These activities for 2 year olds include science, sensory and arts & crafts toddler projects that focus on learning through play.
2 year olds reach so many developmental milestones! From gross and fine motor skills such as running and jumping, to scribbling and building; and communication milestones like stringing words together and following directions.
Additionally, they learn to sort by shape and color and can play pretend. There are so many learning activities for 2 year olds that range from the very simple to the more elaborate toddler activities that focus on developing these skills.
What can I expect developmentally from my kids?
At this age (2-3), toddlers are:
- developing language skills
- recognizing and understanding emotions
- developing motor skills like running and jumping
- tuning fine motor skills like pincer grasp, cutting, and holding a pencil
- beginning to engage in pretend and imaginative play
- sorting and classifying colors and shapes
- and so much more!
Top Activities for 2 Year Olds
Sensory Play
Two year olds are incredibly curious. One of the ways toddlers learn, is by placing items in their mouths. This is actually good exploration for them, so finding safe alternatives to common sensory play activities for toddlers is critical.
These learning activities for 2 year olds that engage the senses are perfect for younger siblings that want to play too!
Edible S’mores Sensory Bin: Perfect for Toddlers!
Penguin Sensory Bin with Frozen Water Beads
Gingerbread Cloud Dough Sensory Bin
Witch’s Brew Halloween Soap Foam Sensory Bin
Apple Pie Sensory Bin with Scented Cloud Dough
Winter Farm Fake Snow Sensory Bin
Dirty Dog Washing Edible Sensory Play
Frozen Ice and Snow Winter Sensory Bag for Toddlers
One Ingredient Sensory Sand (pictured – top left)
Red, White, and Blue Sensory Play (pictured – top right)
Cranberry Bog Sensory Play (pictured – bottom left)
Colored Spaghetti Edible Sensory Play (pictured)
Edible Water Beads (pictured)
Red, White and Blue Edible Sensory Play (pictured)
Edible Indoor Sand (pictured)
Get our FREE mini pamphlet with sensory play ideas, recipes and more below!
Arts & Crafts
Crafts for 2 year olds are so much fun. Not only does it give toddlers a chance to show off their creativity, but they can also imagine and take pride in what they are producing. As goes with any age, it is especially important to focus on the process of arts and crafts with toddlers rather than the end result.
Marbled Hearts: Process Art for Kids
Q Tip Painting Pumpkin Art for Toddlers
Homemade Sidewalk Paint (pictured – top left)
Sensory Stomp Painting with Bubble Wrap (pictured – top right)
Learning Colors by Painting with Trains (pictured – bottom left)
Frozen Paint Pops (pictured)
Clay Mosaic Process Art (pictured)
Process Art Painting with Jingle Bells (pictured)
Science
An activity as simple as dropping a ball through a tube is science for toddlers! These few activities focus on colors, cause and effect, and some pretty cool introductions to chemical reactions.
Erupting Car Wash (pictured -top left)
Color Mixing in the Snow (pictured – bottom right)
Magic Frozen Paint (pictured – bottom left)
DIY Pom Pom Run (pictured – top right)
Why are Hands-On Activities so Beneficial to Kids?
Activities for toddlers 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
Have younger siblings or are you a family of blended ages? Check out our popular post with over 60 activities that one year olds can do too!
And, we have the older ones covered too! Check out these for 3 year olds!
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