Playtime Pantry

10 toddler activities that need just one thing

One box, one roll of tape, one bowl. That is the whole setup.

How we ranked it: Activities with a single required supply that most homes already have, longest play first.

1
One Box, Anything
Give them the box and get out of the way.
a big cardboard box · Ages 18 mo–9 yrs
2
Marble Run Engineering
Build a track that gets the marble to the bottom without stopping.
tubes, blocks or a marble run set · Ages 5–12 yrs
3
Tape Roads
Twenty minutes of tape buys two hours of driving.
masking tape · Ages 2–8 yrs
4
Backyard Olympics
Five stations, one scorecard, and everybody competes.
outdoor play equipment · Ages 4–12 yrs
5
Sock Puppet Show
Two socks, two googly eyes, and a show behind the sofa.
odd socks · Ages 3–10 yrs
6
Nature Frame
A walk with a purpose, and something to keep at the end.
tape · Ages 2–10 yrs
7
Living Room Obstacle Course
Under the chair, over the cushion, around the lamp. Repeat until tired.
cushions and chairs · Ages 2–10 yrs
8
Sticky Window Collage
Tape a sticky sheet to the window and let them decorate it.
tape · Ages 18 mo–6 yrs
9
Posting Box
A slot in a box. Toddlers will do this for forty minutes.
a box with a lid · Ages 12 mo–3 yrs
10
Act Out the Story
Read a favorite book, then get up and play every part.
a picture book they know well · Ages 2–8 yrs