If you’ve ever spent a full day with toddlers, you already know one universal truth:
They get bored FAST.
One minute they love a toy… the next minute it’s on the floor and they’re staring at you like, “What’s next?” 😅
Whether you’re a daycare provider, teacher, babysitter, or parent at home, having a few simple, low-prep activities can completely save your day.
The good news?
Kids under 3 don’t need complicated setups. They love the simplest things — textures, colors, movement, and repetition.
Here are 25 easy daycare-friendly activities that are fun, developmentally helpful, and realistic to set up.
🎨 Simple Paper & Art Activities
1. Paper Squishes (Paint Squish Art)
This one feels like magic to toddlers.
Add a few drops of paint inside folded paper, let the child press and squish, then open it to reveal wild patterns.
2. Crayon Coloring Time
Give them large crayons and paper. That’s it.
No pressure for “staying inside the lines.” At this age, scribbling is development.
3. Sticker Peeling & Sticking
Big stickers work best. Peeling stickers is incredible for fine motor skills.
Bonus: toddlers LOVE this.
4. Paper Tearing Fun
Old magazines, scrap paper, anything safe to tear.
Tearing builds hand strength and keeps them strangely entertained.
5. Paper Plate Creations
Turn plates into suns, animals, faces — keep it extremely simple.
✋ Sensory Play (Toddler Goldmine)
6. Cornstarch Dough Play
Soft, silky, fascinating texture. Kids love squeezing it.
Just cornstarch + water.
7. Dry Sensory Bin
Rice, pasta, beans + cups and spoons.
Expect pouring. Lots of pouring.
8. Water Sensory Bin
Floating toys + containers = endless joy.
Simple. Effective. Always works.
9. Texture Basket
Fill a basket with fabrics, soft items, different textures.
Toddlers explore everything with their hands.
10. Ice Play
Large ice cubes in a bowl. Let them touch, scoop, watch melt.
🧠 Fine Motor Skill Builders
11. Pom-Pom Transfer
Move pom-poms using spoons or fingers.
Surprisingly engaging.
12. Cup Stacking
Classic toddler favorite. Builds coordination and patience.
13. Posting Game
Drop straws, sticks, or safe objects into holes.
Simple but excellent for focus.
14. Large Bead Threading
Use chunky beads and thick string.
15. Sorting by Color
Sort blocks or toys into colored bowls.
🐾 Movement & High-Energy Play
16. Animal Moves & Sounds
Hop like a frog. Roar like a lion. Slither like a snake.
This activity NEVER fails.
17. Follow-the-Leader
Walk, crawl, stomp, tiptoe.
18. Dance & Freeze
Music on → dance → pause → FREEZE!
19. Ball Rolling
Roll back and forth. Great social interaction.
20. Soft Obstacle Crawl
Pillows, cushions, soft items to crawl over.
🗣️ Speech & Language-Friendly Activities
21. Picture Naming
Use books or cards. Point and name objects together.
22. Sing-Along Songs
Repetitive songs are perfect for this age.
23. Short Story Time
Keep it animated, expressive, playful.
24. Sound Imitation Game
Make sounds together — animals, cars, claps.
🧺 Calm & Independent Play
25. Busy Basket
Quiet toys, soft objects, simple items for solo exploration.
Perfect for transitions and downtime.
Why These Activities Work So Well Under 3
At this age, children are learning through:
✔ Touch
✔ Repetition
✔ Movement
✔ Exploration
✔ Sensory experiences
They don’t need complex instructions or fancy materials.
Often, the simplest activities hold their attention the longest.
Final Thought (For Caregivers & Parents)
If an activity looks “too basic,” that’s usually a good sign.
Toddlers don’t measure fun by complexity — they measure it by engagement.
And honestly?
Anything that keeps them busy, curious, and smiling is a win 🙌