4 Types of Toddler Activities You Should Try

Hi mama,

Watching our little ones grow and learn is truly amazing. They’re so eager to explore, move, and try new things! This week, I want to focus on types of activities that support their development in fun, engaging ways. Having these four categories as a reference helps me plan my activities for the week more easily.

Here are four types of activities you can try with your toddler:

1. Eye-Hand Coordination: Simple activities like grasping or threading beads help refine your toddler’s grasp and coordination while letting them explore using both hands.

2. Music and Movement: Let’s dance! Whether tapping to a beat or moving to music, rhythm-based activities encourage gross motor development and rhythm awareness.

3. Practical Life: Toddlers love to help out, and simple chores are great for building their sense of independence and confidence. Even little steps, like helping set the table or washing veggies, make them feel capable and valued.

4. Arts and Crafts: These are wonderful for self-expression, fine motor development, and introducing new textures and colors. There’s no right or wrong here—just pure exploration!

Next week I’ll share more specific examples for each category, but for this week I couldn’t resist sharing more Halloween activities. Keep scrolling to check them out!

In joyful motherhood,

Liz

EAT: I think I stumbled onto something. Last week for Italian Sunday, I made a ricotta and butternut squash sauce, and with the leftovers, I whipped up healthy quesadillas, healthy “mac and cheese”, and healthy “grilled cheese”... and Emi loved them! The recipe is super simple: 2 cups of butternut squash and 1 cups of ricotta, with a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.

READ: Ok, I bought Sword Catcher because George R. R. Martin said it was “everything he looked for in fantasy” on the cover (don’t judge me 😂). But I have to say… it was pretty good. A mix of political intrigue, mystery, and a touch of magic. If you’re into fantasy that’s not too fantastical (if that makes sense) and don’t mind a slower read, the Sword Catcher is a great choice for your next read.

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• Halloween Memory Game: Use Halloween-themed cards for a memory game featuring pumpkins, ghosts, bats, and more. This fun matching activity builds memory and concentration! Click here to download my free printable.

• Halloween Coloring Book: Set up a spooky coloring station with Halloween-themed coloring pages. A great way for toddlers to explore self-expression and practice fine motor skills. Click here to get my free Halloween coloring pages.

• Small to Big Sorting Activity: Gather Halloween items of different sizes (like mini and large pumpkins, spiders, or ghosts) and let your little one practice sorting from smallest to biggest, enhancing spatial awareness. You can also use my free printable for this activity.

• Spooky Obstacle Course: Set up a Halloween movement course with sections to crawl under “spiderwebs,” pumpkin jumping spots, and ghostly hula hoop spinning stations to promote active play.

• Spooky Threading: Create a lacing activity using Halloween-colored beads, pasta, or spiderwebs for a fine motor challenge.

• Pumpkin Puzzle Play: Try a Halloween-themed puzzle with shapes like pumpkins, bats, or witches. It’s a fun way to boost problem-solving and spatial awareness. Check out my free two-piece puzzles and my six-piece set.

• Pumpkin Posting: Encourage object permanence by having them drop small Halloween toys (mini pumpkins, ghosts) through a hole in a box and watching them reappear.

p.s. All my free printables are available here.

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