Screen-Free Activities That Actually Entertain Toddlers
Let’s be real — sometimes the easiest way to get some space and time is to hand your child the tablet or phone. But if you’re looking for options that don’t involve a screen, why not try these toddler-tested activities.
No complicated prep, no fancy toys,
and minimal mess (well…mostly minimal).
Sink Play (aka “Water Lab”)
Pull up a stool to the bathroom or kitchen sink, fill it with a little water, and hand over cups, ladles, measuring spoons, or bath toys. Toddlers love pouring, scooping, and splashing. Bonus: Add a drop of dish soap and it becomes a bubble wonderland.
Pro tip: Lay a towel on the floor first!
Sticker Collages
Give them a sheet of stickers and a blank piece of paper. That’s it. For some reason, peeling and sticking is a never-ending thrill.
Nature Sorting
Head outside and let your child collect sticks, rocks, leaves, or flowers. Then come inside and sort them by size, color, or type. Bonus: it counts as both science *and* quiet time.
Bubble Wrap Stomp
If you’ve got leftover bubble wrap from a package, tape it to the floor and let your toddler stomp away. They’ll love the noise and the feeling under their feet.
Pom-Pom Push
Take an old cardboard box and cut holes big enough for pom-poms to JUST push through. Toddlers love the challenge — and you can turn it into a color-matching game too.
Snack Necklaces
Give your toddler some dry cereal with holes (like Cheerios or pretzel rings) and a piece of yarn. Let them make their own snack necklace. Great for hand-eye coordination — and snack time buys you even more time.
Shadow Play
Turn off the lights, grab a flashlight, and make hand shadows on the wall. Or put toys in front of the flashlight and talk about the shapes. Super simple, and they’ll be mesmerized.
The truth is, toddlers don’t need fancy toys or screen time to stay entertained. What they need is novelty, variety, and a bit of freedom to explore. Even 15 minutes of one of these activities can feel like magic — for them and for you.
