Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone with your little one – their first birthday! At this age, your child need fun activities to do with 1 year old to explore the world around them.
These engaging and fun-filled experiences will not only keep your little ones entertained but also aid in their development.
I’ll never forget the exhilaration of watching my child’s first excited clap during our playful peek-a-boo sessions These activities became cherished moments of discovery and development.
Fun Activities To Do With 1 Year Old
Engaging in activities with your 1-year-old not only nurtures their growing minds but also strengthens the bond between parent and child.
These are 25 fun and interactive activities designed specifically for your 1-year-old. From sensory play and engaging songs to exciting outdoor explorations and gentle arts and crafts, we’ve handpicked a wide range of activities that will captivate their hearts and stimulate their blossoming imaginations.
Discover the joy of witnessing your child discover the wonders of the world through their eyes.
1. Sensory play with a treasure basket
Fill a basket with various textured objects, such as soft toys, balls, and different fabrics. Let your little one explore the different textures and shapes with their tiny hands.
2. Bubble bonanza
Blow some bubbles and watch your one-year-old’s eyes light up with joy. Let them chase and pop the bubbles, developing their hand-eye coordination.
3. Music jam session
Grab some pots, pans, and wooden spoons, and let your little one explore their musical talents. They’ll love making noise and creating their own little orchestra.
4. Puzzles and shape sorters
Introduce simple puzzles and shape sorters to help your child develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
5. Messy art time
Set up an art station with non-toxic finger paints or edible paint made from yogurt or pudding. Let your little Picasso explore their creativity and have fun making a mess.
6. Water play
Fill a basin with water and let your little one splash and play. Add some floating toys or measuring cups for extra fun.
7. Outdoor adventures
Take your one-year-old for a walk in the park or a nearby nature spot. Let them explore, touch leaves and flowers, and discover the wonders of the great outdoors.
8. Storytime galore
Read books to your little one and engage them in the magical world of storytelling. Use expressive voices and make it a fun and interactive experience.
9. Building blocks
Provide your one-year-old with soft and chunky building blocks to stack and knock down. They’ll have a blast developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
10. Dancing party
Turn on some lively music and have a dance party with your little one. Watch them wiggle and shake their tiny bodies in pure delight.
11. Sensory bins
Fill a shallow bin with materials like rice, sand, or shredded paper. Let your little one dig, sift, and explore the different textures and sensations.
12. Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Hang a baby-safe mirror at your little one’s eye level and watch as they admire their adorable reflection.
13. Play kitchen
Set up a mini kitchen with plastic bowls, spoons, and play food. Let your one-year-old unleash their inner chef and serve up imaginary meals.
14. Playdates with other little ones
Arrange playdates with other one-year-olds so that your child can socialize, learn from their peers, and have a blast together.
15. Soft play gym
Create a safe and soft play area by arranging pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. Watch as your little explorer crawls, rolls, and tumbles in their own personal play gym.
16. DIY dance ribbons
Tie colorful ribbons to a stick or a wooden spoon and let your one-year-old twirl and dance with their very own ribbon wand.
17. Sensory bottles
Fill clear plastic bottles with colorful water, glitter, or small objects like beads and buttons. Your little one will enjoy shaking and observing the mesmerizing effects.
18. Fruit and vegetable exploration
Introduce your baby to different fruits and vegetables. Talk about their colors, textures, and tastes as your little one explores new flavors.
19. Birds watching
Set up a bird feeder near a window and watch as your one-year-old marvels at the birds that visit. Talk about the different species and their unique characteristics.
20. Peek-a-boo fun
Play the classic game of peek-a-boo with your little one. Use blankets or your own hands to hide and surprise them, reinforcing their object permanence skills.
