child developmenteducational playparenting tipstoddler activities

Fun Games to Play with Your Toddler at Home

By Rachel Rice

January 25, 2026 3 min read

Parent and toddler child playing outdoors on the grass with Australian bottle brush and gum trees in the background.

Playing with your toddler isn't just fun—it's essential for their development. Here are some engaging games that will keep your little one entertained whilst building important skills.

1. Treasure Hunt

Hide familiar toys or objects around the house and give your toddler simple clues to find them. This game develops problem-solving skills and gets them moving. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make it more challenging as they get the hang of it.

2. Colour Sorting

Gather colourful toys, blocks, or household items and help your toddler sort them by colour. This classic activity teaches colour recognition, categorisation, and fine motor skills. You can use muffin tins or bowls as sorting containers to make it more engaging.

3. Musical Statues

Play some music and dance together, then pause the music and freeze in place. This game is brilliant for teaching self-control, listening skills, and getting energy out on indoor days. Toddlers love the silliness of freezing in funny positions!

4. Building Challenges

Use blocks, cushions, or cardboard boxes to build towers, houses, or bridges together. Building games develop spatial awareness, creativity, and hand-eye coordination. Let your toddler take the lead and watch their imagination soar.

5. Simon Says

This timeless childhood game teaches children listening skills and following instructions. Keep commands simple and age-appropriate: "Simon says touch your nose" or "Simon says jump up and down." It's a great way to practise body parts and actions. Don't worry about the "trick" element where they're supposed to be out if they move without "Simon says”, just let them enjoy following along and copying the actions.

Here are some some "Simon says" suggestions that are perfect for toddlers:

Body Parts:

Simon says touch your nose
Simon says point to your tummy
Simon says wiggle your fingers
Simon says pat your head
Simon says touch your toes

Actions:

Simon says jump up and down
Simon says clap your hands
Simon says stomp your feet
Simon says spin around
Simon says sit down

Animal Movements:

Simon says hop like a kangaroo
Simon says waddle like a penguin
Simon says flap your arms like a bird
Simon says slither like a snake
Simon says roar like a lion

Silly Ones:

Simon says make a funny face
Simon says give yourself a hug
Simon says wave hello
Simon says blow a kiss
Simon says dance like a robot

Quiet Time:

Simon says whisper "hello"
Simon says tiptoe on the spot
Simon says close your eyes
Simon says take a deep breath

6. Sensory Play

Set up a sensory bin with rice, pasta, or water and add scoops, cups, and small toys. Sensory play is calming and helps develop fine motor skills. (Always under adult supervision, of course).