden vehicles . The set includes a fire engine, police car, and a taxi cab (perfect for city kids!) in bright primary colors for fun, imaginative play. 

Pretex My First Find and Match Easter Matching Eggs

These fun little eggs are fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills, color matching , and shape identification . Kids get a toy carton filled with 12 eggs that pull apart to show different colors and shapes within. Designed for ages 18 months old and up, the eggs are durable and probably can be handed down to other children, too.

Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower

Kids as young as 18 months old will love this little push lawn mower that blows bubbles with every step they take. In addition to the mower itself, you get three bottles of bubble solution , three bubble wands, and three AA batteries (which are required for the mower to run), so you won't have to worry about replacing any of the necessary components for a while.

Also, the mower folds up nicely when it’s not in use for easy storage.

Little Tikes Go and Grow Dino Ride On Toy

Many kids at this age love dinosaurs, and this tricycle features a particularly cute, toddler-friendly dino. They can ride this toy indoors and outdoors , and it includes a wide front wheelbase and oversized rear wheel , making it easier to balance. Note that the maximum weight limit for this trike is 50 pounds. 

Melissa & Doug Classic Jumbo Wooden Stacking Train

Melissa and Doug

Kids between 2 and 4 years old will enjoy this train that comes with 15 wood blocks in various shapes and colors . The train consists of three cars, each with a peg to stack blocks. When they’re ready to get moving, they can grab the attached cord and pull the train along with them as they go about their day. 

Yookidoo Bath Toy Submarine Spray Station

Add a splash to bathtime with this spray station, which draws water through a submarine toy to a shower head, which little hands can use to spray water through a variety of spinners and funnels. The toy helps with learning about cause and effect , and it’s a great way to keep a little one occupied during bathtime. Since it’s designed for ages 2 and up, your kiddo can enjoy it for years to come.

Educational Insights Plush Mixaroo Stuffed Animal

If you’re looking for a toy that involves imaginative play , then this is the one. It comes with 11 pieces that kids can mix and match together to create their own unique stuffed animals ; pieces include dragon wings, an elephant trunk, lion manes, fox ears, and more. This toy is made for kids as young as 2 years old and was designed by teachers to help foster kids' motor skills and cognitive development . 

Lily & River Little Climber

Pottery Barn

Two-year-olds can burn off some of their energy with this climber, designed for kids between 6 months and 4 years old. Additional accessories can be purchased separately, including the rock wall/slide , which is good for kids as young as 18 months, and the ladder/slide , which babies can use starting at 8 months.

Each piece is made from strong, sturdy bamboo or birch wood , so the toy won’t fall apart easily. Plus, when your kiddo isn’t playing with the tower, it folds for easy storage. Kids also get a copy of the board book “The Little Climber” with their tower.

Manhattan Toy Playground Adventure

There’s no way a toddler will get bored with this toy because it features four separate sections , each packed full of different ways to play. It includes gliders on tracks, an abacus, spinners, bead runs, and animals, among other little games, to help strengthen motor skills and expose kids to different colors, shapes, animals, textures, and more.

Step2 Sweet Baker’s Kitchen

Every toddler needs a play kitchen, right? This one is made for kids as young as 2 years old and features shelving, a play sink, little storage drawers, a pretend oven, and 30 different accessories . Plus, the frying pan and boiling pot both make realistic sounds , and the set even comes with a mini high chair for kids’ baby dolls or stuffies.

If you want to forego the bright pink and purple, Step2 offers dozens of play kitchens in various styles.

CoComelon Musical Bedtime JJ Doll

If your kid can’t get enough CoComelon, this little bedtime JJ doll is a great toy. It’s made for kids as young as 18 months old and can say seven different phrases with just a little squeeze of the tummy. Kids will recognize JJ’s footie pajamas and teddy bear from the show, and the toy makes a great, snuggly bedtime companion.

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

Manhattan Toy

Little ones as young as 1 year old can start exploring music with this little llama toy. It features several ways for kids to make music , including four spinners, a maraca tail, a xylophone , two gears, a washboard, clackers, and two mallets, which can be stored away in the llama’s head when they’re not being used. 

LeapFrog My Own Leaptop

Kids between 2 and 4 years old can stop trying to steal their caregivers’ computers and play with this little Leaptop instead. It’s available in either pink or green and features four different learning modes for kids to learn about different letters. When it’s in music mode, the toy can play 16 different songs, and in other modes, kids can learn different animal sounds and even practice spelling their names.

Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Cooking & Eating Set

pottery-barn

Little ones 2 years old and up who enjoy playing pretend will love this wooden eating set . It comes with 12 pieces , including salt and pepper shakers, plates, forks, knives, a pot, a pan, and more. All of the pieces are made from a combination of beech wood, fasal wood, schima wood, and engineered wood.

YGJT Baby Balance Bike

Balanced by four wheels, this little ride-on can help get your toddler more comfortable with riding a bicycle on their own. Use the bike indoors—or out—to help children develop confidence, learn balance , and familiarize themselves with the feeling of going both backward and forward. It comes in a variety of fun animals and styles , so you’ll find the perfect shade for your kiddo.

Playskool Sit ‘n Spin Classic Spinning Activity

Kids as young as 18 months old can enjoy this classic spinning toy, which is great for practicing balance and coordination , strengthening motor skills, and just getting out some of their endless energy. Even though there isn’t much to the Playskool Sit 'N Spin , there’s no doubt that your kid will have a lot of fun with it.

Cyiecw Piano Music Mat

It doesn’t get much better than dancing on a keyboard, does it? This mat consists of 19 different keys , each playing its own unique note. In addition to piano sounds, this mat can also play the sounds of other instruments , including the saxophone, violin, accordion, trumpet, harp, vibraphone, and guitar.

Made from durable materials, the mat has five different play modes and is safe for kids as young as 2 years old.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Toddlers 18 months and up will love learning valuable skills with Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog. The adorable critter has 12 removable quills to help toddlers practice their fine motor skills while maneuvering them in and out of the holes. Young ones can also practice counting and sorting with the toy’s different colored pieces. When playtime is over, place all the quills back in Spike for easy cleanup. Plus, the spikes are rubber, so you don't have to worry about hard pieces or sharp edges.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Animal Magnets in a Box

A simple yet engaging toy with plenty of educational benefits, your child will love arranging their very own set of 20 wild and pet animals , whether it's on the floor or a magnetic surface like the refrigerator. For the most valuable learning experience, play together, naming each animal and repeating the sounds they make. When you’re done, tuck everything into the sturdy wooden storage case .

Battat Bristle Blocks

This STEM-based building set offers hours of fun and imaginative play. With 112 interlocking pieces in assorted sizes and vibrant colors, the blocks are ripe for creating everything, from towers and cities to boats and cars. Unlike traditional blocks, these won’t topple and cause frustration—they securely stay together until your child decides to start anew.

Wee Gallery Bamboo Nesting Snail Toy

How cute is this little bamboo snail? Perfect for kids as young as 1 year old, the nesting toy, which is also available in other fun friends, comes apart into four separate pieces that can be stacked together or played with in totally different ways. With this toy, you also get a cute little cotton bag for storing and transporting the snail when it’s not being played with.

VTech Mix and Match-a-Saurus

This silly little dinosaur is like a pet, but better, since you won’t need to walk or feed it. It talks, moves, walks, and dance s based on the tiles you put into its back. The 27 possible tile combinations include a range of emotions, music choices, and characters to help your child identify and understand their feelings and how they affect their behavior.

Lovevery Play Kits

Academics, researchers, and healthcare practitioners carefully customize these Lovevery play kits according to your child’s specific age bracket, ensuring each toy is right on target in terms of development and interest. Subscription boxes for 2-year-olds include items like puzzles, matching games, and mini science experiments , and you’ll receive a new one every three months to guarantee your child is getting them right when they're at the appropriate developmental stage .

Hape Pound & Tape Bench

This high-quality wooden toy introduces your little one to the wonders of creating music. The multifunctional instrument can be played in several ways: use it as a xylophone or a keyboard or shake the balls together like maracas. No matter which way you play, there are benefits abound, including helping them practice dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and cause and effect .

WowWee Baby Shark Official - Singing Bath Time Bubble Maker

"Baby Shark" fans will have hours of fun playing with this puppet . Simply slip your hand into the back of the doll to move the puppet’s mouth up and down and play the beloved tune. The song plays at varying speeds , depending on how fast or slow you move your hand, providing fun for the whole family. You can collect all three song puppets, including Baby Shark, Daddy Shark, and Mommy Shark.

Battat Wooden Activity Cube

This expertly crafted, solid wood toy has five sides of fun to keep your toddler engaged longer. Depending on their mood, they can drive the tractor around, zig-zag the beads up and down, or move spinners to their heart’s content. You’ll love the Battat Wooden Activity Cube's rounded edges , which add an element of safety for children who aren’t fully steady on their feet.

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset

Promote hours of fun in the sun with this interactive water table . It’s a great choice for children with siblings, as there’s plenty of room for all, and it's suitable for a wide range of ages from 1 and up. The 13-piece kit includes maze-like spinners, ramps, and buckets for tons of beneficial STEM play.

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe 3 Scooter

Take neighborhood walks to new heights (and burn more energy!) by giving your child their very own scooter. Though your little one will still need to wear a helmet , this one is more toddler-friendly thanks to low-profile wheels, a wide standing board, and a sturdy, adjustable handlebar . It’s a way to help your child gain confidence on wheels and practice their balance and coordination skills.

Top Bright Race Track Set

This simple, high-quality wooden toy helps teach cause and effect while also promoting dexterity and hand-eye coordination as children watch their car zoom down the ramps to the finish line. Each of the four cars is numbered and painted a different color, so you and your child can practice counting and identifying colors , too.

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Help your child grow their ever-expanding vocabulary with this fun, interactive book. Three cute characters—Turtle, Tiger, and Monkey—come to life to introduce more than 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts. As a bonus, all words, songs, and instructions can be heard in both English and Spanish for a fully bilingual experience.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Food Truck

What child doesn’t love to play pretend , especially when there’s food involved? Your little one can drive and prep make-believe food from the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin' Up Fun Food Truck, where they can sell dishes like pizza, burgers, tacos, cookies, and smoothies. Complete with over 20 removable toy pieces , it plays more than 125 songs, sounds, and phrases to help promote speech development.

The New York Doll Collection Soft Baby Doll

Let kids explore their nurturing side with this soft, lifelike baby doll . It’s an especially great choice for any toddler welcoming a sibling, as it’s a great introduction to caring for and playing with a baby. The 11-inch doll is just the right size for little arms, and it's soft enough to cuddle with during storytime. 

Tender Leaf Toys Touch Sensory Tray

Made for kids 18 months old and up, this little tray comes with four colorful wood pieces that are designed for sensory exploration. Kids can put the animal-shaped pieces on the tray like a puzzle , stack the blocks, learn about new animals and colors, or find other fun ways to play. 

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

A timeless pick in the toy world, these little cars haven’t lost any of their appeal. Toddlers will feel empowered behind the wheel of this imaginative toy , thanks to a slew of fun features, like working doors, a steering wheel with a horn , a clicking ignition switch, a gas cap that opens and shuts, plus durable tires that spin 360 degrees. Ride-on toys are a great pick to use indoors and outdoors to burn off energy with your toddler.

How We Selected and Tested Toys for 2-Year-Olds

• Expert Input: We spoke with Whitney Casares, MD, MPH , pediatrician, author of “Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning, and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be” (releasing January 23, 2024), and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, to find out what to look for in toys for 2-year-olds. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on how to buy safe toys and developmental milestones for 2-year-olds.
• Parent Survey: We surveyed 875 parents to learn more about what toys their children play with, how they play with the toys, and why they love them. We also wanted to know which brands families consistently buy from and what brings them back year after year.
• Design and Features Research: After reviewing guidance and insights from our expert, the AAP, and parents, we studied the design and features of more than 70 toys for 2-year-olds on the market.
• Safety and Convenience Assessment: We considered toy safety, age recommendations, ease of use, developmental milestones, and value when reviewing products.

What to Look for in Toys for 2-Year-Olds

At 2 years old, little ones are beginning to (if they haven’t already) develop interests and preferences in everything from colors to characters to activities. This makes it all the more fun to shop for toys for them, because any toy that plays into their interests is sure to be a hit.

Ideally, you will be able to find a toy that falls into one of your tot’s categories of interest and helps boost their development at the same time. For example, according to Dr. Casares, if your 2-year-old enjoys playing with their hands, then stem toys and activities that allow for finger exploration are great options for development.

Developmental Milestones

By the time a child reaches 2 years old, they’re still learning and mastering new skills all the time, but it doesn’t happen quite as fast as it did throughout their first years of life. That just means these toys will last longer, though. Toys can be great for fostering a toddler's development.

• Gross Motor Skills : At around 2 years old, many kids are able to climb unassisted. The Lily & River Little Climber gives them a safe and appropriate place to work their muscles.
• Social and Emotional Skills : “Pretend play with toys that have context [help to] build social and communication skills,” says Dr. Casares. The Step2 Sweet Baker’s Kitchen lets them pretend to whip up delicious treats and share them with friends and family.
• Fine Motor Skills : The Melissa & Doug Stacking Train gives kids practice manipulating shapes with the smaller muscles of their hands. It also encourages walking (a large motor skill) by allowing kids to pull the train behind them with a string.

Entertainment

Two-year-olds have short attention spans. A lot of what a 2-year-old will find entertaining will depend on where they are developmentally, and Dr. Casares explains that one thing these tots can’t get enough of is exploring the world around them. Toddlers learn emotional regulation skills and natural consequences in a warm, loving, and safe environment where they can explore to their heart's content, Dr. Casares adds. So, any toy that allows them to lean into their natural curiosity safely will be entertaining.

Sensory play is another great feature to look for in toys for 2-year-olds, Dr. Casares says. Consider toys like the Step2 water table that provide a sensory play experience and allow them to build their fine motor and proprioception skills with the included accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to how many toys your 2-year-old should have, focus on quality over quantity. Too many toys in a limited play space can be overwhelming, so consider using a rotating system . Divide your little one’s toys into categories (for example, stacking blocks, musical toys , and kitchen equipment), select a toy from each category and create two or three rotation sets. Switching the sets around every few days (while keeping the other sets tucked out of sight) will help keep your toddler’s play space both accessible and stimulating. 

Remember, whether it is an expensive toy or a plastic container, exposing your 2-year-old to a wide range of different textures and objects will help them meet their developmental milestones. 

Parallel play is when young children play next to or near each other without actually interacting with one another. It typically begins at around 2 years old. While it might seem as though toddlers engaged in parallel play are unaware of each other, they are actually paying close attention to what the other is doing. They might play with similar objects, mimic sounds or movements, or move around the play space together. 

Through parallel play, your little one is learning all sorts of crucial social skills, making it an important step towards more advanced stages of play (like playing together).

Seeing your toddler snatch a toy from another child is unpleasant, but it is also an entirely normal developmental milestone. Between the ages of 2 and 3, your child is developing their sense of self, which means they view the world and its entire contents as theirs.

They might shout “mine!” or “me!” before grabbing a toy from another child's hands. When this happens, it is important to remember that they aren’t being naughty–they are learning. You can help show your 2-year-old how to share through positive modeling. Use phrases like, “Thomas was playing with the truck first. Let’s give it back and find another one for you.” Your child will likely object, but try to stay calm and be consistent. You can also use this opportunity to teach feeling words, like "Thomas feels sad that you took the truck."

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. Prior to joining the Verywell team, she was a freelance writer for outlets including Momtastic and The Kitchn. She loves toys that encourage solo or collaborative imaginative play, like the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin' Up Fun Food Truck and the Step2 Sweet Baker’s Kitchen .

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:

• The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids
• The Best Newborn Baby Gifts
• The Best Unique Baby Gifts
• The Best Baby Gifts
• The Best Gifts for Baby Girls
• The Best Baby Boy Gifts
• The Best Infant Toys
• The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds
• The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
• The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds
• The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds
• The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls
• The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls
• The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds
• The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls
• The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds
• The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls
• The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds
• The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds
• The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls
• The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys
• The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys
• The Best Gifts for Teens
• The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys
• The Black-Owned Gift Guide

American Academy of Pediatrics,  Developmental milestones: 2-year-olds .

American Academy of Pediatrics. How to buy safe toys .

Scott HK.  Peer play . In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

36 Best Gifts and Toys for 2-Year-Olds in 2024

From educational puzzles to kitchen tools, these expert-approved ideas will help toddlers develop skills while having fun.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

"This is a huge jump in their thinking skills!" says Rebecca Parlakian , M.A., E.D., a parenting expert from Zero to Three , an organization that focuses on kid development during the early years. "As they are discovering that they, themselves, are individuals with their own thoughts and feelings, they are also learning that others have their own thoughts and feelings too. Pretend play gives children a chance to take on these different perspectives. Usually the first pretend play parents see is 'playing house,' since it’s what children know best, but really children act out any familiar scenario — like when my daughter picked up a toy phone and said, 'Shhh, I have a conference call.'"

Parlakian also says roleplaying items can encourage pretend play, including toy kitchen items, dolls and strollers or vehicles with chunky figures that can fit inside. In addition, she suggests looking for toys that encourage problem-solving like wooden blocks, building toys and puzzles. Toys and games that support open-ended play and can be used multiple ways are good, too.

With all this and in mind, when it comes time to find the best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds in 2024 , the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute see hundreds of toys each year, and call in the best ones to test them for safety, functionality and fun factor. They look for toys that build on these developmental skills, toys that are well constructed and playthings toddlers will return to again and again. Some of our recommendations are even current or previous Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners!

Hape Melody Mansion Ball Run

Toddlers will delight in balancing the ball on the "mansion's" chiminey and then using the hammer to bop it into the ball run. Then, they can watch it zoom around the house as it travels down the ramp (which is good for eye-tracking), until the final surprise: When the ball rolls over the xylophone, it strikes the notes! Kids can also play the xylophone with the hammer directly.

Bilibo by MOLUK

What's a Bilibo? What isn't it? It can be a seat that they wobble around. Flip it over, and it's a tunnel or a shell. They can wear it on their heads like a helmet or use it as a landscape for their figures. The open-endedness means that kids can really be creative when they play with it. It also comes in several colors or in a set of six mini versions . Ages 2+

Little Tikes TotSports Easy Hit Golf Set

They'll have to practice their focus and aim — or just get their sillies out hitting the ball in wild arcs — with this toddler-sized golf set. It comes with its own goal-like putting hole, three balls and two clubs, plus a rolling cart that'll also help them roleplay the part of master golfer. It's part of Little Tikes's sports line, which also includes tot-sized basketball , T-ball and soccer sets. Ages 1+

Bouncy Pals Fox

If they ever wanted to ride their stuffies around the room like a trusty steed, now they can. This comes with a plush cover that you can take off for washing, and as kids hop around they learn about balance and coordination. It comes in a lot of animal forms, too. Ages 18 months+

'Where's Bear?' Game

Take the idea of stacking and nesting boxes to the next level with this early board game for kids . To play, parents and kids take turns hiding the bear under the different boxes, and guessing where it is. It promotes turn-taking and patience, and Good Housekeeping Institute testers reported that their kids wanted to play it again and again. Ages 2+

LeapFrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart

This full-service cart was a Good Housekeeping Toy Award winner in 2018, and we still think it's awesome. The scooper picks up the ice cream, and also recognizes colors and flavors. It comes with six different order cards and instructions, so your 2-year-old child can learn how to follow directions and boost their memory and sequencing skills . They can also practice counting with play money, or by using the syrup pump. Plus, the cart can actually be pushed around, so kids can play and move at the same time. It also comes in pink . Ages 2+

Wood City Wooden Car Race Track Ramp

They'll get a lesson in cause-and-effect when they see these cars zip down the slanted ramps. It feels like a cool stunt each time the cars reverse direction. It comes with seven cars in different colors of the rainbow. Ages 18 months+

John Deere Build-a-Buddy Johnny Tractor Toy

John Deere fans with instantly recognize the green and yellow color scheme on this tractor, which toddlers can use alongside their favorite vehicles. But this one has a twist: It comes with a battery-operated toy drill that kids can use to take the tractor apart and put it together again, turning it into an early STEM toy. Ages 18 months+

Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle

This puzzle will definitely give their brains a workout: Because it's not square or rectangular in shape, it gives more of a challenge than a regular jigsaw puzzle. But practicing the alphabet will give them a hint, since the animals connect in alphabetical order. When they're separated, the wooden pieces are chunky enough to use for imaginative play. Ages 2+

Radio Flyer Scoot About Sport Ride-On Toy

Your toddlers can ride anywhere on this sporty ride-on. It features wide-set front wheels that help with stability, while the handlebars help them steer. There's even a storage compartment under the seat. It holds up to 42 pounds, so they can ride around starting at age 1 and until they're about 3 years old. Ages 1+

Skoolzy Pegboard Set

If you're interested in trying out Montessori-inspired toys for 2-year-olds this is a good place to get started. There are 33 pegs in different colors, sized for toddlers' hands. The rest is open-ended: Kids can sort them by color, stack on the board as tall as they can, create patterns or find their own ways to play. Ages 2+

Pop2Play Indoor Slide

Make an at-home playground on a budget with this indoor foldable slide. This one-time Parenting Award winner is available in a rainbow or sunny print is made with strong cardboard that holds up to 50 lbs. The best part—it won’t take up much space when not in use. Simply fold the slide flat when your child is done playing, and it is thin enough to fit into super tight spaces. Break it out on rainy days, and put it away when the sun comes out. Ages 2+

Adora Soft Baby Doll

Kids can practice nurturing and empathy during their imaginative play with this toddler-friendly baby doll. And, if they love too much, it can also go in the washing machine. It comes in several different outfits and skin tones, too. Ages 1+

LeapFrog Yum-2-3 Toaster

Complete with utensils, a plate and food, this interactive toaster lets kids pretend to cook just like their favorite adults do. It can help your 2-year-old get familiar with numbers, colors and opposites, too. Ages 2+

LEGO DUPLO Mickey & Minnie Birthday Train

This Good Housekeeping Institute Seal-holding LEGO train set is just the right size for toddlers: only 22 pieces, with lots of fun accessories like gifts, a cupcake with a candle, balloons and a train to carry them all. There are even some numbered bricks so kids can practice counting and stacking. Ages 2+

Playmobil My Take Along Noah's Ark

As expected, you get two of every animal (including giraffes and zebras) in this Noah's Ark play set. When playtime is over, they all fit neatly into the inside of the boat, and the ark can actually float on water ! Ages 18 months+

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

This cutie walked away with a Good Housekeeping Institute Toy Award a few years ago because the 12 pegs were easy for little hands to grasp. Parents will love how every piece stores neatly away inside the hedgehog's body, making for easy storage (and on-the-go transportation). And if they become Spike fans, they can get even more toys, including a fidget toy , a rainbow stacker and more. Ages 18 months+

Crayola Washable Palm-Grasp Crayons

These egg-shaped crayons are easier to grip, but they'll still help them draw whatever creations they can dream up. And one of these crayons is equal to 14 regular-sized ones, so they'll last a long time, too. Ages 1+

'Look, it's Woof Woof Dog' Board Book

Kids will be delighted to flip through the pages, looking at the collage-like illustrations of different animals, like the "Glub Glub Fish" or the "Quack Quack Duck." In addition, sturdy felt flaps to lift offer more surprises. But Good Housekeeping Testers' favorite feature was the mirror on the last page hat asks, "But what do YOU say?" Ages 0 – 3

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

Melissa & Doug Disney Disney Wooden Peg Puzzles Set

Kids will learn about matching, shapes, letters and numberswith these educational puzzles from Melissa & Doug. They're easy to grasp for little hands , so they help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, they'll be able to recognize some of their favorite Disney friends among the pieces. Ages 2+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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Top 5 Best Board Games for 4-Year-Olds in 2024: Where Fun Meets Learning

A re you on the hunt for the perfect board game for your 4-year-old, but feel overwhelmed by the sea of options? You're not alone. Selecting a game that's both engaging and educational can seem like finding a needle in a haystack. The right board game can transform playtime into an enriching experience, fostering essential cognitive and social skills. However, not all games are created equal . That's where we step in. Let's navigate this vibrant world of board games together, ensuring your next pick is nothing short of perfect.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Board games enhance cognitive and social skills in 4-year-olds.
• Look for games that balance fun with educational value.
• Consider durability and ease of understanding when choosing a game.
• Popular brands offer a variety of options tailored for young children.
• Evaluate games based on child development expert recommendations and real-world testing.

JH5 My First Treasure Hunt!: A Perfect Family Game Night Adventure

In the world of board games for the young adventurers, "JH5 My First Treasure Hunt!" emerges as a shining jewel. This product by Jumping High Five isn't just any board game; it's a gateway to fostering creativity, strategic thinking, and teamwork among children aged 4 and up. Crafted with vibrant colors and engaging illustrations, this game is designed to captivate and educate, making it an ideal pick for family game nights.

The game's premise is simple yet thrilling: players work together to uncover hidden treasures on an island before a looming storm washes them away. This cooperative approach ensures that every player is engaged and contributes to the game's outcome, making victory a shared achievement. The game is applauded for its balance of fun and educational value, as it subtly enhances skills like basic counting, turn-taking, and strategic planning.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo: Sparking Joy and Learning in Preschoolers

"ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Award Winning Preschool Game" has quickly become a household name, enchanting families worldwide with its engaging blend of fun and educational gameplay. As a top choice among both teachers and parents, Zingo stands out for its ability to develop critical language and matching skills in preschoolers through fast-paced play. This Amazon exclusive version allows up to 7 players to join in, thanks to an additional Zingo card, making it even more accessible for family game nights and classroom fun.

Equipped with a unique Zinger device that adds an element of surprise and delight, Zingo ensures everyone, from young to old, is engaged and entertained. Its ease of understanding, underscored by a high-quality instruction manual, means play can commence immediately out of the box—no lengthy setup required. Moreover, Zingo's recognition in the form of multiple awards, including an Oppenheim Gold and a Parents' Choice Award, speaks volumes of its value as a gift for children aged 4 and up.

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures: A Colorful Journey for Preschoolers

"Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game" remains a cherished introduction into the magical world of board games for children. This classic game, adored across generations, invites little ones to embark on a sweet adventure towards the castle, racing through a realm filled with delicious surprises, without the need for reading skills. Suited for players aged 3 and up, it stands as an exemplary first board game that teaches color recognition, simple strategy, and turn-taking in an enchanting setting.

The game's allure is enhanced by its vibrant board and whimsical illustrations, capturing the imagination of its young audience. Hasbro Gaming has updated Candy Land with brighter, more engaging graphics while retaining the game's straightforward gameplay. It's a game where every card drawn propels the cute gingerbread man pawn closer to the castle, making it an exciting race to the finish.

Hasbro Gaming Don't Break The Ice: A Frosty Adventure for Preschoolers

"Hasbro Gaming Don't Break The Ice Preschool Game" brings a refreshing chill to family game nights, offering a perfect blend of suspense and laughter. This game sets the stage for an arctic adventure, where players take turns chipping away at a block of ice, hoping not to let Phillip the Penguin fall through. Aimed at children ages 3 and up, it's a wonderful way to introduce young minds to the world of board games without the need for reading.

The excitement of Don't Break The Ice lies in its simplicity and the immediate fun it offers. It's not just a game; it's a race against the melt, with each tap bringing either relief or a hilarious splashdown for Phillip. Families can gather to share in the thrill, making it an ideal choice for bringing everyone together, from the youngest members to the oldest.

Swing into Action with Hasbro Gaming Chutes and Ladders: Marvel Spider-Man Edition

Dive into the thrilling world of superheroes with "Hasbro Gaming Chutes and Ladders: Marvel Spider-Man Edition Board Game," a captivating adventure that combines the timeless fun of the classic Chutes and Ladders with the exciting universe of Marvel. This edition invites players to ascend with heroes and slide down with villains in a race to the finish line, featuring a vibrant game board adorned with your favorite characters.

This preschool-friendly game, suitable for kids as young as 3 years old, offers an engaging way to practice numeracy without the need for reading. The inclusion of eight Spider-Man character movers, such as Venom, Iron Spider, and Green Goblin, adds a personalized touch to the gameplay, allowing children to embark on the adventure as their favorite superhero or villain.

What Are Board Games for 4-Year-Olds?

Board games for this age group are designed to engage young players in activities that develop their cognitive abilities, motor skills, and social interactions. These games often include simple rules , appealing characters, and tactile elements that cater to their developmental stage.

Exploring Varieties

From cooperative board games that encourage teamwork to competitive ones that spark a healthy desire to win, the variety is endless. Subcategories include educational games focusing on numbers and letters, strategy games to enhance problem-solving skills, and games that improve memory and concentration.

Spotlight on Brands and Their Offerings

• Hasbro : Known for classics like "Candy Land," which teaches color recognition and simple counting.
• Melissa & Doug : Offers "Suspend," a balancing game that enhances fine motor skills.
• Peaceable Kingdom : Specializes in cooperative games like "Hoot Owl Hoot!" that encourage teamwork.
• ThinkFun : Introduces basic logic with games like "Zingo."
• Ravensburger : Their "My First Orchard" game is excellent for developing color recognition and dexterity.
• Educational Insights : "The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game" improves hand-eye coordination.
• LeapFrog : Offers technology-driven learning games.
• HABA : Known for high-quality, wooden games that last.

7 Must-Know Buying Criteria

• Educational Value : Look for games that promote learning through play.
• Age Appropriateness : Ensure the game matches your child's cognitive and motor skill level.
• Durability : Kids can be tough on toys; durability is key.
• Ease of Play : Simple rules and quick setup times are preferable.
• Replay Value : Games that grow with your child or offer varied gameplay are ideal.
• Social Interaction : Encourage games that foster interaction either through cooperative play or family involvement.
• Safety : Non-toxic materials and choke-free pieces are essential.

Statistic & Fact

According to Grand View Research, the board games market was valued at USD 13.1 billion in 2020, with a forecasted growth rate of 9.3% from 2021 to 2028. This growth underscores the enduring appeal and importance of board games in child development.

Expert Insight

"Board games for young children are more than just playthings. They're tools that stimulate brain development while fostering important social skills like taking turns." - Dr. Carla Marie Manly, Clinical Psychologist.

Potential Weaknesses and Solutions

• Complexity : Avoid games that are too complex. Look for simplicity in rules and objectives.
• Fragile Components : Seek out games made with durable materials.
• Limited Age Range : Choose games with flexible rules or expansions to grow with your child.

Evaluating Board Games: 5 Tests

• The Durability Test : Inspect the game components for sturdiness.
• The Engagement Test : Observe if the game holds your child's attention.
• The Learning Curve Test : Ensure the game introduces new concepts at a comfortable pace.
• The Social Interaction Test : Watch how the game affects interactions with peers and adults.
• The Fun Factor Test : Ultimately, the game should deliver joy and excitement to your child.

Buyer Avatars

• The Educational Enthusiast : Focuses on games that offer a clear learning benefit.
• The Social Butterfly : Looks for games that encourage interaction and teamwork.
• The Durability Seeker : Prioritizes high-quality, long-lasting game components.

Choosing the best board game for your 4-year-old is about striking a balance between fun and educational value. With the right game, you can turn playtime into a golden opportunity for growth and learning.

What skills can my child learn from board games?

Board games can enhance cognitive skills, motor skills, social skills, and emotional development.

How often should we play board games?

As often as you can! Regular play enhances the benefits.

Are digital board games as beneficial as physical ones?

While digital games offer convenience, physical games are better for developing fine motor skills and real-world social interactions.

Can board games help with preschool readiness?

Absolutely. They can introduce basic math, reading, and social skills necessary for preschool.

What if my child gets frustrated with a game?

Choose games with adjustable difficulty levels and encourage a growth mindset, emphasizing effort and learning over winning.

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Brewers' Wade Miley needs Tommy John surgery as 37-year-old lefty aiming for 2025 comeback

Miley is scheduled to hit free agency after the world series concludes.

The injury-depleted Brewers ' pitching staff has suffered another bad blow. Veteran lefty Wade Miley needs to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair his torn UCL, Miley told reporters Friday ( via brewers.com ). This means his 2024 season is over and he'll miss a decent portion of 2025, too. 

Miley, 37, told the reporters that he's planning on returning rather than retiring so he can go out on his " own terms ." He's only signed through this season, so he'll hit free agency after the World Series concludes. 

In only two starts so far this season, Miley was 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA, but last season, he was 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 120 1/3 innings, posting a 2.6 WAR for the eventual NL Central champions. 

In defending their division title, the Brewers' rotation has faced significant adversity. Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes was traded in the spring while All-Star righty Brandon Woodruff is out for the season due to having undergone shoulder surgery last fall. Young lefty DL Hall is currently on the IL with a knee injury, too. Past the rotation, keep in mind All-Star closer Devin Williams and former MVP Christian Yelich are also on the injured list. 

Still, the Brewers have shown incredible fight here in the early going. They are 16-8 and sit in first place in the NL Central, though the Cubs are a half-game back with the Reds 2 1/2 back and the Pirates and Cardinals both within striking distance in what has been a very competitive division so far. 

Behind ace Freddy Peralta , righties Colin Rea , Joe Ross , Tobias Myers and Bryse Wilson currently fill out the rotation. 

The Brewers host the Yankees in a three-game series starting Friday night. 

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