- Parachute is an easy, fun and free game to play with toddlers. You will need at least four players and a large sheet. Have everyone hold onto the edge of the sheet and begin moving the sheet up and down. This movement will create a fun ripple effect that will catch the attention of your toddler. Variations of this activity include letting the players run under the waving sheet one at a time, or putting a lightweight ball or stuffed animal in the center of the sheet and making it bounce into the air.
- This game will require some preparation that your toddler can participate in. Gather some small-to-medium sized empty boxes: shoe boxes, large pasta boxes and diaper boxes work well. If the box doesn't have an opening on its widest side, cut one. Have your child decorate the boxes with crayons or paint. Connect the boxes with thick yarn and glue, staples or heavy-duty tape. Add an extra long piece of yarn to the front box and let your child pull the train around. Add "passengers" to his train by putting stuffed animals in the boxes.
- You will need cardboard or tagboard, scissors, glue, craft sticks and family photos you don't mind cutting up to create this game. Cut out several body shapes from the tagboard and then cut out faces of family members from the pictures. Have your child help you glue the faces onto the bodies and "dress" all the family members by drawing on clothes. Glue or tape a craft stick onto the back of each and have fun playing with your family puppets. Encourage your child to pretend to be different family members.
- Putting together a toddler band is a noisy and fun game. Pull out pots, pans and plastic spatulas to act as drums. Fill empty bottles with rice or beans to make shakers. Find two sturdy sticks that can be used as rhythm sticks. Use the tops of the pots and pans as cymbals. Before beginning this activity, establish a physical cue that will mean "stop" so you won't need to yell over the noise to get your toddler's attention.
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