As the weather turns chilly and the rain becomes more frequent, keeping toddlers entertained indoors can sometimes feel like a challenge. With Isobel, my lively 3-year-old, full of energy and curiosity, I’ve had to come up with some fun and creative ways to keep her occupied without resorting to endless episodes of Peppa Pig (though, let's be honest, that does happen occasionally!). Here are 10 tried-and-tested indoor activities that both you and your little one will enjoy on those colder autumn days.
1. Create an Obstacle Course
We love turning our living room into a mini obstacle course. Use cushions, chairs, and blankets to create tunnels, bridges, and safe obstacles for your toddler to climb over or crawl under. Isobel loves pretending she’s on a big adventure, and it’s great for burning off that endless energy.
2. Autumn-Themed Sensory Bins
Fill a shallow plastic bin with dry pasta, rice, or dried beans and add some autumn-themed items like small pumpkins, pinecones, and leaves. Isobel loves running her hands through the different textures and sorting the items into little piles. It’s a fun, calming activity that engages their senses.
3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Hide a few of your toddler’s toys around the house and give them simple clues to find them. I usually hide Isobel’s favourite stuffed bunny in places that are just challenging enough for her to find but not frustrating. It’s a great way to make them think and keep them moving.
4. Baking Together
Toddlers love getting involved in the kitchen, and autumn is the perfect time to bake. Try simple recipes like apple muffins or pumpkin biscuits. Isobel loves mixing the ingredients and, of course, licking the spoon!
5. Build a Fort
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned blanket fort. We gather up all the pillows, blankets, and cushions in the house, and Isobel helps me drape everything over the furniture. We then snuggle inside with some books or toys, making it the perfect cosy escape.
6. DIY Autumn Crafts
We love making leaf prints! Simply gather some leaves from outside (on a dry day) and let your toddler paint them, then press them onto paper to create lovely prints. It’s messy but fun, and Isobel’s fridge artwork is steadily growing!
7. Dance Party
Sometimes, when we’re both feeling a bit cooped up, the best solution is a dance party. I put on some of Isobel’s favourite songs, and we dance around the living room. It’s a great way to get her moving, and I get a bit of exercise in too!
8. Playdough Fun
We always keep a few tubs of playdough on hand. Isobel loves rolling it out and using cookie cutters to make different shapes. You can even make your own autumn-scented playdough with cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
9. Toddler-Friendly Yoga
On days when Isobel is extra active but we can’t go outside, we do a bit of toddler yoga. There are loads of short videos online that guide toddlers through fun poses like ‘downward dog’ and ‘tree pose.’ It helps calm her down before nap time, and we both get a good stretch!
10. Storytime Adventures
When all else fails, there’s nothing like snuggling up with a good book. We love autumn-themed books like Room on the Broom or We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt. Isobel often acts out the stories, making it an interactive experience.
Embrace the joys of autumn with your families by exploring our latest tips on cosy wardrobe essentials, immune-boosting ideas, and fun activities to keep your little one entertained all season long