Activities for 1 Year Olds

These activities for 1 year olds include sensory play, arts and crafts, fine motor and gross motor practice and more. Hands-on learning for toddlers.

Activities for 1 year olds can be tricky. After all, this age group puts everything in their mouths, is very busy, and loves to explore. There are so many activities for preschoolers and older children that just aren’t safe for 1 year olds.

To keep play safe for 1 year olds, choose items that are large or edible, and avoid small loose parts that can be placed in the mouth. From sensory play, arts and crafts, fine motor and gross motor games and more, there are many options for learning through play with this age group!

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Activities for 1 Year Olds

1 year olds are exploring their environment constantly. They love to touch and taste as they check out their surroundings. While toddlers are very busy, this is also the perfect time to help them develop language and vocabulary, build motor skills, and increase neural connections.

Below is a list of various activities, as well as collections of activities for 1 year olds. This is a great resource for learning through play at home with your child, or as a teacher in a classroom.

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Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds

Art and Craft Activities for 1 Year Olds

Motor Skill Activities for 1 Year Olds

Helpful supplies for Activities for 1 Year Olds

Why are Hands-On Activities so Beneficial to Kids?

Activities for 1 year olds are best when hands-on, experiential learning is encouraged! When children touch, smell, hear, and engage all the senses, they can remember information much better.

Tell me and I forget,
teach me and I remember,
involve me and I learn.
-Benjamin Franklin

What can I expect developmentally from my kids

At this age, 1 year olds are:

building communication skills
learning to stand and walk
beginning to stack objects on top of one another
picking up objects with the pincer grasp
feel pride upon accomplishments
understanding object permanence
following commands and imitating those around them
and so much more!

All of these skills can be practiced simply through play and hands-on activities. How cool – and fun – is that!

Related Resources for 1 Year Olds

In addition to the individual activities above, here are compilations of activities for 1 year olds that have been featured on this site as well.

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