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Need a few minutes to get dinner on the table? Toddlers often want to be part of whatever you’re doing, especially when you’re busy in the kitchen. These easy activities give them something fun to focus on while you cook nearby.
Choose a spot where you can see your toddler, away from the stove, oven, and hot pans. Keep activities simple, use age-appropriate supplies, and stay close while they play.
1. Water Painting
Give your toddler a paintbrush or water brush pen and a small amount of water to “paint” on a chalkboard or a piece of dark construction paper. The water makes marks that fade as they dry, so there’s no paint to clean up afterward. Keep the water shallow and wipe up spills to prevent slipping.
2. Sticker Fun
Set out a sheet of paper and a few large stickers for your toddler to peel and place. They can make a picture, decorate the page, or simply cover it with stickers. Choose stickers that are large enough for your child’s age and supervise closely, especially if they still put things in their mouth. Check out these stickers!
3. Kitchen Helper
Toddlers love having a job of their own. Let yours wash sturdy vegetables in a bowl or stir ingredients in a cool bowl. Keep them at a safe spot away from hot surfaces, sharp tools, and appliances, and stay beside them while they help.
4. Toy Food Picnic
Set out some play food, toy dishes, and a stuffed animal or two. Your toddler can prepare a pretend meal, serve their “guests,” and have a little picnic while you finish cooking.
5. Coloring Time
Put out washable crayons and paper for a quick coloring session. Chunky crayons are often easier for little hands to hold. Keep the paper and crayons on a table or another spot where you can watch your toddler.
6. Play-Dough Creations
Offer age-appropriate play dough and a few simple tools, like a kid’s rolling pin or large cookie cutters. Your toddler can squish, roll, and shape their own creations. Stay nearby and skip this activity if your child is still likely to eat the dough.
7. Toy Wash Station
Give your toddler a damp cloth and a few sturdy toys to wipe clean. They can “wash” toy cars, blocks, or plastic animals while you cook. A damp cloth keeps the activity simple without setting out a tub of water.
Make Dinner Time a Little Easier
You don’t need a complicated craft to keep a toddler occupied for a few minutes. Try one of these simple activities and see what your child enjoys. Some nights they may play happily; other nights they may want to help you instead—and that’s okay too.
A Few Toys for Busy Little Hands 🎨
Magnetic Drawing Board
A mess-free option for little ones who love to draw and erase.
See the drawing board →
Pretend Play Food Set
Perfect for setting up a little “dinner” picnic while you cook the real one.
See the play food set →
Play-Dough Starter Set
A fun, hands-on activity for squishing, rolling, and creating.
See the play-doh set →
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