1. Plan a scavenger hunt. Whether you pull a pre-organized list off the internet or create your own, enjoy watching your toddler expend some serious energy while hunting for one item after another.

Our favorite way to wear them out is simple: Number ten squares of paper and take a close-up photo of the area where it’s hidden. These should be recognizable but make them think—sticking out from under doormats with bright patterns, underneath dog bowls, or in dad’s shoe are all good spots. Then let your kid flip through one image at a time on your photo roll as they collects each of the squares of paper. Once they’re all found, they can be traded for a prize (or not).  This works especially well for kids who are non-readers because the photos are easy clues (and what toddler doesn’t know how to work an iPhone)?

2. Play hopscotch. Between drawing the board with chalk on your driveway, numbering the squares, finding the perfect rock, and then hopping through a few rounds, this is a solid bet. Add some super silly sections between numbers, like a spiral to show they have to spin in a circle or a line that measures how far they can jump. Try it in the morning when the heat hasn’t set in. They’ll play for longer and burn more energy.

3. Host a bubble dance party. What could be easier than turning on the bubble machine paired with kid-friendly tunes and letting the kids dance, dance, dance the day away. Let them shake their thing or add a freeze dance challenge if they need some extra laughs.

Related: Spotify Playlists for Babies & Toddlers Parents Will Actually Enjoy

4. Make homemade ice cream. I know. Sugar. Kids. Doesn’t seem like the best way to tire them out, right? But with nothing but two Ziploc bags, heavy whipping cream, sugar (or fruit), ice, and rock salt—and the most important ingredient here: elbow grease—you can make it happen. Just place the ice cream ingredients into a smaller bag, then place that bag inside of a larger one that’s filled with ice and a handful of rock salt. Then shake, shake, shake to create their (and your) new favorite treat.

5. Make a mess with shaving cream. Whether you’re inside (stick to the bathroom in this case) or outside, shaving cream is an easy and inexpensive way to have sensory play. Let them paint on their legs, give themselves mustaches, or even fill a baby pool with it to squish between their toes. It’s easy to wipe off and wash out in a bathtub.

6. Make bird feeders using peanut butter (or sun butter), pine cones, and bird food. Tie a string to the bottom of the pine cone and hang it from a tree that’s easy to see from inside. For older kids, keep a log of every type of bird you see and make a chart of which ones visit most.

7. Play in a mud-kitchen. Even if you don’t have an official mud kitchen, you make one on the fly. Fill a kiddie swimming pool with a few scoops of dirt, turn on the hose, and make mud. Add a couple of construction trucks and you’re on the verge of hours of messy, happy play.

8. Let them build anything they want out of cardboard boxes. To amp up the fun, give them tissue paper, glue, and other found objects to decorate.

9. Paint rocks. Turn them into ladybugs, the Earth, hearts, or load them up with abstract designs. Then send your kid(s) out into the yard to find the rocks a perfect home. Or go big by hiding them around the neighborhood. The extra walking should help tucker them out.

10. Play freeze tag. The person who is “it” tries to tag the others. Once you’ve been tagged, you have to stand (frozen in the position you were in when you were tagged) until another “untagged” person can tag you to free you.

11. Fill small, handheld water pistols with diluted non-toxic paint. Let them shoot their pistols at a canvas (or perhaps, a shower curtain) to create awesome abstract art.

12. Have a water balloon fight. Now that it doesn’t take more than a few minutes to get a serious pile of water balloons filled, adding this to your toddler outdoor activities list is easy. Fill ’em up and have fun tossing them at each other or just lobbing them into the yard. Even better? Cleaning up the pieces will tire them out just as much as throwing them did.

13. Freeze small objects (matchbox cars, doll shoes, marbles, keys, etc.) in bowls of ice. Let the bowl sit in a lukewarm bath to loosen the block of ice, then turn it out onto a cookie sheet. Encourage them to be ice archaeologists, chipping away with spoons and forks to reveal what’s frozen inside. This is especially fun to do in the afternoon when it’s too hot to run around but you still need some outdoor activities. A set of gloves will help keep hands from getting too cold.

14. Go on a bike ride. Break out that balance bike and put some miles on it between dinner and bath time. We guarantee an easy bedtime for your little cyclist.

Related: The Best Bath Toys, According to Amazon Parents

15. Wash your car or your dog or their outdoor ride-on toys. Toddlers love a good soap bucket, rag, and hose—not to mention a sense of accomplishment.

16. For the littlest artists, provide cotton balls, a bowl of water, and construction paper for lots of easy and mess-free entertainment. They’ll love dipping the cotton balls into the water, squeezing them out, and making designs. The trick here is to keep them from over-saturating the paper to the point of tearing—which is no fun for anyone.

17. Set up a tent in the backyard, build a “fire pit,” and pretend to be on a campout.

18. Create an obstacle course and time them as they complete it. Simple obstacles work best, so look for a tree to race around and back, set up some outdoor pillow cushions to jump over, draw a start and finish line with chalk for tricycle or scooter racing, and incorporate climbing and going down a slide in your back yard.

19. Have your little one stay in character when you play a quick game of animal charades. No prep necessary for this easy guessing game. Just pick your favorite animal and go for it. With each successful guess, trade places and start again. Ee-i-ee-i-o!

20. Have a superhero showdown. You might be ducking to avoid Batman’s (imaginary) gadgets and Spidey’s web all afternoon but the nonstop giggle-fest will be worth the effort.

21. Use windows as a creative space. Give your kids brushes and spray bottles, and watch them paint, clear, and paint again. Washing windows was never so much fun. Don’t forget your squeegee.

22. Catch lightning bugs. If you can. Watch them twinkle in a glass jar (remember to poke holes in the lid) filled with grass.

23. Climb, swing, and slide at a local playground. Nothing says “get that energy out” quite like a local playground. Plan to spend an hour at yours before heading home for bath, stories, and lights out.

Rainy Day Activities for Kids & Toddlers

1. Go Swimming: For most parents, the goal is to stay dry on rainy days. Why not do the opposite and go swimming in the bathtub? Throw a swimsuit on your toddler, promise that no one’s hair will be washed, and allow some splashing in the tub.

2. Air Balloon: Keep a few balloons around for a rainy day. When your toddler starts climbing the walls, help them get their energy out by blowing one up and working with them to keep the balloon in the air for as long as possible (also known as “Keepy Uppy” on Bluey). If you want to plan ahead, make things easy on yourself and try a Zuru Bunch O Balloons that are self-sealing and come with a small air pump.

3. Build a Fort: Rain or shine toddlers love forts! Grab a blanket or take the cushions off the couch and build a fort. Crawl inside to read a book or have a secret snack. A Big Blanket that is really big at 10′ by 10′ makes epic forts in seconds but any blanket or sheet can work!

4. Reuse the Recycling: Dig into the recycling bin and pull out anything usable to create a cardboard box and bubble-wrap masterpiece.

5. Handy Handprints: Those toddler hands and feet get so big so quickly! Use your rainy day at home to make some hand-and-foot prints. As a bonus, you can save these to give to grandparents the next time they visit. To add more interest, turn the handprints into dinos, birds, or trees.

6. Make Tracks: Grab a little flour or rice from the pantry and let your toddler drive their Hot Wheels through the “snow” to create some tracks.

7. Shaving Cream Shenanigans: For an inexpensive activity that will keep your little one busy for a long time, break out the shaving cream. Paint with shaving cream on a cookie sheet or on the shower wall. If you are feeling brave, add a few drops of food coloring.

8. Colander Capers: Work on fine motor skills while passing the time on a rainy day. Grab your colander and whatever you have on hand that fits through the holes. Toddlers love watching spaghetti fall through. Pipe cleaners are great for weaving in and out if your toddler is up for a challenge.

9. Lovely Lava: Homemade volcanos never cease to amaze kids. Grab a cup and throw in some baking soda, squirt in a little dish soap, add in some vinegar, and watch the magic unfold! If you have some food coloring on hand, add some red dye to make your volcano even more realistic. Cover your table with newspaper or put your volcano on a baking sheet for easy clean-up.

Related: 13 Adorable Forts for When Inside Play Is a Must

10. Pots and Pans: This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but banging on pots and pans always brings toddlers a special kind of joy. Grab some wooden spoons and start a marching band around the living room

11. Launch a Raspberry Attack: Surprise your child by sitting quietly then launching into back-to-back raspberries on their cheeks, feet, and belly. Lots of laughter will ensue!

12. Have a Dance Party: Grab some hairbrushes and queue up the tunes while you and your sidekick sing and dance your hearts out. This is a good one to try just before nap time to tire your little one out.

13. Box Building: Chances are you have a cardboard box sitting around somewhere. Whether it’s a shoebox, an Amazon box, or a refrigerator box, it can be turned into something fabulous. Cut out a couple of flaps and make it into an instant garage for your toddler’s car collection. Or, glue some cut-out triangles on top and make an instant castle.

14. Resist Drawing: Creating a resist drawing is simple but will take some elbow grease. Take any piece of paper and help your toddler cover it with scribbles using every color in the crayon box except black. Then, take the black crayon and completely cover your colorful scribbles. Finally, supervise your child while they use something like a paper clip or sharpened pencil to go over the piece of paper. Only the black crayon on top will disappear revealing the color underneath.

15. Give Their Babies a Bath: It’s possible that your toddler’s dolls and action figures have never had a bath. Fill a large Tupperware container or the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Then, help your toddler bathe their dolls or action figures. This may keep your tot busy for a surprisingly long amount of time and their toys will sparkle at the end!

16. Have a Picnic: Rainy days aren’t the obvious time to have a picnic but your children will be delighted to spread out a blanket on the living room floor for a picnic lunch.

17. Reading Marathon: Does your kiddo always ask for one more book? A rainy day trapped inside is the perfect time to say yes to all the books. Grab all of your favorite books and hunker down on the sofa for as long as it takes to get through them all.

18. Hide and Seek: Hide and Seek is a toddler classic. When it’s their turn to hide, add to the fun by making a big deal of not being able to find them. Make sure your hider is within earshot and say things like “Oh no! Grandma is going to be so sad she will never see Jane again!” or “I’m going to have to call Daddy to tell him I lost Sam so he can come home and help me look.” Chances are your toddler will start laughing so hard you will then be able to “find” them.

19. Time to Do the Laundry: Grab the laundry basket and put your toddler inside covered with clothes. Grab a big handful of clothes along with your toddler and pretend to walk to the washing machine to do the laundry. Never put your toddler in the washing machine but you can get close before you realize your mistake in almost washing your toddler with a bunch of dirty socks.

20. Toddler-on-the-Go: Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your toddler has any less energy than on a sunny day. Ask them to run down the hallway and back while you time them. Then, challenge them to go faster. This is a good activity to try just before naptime to ensure you get a nice, long rainy day break.

21. Crayon sorting: Challenge your little buddy to a color sorting race by taking each color crayon and putting them in a corresponding cup. This is a great opportunity to teach colors and matching while getting your crayon collection organized.

22. Freeze Dance: A spontaneous dance party can be even sillier if you stop the music and make the kids freeze. For even more silliness suggest that your toddler try to stand on one leg or freeze mid-hop.

23. Scavenger Hunt: Hide one of your toddler’s stuffed animals and go on a search throughout the house together. Give clues along the way. Make it a bear hunt or a quest to find a tiger that went missing from the zoo to add a little more interest.

Related: 100 Indoor Activities for Kids (because It’s Cold Outside)

24. Shadow Tracing: Set up a figure like a dinosaur on a white piece of paper and ask your kids to trace its shadow. If there is any sunlight this can easily be done by setting up near a window. If it’s a very gray and dreary rainy day you can create a shadow by placing a flashlight just behind the toy.

25. Stupendous Socks: A pair of balled-up socks can be used for a surprising number of toddler-friendly games. They are safe to use to play catch in the house. Or, use them to play basketball with a plastic cup or laundry basket hoop. Another fun way to use balled-up socks is to roll them down a hallway and try to knock down superheroes or other small toys. If you find that one pair of socks isn’t working, add another pair or two to the ball.

26. How High Can You Go?: Grab all of your blocks, Magna-Tiles, and anything else that can be stacked up. Start building a tower. Then grab a chair for your tot to stand on and keep going. Build as tall a tower as you can, trying to make it all the way up to the ceiling.

27. Write a Book: Ask your toddler to tell you a story. Write no more than one or two sentences on each page then ask your storyteller to illustrate their work. Once you are done, staple the pages together and give the book a place of pride on your bookshelf.

28. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane: Toddlers usually think they are the center of the universe (and they are probably right)! A rainy day is a perfect time to go through baby pictures and the baby book and tell all the stories about when they were born, relive their first steps, and answer any questions about their first two (or three) years. Once that is over show them other family albums, like a wedding album or family reunions from before they were born, and ask them to try to spot important people like Grandma and their cousins.

29. Create a New World: Whether your child is into dinosaurs, princesses, or superheroes, their imaginary world could probably use an upgrade. Grab some construction paper and crayons and draw a prehistoric scene, a castle, or superhero HQ. Tape it to the wall and you have an instant new storyline ready for your toddler to explore. If you have an empty box lying around go a step farther and make a diorama.

Related: 19 Long-Term Projects for Kids That Will Keep Them Busy

Regardless of the setting, keeping toddlers entertained while you wait for your meal to be served on a rare night out is no small task. So, as a mom of four, here are my tried-and-true methods for making sure a meal out with toddlers isn’t a mission impossible. (And hey, if you need to bust out the iPad sometimes you’ll find no judgment here!)

Kiddie Cocktail Hour

There’s no hangry like a toddler hangry. Take the edge off your tot with a sippy cup full of their favorite juice (or a Shirley Temple!) and a couple of Ziploc bags of their most beloved snacks while waiting for your food to arrive.

Magnets

Some parents dig crayons to keep kids occupied, but anyone who’s ever spent most of their meal feeling around under a table for the one that rolled away knows they’re sometimes not worth the trouble. Try a stack of magnets instead (or this magnetic blocks toy). They’ll keep your impatient tot busy for longer stretches, and since they stick together, they’re easier to store in one place. Plus, you won’t find them melted to the bottom of your purse this July.

I Spy

This is an oldie but a goodie, and while I Spy might not work if you’re trying to have a conversation with adults at the same time (really, who manages that anyway with toddlers?), it’s a go-to for keeping my younger ones engaged and happy before the chicken nuggies arrive.

Sensory Bags

Tread carefully here, but if you can fill a couple of Ziploc bags with sand, glitter, sequins, or leftover noodles—and add a drop or two of food coloring—you can fill it with water when you get to the restaurant. Just be sure to take extra Ziplocs to double bag your concoction, and toss your sensory bag on your way out the door.

Magic Ink Books

They don’t call these little whiz-bangs magic for nothing, and when you need to mix it up, Water Wow! books are equally amazing.

Play Dough

Along the same lines as magnets, a bag of play dough will beat crayons every time. If your toddler tires of squishing it around before mealtime and you get desperate, let them build a bowl and mix in sweetener, salt, and pepper (you know they’re playing with them anyway).

Dry-Erase Boards

For older toddlers, nothing beats tic-tac-toe on a dry-erase board, since you’ll be playing about 2,000 games of it before your meal arrives.

A 10-Year-Old

For real. Have you ever dined with a 10-year-old and a toddler? It’s solid gold. Your toddler is entertained, and the 10-year-old doesn’t mind the non-stop attention.

Live Music

If you don’t have a choice in your dining destination (a la Christmas, 2009), this isn’t going to help you. But with a little planning, you can probably find a spot with live music for maximum toddler enjoyment. Just bring hand sanitizer, because I’ve never met a toddler who can dance without serious floor-to-hand contact.

Smart Seating

There are tables; then there are tables made for families. Scout it out when you arrive and note your proximity to a window, distance from the busy kitchen, and, if possible, a patio with an adjacent lawn.

Stickers

At my house, it’s questionable if we even went out to eat if we don’t have to pick the stickers out of our hair before bedtime once we get home. And the best news is that toddlers aren’t picky. I’ve used excess return labels in a jam.

Make sure to take lots of pics of your tot with their mocktail—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Alphabet Jump

Give your jumping bean something to jump about—letters! We love that this outdoor game from The Imagination Tree combines alphabet awareness with the chance to get those wiggles out. Simply write letters in sidewalk chalk and have your little one hop from one to another as you call them out. And all you need to get started is a set of sidewalk chalk. Read all about it and check out the phonics and math variations over at The Imagination Tree.

Simon Says

Let your toddler be your boss with a few rounds of Simon Says. Toddlers love the chance to be in charge! Then, you can give the commands for a bit. It's silly, active, and engaging—that's why it's an early childhood classic. Plus, it gives little ones a chance to practice following instructions, taking turns, and building listening skills. Simon Says go play!

Float That Boat

We love the Easy Boat Activity from Toddler Approved because it's budget-friendly, and it uses supplies you've already got in the house, like plastic containers, tape, and straws. Kids love it because it offers indoor water fun and the chance to capsize a fleet of tiny ships. Sail down to Toddler Approved to find out how you can set up your own version. Don't miss Kristina's ideas about what to talk about with your little one as you play to turn this game into a toddler-friendly science experiment.

Sing a Song

Whether it's Five Little Monkeys or Ram Sam Sam, toddlers dig a good tune. Plus, rhymes and songs like these are more than just fun. They build toddlers' vocabulary and pre-literacy skills. Find new ones to add to your repertoire at Storyblocks, a site created by Colorado librarians to share rhymes and songs for toddlers and preschoolers.

Super Duper Straw Game

Toddlers go gaga over games that give them a chance to put stuff in a container and then dump it out, so this Oatmeal Container Straw Game from Merriment Designs is bound to be a hit. We love that this game made out of recycled materials packs a big dose of fun on a budget. Round up straws and an empty oats container, then head over to Merriment Designs to find out how to make your own.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

If your toddler is anything like ours, Mama Papa Bubba's DIY Felt Board is bound to be a big hit because it's all about ice cream. Felt ice cream, that is. Little ones can practice fine motor skills and learn about colors as they match each colorful scoop and dot. Plus, when you've had your fill of ice cream, the board makes a perfect background for felt animals or people that can be used for storytelling fun. The possibilities are endless!  Find the step-by-step instructions to create your own felt board at Mama Puppa Bubba.

Yoga Time

Stretch it out and play a game of animal yoga with your little one. You can pick up a set of soft yoga blocks that toddlers can toss up in the air before diving into a downward-facing dog. Or try out these five animal yoga poses and pretend to be stretching tigers and rolling bears.

Make a Match

eeBoo's Life on Earth has everything we look for in a memory game: sturdy pieces, beautiful eye-catching images, and the chance for game-playing fun. If your kiddo isn't quite ready to play a full game, pull out a smaller set of matching cards for mini-memory fun. Plus, talking about the pictures on the cards is a guaranteed vocabulary builder.

Available at amazon.com, $17.99.

Dress Up Time

Try the dress-up challenge: give your toddler a scenario or career, like summertime, rainy day, forest animal friends, sports star, or construction worker, and send them off to create an outfit that meets that challenge. They can use their own clothes or dig things out of the dress-up bin. Then, put on a tune that goes along with the scenario you've picked and put on a fashion show. We guarantee that you'll get lots of fantastic photos out of this game! It's also great to play after dinner to encourage little ones to put on their PJs. Last challenge: bedtime! 

There's Bear!

Most board games are still a little tricky for young toddlers—but Where's Bear from Peaceable Kingdom is just right. Little ones get to play hide-and-seek with little bear, stack the sturdy cardboard blocks, and learn new words as they play.

Available at amazon.com, $22.95.

Obstacle Courses

Toddlers love climbing under, over, and on top of all sorts of things. Obstacle courses let you take that natural climbing instinct and make it a game. Build an indoor obstacle course with painters' tape, making lines for your little one to walk on top of and jump over. Or take the fun outside and challenge them to stay off of the grass in the yard or the wood chips at the playground. Ready for a bonus round? Turn the obstacle course game into follow-the-leader and take turns being the leader. Check out this post for even more obstacle course fun.

Bowl-o-Rama

Even if it's raining cats and dogs, your toddler can play Melissa and Doug's bowling game for hours. The weighted bottoms on the six soft animal pins make them easy to stand up, and the set comes with a carrying case for on-the-go fun and storage. Kiddos will build their gross motor skills and can also practice counting the pins one by one. Strike!

Available at amazon.com, $32.99.

On the Hunt

Kids of all ages love a good scavenger hunt. Send your toddler on a hunt through the house for four red things or two things with wheels. If you have a little more time or an older toddler ready for a challenge, print out a scavenger hunt like these. Good news: they're all free!

Guess Who?

Caught waiting in line or at a restaurant without a stocked bag of goodies? Then pull out the animal guessing game, a game we love because it requires no gear. Think of an animal and ask questions until your game playing buddy guesses it. Does it have legs? Does it live in a tree? Older twos and three-year-olds love this game. When you're playing with younger toddlers, change it to the animal sounds game: make a sound (MOOO!) and have the toddler guess what kind of animal makes that noise. Then switch it up and have them make the sound.

Magnetic Rainbow Busy Box

Your toddler will spend lots of time spelling their name and piecing together words with this Magnetic Rainbow Busy Box from Mama.Papa.Bubba. It can be an art project just to create the box and they'll have endless fun learning and spelling once it's finished.

Come frolic and play the Kidspace way as you count down to the holidays and make your greatest wish for the season come true—treasured moments that fill your heart with warm and lasting memories. “Creating family traditions, especially this time of year, is so important to give children a sense of identity and foster a safe, warm, and secure environment where they can learn and grow,” said Kidspace CEO Lisa Clements. “Winter Frolic has become the most delightful memory-making tradition at Kidspace. It brings together all the warmth and joy of the season for children and their families.”

There’s a flurry of hands-on wintertime activities and all-new special performances to behold at one of Southern California’s favorite family holiday celebrations, where winter wishes come true even when it’s warm and sunny. Try prancing like a reindeer, perfecting your ballet twirl, or practicing a penguin slide across the no-ice Sock Skating Rink. Or build a fort with frost-free ice blocks, camp out in a cozy cabin, and dress up a snowman family, including their dog. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!  

While you’re there, visit the Kidspace Museum Store for gifts designed to surprise and delight every kiddo on your list. Shop heirloom-quality toys, the softest cuddly plush animals, and books that become instant family favorites. Their charming holiday collections make it easy to find the perfect gift for every age and interest. Shop in-store or online. 

Don’t live in Southern California but know someone who does? Go ahead and share the joy! Kidspace admission or annual memberships are the perfect gift that families can enjoy all year as they create, explore, learn, and play.

Winter Frolic runs November 8, 2024 through January 5, 2025 and is included with Kidspace general admission. Sock Skating tickets are $5 per person. Visit kidspacemuseum.org to reserve your tickets.

If you buy something from the links in this article, Tinybeans may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Play house, but change roles with your children. They’ll love telling you to clean up your room and get ready for bed.

Climb Mt. Everest! The stairs become your journey, and the summit is (surprise) a bedroom! Along the way, you might need oxygen. You might slide down the mountain. You might even need to be pulled up the stairs on a sheet. 

Set the stage. Get promoted to Prima Ballerina and prepare for your first performance, which happens to have the King and Queen of the Universe in the audience. 

Find a buried treasure. Watch out! Pirates are on your trail. Outsmart them by creating a plan to hide, transport, and escape with your bounty. Don’t forget to create a hide-out where you can plan your escape. Or, make your own treasure map and be the pirates looking for a chest of jewels.

Be a pioneer who must set up a homestead before winter sets in. Build a barn for your animals, a cabin for your family, clear a “field” of “rocks” (pillows, if playing indoors), and overcome all sorts of rustic challenges.

Plan your space travel itinerary. Start with “We’re headed to the moon,” and work out all the details: what you need to wear (mixing bowl or colander helmets are excellent, here), what you should pack, what you need to watch out for, and what to do when you get there. 

Go on safari. Turn your backyard into a wild place with a rare breed of animal you’re on a mission to photograph. But watch out! The wild animal can’t see you, so you better be super sneaky. 

Visit a restaurant. Serve up some fun using pretend play food or Play-Doh. We love the free, printable menu from AmyJDelightful, or create your own. Cut pictures of food out of magazines to jazz up your homemade menu. 

Get a visit from the postman. Snail mail is the best! With a play setup like this one from Buggy and Buddy, your littles can become letter carriers who address, stamp, and deliver packages and notes. Or use your mailbox and decorate a ride-on to look like the mail truck. 

Be a superhero! The best part of this idea? Figuring out each superhero’s back story. What’s your superpower? How did you get it? Are you a good guy or a bad guy? Who is your enemy? What’s your name? Once you get the specifics nailed down, you can create scenarios where the villain is up to no good, and your little superhero saves the day!

Related: The Ultimate (& Mostly Free) Dress-Up Checklist

Create a sidewalk community. Fill your driveway with an imaginary city, including a library, a school, a train station, a grocery, a farm, and shopping. Choose roles and watch your little village come to life.

Pretend your child is Cinderella. Give them a bottle of Windex and a paper towel—they’ll think it’s hilarious when their mean “stepmother” (you) barks orders… and you get the lower windows washed. 

Act out a story. Start with a storyline like There once was a magical frog and a mean old witch who had captured the frog. Include as many characters as you have kids playing, and tell a story as they act it out. 

Play adventurer. Set them up with magnifying glasses and a journal (nothing fancy here… just a few sheets of printer paper folded in half). Dedicate each page to a drawing or a rubbing of something interesting that catches your kids’ eyes. 

Play hide and seek, but add a plot. Pretend the “it” person is a bird, and the “hiders” are different types of things birds might eat, or maybe make the “it” person a chef and the “hiders” different ingredients to make a specific dish (even more fun if you have some pretend foods for each hider to hold). 

Play charades. The mother of all pretend play games is probably the most simple idea on our list. No explanation needed for this one!

Build a story. Find an empty box and create a diorama from found objects in your yard or house. As you make the diorama, layer in story elements. Before long, you’ll have a scene with characters, plot, period, location, and motivation. 

Have a spa session. Let your kids “pamper” you (bonus here: you get to sit or lie down with your eyes closed). 

Run a customer service call center. Complete with dissatisfied customers and solutions to retain their business, this might be as fun for you as it is for the kids, especially if you get the play the dissatisfied customer. 

Pretend the floor is lava. This pretend play idea is an oldie but a goodie. Use pillows, furniture, and clothing to navigate the house without falling in.

Related: 17 Ways to Turn Cardboard Boxes into Epic Creations

Play “company.” Don’t forget to have a boss, a company mission, and remember: factory work is the key to a kid’s heart. Make something! 

Run a cleaning service. Have them offer different services, like vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and emptying trash. Be sure to check quality control because the fun is doing a good job and being praised by your “employer.”

Act out nursery rhymes. You’ve never laughed as hard as you will when your kids pretend to be Jack and Jill.

Create a news broadcast with information from the day. Report on new restaurants that have opened up and what they served for lunch, emergencies, local interest pieces, and the weather. 

Extra, extra! Read all about it. Write a newspaper together, and deliver it to a neighbor or another parent. 

“Invent” a Time Machine. Pretend to travel through time and let your child pick where to go. Beds make great dinosaurs, and hoses make terrifying prehistoric snakes. Just don’t forget how to get back to 2024. 

As an astrologer and the author of Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology, I’m passionate about sharing the wisdom of astrology with parents to hopefully make life a little easier (and fun!). So let’s dive in and look at children’s astrology signs to better understand what your kid most likes to do.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and energy, so your little ram is one of the most on-the-go, physically active kids of the zodiac. Sitting still is not their forte, but bounding around and moving at lightning speed absolutely is, so this is a toddler who will not only love but need time outside at a playground or, on a rainy day, an indoor jungle gym. Even if they’re run-down, they may still want to do something fast and exciting, so zip them around your favorite park in a jogging stroller. Since they’re innately competitive and positively gleeful whenever they’re declared #1, competitive games are a must. Do a timed scavenger hunt or see who in the family can do the most jumping jacks in a minute. And because—as much as they may wish you were—you’re not an Energizer Bunny, when you do flip on a show or read them a book, your silly little Aries will love slapstick humor. 

Taurus (April 21-May 20)

Born under Taurus, the fixed earth sign, your wee bull is perfectly happy moving through life at a slow and steady pace. For that reason, when in doubt, err on the side of activities that don’t need to be rushed to complete—like slowly chipping away at a longer book or a LEGO building project. Because Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of art and beauty, your toddler has a soft spot for creative endeavors of all kinds—whether that’s making music with kid-size instruments or crafting their favorite animal out of Play-Doh. The bull is also known for being uniquely in touch with all five senses, so sensory activities that allow your tot to engage through sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound are sure to be a winner. Think: heading to the nearest playground for a picnic and discussing all the elements of nature around you, from birds singing to flowers sprouting. 

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Gemini toddlers are among the most social and chatty kids of the zodiac thanks to their ruling planet Mercury, the information-gathering planet that oversees communication, transportation, and technology. The sign of the twins also happens to be associated with the Third House of Communication, so activities that involve other kids are sure to be a hit, whether that’s a group playdate or mommy and me class. Your twins child is also bound to be a bookworm who adores trips to the library or bookstore, especially if they involve storytime. Known to be as adept at listening as they are at sharing their many thoughts, you’ll do well to prioritize opportunities for them to flex their conversation skills, whether that’s by FaceTiming loved ones or just chatting through their routine. Games that incorporate wordplay (like “I Spy”) are also winners for Gemini toddlers. And given that Mercury rules transportation, they’ll love learning about trains, planes, or automobiles.

Related: 23 Ways to Exhaust Your Toddler Before Sundown

Cancer (June 22-July 21)

Your little crab is a heartfelt, intuitive, sentimental sweetheart who, even more than other toddlers, can let loose and have the most fun when they feel securely attached to you and other family members. These traits are owed, in great part, to the fact that Cancer is ruled by the moon, which oversees emotions, intuition, and maternal energy in astrology. So, put on a playlist of your favorite heart-soaring songs (“Let It Go,” anyone?) and encourage your crab cutie to sing along with you. Your little Cancer will also love a leisurely stroll by the nearest body of water (something that’s infinitely therapeutic for a water sign) while strapped to you or holding your hand. Speaking of water, they love playing with bath or pool toys, and as an innately nurturing sign you can tap into their desire to take care of others by playing veterinarian or preparing yummy snacks for their siblings.

Leo (July 22-August 22)

Outgoing, buoyant, confident, and eager to be the center of attention, your little lion owes their exuberance to their ruler, the vitality-bringing sun. They’re also natural-born leaders, so any activity that allows them to run the show (like Follow the Leader) will fire them up. Associated with the Fifth House of Fun and Self-Expression, Leo toddlers love to share what’s in their hearts and on their minds through big, showy creative outlets, like playing dress-up with brightly colored (ideally sparkly!) or otherwise vibrant costumes, putting on a play, or having an impromptu dance party—which you’ll be instructed by your budding star to capture on your phone. While Leo toddlers tend to be fairly extroverted and active, they’re more apt to sit still for books and movies that revolve around being a star or a leader, like Disney’s The Lion Guard. But no matter what they adore the most, as a result of being the fixed fire sign, don’t be surprised if once they’ve pinpointed an activity they love, they’ll want to do it again and again.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Born under the mutable earth sign, your maiden is thoughtful, helpful, and super-communicative, and you’ll want to look to their ruling planet Mercury, the messenger planet, for valuable clues on their favorite activities. Associated with the Sixth House of Daily Routine, they’ll love pitching in on any to-do you need to check off your list, whether that’s putting away laundry or feeding the family kitty. They’ll likely also be fans of games that involve organization or sorting. And from the time they’re tiny they’re bound to be intrigued by language, so you can’t miss with some dedicated storytime, ideally reading books that cover Virgoan themes like everyday routines, healthy habits, and nurturing your well-being and the world around you (think: The Curious Garden by Peter Brown). Also be sure to give your Virgo the opportunity to “write” their own books or share their own stories out loud, as their Mercurial influence means they’re natural storytellers.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Your Libra kid is partnership-oriented, beauty-loving, and peace-seeking as a result of the scales’ ruler, Venus, the planet of relationships, art, and harmony. Associated with the Seventh House of Partnership, they’re most likely to enjoy one-on-one bonding activities with you, another caregiver, or your bestie’s kid (who is bound to be their BFF, too). Scales kids will love trips to an art museum, making up their very own song, or experimenting with new hairstyles or colorful outfits. They’re especially driven to hone their personal style, so they’ll have fun playing with their very own grooming kit or even keeping you company while you do your skincare or hair-styling routine. And although they shine best when they’re part of a pair, they’re also social butterflies at heart, meaning they’ll dive right into a dance or music class and instantly make friends.

Related: 15 Ways to Play with Toddlers That Take 10 Minutes (or Less)

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Intense, emotionally intelligent, and dynamic, your Scorpio kid owes their innate magnetism and powerful vibe to their modern ruler Pluto, the planet of transformation, and their traditional ruler Mars, the planet of action and energy. And you’ll do well to look to the themes of both of these planets when brainstorming activities for your scorpion tot. For example, Pluto’s all about uncovering the shadow side of life, so your kiddo will be drawn to puzzles or games that involve a mystery they can solve. And given their Mars influence, they’ll enjoy pastimes that allow them to take charge—like picking out a Sunday night dinner or taking on the role of Simon in a game of Simon Says. As a water sign, Scorps also adore time spent at the beach or swimming, which they’re sure to find calming. It also bears noting that Scorpio is associated with the Eighth House of Emotional Bonds, so entertainment that sets the stage for conversations about deep-rooted emotions (like Inside Out) will resonate with your toddler.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Upbeat, independent, and outspoken, your toddler was born under the mutable fire sign ruled by fortunate Jupiter, the planet of abundance and expansion. To that end, wanderlust-filled Sag’s mantra is “bigger is better,” so you’ll always do well to prioritize activities that broaden your child’s horizon, whether that’s taking them on a walk through a thrilling nature trail, heading to the zoo to learn about animals from all over the globe, catching a train ride to the nearest city to go sightseeing, or actually doing some long-distance traveling with your future aspiring globe-trotter. But on homebody days, you can lean on books, games, and puzzles that allow your Sag’s mind to wander all over the planet (like Busy, Busy World by Richard Scarry). They’ll also be one of the first of the zodiac to enjoy learning a new language. And even in your own neighborhood, take them to the widest play area you can find, as your free-spirited tot will always love running and playing in big open spaces.

Capricorn (December 22-January 21)

Your Capricorn toddler is a driven smarty-pants with a penchant for rules and tradition, thanks to their ruling planet, taskmaster Saturn, which oversees commitment and boundaries. Kids born under the cardinal earth sign like to take the initiative and work step-by-step toward a goal, so you might find they really enjoy using a piggy bank to save up allowance or helping you tend to the family garden or household plants (an activity that also speaks to your little green thumb’s earthiness). Associated with the Tenth House of Career and Public Image, you could be surprised by just how much your toddler acts like a little CEO in training, which is also a sign that they’ll enjoy playing a game of make-believe revolving around being the boss. As an old soul at heart, your Cap toddler will enjoy listening to old-school tunes (you could be surprised just how much they love artists like Stevie Wonder or Ella Fitzgerald) and learning about history—specifically, game-changing leaders from the past.

Aquarius (January 22-February 18)

Your social, humanitarian, highly original toddler, born under the fixed air sign, owes their electrifyingly innovative MO to their modern ruling planet, Uranus, which oversees change, rebellion, and the desire to strike out against convention. In turn, know that your water-bearer kid will always want to march to the beat of their own drum. If all the other kids in the neighborhood are into an activity they saw on Ms. Rachel this week, your Aquarius might want to do anything but that. Instead, they may prefer to make up their own game—or better yet, science experiment or invention project. At the same time, because Aquarius is associated with the Eleventh House of Networking, they’re community-oriented, so they’ll like hanging out at the local pool or playground with a group of playmates or making new friends when you visit friends or family on a road trip. They also adore technology and science due to Uranus being the planet of electricity and innovation, so prioritize activities that make it possible for them to learn about these subjects—and maybe even make a cutting-edge discovery.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Your fish toddler, born under the mutable water sign, is deeply emotional, tenderhearted, sensitive, perceptive, empathic, and innately in tune with the mystical aspects of life. This is owed to their modern ruler, Neptune, the planet of spirituality, and the fact that Pisces is associated with the Twelfth House of Spirituality. That said, you’ll want to embrace Neptunian themes when planning activities for your Pisces, like keeping a dream journal, expressing emotions through art (whether that’s coloring or working with you to write a poem), learning about crystals, reading or making up whimsical, fantastical stories, or engaging in mind-body practices like meditation, deep breathing, or kid yoga. Because they’re so compassionate and apt to pick up on all the energy and emotions around them, you may find they enjoy and benefit from activities that teach self-soothing, like spending time in a calming corner or listening to their favorite mellow, soft music.