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.
Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds
Art and Craft Activities for 1 Year Olds
Motor Skill 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.
- 60+ Awesome Activities for 1 Year Olds! {Tested and Loved}
- Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds (Over 65 Ideas!)
- Activities for 1 Year Olds You Can Do Every Day + Printable
- 10+ Art Activities for 1 Year Olds
- 45 Best Spring Activities for 1 Year Olds, Because Toddlers Can Play Too!
- 30+ Summer Activities for 1 Year Olds and Toddlers
- 15+ Fall Activities for 1 Year Olds and 2 Year Olds
- Winter Activities for 1 Year Olds: Crafts, Sensory & Fine Motor
- Perfect Valentine, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter Activities for 1 Year Olds
- 30+ Christmas Activities for 1 and 2 Year Olds
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