Playtime Pantry

Calm and busy, 1-year-olds

Quiet, absorbing setups for before nap, after dinner, or when everyone needs the volume turned down. 35 ideas
  • Peekaboo: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Peekaboo

    3–10 min 4 mo–2 yrs Low mess

    Nothing to gather

  • Sticker Rescue: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Sticker Rescue

    5–15 min 15 mo–4 yrs Low mess
    • stickers
  • Where Did It Go?: the setup, laid out
    Good for siblings

    Learn something

    Where Did It Go?

    5–15 min 7 mo–2 yrs Low mess
    • two or three cups
    • a small toy
  • Who Is That?: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Who Is That?

    5–15 min 4 mo–2 yrs Low mess
    • a mirror
  • Scarf Pull-Through: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Scarf Pull-Through

    5–20 min 8 mo–2 yrs Low mess
    • a cardboard tube or container
    • scarves or fabric strips
  • Endless Pulling Box: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Endless Pulling Box

    5–20 min 7 mo–2 yrs Low mess
    • a box or tub with a small opening
    • scarves or fabric strips
  • Tummy-Time Squish Bag: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Tummy-Time Squish Bag

    5–15 min 3–12 months Low mess
    • a gallon zip-top bag
    • clear hair gel
    • duct tape or strong tape
  • Animal Line-Up: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Animal Line-Up

    10–20 min 18 mo–4 yrs Low mess
    • painter's tape
    • toy animals or cars
  • Bath Cups: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Bath Cups

    10–25 min 8 mo–2 yrs Low mess
    • a shallow bath
    • a few cups
  • Muffin Tin Drop: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Muffin Tin Drop

    10–25 min 12 mo–3 yrs Low mess
    • a muffin tin or ice tray
    • large objects to drop in
  • Muffin Tin Pasta Sort: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Muffin Tin Pasta Sort

    10–20 min 18 mo–4 yrs Low mess
    • a muffin tin
    • three pasta shapes, mixed
  • Sticker Line-Up: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Sticker Line-Up

    10–20 min 18 mo–4 yrs Low mess
    • dot stickers
    • paper
    • a marker
  • Big Color Sort: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Big Color Sort

    10–30 min 20 mo–5 yrs Some mess
    • a pile of small toys
  • Ball Drop: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Ball Drop

    10–25 min 9 mo–2 yrs Low mess
    • a cardboard tube
    • balls that fit through it
  • Ice and Fruit Tray: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Ice and Fruit Tray

    10–25 min 9 mo–2 yrs Some mess
    • ice cubes
    • a rimmed tray
  • Posting Box: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Posting Box

    10–40 min 12 mo–3 yrs Low mess
    • a box with a lid
  • Treasure Basket: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Treasure Basket

    10–30 min 6–20 months Low mess
    • a shallow basket
  • Water Painting: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Water Painting

    15–45 min 18 mo–7 yrs Low mess
    • water
    • a bucket
    • a brush or sponge
  • Bath Pouring Station: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Bath Pouring Station

    15–40 min 12 mo–6 yrs Low mess
    • a bath, sink or tub of water
    • cups and containers
  • Kitchen Pouring Station: the setup, laid out

    Learn something

    Kitchen Pouring Station

    15–30 min 18 mo–4 yrs Some mess
    • cups and a measuring cup with a spout
    • a tray with a rim
    • water or dry rice

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