100 Activity Ideas for Busy Kids & Toddlers

I have two kids that I must keep busy, especially my 3yr old son; so I thought I'd keep a running list of activities & craft ideas for the kids that I can refer to when needed!


I have found a bunch of inspriation from multiple sources on the internet, and I will provide the original links (in red) whenever possible.

See below for a free printable version of this list, or click here to download now!

Check out my Pinterest Boards for lots more ideas!!

1. letter crafts 
2. paper plate animals
3. paper plate aquarium (like this one)
4. leaf turkey
5. handprint turkey
6. leaf people/flower fairies
7. leaf printing
8. paper snowflakes
9. handprint/footprint artwork (check here, here & here for inspiration)
10. corner bookmarks
11. toilet paper tube train
12. toilet paper tube owls
13. toilet paper tube butterflies
14. duster name painting
15. tissue paper butterflies wall canvas
16. pirate for a day - check out these cool pirate flags
17. fall button branch
18. button butterfly canvas
19. kleenex box monsters
20. kleenex box monster feet
21. homemade slime
22. paper flowers canvas art
23. imagination/pretend play - store, kitchen, dress-up, puppets/finger plays, mail
24. build a fairy house
25. make your own neighborhood playmat (like this one on Etsy)
26. balloon ping-pong
27. rock bugs
28. story stones
29. DIY shape matching game
30. color tray
31. color matching - try out a nature color hunt!
32. sensory bins (items can include: magnefying glass, pinecones, leaves, dried corn on cob, rocks, small buckets, "bugs", fish nets, seeds, rice, chains, large beads/laces) No Time For Flashcards has terrific ideas!
33. sound surprises game (for early readers) - The Classroom Kit has great reading & phonics games here
34. lock & keys (co-ordination/fine motor skills)
35. make glimmer paint
36. colored ice castles (using paper cups or buckets)
37. drawing (house, people, shapes...)
38. playdoh
39. puzzles
40. magnet fun
41. listen to music/sing
42. play with musical instruments
43. walking & exploring around the neighborhood
44. play game
45. build a fort - click here for some awesome inspriation or here for instructions to build your own fort kit!
46. printable worksheets (Homeschool Creations has some great ones)
47. cardboard box play (make a boat, plane, rocket ship...) - check here & here for inspiration
48. water table (items can include: water creatures, colored water, bubbles, small rocks, coral, shells, cups, funnels, water wheel, sponges...
49. building with lego (use these lego construction cards for inspiration or make your own)
50. make paper airplanes
51. building with large foam blocks
52. treasure ice block
53. scavenger hunt (can use pictures for younger kids)
54. hammering golf tees into styrofoam
55. beachcombing (collect items to put in jar at home)
56. make seasonal crafts
57. paper bag puppets
58. rent a movie
59. go to the theatre
60. ice skating
61. swimming
62. gymnastics/gym time
63. bowling
64. visit the SPCA
65. make glittery playdoh
66. bake
67. have a picnic (inside or out!)
68. have a tea party
69. visit friends/family
70. plant a veggie garden/flowers
71. lemonade stand
72. library
73. camp in livingroom/backyard
74. wash the car or outside toys
75. sidewalk chalk/paint
76. make sidewalk chalk roads for toy cars
77. make face masks
78. catch bugs
79. paint with vegetables & fruit (brocolli, celery, apples...)
80. make pinwheels
81. make a play garden for kids (don't forget the bug habitat!)
82. create friendship bracelet kit
83. DIY birdfeeders
84. make jumbo paperclip bookmarks
85. PVC water sprinkler fun
86. make a pen pal kit/write to penpal
87. DIY jet pack
88. make windsocks
89. make paper flowers
90. read
91. make mustache straws (like these ones here)
92. make kid-size cleaning caddy & clean! (my kids love cleaning windows with a spraybottle filled with vinegar and water!)
93. create mini activity kits for travelling
94. bubble painting
95. build something with items in your recycle bin (robot...)
96. sandbox fun, build a sandcastle or build a construction site
97. conduct a science experiement
98. go out for icecream/treat
99. check out local activities (i.e. Butterfly World)
100. inside bowling

100 Activity Ideas for Kids & Toddlers (click here for free download)

Check out the Activity for Kids page for an updated list!

What are some activities you like to do with your kids?  I'd love to hear!