When the temperatures drop and the days feel endless, keeping a toddler entertained indoors can feel like an Olympic sport. Trust me, I’ve been there—watching my little one bounce off the walls (literally) while I desperately Google “fun toddler activities” for the millionth time. But over the years, I’ve found some tried-and-true indoor activities that keep both of us sane (and smiling). So grab a cup of coffee, mama (or dad!), and let’s dive into 30 fun, easy, and mess-friendly activities to keep your toddler entertained this winter.

1. Indoor Obstacle Course

Turn your living room into a mini adventure zone! Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create tunnels and climbing challenges. Bonus points if you join in—toddler giggles guaranteed.

2. Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with rice, pasta, or dried beans and hide small toys inside. Give your toddler scoops and cups for some satisfying, hands-on exploration.

3. DIY Bowling

Set up empty plastic bottles and use a soft ball to create an indoor bowling alley. Toddlers love the thrill of knocking things over (without getting in trouble!).

4. Sticker Play

Give your little one a sheet of stickers and let them go wild decorating paper, cardboard, or even an old cereal box.

5. Dance Party!

Crank up the tunes and have a family dance-off. This is a great way to burn off energy before nap time.

6. Pajama Picnic

Spread a blanket on the floor, grab some snacks, and have an indoor picnic in your coziest PJs. Bonus points for bringing stuffed animal guests.

7. DIY Fort Building

All you need are blankets, pillows, and a little imagination. String up some fairy lights to make it extra magical.

8. Color Sorting Games

Use colored cups or bowls and have your toddler sort pom-poms, blocks, or socks by color. Simple, but oh-so-fun!

9. Water Play in the Sink

Fill the sink with a bit of water, add some cups and plastic toys, and let them splash away. Just put a towel down first!

10. Magic Painting with Water

Give them a paintbrush and a bowl of water, and let them “paint” on a piece of construction paper. Watch as the paper darkens and dries like magic!

11. Bubble Wrap Stomp

Have leftover bubble wrap? Lay it on the floor and let your toddler stomp and pop away.

12. Cardboard Box Adventures

Got an empty box? It can become a spaceship, a car, or a tiny house with some markers and imagination.

13. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Hide simple items around the house and give your toddler a mini “treasure map” (or just fun hints) to find them.

14. DIY Playdough

Make your own playdough with flour, salt, and water. Add a few drops of food coloring for extra fun!

15. Story Time with a Twist

Read a favorite book, but add silly voices, funny sound effects, or let your toddler fill in the missing words.

16. Puzzle Time

Big-piece puzzles are great for little hands. If you don’t have one, try making your own by cutting a picture into large sections.

17. Kitchen Band

Grab some pots, spoons, and plastic containers, and have a jam session. Warning: May cause excessive giggling.

18. Sock Puppet Show

Old socks + googly eyes + silly voices = an instant hit. Let your toddler take the lead in storytelling!

19. Pom-Pom Drop Game

Tape a few empty paper towel rolls to the wall and let your toddler drop pom-poms or small balls through them.

20. Glow Stick Bath Time

Drop a few glow sticks in the bathtub, turn off the lights, and let your toddler enjoy a magical bath experience.

21. Indoor “Snowball” Fight

Crumple up paper or use soft cotton balls to have a fun (and safe) indoor snowball fight.

22. Animal Yoga

Try simple toddler-friendly yoga poses and name them after animals—downward dog, cat stretch, and frog jumps are a hit!

23. Mirror Face Game

Stand in front of a mirror and make funny faces together. Copy each other’s expressions for endless giggles.

24. Shadow Puppets Show

Use a flashlight in a dark room and make fun shadow animals with your hands. Toddlers love watching and trying to mimic!

25. Edible Necklace Making

String cereal like Cheerios onto a shoelace or pipe cleaner for a fun and tasty fine motor activity.

26. DIY Cardboard Puzzle

Draw a simple picture on a piece of cardboard, cut it into a few big pieces, and let your toddler put it back together.

27. Ice Cube Rescue

Freeze small toys in ice cubes and let your toddler “rescue” them with warm water and a spoon.

28. Bubble Blowing Indoors

Blow bubbles in the bathroom or kitchen and let your toddler chase them around.

29. Scent Guessing Game

Let them smell items like cinnamon, coffee, or vanilla and guess what they are.

30. Animal Charades

Take turns acting like animals and guessing what they are. This game gets lots of laughs!

With these 30 indoor activities, your toddler will be entertained, engaged, and learning—all while you stay cozy inside. Let the fun begin!