Toddler activities

17 month old Henry approves these activities. They are simple, yet entertaining. Most of the items you probably have in your house. 

What you will need:

Empty water bottles

Empty plastic container (cottage cheese, sour cream)

Pom Pom balls or cotton balls

Pipe cleaners

Crayons 

Clothes pins 

Paper towel tube 

We just had pipe cleaners, crayons and Pom Pom balls. But you can use whatever you can find. Put all the items on a low table your child can reach and let them go to town. Having them stand I think makes it easier for them to play & explore the items. We just did it on our coffee table. Henry was entertained for a good 20-30 min. If I played with him, it seemed to keep his attention longer. But if you had things you needed to get done, these items are safe enough for your child to play with alone {assuming they are past the stage of putting everything in their mouth}. 

*the pictures may show some of our "lovely" home remodel items. Welcome to our real life. Also Henry was dressed in his finest "cozy" clothes today. We don't get all fancied up just for blog pictures  :) 

Let your child push the Pom Pom balls into the water bottle. This is great for fine motor and problem solving. 

You can even cut holes in a plastic container instead of a water bottle. Or do both! 

They can try to drop just about anything into the holes. 

Henry preferred the plastic container. He would sign "more" and say "Mom" when he needed me to open the container to get the Pom poms out. 

We even had a paper towel tube that he put the pipe cleaners in. The possibilities are endless. Just remember to have fun, and let your child be the one in charge! Follow their lead. 

I would say Henry had an enjoyable afternoon today!