12 Simple, Inexpensive Ways to Entertain Your Toddler

As a first time mom, I am always looking for fun things to do with my one year old. A lot of suggestions in parenting books and magazines need obscure craft supplies I never seem to have on hand, and classes like Gymboree or Mommy and Me are expensive and far away from our rural neighborhood. I've taken what I can out of magazines, scoured the internet and have grilled fellow mom friends for their ideas. So far, I've successfully managed to keep my little guy happy and entertained without dropping wads of cash.

1. Look out the window.

We live in cramped military housing, so there is almost always something going on in our backyard- dogs running, people walking by, kids playing, etc. Despite a toddler-size attention span, my little guy will sit contentedly in front of a window for almost half an hour while I point stuff out.

2. Go for a walk.

If your toddler is walking, leave the stroller at home, and take the time to explore the sidewalks, yards, and even random leaves in your neighborhood. So what if it takes you twenty minutes to go half a block.

3. Blow bubbles.

This is entertaining for both my toddler and our dog. Bubble liquid can be purchased with a wand for next to nothing, or if you already have a wand just mix a little dish soap with water and go at it.

4. Explore your local library.

Despite it's small size, our library has a story hour especially for kiddos under two that includes a special story, puppets, singing and sometimes simple crafts. The best part: it's all free. You can also check out new board books for some quiet reading at home.

5. Paint with water.

This idea I got from a parenting website, and it was a huge hit. On a warm day, fill a bucket or bowl with water, grab a paintbrush (we used a basting brush from the kitchen), and head outside. "Paint" on a sidewalk, your driveway, or even the side of the house. Any leftover mess dries right up.

6. Clean.

Maybe I'm raising a clean freak, but my son finds our broom and dustpan immensely entertaining. He likes to push the broom around, will "dust" whatever's in his reach with our smaller feather duster, and follows me around with the vacuum cord while I vacuum.

7. Dance.

Close the curtains, put on some fun music (it doesn't have to be Raffi!) and get down with your bad selves. The sillier, the better!

8. Water play.

Grab a few ratty towels, fill a large, shallow casserole dish with water and place it on the kitchen floor. Strip down your toddler, give him a few toys that float, and a cup for pouring and watch how much fun he can have playing in the water. Make sure to stay close by and supervise all water play closely.

9. Find a local playgroup.

Some groups, like MOPS may charge an annual registration fee, but many are free. Check out websites like www.matchingmoms.org, where you can search by zip code, or inquire at local churches. For a few hours every week, your toddler can play with new friends and different toys, and you get to socialize too!

10.Go for a swim.

A package of swim diapers can be purchased for under $5. If you already have a membership to a local gym, pool use may be included, or find out if a friend or family member can get you an inexpensive guest pass to their fitness center. Swimming is fun and relaxing, and playing in the pool always manages to wear my little one out.

11. Save that cardboard box.

So simple, yet so many possibilities. My son recently had his first birthday party, and his favorite present was clearly the cardboard box his Cozy Coupe car came in. We fill it up with his other toys then pull them out one at a time. He can climb into it and be pushed around, push it around himself, or use it as a stepping stone to more exciting stuff, like the the couch.

12. Homemade Play-Doh.

Mix a 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of warm water, and 1 cup of flour. Knead together, and add food coloring if desired. Spread some flour over your work surface, and let your toddler squeeze, build and mold. It's totally edible, though a little salty, so no worries if he or she swallows a little.

As you can see, it doesn't take a six figure income or elaborate craft projects to keep your toddler happy. Often the simplest activities are the most entertaining and the most memorable.