Activities for 2 year olds to keep them entertained and engaged

As a new dad, you might need to recall back to the times you were a child to identify activities for 2 year olds that you you enjoyed during your childhood. As you know from experience and some easy online research, there are countless activities to keep a two-year-old entertained. However, the best toddler-approved activities are those that are fun, stimulating, and educational. Some of the best toddler-approved activities for 2 year olds include playing with blocks, drawing, reading stories, going for walks, and exploring the backyard. These activities help to develop the toddler’s motor skills, cognitive skills, and social skills. 

Below I’ve broken down some general activities and grouped them by Outdoor or Indoor activities. At the bottom of this post, you will also find a resource spreadsheet that includes what I feel are extremely engaging and fun activities for 2-year-olds. I combed through the web for these toddler activities that range from activities you can perform during a road trip to activities to help bond with your child.

Children with siblings

If you have more than one child, activities for 2 year olds that work for one child may not necessarily work for another. It’s important to recognize the differences between children and offer them opportunities to explore their interests and develop their passions. One child may be very social and love to play with other children. Another child may be quieter and prefer to play alongside a friend, but not necessarily with a group. Whether your children have different genders, are within the same age group, or are of different ages, there may be opportunities for them to interact positively.

Outdoor activities

There are plenty of outdoor activities for 2 year olds that are both fun and toddler-approved. A few favorites include playing in a sprinkler, going for a walk or hike, visiting a park, and playing in the sand or water. Outdoor activities provide the perfect opportunity for children to get some exercise, explore their surroundings, and socialize with other children. Plus, they’re usually free or inexpensive, which is always a bonus. The outdoors is also the best environment for sufficient gross motor skills, activities such as hopscotch and playing catch, to name a few basic 2 year old activities that are fun. My child enjoyed chalk obstacle courses that force you to simply walk on the chalk. I think it is called walk chalk. 

Going for a walk in the neighborhood.

Whether it’s a short walk or a longer adventure, taking a walk with your child is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. You can talk to your child about all the houses and trees as you go or tell a story.

Playing in the park

The many trees, benches, and playground structures provide plenty of opportunities for your child to explore and play. Whether they like to run around, climb on structures, or dive into the playground sand, there is certainly something for every child to enjoy.

Beach activities

Sitting on the beach, playing in the sand, and going for a swim in the water are all great activities for your kindergartner. They can use their creativity to build a fort out of sand or a ship out of water-polished shells.

Active games

If you would rather stay indoors, there are many active games that you can play that don’t need much, if anything, for a set-up. Some examples include: hide-and-seek, tag, and keep away. This can be a great way to get your child’s energy out before they explode.

Makes toys and objects into characters

Using her own imagination, your child can make an object into a character by giving it a name and defining characteristics. For example, your child can call his or her action figure toy “Joe” I recall pretend play as a child was a way to improve my creativity through imagination. My own child names the majority of her stuffed animals and treats them as friends. There are times she sets a group of her toy friends aside and teaches them topics learned at school as a form of imaginary play.

Indoor activities

There are many great indoor activities to keep toddlers entertained. One option is painting with washable paint. Toddlers will enjoy painting on a big sheet of paper or canvas. Another option is playing with modeling clay. Toddlers can create all sorts of shapes and objects with clay. Another option is playing with Play-Doh. Toddlers can make all sorts of designs and objects with Play-Doh. Another option is playing with small cars and trucks. Toddlers can drive them around a track or cityscape made out of blocks. These activities all help with the development and improvement of fine motor skills. Lastly, toddlers can always enjoy reading books.

Reading together

There are many children’s books available for young children. Sitting with your child and reading together is a great way to teach your child new words and stories. This can also set a foundation for your child to grow a love of reading.

Tell a story

Instead of focusing on the details, such as the sequence of events, your child should pay more attention to the overall story. Using your imagination, you can embellish the story to make it bigger, better, and more exciting. This will keep your child’s attention and set the stage for early storytelling skills.

Playing peek-a-boo

This is a great game for when you are stuck inside on a rainy day. Your little one will love hiding behind objects and being surprised when you pop back up.

Building towers with blocks

Blocks are a classic children’s toy for a reason – they are fun and versatile! Helping your child build towers, houses, and other structures is a great way to keep them entertained. Building towers is another fun way to help develop their fine motor skills with their little hands.

Drawing with crayons and coloring books

This is another activity that can be done indoors on a rainy day. Let your child use their imagination to color the pages of their favorite book.

Watching children’s movies

There are plenty of great movies made specifically for children. Sitting side-by-side with your child, you can share in the enjoyment of the movie’s characters and adventures.

Alphabet or Number Worksheets

Creating your own custom worksheets or purchasing already made alphabet or number worksheets in Etsy could keep your 2 year old engaged in the learning process. Also, as we step closer to the metaverse revolution, we have created augmented reality – enriched printable learning worksheets. These worksheets almost come to life, which brings another level of enjoyment to the learning experience. Check out our toddler activities printable at https://www.printableswithAR.com

Find activities your child loves

The best thing you can do is find the best activities your child loves. If they’re excited to go, they’re benefiting in many ways. Enjoy your time as a family and keep these tips in mind: avoid scheduling toddler activities on too many days of the week; try to find activities that are age appropriate; make sure the location is safe and has adequate supervision; and always ask how long the activity is scheduled for so you know how long you’ll be there. With a little planning, any of these activities can be incorporated into your schedule and enjoyed by everyone.

LIST OF CUSTOM FUN ACTIVITIES FOR 2 YEAR OLDS

Below you will find some fun things and creative activities extensively sourced from the web of 2 year old activities that are much more fun and engaging than I would do myself with my child. You will find that there are some really great ideas that parents and maybe new dads like you and me have developed specifically for their little kids and older kids. You will also find many easy craft ideas that can be done in minutes for children with short attention spans. Sensory play ideas are also plenty in this resource of activities for 2 year old toddlers.

Congratulations! You have made it to the end of the list of 2 year old toddler activities. Now you know exactly what to do with your toddler to keep them entertained, engaged and happy.

Keep in mind that active toddlers may need more than one activity to stay happy and mellow. And remember to have fun with whatever you do! Time with toddlers is short and precious – so savor every moment! Good luck and have fun!

What is your favorite activity to do with your 2 year old? Let us know on social media. #visualDadKidActivities