5 Easy (& Inexpensive) Ways to Entertain Your Toddler or Preschooler

You're a Parent, and Life. Is. Busy.

Between work, house projects, & trying to maintain a social life, finding new ways to entertain and nurture your little ones can be overwhelming (and sometimes pricey).

But fear not! Keeping your little one engaged doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are five easy and inexpensive ways to entertain your toddler, each filled with lots of fun and plenty of learning opportunities.

1. DIY Craft Projects

Craft time is a fantastic way to bond with your toddler while nurturing their creativity and fine motor skills. You don’t need fancy supplies; everyday household items work perfectly!

Scroll to the bottom or click here to check out even more crafty ideas from us.

IDEA: Paper Plate Animals

Grab some paper plates, non-toxic paint, googly eyes, and a bit of glue. Help your child paint the plates to look like their favorite animals. Add ears, eyes, and tails with construction paper or other craft materials you have at home. It’s a fun and messy activity that lets your toddler’s imagination run wild! Here's a link to some free paper plate animal craft templates if you need a boost to get started!

2. Sensory Play

Sensory play is not only fun but also essential for your toddler’s development. It helps them explore and understand the world around them through their senses.

IDEA: Homemade Play Dough

Making playdough at home is easy and cost-effective. All you need is flour, salt, water, and a bit of food coloring. Your toddler can help with the mixing (a great sensory experience) and then spend hours creating shapes and figures. Plus, you can store it for future play sessions! Here's a recipe we like!

3. Outdoor Adventures

Exploring the great outdoors is a wonderful way to entertain your toddler and get some fresh air. Best of all, nature’s playground is free!

IDEA: Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a simple list of items for your toddler to find in your backyard or local park, like a feather, a smooth rock, or a yellow flower. This activity encourages exploration and curiosity while providing plenty of physical exercise. Here's a link to a printable nature scavenger hunt!

4. Imaginative Play

Encourage your toddler to use their imagination with role-playing activities. This type of play helps develop social skills and creativity.

IDEA: DIY Puppet Theater

You can easily create a puppet theater using a cardboard box and some old socks or felt. Cut a window in the box, decorate it with paint or markers, and use the socks to create characters. Then, sit back and enjoy the show as your kiddo brings their stories to life! Here's an idea on how to make a puppet theater.

5. Educational Screen Time

We live in a very digital world, and screens are everywhere! While we all want to keep an eye on our kids' screen time, a bit of educational content can be incredibly beneficial! High-quality programs can support learning and development. "Everything in moderation", as my mom always says.

IDEA: Tiny Tube Kids

Tiny Tube Kids is a fantastic YouTube channel offering educational videos specifically designed for young children. From fun songs to engaging learning activities, it’s a great way to entertain and educate your toddler. Check out Tiny Tube Kids and let your little one enjoy some screen time while learning valuable skills. You can sing and play along with them, or take a few sips of your coffee while it's still hot! You got this parenting thing down.

We hope you found this post helpful! By incorporating these and other inexpensive activities into your routine, you can keep your toddler entertained, engaged, and learning—all without spending a fortune. Happy parenting from the Tiny Tube Tribe!

Want Some More Free Fun?

Download these Free Printables, Coloring Pages & Activities from Tiny Tube!

Check out the fun Paper Straw Rocket craft that we featured in our latest YouTube Video about Outer Space!