The Best Free (and Low-Cost) Toddler Activities You Can Do at Home

Here’s the truth: toddlers don’t care how much something costs. Lily will spend longer playing with an empty cardboard box than an expensive toy.

If you’re looking for fun (and sanity-saving) toddler activities without draining your wallet, here are 10 tried-and-tested favourites from our home.

1. The Cushion Obstacle Course

Stack cushions, blankets, and pillows. Suddenly, your living room is an adventure park. Lily’s favourite game is climbing “Mount Sofa.”

2. Sensory Play with Kitchen Staples

Dry rice, pasta, oats — all work brilliantly in a big bowl. Add spoons, cups, and funnels. Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

3. DIY Musical Instruments

• Rice in a plastic bottle = shaker.

• Pots and pans = drums.

• Wooden spoon = microphone.

Bonus: toddlers don’t care if you’re off-key.

4. Peekaboo with Everyday Items

Scarves, tea towels, or hiding behind the curtain — simple peekaboo still gets the biggest laughs.

5. Storytime Adventure

Act out books with silly voices. Add props from around the house. Lily loves when I wear a saucepan on my head to “be” the giant.

6. Indoor Puddle Jumping

Lay towels on the floor, add a bowl of water, and let your toddler splash with waterproof toys. Supervised, of course.

7. Cardboard Box Magic

A rocket, a castle, a shop. Give them crayons and let imagination take over.

8. Treasure Basket

Fill a basket with safe household items: a whisk, wooden spoon, hairbrush. Let them explore textures.

9. Dance Party

Play their favourite tunes. Let loose. Bonus: instant cardio for you.

10. Nature Hunt Indoors

Bring in leaves, stones, or flowers from the garden. Talk about colours, shapes, and smells.

Summary:
The best toddler activities don’t need to cost much. With cushions, cardboard boxes, and imagination, you can turn your home into a playground.