educational games for 1 year old boy

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75 Developmental Games For 1 Year Old That Enhance Toddlers’ Skills

by  maipham

July 2, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links so I earn a commission. Please read my disclosure for more info.

My son Ethan was a slow walker. He didn’t walk safely and steadily all by himself when he was 1 year old. We still chased after him, grabbing his collar and hands to help him walk.

But he crawled everywhere. His favorite position is under the TV counter. Sometimes I looked at him and I thought he was just like a little cat. You know, cats always love crawling in and staying inside small boxes. My son also loved to find his own shelter. Well, now I am wandering.

When it’s around his first birthday, a baby is learning new skills at the record speed. I don’t want to create bad habits or addiction for my son. So instead of giving him an Ipad or a phone to watch Cocomelon all day, we tried to introduce some developmental games to him. We still make him sit on his chair and watch TV when we need to do something else, but we always try to minimize screening time.

If you are also out of ideas of what toys to buy for your little one, or what games to play with him, here is the monster list of 75 developmental games for 1 year old babies, both indoor and outdoor so that you won’t run out of ideas to entertain your little one.

Know that this is a huge list of developmental games for 1 year old babies, so you might not read all of it at once. Bookmark and save the list so that you can come back and check it out later when you need some suggestions.

Let’s dive in.

Indoor and outdoor developmental games for 1 year old babies.

Discovery box

Put small toys inside a box or container and let your baby explore. You can place a lid on the box or container if need be.

Skills learned: Motor skills and exploring the environment.

Hide and seek the toys

Babies at this age can start locating the things that they are interested in. Get a toy and show it to him, then hide it somewhere near (let him see where you hide it) and ask him to find it. He will be confused for the first few times but will quickly grasp the rule.

Skills learned: problem solving skill and logical thinking.

You can never teach your baby too soon. Using flashcards is a great way to teach your little one about the world he is in.

Make sure you get some standard flashcards so that your baby will get the best out of it.

Skills learned: exploring the environment, getting to know different things and language skill.

I started reading for my son Ethan when he was 1 month old. Of course for the first few months, he only stared at the books, or just looked around and gave me no interest, reaction or interaction. I kept going. Everyday.

I myself consider reading as one of the most powerful developmental games for 1 year old toddler, as at this time they learn everything so quickly and can easily form good habits.

Now he is 17 months old. And is a bookworm. He reads more than 10 books a day. And several times for each book. 

Skills learned: reading, logical thinking, language.

You can make music with anything. Some empty bottles work well. A rattle is fine too. Even some squeaky ducks can do the job. Show your baby how to make noise, or music with things around the house.

Skills learned:  music, listening.

Don’t let all the cardboard go wasted. Be a little handy and create some crafts for your little one. A play house is a great gift for any baby . Your baby will love crawling in and out the playhouse and play hide and seek there.

Sticky floor

Let your little treasure barefooted. Stick some double-sided tape to the floor and let him walk on it. He will get confused, curious with the floor and try to get his feet out of it.

Skills learned: logical thinking, motor and coordination skills.

When your baby is 1 year old, it is the perfect time to play peekaboo. He will learn how other people’s faces disappear and appear again. This will help with your baby’s separation anxiety.

Sing and call out names of things

Sing some developmental songs for him and remember to point to relevant things and let him know what they are. Great songs to sing are: Head, shoulders. Knees and toes; once I caught a fish a live, etc.

Count fingers and toes

Sing the counting song or just simply count your little one’s fingers and toes with him. He will learn not only numbers, but also names of his body parts.

Crawl through tunnels

If you are crafty or handy, you might as well make a tunnel out of cardboard for your baby. Or if you are not so much (like me), you can create a tunnel with a blanket (of course with you in it) and let your baby crawl through the tunnels. He will learn how the external environment changes when he goes in and out the tunnel.

Skills learned: exploring the world and motor skills.

Freeze dance

Don’t expect your baby to be able to do the freeze dance quickly but this is the greatest time to introduce it to him. Start by singing a song he likes and dance along. Then during the song, shout “Freeze” out loud and freeze your body. Your little one will be surprised at first but quickly he will get the rule.

Play with balls

Balls are some best toys in teaching your baby many coordination skills. You can simply give him the balls, he will throw them away and then crawl after them. Or when you have some energy to take it up a notch, try throwing the ball to him and teach him how to throw it back.

Toilet paper roll chute

Tape paper towel roll cores to the wall. Then show your baby how to put a cotton ball in it and watch it come out from the other end.

This is a very easy way to teach your little one not only some skills but also set examples for him that you are environmental-friendly and you are willing to create something from scratch, with things that you are having, without waiting. This is such an important message for any developmental games for 1 year old.

Sensory bottles

Add a few drops of food coloring to water bottles along with glitter and knickknacks like beads. Tape on the top and watch as your little one is amazed by tipping the bottle around.

Put it inside the box

Get a small box or cup with a lid and make a slit on it. Then give your baby some plastic or paper coins to slide inside the box. Make sure you are always next to him to prevent any risks that might occur.

Homemade rattle

An empty bottle with a small ball, coin or some beans inside is enough to create a homemade rattle.

Play with balloons

Inflate some balloons and tie the end with threads. Then tie the threads to the top of the bedroom door to let the balloons hang. Your little one will love hitting and trying to get those balloons.

Bath time with sponge

Get some sponge and bring it to the bathtub with your little one. Show him how the sponge absorbs water and sinks, then take it out of the tub and squeeze the water out.

Shapes game

Babies at this age can tell the different shapes. Help your baby develop this skill by buying a shape puzzle toy or other shape boxes. He won’t be able to get the right puzzle but soon enough will.

Shapes game is one of the most educational developmental games for 1 year old kid.

Hide and seek

This is the great game to play with your little one. He will learn to explore around the house to find you, and it also helps with his separation anxiety.

My son Ethan loves this. Now we are playing this in bed too, but it's my turn to find him, who is actually hiding behind my back while holding my neck. It's just too cute.

Put dirty clothes to the laundry basket

You can introduce some chores to your baby at this time. Start by putting his own dirty clothes to the laundry basket.

I started by grabbing Ethan’s hand, helping him to bend over and pick up the clothes, then walk with him to the laundry basket. Of course the entire time I had to hold the clothes myself, but I also held his hand with the same hand, making sure he also touched the clothes too. I also always complimented him after we successfully put the dirty clothes away.

Bring me the…

You can teach your baby names of things around the house. Start with one thing, then two. Show him the object, name it and then put it near him. Then say “bring me the…”. If he doesn’t know how to do it, grab his hand to take the object and compliment him.

Close the door

Be extra careful with all the doors around the house. As now babies will start to try to open and close the door, just to see how things work. But this also increases the risk of smashed fingers.  You can reduce this risk with something like finger pinch guards.

Toy offering

Offer toys for the baby to hold while standing so they have to practice balancing without using their hands. Helps baby with balance and coordination.

Finger painting

Don’t forget to introduce your little one to the art world early. Some non-toxic or homemade watercolor and s piece of paper is enough. The feeling of the cool paint on their hands and feet is a fun new sensation for toddlers .

Painting with water

A smart way to reduce cleaning work is to let your little one paint with water. Offer him a wet brush or a wet sponge to paint some colored construction papers. When the brush or sponge gets dry, simply dip into water again.

Homemade playdough

Playdough is always fun to play with. But as toddlers at this age still love to explore the world with their tongues, they might as well try to take a bite from the playdough.

A non-toxic playdough is quite expensive, but there is no reason you cannot create playdough yourself. Some flour, cream of tartar, salt, food coloring and water will do the work.

Make your own toy balls

Anything can be used to make toy balls. Especially if you have some colored paper around the house. Allow your baby to join the process.

Toilet paper roll binocular

Tape 2 toilet paper rolls together and walla! You got yourself a homemade binocular.

Play with the spoon

Your little one might try to eat independently now. Or if you started BLW early, your baby is likely to know how to eat with his fingers. Now it’s time to let him play with the spoon.

Hold his hand and show him how to use the spoon to get food several times, then it’s his turn to play however he wants. He might put food into his face, hair and nose. Or the spoon can end up on the floor right away. But he will get the hang of it soon.

Get a transparent bottle and place some iron items in it. Then use a magnetic to move those items around and let your baby enjoy the excitement!

Edible slime

Everyone loves slime. I mean, what’s not to like? It’s fun, it’s weird and it’s satisfying.

However, they are quite toxic to the skin. And for babies, they can be very dangerous if your baby takes a bite of it.

Instead of never introducing it to your baby, why not make some edible slime and give it to him. There are many things you can use to make edible slime. Try milk, cornstarch and food coloring, or some melt marshmallow will do too.

Take me out of the board

Use tape to tape small toys onto the board and let your baby rescue them. If you don’t have any board, your wall, or a door works just fine.

You might think this is a boring game, but it’s quite a lot for your little precious thing, as he has to reach the toys and pull the tape out to rescue them. It encourages your baby's problem solving skill.

Role play with toys

Your baby can be quite attached to some toys. He might have some favorites.

Use those favorite toys to role play with your baby. Make conversations and interactions with him. This will boost your baby’s imagination ability and creativity.

Role play with gloves and socks

Socks and gloves can be quick and great toys. All you need to do is to put your fingers inside the gloves and socks, then the stage is yours. You can also teach your baby to play along.

Make and play with edible paint

There are some non-toxic paints out there but they are quite pricey. How about making your own paint that is safe and even edible?

You can use some strong colored fruits and veggies to create paint. But it will be fun and you don’t have to worry about your little treasure putting dirty fingers inside his mouth.

Some ideas you can think of: red color from beet root or raspberry, blue color from blueberry, yellow from oranges or pineapple, pink from dragon fruit, etc. Or you can just put a few drops of food coloring into water. Remember to add some corn starch into the mix to make it heavier.

Drop it inside the box

Prepare a box or a cup with a lid. Show your baby how you pick small items and drop them into the box. Let your baby hear the sound when they drop and encourage him to give it a try. This helps to boost their listening and problem-solving skills.

Sensory bottle

You can get all creative with an empty bottle. Put a little rice or beans into it, great, you have a homemade rattle. But if you get a little more creative, add some glitter and food coloring and edible oil into the bottle, your little one will watch it with amazement.

Pretend animal

Your baby might not know many animals yet. But you can repeat and repeat a few animal sounds for him. Tell him names of the animal, show him the picture or flashcard with that animal if possible and teach him its sound.

This will introduce your baby to the external environment.

Push-pull toys

Your baby will learn how to use his hand and fingers to push and pull the toys to direct them to his preferred direction. You can try this by sitting in front of your baby, push a toy car toward him and teach him how to push it back to you.

Open and close the drawer

Babies at this age love to explore everything. They go from cabinet to cabinet and drawer to drawer. Instead of running after him to pull him away from dangerous drawers and cabinets, you can prepare a drawer just for him that is well within his reach. Remember to empty the drawer before you allow him to play with it. Show him how to open and close it.

Surprise drawer

Put some toys inside the drawer and let him explore it. You can guide him how to put more toys in it. Change the toys often so that he will become curious every time he sees the drawer.

Which hand is it

When your baby is around 1 year old, he can locate an item and try to find it if you hide it away. Sit in front of your baby, grab a small toy and show him you have the toy inside your hands.

Then start swinging or rolling your hands, while singing “left and right, where is the toy?”. Then show him both closed hands and let him pick one. Always praise him during the game.

Sing and show phonics

Sing the phonics song while showing him the letters. Ideally, you can get a set of wooden or plastic phonics, or an ABC foam mat and point or raise the letter for him to see.

This will introduce your little one with some early education sessions.

Ball bathtub

Fill up the bathtub with some small plastic balls. Your little one will love to move around and kick and throw the balls all over.

Water pouring

You can play this game with your baby when he is in the bathtub, or swimming pool, or in a hot day. Give him a small bucket and teach him how to use the bucket to get water and pour it out. 

Shower toys

Babies will tend to love shower time now. They can even cry when you take them out of the shower. Give them some more play time in the bathtub. Bring in some plastic toys for him to play with. You can play diving, hide and seek in the water with those toys.

When your baby gets a little older, games in the bathtub can help a great deal in introducing your baby to early swimming lessons .

Velcro is fun

Give your baby a Velcro and show him how it works. Ideally, tape one side of the Velcro into a board and give him the other side to stick to and pull from it. Help your baby learn new things in the house.

Throw it back to me

Stay a little far away from your baby and throw a small ball near him. Encourage him to pick it up and throw back to you. This helps to promote babies’ motor skill, coordination skill and balancing skill.

Tie a toy to a string and encourage the baby to pull it behind them while walking. Play follow the leader and have the baby follow you around the house while pulling the toy and switch to let the baby take the lead.

Tower building

Use stackable blocks while playing with the baby . See how high the tower will go! They might laugh when it all comes crashing down. Helps baby practice developing motor skills.

Mountain climbing

Babies at this age love playing with large objects. Place some pillows on the floor and help the baby crawl over them. Make sure to keep baby safe and watch them closely. Helps baby practice crawling to learn how to get from one place to another.

Tidy up the house

One of the developmental games for 1 year old toddler that actually helps adults a lot is the "tidy up the house" game.

Ask baby to pick up scattered toys and bring them over to you. Baby will like figuring out how to bend and pick up the toys. Helps baby build strong leg muscles and begin learning how to complete simple tasks with multiple steps. You can start introducing chores to your baby too.

Squeaky toys

Help baby squeeze a squeaky toy to hear the sound. Next, cover it with a blanket and squeak it again. See how they react to hearing the sound this time and help them pull off the blanket. Helps baby exercise their memory and ability to locate sounds.

Bubble time

Blow bubbles for baby. Watch them soar through the sky and let baby pop them when they land. Helps baby learn cause and effect by watching bubbles pop when they land on other objects and people.

Reaching game

Show your baby his favorite toy and then put it away a little high for him. He will try to reach to get it. This helps baby develop his motor and coordination skill.

Clap with excitement after baby does something good. Encourage them to clap with you. Helps baby learn how to use movements to express themselves.

I am a believer of positive thinking and positivity can greatly affect our kids. So I'm not cheap on compliment and excitement. I make sure my son will get plenty of it. It helps to build up his confidence and sense of humor too. I consider this not only one of the most powerful developmental games for 1 year old, but also the most educational one, as I am teaching my son to appreciate himself.

Take the led

Take your baby outside and let him take the lead where to go. Make sure you are close to him all the time to prevent hurting.

Cereal pick up

Get your baby used to pick up food with his fingers. If you don’t want to clean the mess, start out with dry food like cereal or baby snack.

Did you know kids can paint with their feet too? Let them step in brightly colored paint and use their feet to create a masterpiece. This is best done outside, but if it’s a rainy day, you can put some plastic down on the floor for an easy cleanup.

Helps with baby's sensory development.

Balloon let go

Balloons are fun when they’re inflated, but they’re even more fun when you let them fly around the room. Instead of tying the end of the balloon, let it go and see it whoosh around the room. Let your toddler go get it!

Helps baby with motor skills, visual skills, and sensory processing.

Whipped cream painting

Spray a little whipped cream on a highchair tray or table and let your little one paint pictures in it.

Touch and feel board

One of the developmental games for 1 year old to teach them the look and feel of different things is the "touch and feel" thing.

Cover a poster board with different types of things that baby can touch, such as fake fur, sandpaper, bubble wrap and aluminum foil.

Spinning game

Babies love flipping and spinning anything they can. Give him a small box, a bottle and show him how to spin it around.

Wipe dispenser sensory box

Save your empty wipe dispensers to fill with fabric scraps. You little one will love pulling the scraps out and putting them back in. It's like a mini laundry basket for them!

Using labeling “dot" stickers, let baby create a masterpiece by sticking stickers to a blank piece of paper. They will love figuring out how the stickers work.

Ring the bell

Give your little one a bell for him to ring and learn where the sound comes from. This helps babies to develop listening and coordination skills.

Water fountain

Play this during your baby’s shower time. Leave the shower head on and let the water shoot straight up, creating a mini water fountain.

Crayons and paper

Your baby can start using crayons after he is 1 year old. Make sure you use some non-toxic and big crayons to avoid choking hazard.

To minimize the mess, cover a big floor area with paper so he can sit on it while play with it.

You can even make your own crayon from food coloring and bee wax. If this is your choice, make the crayon as big as your big thumb to prevent any choking risks.

Spaghetti time

Everybody likes spaghetti, especially when you can play with it. Boil some spaghetti into soft, rinse it off with water to avoid stickiness and give it to your baby. He can learn how to pick up a long spaghetti and swing it around.

Mirror play

Babies at this age like to see their reflection in the mirror. Show him the mirror, make funny faces on the mirror and see how he will react. He will look back and forth from the mirror to your face and laugh like crazy.

I read the book regarding mirror work of Louise Hay, on how to use the mirror to reflect ourselves and do affirmations , I believe this mirror playing game is a great developmental games for 1 year old babies, as you can introduce them to positivity at such a young age.

Grab a toy that your toddler can sit on top of as you bring them around your house or on the sidewalk. Your toddler has to stay on by holding a handle and using their legs.

Helps babies learn to use their eyes and hands together and builds gross motor skills.

What food inside the egg?

Filling plastic eggs with different food items can be lots of fun for kids this age. Fill the eggs with bite-sized snacks toddlers can eat. They'll love opening the eggs and eating tasty snacks at the same time.

Helps build baby's fine motor skills by using their fingers to open and close small objects.

Place a toy drum (or an upturned ice cream container) in front of you and baby. Use your hands or wooden spoons as drumsticks to show baby different sounds they can make.

Helps baby develop fine motor skills, listening skills, and understanding of cause and effect and rhythm.

Final thought

If you can make it all the way down here, thanks for reading. After all, this is a monster post with more than 70 developmental games for 1 year old babies . It’s hard to remember and play it all to your baby at once.

Don’t worry. The resource is always here for you. Bookmark this page, or simply print it out and come back to check when you are out of ideas.

About the author 

Mai Pham discovered her passion for writing a few years ago and she never stop thinking about it ever since. She finally took the leap and created Live a Worthy Life to brag about her smart ass (mainly just for fun). Enjoyed the fun writing brings, now with her new interest in everything-baby-related, she created Mommy Instinct , to tell mamas that it's ok that they mess up, that they don't know what the hell they are doing, and that it's okay to sit back and relax for a while.

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15 Fun and Easy Educational Games for a 1-Year-Old

Are you looking for some fun educational games for a 1-year-old? Then you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m sharing 15 educational games and fun activities that will support your 1-year-old’s development. These activities and games are simple, yet fun and engaging for your baby and will help encourage gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social/emotional development, language development, and cognitive development for your 12-24-month-old child. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

For more details and to see these activities in action, check out this video!

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS

So first we’re going to explore some games and activities that will help develop your one-year-old’s gross motor skills. Gross motor skills refer to the movement and strengthening of larger muscle groups of the body.

Around the time your baby reaches a year old, he or she will probably be standing often while holding on to objects, “cruising” which is holding on to furniture while walking, or even standing or walking without assistance. So from the time your baby is 1-2 years old, you will see them go from a beginning walker to a RUNNER. 

1. OBSTACLE COURSE

One fun activity you can do to encourage your baby’s gross motor development is creating an obstacle course. You can do this using couch cushions, pillows, tunnels , etc.- we just used some pillows and tunnels but if you don’t have or don’t want to buy tunnels like this you can use a large cardboard box. 

I love this activity because it’s great for walkers OR crawlers if your baby isn’t walking just yet and gets them working those larger muscle groups. 

2. BALL PIT

The next gross motor activity is a homemade ball pit. So you can simply use a pack and play or even a plastic baby pool and just grab some balls from Amazon and let your toddler go nuts!

They can crawl or jump while they play with the balls. My son also loved kicking his legs to move the balls around the ball pit. 

Another fun gross motor activity is making a fort! This can simply be done with furniture and blankets. Your little one will have so much fun crawling around inside.

This is also a great activity for social-emotional development as your child can engage in imaginary play- we had some stuffed animals in our son’s fort and he was hugging them and pretending to put them to sleep. 

So this last gross motor activity is for little ones who aren’t walking just quite yet. But you can help encourage your little one to walk by walking with them! So first you would start out walking behind them while supporting them with two hands, then gradually as they get better with their balance you would guide them with one hand then eventually encourage them to take steps on their own.

It’s important to remember that all children develop at their own pace, so don’t worry if your child isn’t doing these things right at 1 year old. As always, if you’re concerned about something, speak to your pediatrician. 

FINE MOTOR SKILLS

The next set of games and activities are going to focus on strengthening your child’s fine motor skills, which have to do with the development of smaller muscle groups in the body, particularly hands and fingers.

A big fine motor development you’ll see when your child is about a year old is the development and refinement of the pincer grasp, which is the ability to pick something up with the thumb and index finger.

Between the ages of one and two, you’ll start to see your child be able to perform fine motor activities with more accuracy and control. Some of these activities include holding a crayon and scribbling on paper, placing pegs in a pegboard, stacking blocks, turning pages of a book, feeding themselves with both hands and utensils, and pushing, pulling squeezing, and sliding objects. 

5. SENSORY BIN

A fun activity to strengthen fine motor skills along with sensory exploration is by letting your child play in a sensory bin. You can fill sensory bins with TONS of different objects, but we used baby cereal as the base then placed some little toys and a spoon in there.

If your child is closer to two and is out of the phase of putting things in their mouth, then you can use sand, but my son still tends to put things in his mouth from time-to-time, so the baby cereal is a great alternative option.

Here they can practice using fine motor skills to scoop the sand, play with it in between their fingers, and manipulate small objects. Just a disclaimer to ALWAYS supervise your child very closely with ALL of these learning activities, especially the ones that involve smaller objects. 

RELATED POST: 10 Easy DIY Sensory Activities for Babies

6. CAR WASH

Our next little game is called “CAR WASH”! This is another type of sensory bin activity. I just took a shallow tray , but you can use a larger, deeper bin if you want. I then filled it with some dish soap and water and threw some little toy cars in there with a fresh sponge and your child can play around in the water and “wash” the cars!

This is also a great imaginary play activity that will help with social-emotional development, which we’ll talk more about in a bit! 

7. STACKING

Any kind of games that involve stacking are great for fine motor skills. This can be done using blocks , legos , pegs , or nesting cups , but these stacking activities are also great for developing hand-eye coordination along with problem-solving skills for your 1-year-old. 

8. MYSTERY BOX

An entertaining game that your toddler is sure to love is a mystery box. You can just use a cardboard box and place some kind of flap over a hole cut out in the top, then place objects of various sizes and textures in the box, then have your toddler reach inside and grab them.

When they’re a little bit older this is a great activity for them to describe what they are feeling or guess the object without seeing it. My preschoolers and kindergarteners used to LOVE this activity! You can do SO many different activities and games with these mystery boxes – I absolutely love them! 

9. PUTTING OBJECTS INTO CONTAINERS

So the next educational game on our list is putting objects into different containers. This can be done in so many ways, but here is an activity I did with my son in one of my fine motor activity videos.

I took a puff container and cut an opening in the lid and then had my son drop large craft sticks through the hole. You can do this with any kind of container or use multiple containers with different sized openings and set them out along with some objects that your child can place into different containers. 

If you want even more activities you can do with your 1-year-old to strengthen their fine motor skills, then definitely check out my fine motor activity video series . 

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES

So around the age of one, you start to see your child’s personality really emerge. They start to express their emotions more and you’ll probably start to see the tantrum phase appear.

There are lots of different activities you can do to support your child’s social-emotional development, which is how they interact with others, manage their emotions, and start to understand who they are. 

10. IMAGINARY PLAY

Imaginary play activities are great for supporting your toddler’s social-emotional development. There are so many benefits that come from kids engaging in imaginary play. Between the ages of one and two you will begin to notice your child imitating your actions or things you say, so they love to pretend to engage in everyday activities that they see their parents or caregivers taking part in.

Playing “ kitchen ” is an awesome activity because your toddler can pretend to do things that will become real-life skills, like cooking and eating. 

We also have a little Melissa and Doug Vet Set that my son loves but any kind of activities that engage your child in imaginary play are fantastic for supporting your child’s social-emotional development.

There is also tons of opportunity for language development with these activities, so be sure to engage with your child and use descriptive language to talk about what they’re doing and label the objects they are playing with. 

11. IMITATION

Another activity you can do to support social-emotional development is to play imitation games. So you can simply perform an action or make a sound and have your child repeat what you do. As your child gets older, you can make different faces to express emotion then have them repeat while you verbally label the emotion. 

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

From the ages of one to two, you are going to see an explosion in your baby’s language skills. During this time, they can understand more words than they can speak. They can follow simple directions such as “come here” or “sit down” and they often point to things in order to communicate with you.

By the time your baby is a year old, they can probably say a few simple words, such as mama or dada, but by the time they reach 18 months their spoken vocabulary increases to approximately 20-50 words, and by 2 years they can start to put 2 words together to convey their thoughts. 

There are so many activities you can do in your everyday life to support your baby’s language development. 

12. SING SONGS

One activity you can do is to simply sing songs or recite nursery rhymes with your baby. The repetitive nature is great for developing their language skills. 

Reading with your child is amazing for language development. However, one game that I love is what I call “I Spy.” You simply read any book as ask your child to find and point to different objects. Your child may not be able to do this RIGHT when they’re a year old, but they will be able to very soon after as their understanding of vocabulary (also known as receptive language) increases. First word books, like this one , are great for this activity!

14. COPY CAT

The next game is called copy cat – it’s simply an imitation game that involves repeating sounds. You just make a sound or say a word and have your baby repeat it! 

For more ideas on how to teach your baby to talk you can check out my video on how to encourage your child’s language development here .

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Cognitive development is how children think, explore, and figure things out in the world around them. At around a year old, your toddler can now remember skills they have previously learned, such as rolling a ball or building with blocks.

They also begin to understand the concept of cause and effect more and can comprehend the connections between certain actions. For example, they understand that if they have an open container filled with objects, the objects will fall out when they flip the container over. 

By one year, your child also understands the concept of object permanence, which is the understanding that if something is hidden out of sight, it still exists. 

15. HIDE AND SEEK OR PEEK-A-BOO

Honestly, all of the above activities will help support your baby’s cognitive development, but some simple more specific games are hide and seek or peek-a-boo. Babies around the age of one year love covering themselves with a blanket and pulling it down when you ask where they are. 

Hide and seek is also a great cognitive game that supports gross motor skills as well as baby crawls or walks to find you. 

Be sure to grab my free checklist for your 12-24-month-old baby’s developmental milestones below! 

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I hope you enjoyed these activities! Leave us a comment below to let us know which activity you’re most excited to try with your child. 

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31 BEST Activities For Your 1 Year Old

April 28, 2022 Anna

One-year-olds are neither babies nor toddlers. This is why toddler activities are so special. Find out how to harness your child’s interests and creativity with these crafts, educational games, sensory activities, and activities to teach a 1-year-old.

One-year-old children can benefit from activities that they can do without assistance. Discover what one-year-olds can do in this post. Happy learning!

Table of Contents

One Year Old Activities for Playful Fun

These play ideas for 1 year olds will keep your baby…or toddler…busy all day long! For best results, engage your child with the following techniques:

• Be present – put away both your & their screens!
• Establish boundaries – 1-year-olds like to know how far they can push both physically and emotionally.
• Make eye contact – this is the time kids learn how & when to make eye contact.  Establish a good example.
• Praise often, smile, and laugh!
• Above all, listen.

Easy and Fun 1 Year Old Activities

1. easy toddler sensory activity.

This practical sensory activity from Kids Activities Blog will have your baby exploring food. They could discover the smell, whether it is hot or cold, and more!

2. Edible Finger Paint Activity

This edible finger paint by Hands On As We Grow is made from applesauce! You can use this fun technique to teach a one-year-old to read, including alphabet songs and sounds. How fun!

3. Play with Toys

Pull out your little one’s favorite toys…but only one at a time.  One of the secrets to keeping kids engaged with their toys is to limit their exposure over time to them.  Many families have a system of toy rotation which can help keep toys fresh upon their return!

This may naturally happen by toys migrating to the bottom of the toy bin!  But if you need help, then consider having a covered box of toys that rotate through the garage or a closet shelf.

Make 2 or 3 play areas that your 1 year old can crawl between. It is a way to encourage gross motor skills like crawling between fine motor skills like sensory play.

4. First Letter Activity

This super simple letter activity from Kids Activities Blog will help your one year old get familiar with letters!

5. Time for Snacks

Everything is new and wondrous to a one year old!  And snack time is no exception.  Try including new types of food, new textures and new tastes to your snack rotation.  Toddlers are naturally adventurous when it comes to eating and snack time might be the perfect time to grab and try something that might be a little out of the ordinary when it comes to toddler food.

6. Little & Big Hands

This engaging activity for baby from Little Moments is simple. All you’ll need is your fingers… and some TLC! This is one of the best activities that can be done anywhere!

7. Stroller Stroll Activity

Getting outside and exploring your neighborhood with your busy toddler from the vantage point of a stroller can be a really big toddler adventure.  Whether you jog or walk, the view changes all the time and with the seasons so is the sensory experience.  1 year olds enjoy repetition so taking the same route daily and pointing out the changes can be an excellent educational game.

8. Muffin Tin Game

This simple muffin tin activity via Kids Activities Blog makes a fun game out of items you already have around the house! Keep a 1-year-old occupied and stimulated. The best part…it doesn’t have to involve expensive toys or costly outings and works as an easy DIY busy board!

9. Trip to the Park

Going to the park can be the highlight of a toddler’s day.  Quite honestly, it can be the highlight of mom/dad’s day too (don’t forget to include older siblings)!  If you live in a warm climate like I do, going early in the day can be really helpful in keeping everyone cool.  Exploring what adventures the park has to offer is so much fun.  Finding new parks in your town can be fun for the entire family.

10. Play with Food

If your littles are going to play with food anyway, you might as well make a fun activity out of it! Check out how No Time For Flash Cards did it!

11. Play in the Backyard

No matter how engaging your backyard MAY seem to adults, remember that 1 year olds are on a whole different level of sight…and adventure.  Simple activities such as finding rocks, sticks and treasures can fill their day with wonder.  I Spy games boost cognitive, physical and emotional skills.  Playtime is educational and filled with easy activities.

12. Sticky Treasures Activity

So much sticky fun for a baby with this simple contact paper idea from Child Central Station! Early learning can get kids off on the right track. These fun games that teach shapes, colors, numbers, letters through leaves and nature can help kids develop important skills.

13. Bath Time Fun

Bathtime is fun! It is as simple as that. Yes, you can have toys in the bathtub, but really sometimes just a cup is all you need.  See how water moves, feels, smells, tastes (no!), and reacts to motion is a huge sensory education for your 1 year old. Little fingers can grip the scoop and see what happens when the water drops. Try adding kitchen utensils, water bottle shaker, small pots and pans too!

14. Manipulative Fun Activity

If your baby is too young for small manipulatives , try these fun ideas from This Reading Mama instead! It is a little like puzzle pieces to little fingers.

15. Play with Play Dough

If you have a toddler who likes to place things in his/her mouth then traditional play-doh may not be the best idea for play. Try an edible play dough recipe instead and keep a supervising eye!

Play-doh is a great sensory experience from start to finish.  Kids learn cause-effects when they create shapes and attempt to create what is in their head.  They also see how the texture changes, softens, hardens, flattens and so much more.

16. Baby Can Read!

It’s never too early to start reading with your baby ! Here are some ways to make it fun via The Pleasantest Thing!

17. Crawling Races Activity

A toddler’s first competition can be with a sibling, parent or care-giver because the playing field is leveled when you race while crawling.  Set up a starting and finish line and then make a big deal about the race.

You may never finish because you are laughing so hard.

18. Simon Says

Introduce this simple game during toddlerhood.  It can be a ton of fun while boosting cognitive and emotional skills…not to mention physical ones as well.

The entire family can get involved and you never know who will win!

19. Books for Toddlers

These fun books for babies from The Educators Spin On It turn reading into an activity they’ll absolutely enjoy!

20. Scavenger Hunt Activity

Finding common objects is a really fun activity that 1 year olds will embrace.  You can do a simple verbal list or hand them a picture list. One year olds are developing new skills every day, and you can encourage their curiosity and assistance with fun activities, such as this scavenger hunt!

21. Obstacle Course Activity

This is a great outdoor activity at the park or in the backyard, but my favorite way to play is indoors — especially on those rainy days when toddlers need to work out the wiggles.

Set up a course using things around the house like chairs, books, toys, pillows, ropes, sheets and whatever else you can find.  It is amazing how much exercise you can get while running through your own indoor obstacle course.

22. Singing Rhymes Together

Your little ones will love listening to you sing rhymes to them! Soon they’ll be singing on their own and don’t forget that sing alongs are great times for dance parties! Check out different nursery rhymes via Rainy Day Mum

23. Hide and Seek Activity

This childhood tradition is perfect to begin while one year old.  Object permanence is something that toddlers are still exploring and figuring out HOW and WHERE to hide boosts cognitive, physical and emotional skills.

24. Peek-a-Boo! (Advanced Version)

Like hide and seek, toddlers are still tickled by the idea of hiding.  But they are too advanced just to fall for hands over face.  But look for other ways to have fun with this concept like covering a toy or a body part. Or let them lead the game.

25. Snow Drop Game

Your baby will love hearing the sound these snowflakes make as they drop into the jar! They’ll be honing their fine motor skills at the same time! Learn how to do this toy by yourself via Kids Activities Blog.

26. Stacking Blocks

Stacking is exhilarating especially in the first year!  Building something that didn’t exist and then pushing the boundaries of how tall it can go is a learning experience that can be fun and exciting.  Stacking blocks are always a fun way to keep your 1-year-old’s sensory bin. What will happen if you add just one more block?

27. Puzzles

Spatial relationships and how things move is a big part of exploring being a 1 year old.  Age-appropriate puzzles can help boost these skills and challenge toddlers’ knowledge without being too frustrated.

28. DIY Shaking Bottle

What a fun visual activity for babies from Kids Activities Blog! How many items can you find? This is a great way to keep your kids entertained for any season of the year!

29. Lift-the-Flap Books

This is the perfect time to visit the library’s section of board books that include lift-the-flap.  It is like the hide and seek version of a book. Could be a great way to teach hand-eye coordination to your 1-year-old!

30. Finger Paint Activity

Finger painting is a great sensory art activity for one year olds .  You can paint puppets, animals, and even you, mommy! Cover the area so you won’t have a big mess since most toddlers aren’t very coordinated at painting…yet.

31. DIY Fastener Game

Does your toddler love playing with clips and fasteners? If so they’ll love this homemade dexterity toy from Kids Activities Blog to increase coordination.

More Toddlers Activities & Fun from Play Ideas

• More activities for 1 year olds & more toddler activities
• Baby Shark song plus these shark crafts will make your toddler dance all day long!
• Check out more sensory activities for your 1-year old here.
• Don’t miss these easy and fun art projects for your little ones!
• And these 61 Painting Ideas for kids of all ages.
• Make more memories with your toddlers by creating precious handprint crafts .
• Breakfast is more enjoyable for your little ones with these creative cereal crafts !
• Enhance your baby’s motor skills through these Hand and Eye Coordination Activities .

What fun activity are you doing with your one-year-old today?

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Best for 1-5 year olds. On desktop requires basic mouse movements. On mobile devices simply tap the screen.

Free Online Games For Toddlers That Are Educational And Surprisingly Fun

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“is your kid musical do they love to dance around and sing kneebouncers is filled with catchy and memorable songs that will even get stuck in your head. this program offers educational games for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. so, you can stick with the same program even after your little one ages out of their terrible twos and threes., play with purpose.

For kids, play is their job – and their job is to play. This natural instinct is how they learn. Our games and videos reinforce what your children are already learning. So let them play and know that they’re building their confidence, while learning foundational skills.

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KneeBouncers is play with purpose. Our interactive online games and videos are designed to engage, encourage, entertain and educate babies, toddlers and preschoolers. We keep our content age-appropriate, and l earning fun.

KneeBouncers employs a play-based developmental learning strategy to create our games. Specifically, we focus on games that spark kids’ curiosity and creativity , exploration of the world , social understanding , communication skills and movement . Our play-based developmental strategies support concrete learning objectives, including: mathematical concepts , science , language and literacy , social and emotional development , arts and music and social studies .

We strive to create age-appropriate engaging games that promote playing with purpose. Games increase in complexity as a child grows, allowing us to provide learning fun for babies through preschool students.

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A whole lotta fun for the itty bitty ones.

KneeBouncers.com , a website full of engaging toddler games  and  baby games online. Featuring a collection of fun, interactive online games designed specifically for babies ,  toddlers , and  preschool kids.  

KneeBouncers’ gang of characters will delight your child as they explore the interactive online games that  parents, daycare and preschool teachers have embraced for their fun, simplicity, and age appropriateness. These toddler games are easy to play and your preschool kids can enjoy playing on their own. The goal with all of our interactive games is to make learning more enjoyable for your baby, toddler, and preschooler.  

Download the coloring sheets and continue the fun and learning offline. They’re a great way to learn new skills, or reinforce skills that your little one is learning. 

Check out every episode of “The KneeBouncers’ Show” – ad free! And sing-along with Kiki and her KneeBouncer friends in all the “Kiki’s Music Time” episodes! From classic children songs to our original songs – you’ll kids will be singing and dancing!

“Play gives children the chance to practice what they are learning.”

Fred rogers, learn. practice. repeat..

You learn by doing and repeating. Once your child is introduced to a new concept, it’s important for them to practice and repeat the new skill. And we make the process fun for them!

Cause and effect games are designed as tapping games that respond to the touch of the keyboard or screen. These simple baby games build confidence and encourage further exploration. 

Matching games are designed to challenge your little ones memory skills. Zoo and farm animals to shapes , colors, letters , and numbers matching games will keep your child’s memory sharp. (Yours too!)

KneeBouncers was created to instill a love of learning in babies, toddlers, preschoolers and everyone in your family. We’ve created lots of original baby games , online games for toddlers , preschool games , coloring pages , memory games , keypress games , tap games , point and click games , original animated videos , sing-along songs , nursery rhyme videos , original children songs , and so much more! 

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Get the refrigerator cleared and ready download coloring sheets from your favorite games and reinforce the lesson, more love to share..., love love love.

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It started from a personal need – to create a space where little ones could play games without the fuss of a mouse. Our small haven has now grown to include over 100 ad-free, engaging games, videos, and worksheets. We believe that children learn best when they’re having fun, and that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.

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Thanks – and keep on KneeBouncin’!

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16+ Fun and Learning Activities for 1 Year Olds

1. Playing with Building Blocks

2. tickling, 3. playing with rice, 4. solving puzzles, 5. playing hide and seek, 6. playing simon says, 7. playing with playdough, 8. playing with food, 9. corn flour fun, 10. crawling around.

Is your child around the age of one? This age is an interesting phase for a child’s growth and development and can invite panic and confusion into homes as parents contemplate how to best support and nurture their child’s growth and development. 

Is it too early for games ? Should I hold off on trying to get my child to start speaking? Parents may have countless other questions about kicking off with age-appropriate activities for 1 year olds to engage and support their child’s sensory stimulation. 

18 Fun & Learning Activities for 1-Year-Olds

As a parent, you should be relieved to know that you’re not alone in navigating these concerns. At this critical age, it is natural for 1 year olds to grab, touch, and graze on everything within their grasp as they learn to make sense of the world. 

There are plenty of learning activities for 1 year olds that recognize this truth and are shaped around this behavior to ensure they naturally support your child’s growth and development. Let’s find out what they are!

SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

What you will need:

Larger-sized building blocks would be ideal

What to do:

Chances are that you have a bucket of building blocks lying around somewhere. Legos may be too small for a 1 year old, so try to ensure they have access to some of the larger, age-appropriate ones they can use to build and destroy towers and buildings. 

What your child will learn:

Playing with building blocks offers a great way to develop your child’s fine motor skills while nurturing their creativity and offering a tactile, sensory experience. 

Just your child, and maybe some feathers, ribbons, or cloth

Try tickling your child and see how they respond. Infants react positively to being tickled and have a great time with it. They won’t stop giggling, whether you use ribbons, a piece of cloth, or your hands. When it comes to activities for 12 month olds, tickling is hard to beat.

Being tickled should develop your child’s sensory awareness.

A large bowl filled with dry rice grains and a small cup

Here’s one of the most fun activities for 1 year olds. All you have to do is set a bowl full of dry rice grains and a small cup in front of your child. Your child can enjoy scooping up the rice in their palms and feeling the grains of rice slip between their fingers. You can help them get creative with a cup and watch the rice grains fall from it and into the bowl. Scooping rice or plunging your hand into a bowlful of rice is always great fun. 

Playing with rice should be a great tactile and sensory experience for your child.

An age-appropriate puzzle set 

When it comes to indoor activities for 1 year olds, puzzles are a great way to engage. Unbox and set out the pieces of an age-appropriate puzzle in front of your child. Feel free to give them a hand to ensure they don’t get frustrated or overwhelmed as they figure out how the pieces fit into one another. 

Solving puzzles is the perfect way to spend time at home with your little one, but if you’re interested in checking out other fantastic indoor activities for 1 year olds , we’ve curated a list of some of the best for you to check out.

Age-appropriate puzzles offer a fun way to challenge your child’s motor skills and problem-solving ability.

Just your child and the comfort of your home

It’s never too early for a game of hide and seek, so go ahead and introduce your child to this perfect pastime. There is no better (or safer) place to get started with hide and seek than the comfort of your own home. 

Regular games of hide and seek can improve your child’s perception of object permanence. 

When it comes to educational activities for 1 year olds, Simon Says is tough to beat, so get started on a game of Simon Says today. Take turns with your child as you help them develop an understanding of the game. 

You can have friends and family join in for a friendly game and see how it unfolds. You can even take the fun outdoors. For other great outdoor activities for 1 year olds , head on over to this SplashLearn post that walks you through some of the best.

A game of Simon Says should help your child develop their cognitive skills while offering a way to get some fun exercise in.

A comfortable space and some age-appropriate playdough

Consider using edible playdough to keep this activity safe. Your child is sure to learn a lot as they engage with new shapes and textures. Help them nurture their creativity by making things yourself and allowing them to understand the possibilities of this material.

Playdough offers a great sensory experience for your child to experiment with new shapes and designs. 

Puree, dough, any batter based-food, and your child’s eating utensils

Does your child give you a hard time when you’re trying to feed them, only to end up playing with their food? Well, why not just use food to offer them something to play with? Purees, dough, and batters promise a sensory-rich experience. Let your child use their fingers and mess about as they please.

Playing with food can help a child develop their fine motor skills while encouraging creative play.

A kiddie pool and corn flour

When it comes to food related activities for 1 year olds, cornmeal is hard to beat and has to be mentioned. Get started by filling up a kiddie pool with cornmeal then tell your child to dive and start playing around with the cornmeal. Cornmeal is similar to sand in its materiality, but is also edible in case your young one gets extra curious while no one is looking.

The texture of corn flour should provide your child with tactile stimulation. 

Just the comfort of your home and your child

Encourage your child to crawl or move around the house. Request them to follow you around as you move about. Keep them engaged with verbal and physical cues to ensure that their curiosity compels them to keep moving.

Encouraging your child to crawl or move around the house can be a stimulating exercise that not only develops their spatial awareness but also keeps them active.

11. Finger and Hand Painting

Any non-toxic, child-friendly paint, a shirt for your child that you don’t mind getting dirty

Your 1 year old may need some practice to get a hold of this craft, so make sure to take precautions and cover up your painting area to avoid accidents. You can start by showing your child how to work with the paint and encourage them to follow along. Activities for 1 year olds may be aplenty, but finger and hand painting is just one of those classics that one can’t go wrong with.

Finger or hand painting is a great tactile activity that allows your child to stimulate their senses. 

12. Coloring

Any set of non-toxic or age-appropriate crayons or colored pencils, and a coloring book

Sit down with your child and open up a coloring book. Pick up a colored pencil or crayon and start coloring away. Your child should be able to watch you and follow along on their own. This can be a great alternative to finger and hand painting if you’re looking to avoid a mess.

Holding crayons and colored pencils should improve your child’s fine motor skills. 

13. Playing with Stickers

Any surface you don’t mind getting sticky, along with some peelable stickers

You can start by lifting a little portion of a sticker to make it easier for your child to peel off the rest. After your child has removed the sticker, guide them towards the surface on which you’d like them to apply it. Show it to your child with another sticker, and watch them follow suit.

Peeling a sticker off a sheet and applying it on a surface involves motor skills and an improved understanding of cause and effect. 

14. Making a Collage

A thick piece of paper, cotton balls, colored pieces of paper, dry macaroni, and any other material that can safely be glued on to paper 

Using glue to stick things like cotton balls, pieces of paper, dry macaroni, or leaves on a piece of paper to create a collage is a fun activity that your child can lead. Don’t tell them where the cotton skies or the grass goes. Let them decide. 

This activity should develop your child’s fine motor skills and promote their sense of creativity.

15. Doodling with Chalk

A chalkboard (or a safe sidewalk outside your home) and some chalk

All you need for this activity is some chalk and a sidewalk to get started! If you can get hold of a chalkboard, even better. Allowing your child to make patterns, shapes, and designs, or just doodle away can be a fun activity for your child. 

If you’re a teacher looking for daycare activities for 1 year olds, it doesn’t get better than some playful doodling with chalk. 

Doodling with pieces of chalk is a great way to support their fine motor skills. This activity should develop your child’s fine motor skills, and promote their sense of creativity.

16. Painting with a Sponge

A sponge, some thick paper, and non-toxic paint

Lay out a large, thick piece of paper in front of your child, along with some paint, a bowl of water, and of course, a sponge. Guide your child to dip the sponge in the paint and move it around the piece of paper before them to see the shapes and patterns they can come up with. Try to make sure the sponges don’t soak too much paint to avoid making a mess. 

Painting with a sponge is not only a fun way for your child to draw but also offers a sensory experience, unlike any other art activity.

17. Painting with Food

A large piece of paper and some applesauce

Ever consider using applesauce as paint and letting your child paint and nibble away at the same time? This is a combination that screams fun and delicious. Try to make sure there’s some applesauce still left by the time your child is done with their masterpiece.

You can even blend a handful of spinach, half a cup of baby cereal, and some almond milk to create a safe and edible green paint that your child can use alongside the applesauce. For purple, blend five blueberries, half a cup of baby cereal and some almond milk.

Using applesauce to paint should be a tactile experience that encourages the development of your child’s fine motor skills.

18. Painting on Foil

Non-toxic acrylic paint, some aluminum foil, a piece of cardboard, and some clean cotton buds

To get started, cover a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil. This will be your child’s canvas. Introduce them to a cotton bud, and demonstrate how it’ll work as their paintbrush. This should offer a unique painting experience for kids because the cotton buds will slide across easily over the foil, allowing your child to blend colors and create new patterns.

Using a thin cotton bud should test your child’s fine motor skills. 

Importance of Education Through Activities for Kids

Learning through activities is an important part of a child’s holistic development. Allowing children to play encourages them to better understand themselves, their preferences, while releasing extra energy and staying healthy! As parents and teachers, encouraging them to play is crucial to nurture the learning potential it offers.

Time to Get Learning!

When it comes to activities for one year olds, you don’t necessarily have to choose between learning and fun. With so many great activities that combine learning and fun, you can rest assured that your little one’s playtime will also ensure the development of their cognitive, social, and motor skills, among others.

Let’s find more online educational resources and printable worksheets for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Apart from learning, what impact do these activities have on my 1 year old.

Whether you’ve pulled out a puzzle for your toddler on a rainy day or spent some time painting with your hands on the weekend, these activities can be a great bonding exercise for parents to connect with their children. Similarly, teachers will find these activities to help build a relationship with their daycare toddlers.

How many activities should I try to engage my 1 year old with throughout the day?

This is something that depends entirely on your toddler and their mileage for fun. As long as your 1 year old does not feel overwhelmed with repeated exposure to new experiences and enjoys their time wherever they are, you shouldn’t have to worry about an upper or lower limit.

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Best Activities for a 1-Year-Old

Medical review policy, latest update:, what skills is your child developing at 12 months , social and emotional skills, language and communication skills, cognitive skills, gross and fine motor skills, best activities for a 1-year-old, read this next, have an interactive storytime, play with puzzles, go on a nature walk  , play patty-cake, create an obstacle crawl, make a sensory bottle.

While active playtime of any kind is important, even simple activities like talking, singing and reading are some of the most important things caregivers can do with children. 

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Reading Books to Your Baby or Toddler , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Infant Physical Activity , July 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Important Milestones: Your Baby By One Year , July 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Developmental Milestones: 12 Months , June 2009. American Academy of Pediatrics, Choking Prevention , September 2019. KidsHealth From Nemours, Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers , June 2018. KidsHealth From Nemours, Your Child’s Development: 1 Year (12 Months) , February 2020. Stanford Children’s Health, The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds , 2021. UNICEF, Your Toddler’s Developmental Milestones at 1 Year , 2021. Zero to Three, Supporting Language and Literacy Skills from 12-24 Months , 2021. Manasa Mantravadi, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician in Indianapolis, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health. Elizabeth S. Norton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Department of Medical Social Sciences, principal investigator at LEARN Lab at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

Go to Your Baby's Age

Trending on what to expect, the covid-19 vaccine for infants, toddlers and young children, how to create a night shift system when you have a newborn, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., when do babies start laughing, baby-led weaning, what happens in the ‘4th trimester’ (and is it a real thing).

Play free online toddler games and games for babies!

Online games for babies to play using keyboard or touchscreen.

Free Educational games for babies and kids. We have created the most beautiful and popular online games for kids, babies and young children available to play for free. Our aim is to provide a safe and recommended free website dedicated for kids, crafted with love and offering the best online learning benefits for toddlers, babies, and preschoolers.

Toddler Games to point and Click (PC) or Tap (Mobile)

We believe that learning should be a fun and enjoyable experience for children. Therefore, our online and free educational activities for kids 1-2-3-4-5-years old are designed with the most beautiful drawings to play and captivate their imagination and foster their cognitive and motor skills.

Free Toddler Games: dragging and dropping

From online puzzles for kids and colorful memory games to paint drawing activities for 1-2-3-4-5-years old and educational activities for children, our online collection offers a wide variety of options to keep young minds stimulated and entertained.

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We have carefully designed each online educational game for kids to be age-appropriate, ensuring that it caters to the developmental needs and interests of preschoolers and young children with the most beautiful drawings.

Toddler Online Games: Coloring and Painting Games

Online activities for kids and preschoolers. In addition to the captivating gameplay, our free website for 1-2-3-4-5-years old also provides a user-friendly interface that is easy for young children to navigate independently.

4 pieces jigsaw puzzles for toddlers: by dragging and dropping

At our free website for kids, we understand the importance of providing a secure online environment for children to explore, play, and learn. Safety of children 1-2-3-4-5-years old is our utmost priority, and we have implemented stringent measures to ensure a secure browsing educational experience for children.

Online Games for Toddlers: Maze Games

We take pride in the positive feedback we receive from parents and educators who have witnessed the developmental benefits our free educational games provide. Our online website offers a wide array of online activities for 1-2-3-4-5-years old young children, with the best drawings and completely free to play.

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From enhanced problem-solving abilities to improved hand-eye coordination, our free activities for kids 1-2-3-4-5-years old have proven to be effective tools for early childhood learning.

Welcome to HappyClicks.net, a website full of entertaining, toddler games and baby games online.

Happy Clicks features a collection of free interactive online educational activities designed with the most beautiful drawings for babies , toddlers , and preschool kids , with brightly colored effects that will keep them delighted. Here, you will find interactive online activities that parents can enjoy playing with their babies and toddlers. These free toddler games are simple to play, and preschool kids can enjoy playing them on their own. Fun and free, our games make learning more enjoyable for your baby, toddler, and preschooler. Our activities are a great way to learn new skills. Additionally, Happy Clicks provides an opportunity for you to spend quality time playing with your toddler or baby.

Our free online games for toddlers are entertaining for everyone.

You may be surprised at how early your son and/or daughter can point, click, and navigate their way through enjoyable activities . The activities are interactive and simple, making learning fun with the coolest drawings. All the online games for babies and toddlers (1-2-3-4-5-year-old) on this site are free. Mothers and fathers can enjoy playing with their toddler or preschooler .

Kids, preschoolers, toddlers, babies, parents , and everyone in your family will find lots of original educational online games for toddlers and baby games . Here, you will find free coloring pages , toddler maze games , memory games for preschoolers , keypress games for babies , point and click games , and many more to play with your baby or toddler.

Play and learn with your child online!

Watch Our Videos! Fun Videos for Babies and Toddlers 1 year, 2 year, 3 year old.

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100+ No-Prep Indoor Activities for 1 Year Olds

• Preschooler

UPDATED: 2023 Looking for creative activities to keep 1 year-olds engaged and stimulated but don’t want to spend hours preparing? Check out our list of no-prep and low-prep creative activities for 1-year-olds!

Activities to Keep 1 Year Olds Busy

Are you a parent or caregiver looking for fun and engaging activities to do with your one-year-old? As much as we love spending time with our little ones, it can be challenging to come up with new ideas and activities to keep them entertained and stimulated. The good news is that you don’t need to spend hours preparing elaborate activities – there are plenty of low-prep and no-prep ideas that are perfect for one-year-olds!

In this post, we’ve compiled over 100 low-prep and no-prep activities that you can do with your 1-year-old. From sensory play to outdoor exploration, we’ve got you covered with ideas that are easy to set up and require minimal materials. Whether you’re looking for a quick activity to fill a few minutes or a longer project to occupy an entire afternoon, you’re sure to find something that works for you and your little one.

Not only are these activities fun and engaging, but they also provide opportunities for your one-year-old to develop important skills such as hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and language development. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of low-prep and no-prep activities for one-year-olds!

WANT YOU TRY ANY OF THESE NO-PREP ACTIVITIES FOR 1 YEAR OLDS WITH YOURS LATER? PIN IT NOW, AND FIND IT LATER!

No-Prep Activities for 1 Year Olds

• Dance party – turn on some music and dance around with your little one.
• Hide-and-seek with toys – hide a few toys around the room and help your child find them.
• Bubble blowing – blow bubbles and watch your child chase and pop them.
• Stuffed animal parade – line up stuffed animals and march around the room with them.
• Sensory bag exploration – fill a ziplock bag with different materials (like pasta or pom-poms) and let your child explore the texture. Find more ideas below.
• Mirror play – hold a mirror up for your child to see themselves and make silly faces together.
• Water play – fill up a shallow container with water and give your child cups and toys to play with.
• Peek-a-boo – cover your face with your hands and play peek-a-boo with your child.
• Ball roll – roll a ball back and forth with your child.
• Storytime – read a book together and point out different objects and characters.
• Sing-along – sing nursery rhymes or children’s songs together.
• Follow the leader – take turns being the leader and doing different movements like jumping or spinning.
• Sensory bin play – fill a bin with different materials (like rice or sand) and give your child cups and toys to play with.
• Baby yoga – do simple yoga poses with your child.
• Car ride – take a drive around the neighborhood and point out different sights.
• Toy drum circle – give your child different toys to use as drums and play along with them.
• Playdough fun – give your child playdough to squish and shape.
• Nature walk – take a walk outside and point out different plants and animals.
• Face painting – use washable paint to paint designs on your child’s face or hands.
• Finger painting – let your child explore paint using their fingers and hands.
• Balloon play – blow up a balloon and play catch or bat it around with your child.
• Puppet show – use stuffed animals or make sock puppets to put on a puppet show.
• Scarf dance – give your child a scarf to wave around and dance with.
• DIY obstacle course – create an obstacle course with pillows, chairs, and other household items for your child to crawl or climb over.
• Color scavenger hunt – choose a color and help your child find items around the house that match that color.
• Animal sound game – make different animal sounds and ask your child to mimic them.
• Water bottle shakers – fill empty water bottles with beans or rice and let your child shake them to make noise.
• Sensory painting – let your child explore different materials like pudding or whipped cream to create a sensory painting.
• DIY cardboard box play – give your child a cardboard box to crawl in and decorate with markers or stickers.
• Sensory walk – create a sensory path by laying out different materials like bubble wrap or carpet squares for your child to walk on.
• Balloon volleyball – use a balloon to play a gentle game of volleyball with your child.
• Fruit tasting – introduce your child to different fruits and let them explore the texture and taste.
• Flashlight fun – use a flashlight to make shadows on the wall and play a game of “find the light”.

More No & Low-Prep Activities for 1 Year Olds

• Foam bath – add a little bit of foam soap to the bathtub and let your child play and make bubbles.
• Drawing with chalk – give your child some sidewalk chalk and let them draw on the sidewalk or driveway.
• Animal parade – have your child line up their stuffed animals and lead them on a parade around the house.
• Cardboard tube play – give your child empty cardboard tubes to stack and play with.
• Sensory bin with ice – fill a bin with ice and let your child explore the cold sensation.
• Scarf peek-a-boo – play peek-a-boo with a scarf or blanket for added sensory fun.
• Nature scavenger hunt – go on a walk outside and look for different items like leaves, rocks, or flowers.
• Ribbon dance – give your child a ribbon or streamer to dance and move around with.
• Box tunnel – use boxes or couch cushions to create a tunnel for your child to crawl through.
• Sensory bin with water – fill a bin with water and give your child different items to play with, like cups or rubber duckies.
• Sock matching game – find pairs of socks and have your child help match them up.
• Pots and pans band – give your child different pots and pans to bang on with utensils for a musical experience.
• Toy car wash – use a plastic bin with soapy water and a sponge to “wash” toy cars or trucks.
• Soft object play – give your child soft objects to play with like stuffed animals or pillows.
• Blanket fort – use blankets and pillows to build a fort for your child to crawl or play in.
• Sensory bin with straws – fill a bin with straws and give your child different items to play with or poke them into, like a yogurt container with holes punched into it.
• Bubble wrap stomp – lay out a sheet of bubble wrap and let your child stomp on it to hear the popping sounds.
• Slow Fast Dance party – put on some slow music and dance and then change it and put on some fast music and have a dance party with your child.
• Drawing on a Mirror – hand your one year old some washable window markers and let them draw on a hand mirror.
• Spoon and cup play – give your child a spoon and cups to play with and explore.
• Paper towel roll art – use an empty paper towel roll and stamp and paint to create unique art and a piece of paper.
• Sticker fun – give your child stickers to stick on paper or even on their own hands.
• Rice bin play – fill a bin with rice and give your child measuring cups and spoons to play with.
• DIY ball pit – fill a small inflatable pool or bathtub with plastic balls for your child to play in.
• Car track play – use painter’s tape to create a car track on the floor for your child to play with toy cars.
• Sensory bin with shaving cream – fill a bin with shaving cream for a sensory play experience.
• Bean bag toss – make a simple bean bag and use a cardboard box as a target for your child to toss it into.
• Nature collage – collect leaves, flowers, and other natural materials and create a collage with your child.
• Sensory bin with sand – fill a bin with sand and give your child different items to play with, like toy shovels and buckets.
• DIY drum set – use pots, pans, and other kitchen items to create a DIY drum set for your child to play with.
• Play dough fun – make homemade play dough or use store-bought play dough for your child to play with and explore.
• Puddle jumping – put on rain boots and jump in puddles with your child.
• Sensory bin with pasta – fill a bin with uncooked pasta and give your child different items to play with, like toy cars and trucks.
• Paper bag puppet play – use paper bags and markers to create puppets for a puppet show.
• Bath time art – use bath crayons to draw on the walls during bath time.
• Stuffed animal picnic – set up a picnic with stuffed animals and have your child join in.
• Texture hunt – find different textures around the house, like a fuzzy blanket or a smooth table, and have your child explore them.
• DIY shaker – fill a plastic container with rice or beans to create a DIY shaker for your child to play with.
• Sensory bin with cotton balls – fill a bin with cotton balls and give your child different items to play with, like small containers and spoons.
• Toy car ramp – use a cardboard tube or a piece of PVC pipe to create a ramp for toy cars.
• Stamping art – use stamps and ink pads to create artwork with your child.
• Bubble bath – add bubble bath to the tub and let your child play and make bubbles.
• Indoor obstacle course – use pillows, blankets, and other household items to create an obstacle course for your child to crawl or climb through.
• Window art – use window markers or washable paint to create art on the windows with your child.
• DIY ribbon wand – tie ribbons onto a stick or a wooden spoon to create a DIY ribbon wand for your child to play with.
• Play restaurant – use play food and dishes to set up a pretend restaurant with your child.
• Laundry basket play – let your child play in a laundry basket filled with stuffed animals or other toys.
• Chalk art – draw on the sidewalk or driveway with chalk with your child.
• Sensory bin with water and ice – fill a bin with water and ice and give your child different items to play with, like toy boats or spoons.
• Bath time toys – add toys like rubber ducks or foam letters to bath time for your child to play with.
• Sensory bin with shredded paper – fill a bin with shredded paper and give your child different items to play with, like small balls or cups.
• Shadow puppets – use a flashlight to create shadow puppets on the wall with your child.
• Sensory bin with dried pasta – fill a bin with different types of dried pasta and give your child different items to play with, like toy cars or scoops.
• Bubble wrap art – give your child bubble wrap and washable paint to create art with a unique texture.
• Balloon volleyball – blow up a balloon and play volleyball with your child using your hands or a paper plate.
• Sensory bin with shaving cream – fill a bin with shaving cream and give your child different items to play with, like toy animals or spoons.
• Nature walk – take a walk outside and let your child explore nature, like touching leaves or looking at flowers.
• Play tunnel – use a large box or a sheet to create a play tunnel for your child to crawl through.
• Sensory bin with water and soap – fill a bin with water and soap and give your child different items to play with, like sponges or plastic animals.
• Body tracing – use a large piece of paper to trace your child’s body and let them decorate it with markers or stickers.
• Sensory bin with rice and spices – fill a bin with uncooked rice and add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a sensory experience.

More Low-Prep Activities for 1 Year Olds

• 30+ No Prep Things to Do at Home With Your 1 Year Old – Happy Toddler Playtime with a free printable list of the 30+ ideas.
• Tape Pull Fine Motor Activity – Mama.Papa.Bubba
• Post-it Push – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Pipe Cleaner Pick Up Sticks – Toddler Approved
• DIY Flip Book – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Q-Tip Push – Happily Ever Mom
• Peek-a-Boo Puzzle – Happy Toddler playtime
• Clothespin Pull – Days with Grey
• Magna Tile Cap Drop – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Painting with Water and Cotton Balls – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Muffin Tin Veggie Sort – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Card Slot Drop – Busy Toddler
• Book Drop – Happy Toddler Playtime

Sensory Bags & Mess-Free Painting

RELATED: 45+ Sensory Bags for 1 Year Olds

Sensory bins.

RELATED: 15+ Sensory Bins for 1 Year Olds

Good sensory bin fillers for 1 year olds are green peas, corn, water, ice. Check out the post for more easy ideas.

Contact Paper Activities

Here are a few ideas of low-prep contact paper activities for 1 year olds:

• Cardboard Tube Sticky Wall – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Baby Ring Grab – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Taby Sticky Wall – Busy Toddler
• Balloon Sticky Wall – Hello Wonderful
• Easter Bunny Sticky Wall – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Outside Sticky Wall – Busy Toddler
• Baby Puzzle Grab – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Cloudy Day Sticky Wall – Happy Toddler Playtime
• Yarn Sticky Wall – Hello Wonderful
• Baby Shape Grab – Happy Toddler Playtime

Discovery Baskets

Discovery baskets are a super easy no prep way to entertain your 1 year old. And there are a million ways to create them for your baby using the things you already have in your home.

Check out these posts for ideas:

• How to Create Montessori Baby Discovery Baskets – Mama Happy Hive
• Discovery Basket Ideas – How We Montessori
• Discovery Baskets for 1 year olds – Mama.Papa.Bubba
• 12 Super Easy Discovery Basket Ideas -Mama Meganallysa

The recommended age for play dough is 2 year olds, however, I let my 20 month twins play with homemade play dough. Use your best judgement when playing with play dough. It may not be appropriate for your 12 month old but by 20 months your baby may be ready to start playing with it. Again as a parent you know what’s best for your child – use YOUR best judgement as when and if to introduce play dough to your 1 year old.

Check out this post from Mama.Papa.Bubba for a baby safe play dough recipe – Baby Play Dough .

If you don’t have time to make baby safe play dough you can place regular play dough in a sensory bag and let your little on play with it that way!

When playing with play dough provide tools and loose parts that aren’t choking hazards. With play dough adult supervision is required at all times when your 1 year old is playing

Here are some easy loose parts your little one can use with play dough:

• Puzzle pieces
• Pasta Shells

Check out this post for introducing loose parts to 1 year olds How to Introduce Loose Parts With Infants and Toddlers – Fairy Dust Teaching.

Even More No-Prep Activities for 1 Year Olds:

Peekaboo Boxes – Our Bold Mere Home

Easy Indoor Gross Motor – My Baby Plays

Easy Cereal Transfer – My Baby Plays

Mega Blok Rescue – Baby Belle Fun

Feed and Wash the Animals – Mama and Cub Play

Fruit Sensory Water Play – Creative_Cubs

Playing Safely

It’s important to note that when it comes to playing with 1 year olds, constant adult supervision is required to ensure their safety. While these no-prep activities can be fun and educational for young children, it’s important to remember that they may still be exploring the world and learning about cause and effect. This means that there may be potential hazards in the environment that they might not recognize, and it’s up to adults to ensure that they stay safe.

Therefore, before engaging in any of these activities, it’s important to make sure that the environment is free of any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or small items that could be choking hazards. Additionally, parents and caregivers should remain actively engaged and attentive to the child’s behavior and any changes in their surroundings during playtime.

While these activities can be enjoyable for both children and adults, safety should always be the top priority. By providing constant supervision and taking necessary precautions, parents and caregivers can ensure that their child has a fun and safe experience while playing and learning.

Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!

Play2learn toddler & preschool programs for curious toddlers.

There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!

But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.

Play2Learn for Toddlers  includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

Play2Learn Preschool  which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years.  That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again! 

These  toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities  will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!

Click here for more information: Play2Learn

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book:  Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids

Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information  Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids . Or grab your copy at  Amazon . 

Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.

Book:  Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids

Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more. 

Find out more and grab your copy  here .

Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.

Book:  Big Book of Riddles for Kids

Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast?  The Big Riddle Book for Kids , of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles that show them how to think outside the box.

• 350 riddles for kids —Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
• Level up their skills —Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
• Double-check their work —Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!

Designed for kids ages 6 years   old and up.

TV Show:  Curious Crafting

I’m so excited to finally share my new crafting TV show  Curious Crafting  which launched July 1 at on  TVOkids  and  TVOkids YouTube !

Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.

In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create. 

Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.

This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up. 

Filed Under:

• Fine Motor Skills
• One Year Olds
• Sensory Bins, Bottles and Bags

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The Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds, Recommended by Parents and Experts

Playful, educational, and entertaining picks for curious minds.

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Our review process, our experts.

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Your Questions, Answered

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Parents / Marcus Millan

The one-year mark in a child’s life is a big milestone as kids leave the baby stage and officially enter the toddler stage . As they develop physically, emotionally, and developmentally, a whole new world of age-appropriate toys also opens for them. Children this age are intrigued by colors, sounds, and textures. But they also like to put things in their mouths, so choose toys that are safe and easy to keep clean.

The best toys for 1-year-olds provide sensory enrichment, help develop motor skills, and encourage language learning. To find these toys, we surveyed 875 parents and caregivers and asked about their kids' favorite toys, what skills they help them develop, and how durable and easy to use they are. In addition, we interviewed a pediatrician and a toy industry expert to gain further insights into toy safety and the latest trends. A physician double board-certified in neonatology and pediatrics on our Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding the safety, ease of use, and developmental appropriateness of toys for 1-year-olds.

Fisher-Price Farm to Market Tractor Ride-on With Pull Wagon

• Hape Pound & Tap Bench

Manhattan Toy Little Rocket Finds Home Soft Activity Crinkle Book

• Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks
• Radio Flyer Busy Buggy

Battat Wooden Activity Cube

Melissa & doug safari jumbo knob puzzle, fisher-price learning table, fisher-price brilliant basics stack & roll cups.

• Tommy Tommies Hide & Squeak Eggs

Once toddlers start walking independently , a whole new world of mobility opens up with ride-ons, pull and push toys, and more. The Fisher-Price Tractor Ride-On maximizes all these newly learned abilities. This learning toy features a market wagon that attaches to it or can be pulled with a handle, and removable shape-sorter fruits and veggies (and a credit card!).

The tractor plays over 75 songs to help kids learn their ABCs, numbers, shapes, and more . We love that this toy has a "smart stages" switch that enables you to pick the right level of learning for your kiddo, with simpler songs and concepts for the younger toddlers and more elaborate phrases as they learn and grow. If you're buying it as a gift, keep in mind that this toy requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Hape Pound & Tape Bench

This award-winning musical toy has been praised for its  colorful wooden design  and ability to teach kids about cause and effect. Rather than push a button, kids make their own music with a wooden hammer and balls, which little hands can place into the corresponding holes.

The Hape Pound and Tap Bench is made with high-quality wood with child-safe paint and rounded edges, making it easy to clean and safe for little hands and mouths. The parents we surveyed love how this toy keeps their toddlers engaged and entertained for hours and how they are able to find more creative ways to play. One of our editors also owns this xylophone, and she says this is the only toy her son plays with daily. Sometimes he taps the xylophone, but his favorite part is pushing the balls through the slots and putting them back in.

By the time their first birthday rolls around, babies are usually starting to show more interest in exploring books on their own. With loads of  sensory experiences , this soft crinkle book gives them more than enough material to be amazed at. There are colorful illustrations, a variety of different textures (like a fluffy cloud), noises like a squeaker and rattle toy, and flaps and pockets for them to check out.

We appreciate the teether corner and the fact that this is  washable , and also love that it’s easy to pack up when heading out. And unlike other books for babies and toddlers, this one actually has a story you can read together as you explore the different textures. 

Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks

This classic toy is an ultra-affordable option that is sure to please little ones. The set includes 10 colorful blocks that fit into identical slots in a  convenient carry case . The blocks promote a host of important skills, including matching, sorting, and problem-solving.

Radio Flyer Ride-On Car

The Radio Flyer Busy Buggy gets kids moving, whether pushing this adorable car around or interacting with one of its many features. One of our writers received a free sample of this Radio Flyer ride-on toy (but in pink), and it was a breeze to put together, requiring only the attachment of the handlebar. The Busy Buggy has 17 interactive features , like clicking dials and folding mirrors, which allow toddlers to enhance their fine motor skills. 

We love the storage compartment underneath the seat, where kids can pack their favorite toys (or the TV remote) for the ride. If kids don’t feel like walking, they can sit on the seat and power the car using their feet. 

With five different play surfaces and a variety of activities, the Battat Wooden Activity Cube will surely keep 1-year-olds occupied and engaged. The solid cube features a wire bead maze, spinning blocks, sliding knobs, little doors to open and shut, and rolling wood blocks with cheerful farm animals. The cube is also mindfully designed with  curved corners to help prevent bumps and bruises. 

The activities on the solid wood cube offer learning opportunities for matching, exploring cause and effect, and practicing hand-eye coordination. Vibrant colors, adorable pictures of animals, and a variety of activities will keep toddlers entertained for quite some time.

Tots one year and up can practice problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills  with an adorable puzzle like the Melissa & Doug Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle. Each piece is cut from a thick piece of wood and has a  large knob  on top that’s just the right size for little hands to grasp to help them guide the piece into its place. There are a variety of theme options, too, like farm animals ,  colorful shapes , and  pets . 

Little ones get to stand up while they play with the Fisher-Price Around the Town Learning Table, which is broken into four play zones , including a zoo, puppy house, market, and farm. Each section has different activities that let kids push buttons, flip switches, spin toys, and more. The table has lights and sounds, includes a toy phone for interactive play, and has three stages to meet your child’s developmental needs. Kids between 6 months and 3 years old are the perfect age to enjoy this table. 

Children between 6 months and 4 years old can play with this toy that can be stacked, nested, or turned into a ball. It has 10 colorful pieces of varying sizes, plus a little yellow ball, all working together to create  fun towers and other configurations . In addition to all the fun, this stacking toy helps kids work on color identification, counting, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and strengthening fine motor skills. 

Tomy Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs

Unlike a typical carton of eggs, children are encouraged to crack all of the eggs inside this TOMY Hide & Squeak set. Each egg has a removable top with a colorful face that matches the chick on the inside. When your kiddo presses down on the chick, it squeaks , which helps develop   sensory and fine motor skills. 

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book contains little activities to strengthen fine motor skills and sound bites that  teach science, letters, and numbers . All of the sound features can be played in either English or Spanish mode to further develop vocabulary and language skills. Kiddos will love all the buttons, lights, sounds, and interactive pages that teach them 100 words while having fun. 

B. Toys Squeeze Baby Blocks

Littles between 6 months and 3 years old   can stack, sort, squeeze, toss, and even chew on these soft molding foam blocks . The set comes with 10 blocks in various colors, each with different images on all six sides, including numbers, animals, and shapes. When they’re not being played with, the blocks stack nicely into a little plastic carrying case for storage. 

Leapfrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo

The LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo is surprisingly functional. Even though it's small, the buttons on the base let little ones choose one of three modes of play: letters, animals, or music. When your child interacts by spinning the wheel or pushing any number of colorful buttons, they’ll be  building their vocabulary and improving motor skills .

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Vacuum

Did you know that kids learn a lot of skills simply from mimicking their parents? Foster good habits and an inclination to  help around the house  with this fun light-up vacuum. Your kiddo can push the vacuum around just like their parents and caregivers might, but this version plays learning songs and phrases as they push to help expand their vocabulary, too. 

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano

Little Mozarts in the making will have a ton of fun with this piano that has  color-coded keys  and three sheets of music that will guide them in playing melodies. The coolest part? The Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano keys are all laid across a flat piece of wood, so they’re “magic.” This toy is best for budding musicians between 6 months and 3 years old.

Little Tikes Rocking Horse

The Little Tikes Rocking Horse is a great way for 1-year-olds to burn some of that extra energy. It’s designed for kids between 1 and 3 years old and under 50 pounds. Its tallest point stands just over 17 inches from the ground, it’s made from strong, durable plastic, and can be played with  indoors or outdoors .

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

Children up to 2 years old can clutch and teeth on the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle all they want. It's  colorful and lightweight , so it's fun to fiddle with and throw around. This rattle toy is big enough to keep little ones entertained but small enough to easily tuck into a diaper bag or under the stroller. The teething tubes are made of BPA-free plastic, perfect for tiny hands and teeth.

VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

If your family isn’t quite ready for a real puppy, the VTech Pull and Sing Puppy is a great alternative. This dog’s got plenty of tricks: He walks, sings, and even teaches numbers, colors, and body parts  through more than 60 songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases. 

First 100 Words

At 1 year of age,  your child's vocabulary is likely on the verge of exploding. This comprehensive book, complete with 100 words essential to a child’s daily life, provides a gentle nudge in the right direction. The board-book style makes "First 100 Words" easy for tiny hands to maneuver, and  bright, bold illustrations keep kids engaged. 

FoxPrint Rocket Ship Tent

It's never too early to encourage the joy of imagination. This rocket ship play tent is out of this world and perfect for kids from 12 months to 7 years old. The tent easily fits in most corners or can be folded flat in no time. Kids will enjoy having a play space all their own and when they get older, the  tent can be a cozy reading nook .

BusyPuzzle Personalized Name Puzzle With Pegs

For a unique gift that both littles and parents will love, try a personalized name puzzle. This artful toy is crafted with high-quality material to give it a super sophisticated vibe, but it’s functional, too. It’ll provide hours of fun that help children build problem-solving skills and fine motor function and—eventually— teach them how to spell their names . 

Little Tikes First Slide

When your new toddler is still a little too small for the playground, this beginner-level slide is a great alternative for a climbing toy. The Little Tikes First Slide is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can enjoy active play no matter what the weather is like. Parents love that it  folds flat for portability  and convenient storage.

Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center

There’s no shortage of fun to be had with this award-winning wooden toy. The  freestanding activity table , which features dozens of bead runs and gliders that facilitate grasping skills, is just the right size—small enough for the younger set to sit and play but large enough for toddlers to tinker while standing.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike

This ride-on toy is perfect for growing youngsters hitting new milestones all the time. It has  four different ways to ride : Use it as an infant trike, a steering trike with adult help, a learn-to-ride trike, or a classic trike suitable for more independent riders. Though the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike is pricier, it’s a worthy investment because you'll use it for years; it’s suitable for children as young as 1 year and as old as 5 years.

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

The Mega Block Big Building Bag is a set of 80 large-scale blocks that provide the perfect introduction to building blocks. The colorful pieces  easily click together , so kids can harness the power of their imagination and create any number of things—from towers to castles to cars and more.

Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain Kids Stacking Toy

This toy puts a new twist on the classic stacking toy. This set of six brightly colored, graduated  discs spin down a corkscrew pole , encouraging hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and the concept of cause and effect.

Boon Building Bath Toys Set

Get those creative juices flowing and those problem-solving skills into tip-top shape with this fun   bath-time building set. Kids will love figuring out how to connect the pipes to create a maze of working waterfalls . 

B. toys by Battat FunKeys Toy

There’s just something about keys—little kids love them. To ensure your set doesn’t go missing, give toddlers their own special set of keys they can chew on, rattle, and carry around. In addition to the eye-catching colors, these baby-safe keys have a realistic design and a functional remote that emits car sounds  and turns on a flashlight. 

VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck

This colorful dump truck is so much more than just a  pull-along toy . It’s a great tool for teaching kids basic counting—as they load the truck’s hinged bucket with rocks, the toy counts each one aloud. It also plays a variety of melodies and phrases that teach additional vocabulary, including colors and shapes.

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center

Toddlers are notorious for their short attention spans, but this activity center gives tots two choices—basketball or soccer—to ensure there’s no shortage of fun. The  light-up scoreboard  provides positive feedback when kids score and play fun songs and sounds.

Parents and caregivers are the foremost experts on toys that 1-year-olds love and actually engage with. To obtain their valuable insights, we surveyed 875 parents and caregivers and asked about their kids' favorite toys, what they like most about them, how long they keep their attention, and their overall value and quality. We also interviewed a pediatrician and a toy industry expert to learn more about the safety of toys for 1-year-olds and the latest toys and games for this age group.

• Natasha Burgert , MD, is a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. She's also the American Academy of Pediatrics national spokesperson and a regular contributor to multiple national media outlets.
• Kristin Morency Goldman , senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association, an industry organization that represents hundreds of manufacturers and retailers dedicated to championing the benefits of play.

Factors to Consider in Toys for 1-Year-Olds

• Ease of Use:  Make sure your child's toy is easy to use for both you and your child. The toy should be lightweight enough for your toddler to carry and lift, and the features are appropriate and easy for them to use. It's also important that it can be wiped clean and stored away when your child isn't playing with it.
• Educational Value:  There’s a lot for 1-year-olds to learn, from basic motor and language skills to letters, colors, sounds, and more. Consider what toys they already have and what skills they’re working on when you start shopping. “I encourage toys that hit all the developmental dimensions, says Dr. Burgert. “Toys like books to read together or explore independently, cause and effect toys that have a light or sound when the child engages, balls to kick and throw, blocks to stack and tumble, dolls and stuffed animals, and tactile toys for texture exploration and fine motor play.” 
• Age Appropriateness:  Always check the age range of the toys you plan to buy. While you may be excited to teach your little one new things, you want to find a toy they can understand, enjoy, and fully engage with safely. Always check the labels on the toys you’re considering, particularly the manufacturer’s recommended age. This guideline is there to help you decide whether the toy is safe and stimulating enough (or too stimulating) for your child, says Morency Goldman.
• Safety:  Babies love to grab, chew, and throw things, so choose toys that are made of safe, non-toxic materials and have soft edges. Additionally, watch out for toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard—generally, these toys are labeled 3+, says Morency Goldman.

How do children benefit from playing with their parents or caregivers?

One of the best ways for little ones to learn is by observing parents and caregivers. Toddlers are like little sponges, soaking in everything they see. When you play with your baby, they learn how to interact and behave by watching and mimicking your actions.

How many toys should a 1-year-old have?

When it comes to toys, the number doesn't matter as long as they help your 1-year-old explore and learn. You do not need too many toys, as long as they engage your toddler's interests and allow them to work on building new skills, especially cognitive, physical, and verbal skills.

When should I buy toys for my baby?

You can buy toys for your baby at any time, although newborns benefit mainly from watching parents and caregivers. Once they reach 2 to 4 months old, they benefit from toys during tummy time. From there, they gradually become more interested in playing and engaging with toys.

Ashley Ziegler is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 10 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

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30 Best Educational iPad Games for Kids in 2024 (Free and Paid)

Learn while you play!

Tablets are a regular part of most kids’ routines these days, and teachers and parents can use that to their advantage. There are a lot of terrific iPad games for kids that are designed for learning but disguised as fun! Here are some of the best that cover reading, math, science, social studies, and more for kids of a variety of ages.

Free iPad Games for Kids

The earlier kids start to learn new languages, the better. When we’re young, our brains are more receptive to learning language in general. Duolingo no longer has a specific version just for kids (though they do have a reading program; see below). But the general app itself is still great for kids by upper elementary or so. It’s completely free, and offers more than 40 languages to explore. Teachers should check out Duolingo for Schools , too.

Duolingo ABC

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 1

The foreign language learning company has brought its same philosophy to teaching kids how to read. The entirely free lessons focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and reading comprehension, all the skills emergent readers need. The lessons increase in difficulty as children progress, with tailored reviews to help kids strengthen skills they struggle with. It’s aligned with Common Core standards too.

PBS Kids Games

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 2

You know you can trust PBS to provide safe, fun, and educational iPad games for kids. Their collection features stars from popular shows like Daniel Tiger and the Wild Kratts, with hundreds of games on just about every subject. This is one iPad app every parent and teacher needs, especially since it’s all entirely free (and available in Spanish too!).

iCivics Games

Ages: Middle and High School

iCivics has a suite of terrific social studies games that kids will truly enjoy playing. They’ll feel like they’re right in the action as they try to get a new law ratified, run in an election, or try a case in court. These apps are all free, and their website has lots of excellent accompanying resources for teachers.

Bedtime Math

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 3

Bedtime stories are a longstanding tradition, but what about bedtime math? That’s what this free app, along with its accompanying books , aims to do. Each day, the app adds a new fun math problem for parents and kids to do together. (Teachers could also use them as daily problems in the classroom.) Each math problem has three levels of difficulty, and many offer challenge questions too.

Little Alchemy 2

Ages: K to 12

Starting with just a few basic elements (air, earth, fire, and water), players mix these to create dozens of new items, both real and imaginary. For instance, mix water and earth to get clay, then mix clay and fire to make bricks, add brick to brick to build a wall, and so on. This robust free game is completely engrossing, and it encourages both creativity and logical thinking.

World Geography Quiz Game

Ages: Grades 3 to 12

This isn’t one of those iPad games for kids full of animated characters and flashy graphics. It’s a straight-up geography quiz game and a very good one. Kids who are into maps and globes will enjoy checking their knowledge of flags, capital cities, statistics, and much more. The game is free to download and play; you have the option to buy “hints,” but they’re not necessary to enjoy the fun.

Sushi Monster

Ages: Grades 2 to 6

Looking for a fun way to practice math facts? Check out this free app! Sushi Monster is hungry. Feed him the sushi plates to make the correct goal number and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Lyrical Letters

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 12

Combine music with spelling and vocabulary in this charming game, enjoyable for anyone at any age. Listen to the sequence of notes, then play them back to spell the right word. You can also simply play around with the keyboard and synthesizer functions, composing tunes just for fun. Lyrical Letters is free to download and play; you can remove the in-game ads for $1.99.

Ages: Grade 4 and up

Build vocabulary and work on spelling with this innovative word game. As you connect letters to make a word, they disappear from the board, collapsing others around them. New letters are always rising from the bottom, though, so you’ll have to think quickly to stop them from reaching the top and ending the game. The game is free to download, but many reviewers note that it’s ad-heavy; pay $4.99 to unlock the full version.

More Great Educational iPad Games for Kids

Think of this collection of iPad games for kids as your personal set of Montessori activities on the go. From busy boards and blocks to music sequencers and a marble machine, the youngest learners will find plenty to keep them engaged as they develop key skills. Pok Pok is subscription-based ($6.99/month or $45.99/year), with a free 7-day trial.

Hands-On Equations

Ages: Grades 4+

The Hands-On Equations iPad games teach algebra skills in a fun and engaging way. There are three levels available, plus Hands-On Equations Lite, a free version you can try to see if you like it. Level 1 covers the basics of equations, while 2 and 3 build up the difficulty to include order of operations and negative numbers. Levels 1, 2, and 3 range in price from $2.99 to $3.99 each.

Endless Alphabet

Ages: Pre-K

This iPad game has been around for awhile, but parents and kids both continue to love it. Kids build their vocabulary and alphabet knowledge through interactive games and fun animations. They’ll also enjoy the adorable monsters that join in on the game! Get Endless Alphabet for a one-time purchase price of $8.99.

ABCmouse is one of the most popular educational iPad games for kids who are learning to read, count, and more. They offer thousands of learning activities across the curriculum, including hundreds in Spanish. It requires a subscription ($12.99/month or $45/year), but you can try it for free for 30 days to see if you like it.

Adventure Academy

Ages: Grades 3 to 8

Adventure Academy is ABCmouse’s older cousin. Upper elementary and middle school students can learn math, science, language arts, and more. They’ll create their own avatar and make their way around a fully interactive school environment, learning as they go. It has the same subscription rates as ABCmouse ($12.99/month or $45/year).

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Ages: Pre-K to Kindergarten

Everyone’s favorite caterpillar is now available in an app! Play games to match colors and shapes, put together puzzles, and learn to take care of plants and animals. The app is free to download, but it costs $4.99 to unlock all of the available activities.

Ages: Grades 1 to 5

Solve math problems and try to get five Bingo Bugs in a row. Be careful, though, because wrong answers will affect your end score. High scores earn you your very own Bingo Bugs for your collection! There are five modes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and mixed. Math Bingo costs $2.99 to download and play.

Ages: Grades 3 and up

Everything you love about Mad Libs in an app! Kids will get sneaky practice in learning the parts of speech, while creating zany stories that make everyone laugh. You get a limited number of Mad Libs for free, with the ability to buy more packages starting at $1.99.

Sight Words Ninja

Ages: Grades 1 to 4

This is such a fun way to practice sight words! As various words appear on the screen, slice through the target word as fast as you can to score points. At only $1.99, this game is a terrific bargain and one that students will beg to play.

Wee ones will love helping Tim and his family as they learn colors and shapes. The game is available in multiple languages, so you can also use it to help kids learn basic words in Spanish, French, and more. Dino Tim is free to download and $2.99 to unlock all content.

Presidents vs. Aliens

Ages: Grade 3 and up

Learn more about U.S. presidents while you battle aliens in this silly but informative game. As you answer the questions and beat each level, you add a new president to your collection. Then, you can fling these presidents at the aliens to help defend the planet! The app costs $1.99 to download but has no in-game ads and doesn’t require any additional purchases to play. Kids will need to be able to read to play on their own.

Ages: K to Grade 4

This subscription-based iPad game for kids promises to make learning math fun and engaging. Kids set out on missions to earn monsters by solving math puzzles. This is a program that can grow with any child, starting with very basic counting skills and building through to multiplication and division. After a 7-day free trial, the program costs $7.99 a month or $49.99 annually.

Where’s My Water?

Ages: Kindergarten and Up

Swampy lives in the sewers under the city, but he loves to stay clean! His shower is constantly getting stopped up, though, so kids need` to dig through the dirt and avoid obstacles to guide the fresh water to Swampy. This game is a lot of fun, but it’s based on real physics and the movement of water, so they’ll learn while they play. This Disney game costs $1.99 to download and includes additional storylines for purchase.

Stack the States 2

Ages: Grade 3 and Up

Learn U.S. geography the fun way by answering questions and building your own collection of states. Kids master state capitals, cities, landmarks, flags, and more. The app costs $2.99 to download and play, with no ads or other in-app purchases to worry about.

Teach Your Monster to Read

They say the best way to learn something is to teach it to another. That’s the idea behind this popular iPad game, where kids “teach” a monster to read while learning the skills themselves. It covers early reading skills, from letter recognition through phonics and word-building. Download and play for $8.99.

Monster Physics

Kids who love to tinker will get a real kick out of this game. They can design and build their own inventions, then see how (and if!) they would work in the real world. There are 50 different missions for them to invent and conquer alongside their own monster avatar. At only $1.99 to download, with no in-game ads, this one is definitely worth a look.

Cut the Rope

Ages: Kindergarten and up

This game has been around for a while, but it’s popular for a reason. The concept is simple: arrange the objects on the screen and then cut the rope to release the candy into the hungry monster’s mouth. The laws of physics apply here, so kids will learn without even knowing it. The levels get progressively more challenging as you play. Cut the Rope costs $1.99 to download, with the ability to buy hints, solutions, and more puzzles in the app.

Slice Fractions

Ages: Grades 1 to 6

Learn fractions in an interactive environment as you slice through ice and lava to clear the mammoth’s path. There’s no reading involved in this game, so kids can focus purely on numbers and fractions. Slice Fractions costs $3.99 to download and play.

Ages: Grades 2 to 12

You don’t need any coding experience to play this game; you’ll learn as you go. Solve puzzles by guiding a robot to light up tiles with basic commands. Multiple players can save their progress on the same device, so this one’s great for classrooms or families. Some reading is required, but otherwise, even little ones can play on their own. Lightbot costs $2.99 to download and play, without the need for in-app purchases.

Reading Raven

This well-reviewed app teaches basic reading and writing skills, starting with letter recognition and tracing. As their skills advance, so do the challenges, until they’re able to practice reading aloud using voice recording. Reading Raven is a one-time cost of $3.99 to download and play, with no in-game ads.

Did we miss one of your favorite iPad games for kids? Come share your thoughts in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, our favorite online games that are fun and educational too ., you might also like.

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31 Best Educational Toys for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Big Kids

Parents, kids and Good Housekeeping Institute pros agree these learning toys are the most fun!

To find toys that strike the right balance, the Good Housekeeping Institute Little Lab tests toys throughout the year. For parents, they look for quality of construction, ease of use and frustration level. For kids, they make sure that the toys are fun (the most important factor), and something kids return to and are engaged with for long periods of time. They're mostly geared for little ones but there are a few selections for older kids to keep in mind for the future (or for older siblings). If these aren't enough, you can also check the Good Housekeeping Institute's age-by-age guide to toys and gifts for more recommendations, including STEM toys , sensory toys , family board games , and gifts for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds (including gifts for toddlers and even stocking stuffers for toddlers !) all the way up to gifts for teens .

These are the the best educational toys for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school students in 2022:

Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

This cute hedgehog helps with fine motor coordination, since kids have to put the colorful spikes in the holes at different angles. It's also great for counting and color recognition. Parents loved that the quills easily store inside the back so you won't lose pieces! And if the kids become Spike fans, there's now a whole line of Spike toys, including a fidget toy , a sensory playset , a rainbow stacker and a puzzle . Ages 18 months+

RELATED: The Best Sensory Toys for Exploring Different Textures, Sights, and Sounds

Peaceable Kingdom Button, Button, Belly Button Game

Kids learn same vs. different, matching, colors and turn-taking when they play this board game, which challenges players to match their cards to the buttons or bears on the board. Good Housekeeping's testers requested this one over and over again. Ages 2+

RELATED: The Best Board Games for Kids, According to Parents and Experts

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank

Kids open the piggy bank to remove the colorful, numbered coins. The toy can play more than 40 fun songs, tunes and phrases to interact with your child. In the baby stages, kids use it to practice their fine motor coordination skills while putting the coins into the bank. As they get older, they can use it to learn counting and adding. Ages 6 months+

RELATED: The Best STEM Toys for Kids, According to the GH Institute

LEGO Education SPIKE™ Prime Set

Let your imagination run wild with this open-ended playset. After constructing with colorful Lego building elements (bricks, sensors, motors, etc.), kids can layer on drag and drop coding based on the popular Scratch platform to create endless unique configurations, or use one of the 40+ guided lessons to learn more about the basics. As they develop their coding knowledge, they can explore text-based Python coding. While testing, we saw first-hand how early exposure to engineering and physics can help kids get excited about STEM. These products are a fun way for kids to learn through play, and help reinforce skills like experimentation and problem-solving. Ages 10+

Mega Mega Bloks Big Building Bag

This classic 80-piece building set includes blocks of different shapes and colors for kids to construct whatever their minds' dream up. Testers whipped up everything from towers and trains to castles and animals. This set is great for helping to develop gross motor skills and promotes open-ended creativity . Plus, you can easily store pieces in the travel-friendly bag when playtime is over. Ages 1+

Educational Insights Design & Drill Creative Workshop

This construction kit helps foster STEM learning as budding builders learn about different drill bits (Phillips, socket and flathead) for their motorized drill to use on their colorful bolts. The toy also includes a screwdriver and combination wrench to help complete the activity cards or create their own designs. For younger ones, the Design & Drill Bolt Buddies adds in colorful characters and playsets. Ages 3+

The Learning Journey Count and Learn Cookie Jar

Kids learn to recognize numbers and count to ten with this electronic cookie jar. They practice fine motor skills to insert the cookie and when they do, the jar says the number that's on the cookie, so the number-learning is reinforced. Ages 2+

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope

Kids can insert the slides to see beautiful, up-close images of wildlife. Then the voice of Bindi Irwin explains what they're looking at , so kids can learn science even if they don't know how to read yet. Ages 4+

Magna-Tiles Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set

Offering endless hours of fun, Magna-Tiles are a creative way to introduce educational topics like shapes, colors, engineering, principles of magnets, symmetry and more. They're also great for helping develop fine motor skills. Various sets are available with different piece counts and color options (think clear or glow-in-the-dark ). Ages 3+

Melissa & Doug Wooden Peg Puzzles

This set includes three wooden peg puzzles designed for tiny fingers and helps develop fine motor and hand-eye skills . The 10-piece number set has illustrations of each numeral, the 26-piece alphabet set has illustrations of words starting with the letter it corresponds to, and the fish puzzle has the name of the color for each. Ages 2+

Shifu Orboot Augmented Reality Interactive Globe

The best-selling globe on Amazon, this interactive world map pairs with an app that will let kids focus in on any region that interests them and learn more. There are more than 1,000 world facts loaded up in the app for them to explore. Ages 4+

Step2 Great Creations Art Center

This art center has it all: an art desk station with built-in storage, as well as a double-sided easel that has one side chalkboard, and the other a large whiteboard . Ample storage areas allow for crayons, markers, Play-doh, paint and more to be readily accessible and organized. Bonus: Three kids can easily create at once! Ages 3+

HABA Symphony Croc Music Band Set

This cute croc includes a drum with two mallets, a xylophone, a guiro wooden block (played by rubbing stick along notches on snout) and a bell. Multiple kids can play at once to help foster a sense of rhythm while developing motor skills . Ages 2+

LeapFrog LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

Compatible with any magnetic surface, this set features interactive alphabet tiles. Placing a letter on the bus window enables your kids to hear the letter and related words . Plus, it includes fun, kid-friendly songs like the "Alphabet Song" and "Wheels on the Bus." Ages 2+

Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano

Have a budding Mozart? With 25 keys spanning two octaves, kids can experiment with high and low notes as well as loud and soft sounds. It includes a color-coded songbook that's great for older kids to use to play real songs. It comes in blue, pink and multi-colors. Ages 3+

Learning Resources Learning Resources Coding Critters

Kids can get into the basics of coding without using a screen. The 22-piece set comes with coding challenges that do things like help the bunny find its carrot or pull the cart. A storybook walks kids through the challenges. In addition, there's a "play mode" where kids can use the pieces for imaginative free play. Different animals are available, including a dog, cat and dinosaur. This year, they've added MagiCoders, which come in the form of a unicorn or a dragon . Ages 4+

ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge

This is both a building toy and a board game all rolled up into one. Players pick a challenge card that asks kids to use certain pieces to build their roller coaster track. If they can use them to build one, and then have the car ride from start to finish with no disasters, they win! It helps them develop engineering and logic skills at the same time. Ages 6+

Good Housekeeping Good Housekeeping Amazing Science

Kids get to play the role of at-home scientist, going from room to room and looking into the science behind phenomena like why bathroom mirrors get foggy or how to de-stink shoes. There are more than 80 hands-on experiments for them to try, using items that are commonly found around the house. Ages 7+

hand2mind Numberblocks MathLink Cubes

If you know little fans of Numberblocks on Netflix, they'll love this counting set, a 2021 Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winner. Kids can build their favorite characters from the show with the linking cubes, practicing counting in the process and also play with the math-based, wipe-clean activity cards included in the set. Ages 3+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

VTech Get Ready for School Learning Desk

This desk is basically a command center, loaded with parts that let them practice time-telling, track the weather and the days of the week or learn about the alphabet, numbers, counting, music, shapes, colors, the human body. But the true stand-out feature is the light-up projector, which lets kids trace numbers and letters with a stylus on a built-in interactive writing pad. Flip it over and there's also a chalkboard and easel. Ages 2+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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The Best Toys and Gifts for 7-Year-Olds

Best Toys and Gifts for 6-Year-Old Girls

Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls

The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

Th Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Boys

You Can Still Buy These Popular Toys From the ‘80s

The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

The Best Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls

The Best Toys for 1-Year-Old Toddlers

ALERT: Fisher-Price Little People Figures Recalled

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Games - Free online games for kids 0 - 6

Games for toddlers and preschoolers

Numberblocks Make and Play

Let's Play Together

The Busy Day Badge

Waffle's Puppy Playtime

Games for older kids

My Swashbuckle Adventure

Peter Rabbit's Hop To It

My World Kitchen

Danger Dash

• Handheld Only
• Learning Areas
• Special Needs
• Communicating
• Emotions Behaviour
• Maths & puzzles
• Music and Art
• Physical development
• Reading & writing
• Understanding the world

Supertato: Potato Flinger game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 138

The Picnic Badge Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 278

CBeebies Creative Lab

CBeebies House

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 2467

Dog Squad Mission Alert Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 607

Supermarket Showdown

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 1739

Peter Rabbit's Hop To It Game

Peter Rabbit

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 123471

Swashbuckle

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 131692

Danger Mouse: Danger Dash

Danger Mouse

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 73152

My World Kitchen game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 73026

Numberblocks

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 30187

The Busy Day Badge Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 5193

The Paddling Badge Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 12430

Hey Duggee Squirrel Club Quest Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 15322

Hey Duggee Come and Play Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 5646

JoJo & Gran Gran Game: Let's Play Together

JoJo & Gran Gran

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 982

JoJo & Gran Gran Game: Parcel Surprise

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 5503

JoJo & Gran Gran Game: Sound All Around

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 776

Mr Tumble's Shining Stars

Something Special

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 3448

Mr Tumble's Rhyme Time

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 6563

The Looking Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 8675

Octonauts Ocean Adventures

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 12193

Shaun the Sheep - Barnyard Boogie Game

Shaun the Sheep

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 325

Shaun the Sheep - Race the Flock Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 2793

My Pet and Friends

My Pet and Me

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 55397

A Year On Your Farm

Down on the Farm

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 33932

Waffle and Friends Game

Waffle the Wonder Dog

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 40895

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 33508

Peter Rabbit Running Wild Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 9114

Andy's Animal Teams

Andy's Safari Adventures

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 13073

Andy's Safari Sounds

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 23019

Andy's Dinosaur Adventures Game

Andy's Dinosaur Adventures

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 8389

Andy's Prehistoric Park

Andy's Prehistoric Adventures

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 8934

Andy's Dino Fun

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 2305

Challenge Yourself Day

Love Monster

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 884

Fluffytown Adventures

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 5302

Tee and Mo: Our Little World

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 7297

Tee and Mo Picnic Time

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 19790

Kit & Pup: World of Opposites

Kit & Pup

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 15149

Go Jetters: Hero Academy

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 13878

Go Jetters: Cadet Rescue

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 31531

Go Jetters Global Glitch

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 30030

Go Jetters Global Grooves

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 14258

Bobby's Rescue Mission Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 737

Speedy's Epic Journey Game

Grace's Amazing Machines

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 955

The Midnight Mystery Game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 2013

CBeebies Christmas Grotto game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 308

The Great Pirate Games

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 27563

Time To Go To Sleep

Moon and Me

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 5064

Biggleton Helping Hands

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 13598

Explore with Maddie

Maddie's Do You Know?

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 6761

Bitz & Bob: Ice Cream Party

Bitz & Bob

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 16964

Twirlywoos Explore and Play

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 9539

Barry and Kari's Treasure Quest

Treasure Champs

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 9868

Little Monster's Cheeky Chase

Justin's House

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 5789

Cave of Wonders Comic

Jamillah and Aladdin

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 4664

Making and Doing

Charlie and Lola

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 8400

Teletubbies Play Day

Teletubbies

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 15904

Topsy and Tim at the Farm

Topsy and Tim

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 8464

Wonder Doodler

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 3645

Bing Build and Play game

• Number of Loves, LOLs and other reactions 18028

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