Toddlers are bundles of energy and curiosity, always on the lookout for new adventures and experiences. Here's a list of 20 exciting and cost-effective activities that will keep your toddler happily occupied. These activities are perfect for busy mums who want to create memorable moments without needing to spend a lot of time prepping them. 

Disclaimer: The following activity suggestions for kids are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is important to exercise caution and parental discretion when engaging in any activity. The suitability and safety of these activities may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as age, physical ability, and environment. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for assessing the appropriateness and ensuring the safety of these activities for their children.

1. DIY Sensory Bins: Create sensory bins using materials like uncooked rice, dried beans, or kinetic sand. Add in small toys, scoops, and containers, allowing your toddler to explore different textures and engage their senses.

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Take a walk in a nearby park or your own backyard and make a list of items for your toddler to find, such as leaves, flowers, rocks, or feathers. Encourage them to search and collect these natural treasures.

3. Homemade Playdough: Make your own playdough using basic ingredients like flour, salt, water, and food coloring. (See here for a recipe) Let your toddler mold and shape it using cookie cutters or their hands.

4. Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course using pillows, cushions, and household items. Encourage your toddler to crawl under, climb over, and jump across the obstacles, promoting physical activity and coordination.

5. Indoor Camping: Create an indoor camping experience using blankets, chairs, and cushions. Build a fort and enjoy a picnic or pretend to roast marshmallows over a pretend campfire. 

6. Water Play: Fill a basin or large container with water and provide cups, spoons, and plastic containers. Let your toddler splash, pour, and experiment with water, fostering sensory exploration and fine motor skills.

7. Dance Party: Turn up the music and have a dance party with your toddler. Show off your best moves and encourage them to groove along. Dancing helps with coordination, rhythm, and gross motor skills.

8. Cardboard Box Adventures: Transform a cardboard box into a car, spaceship, or cozy reading nook. Let your toddler's imagination take flight as they take control and turn it into something magical. 

9. Painting with Nature: Collect leaves, sticks, or flowers during a nature walk, and use them as paintbrushes. Dip them into washable paint and let your toddler create unique masterpieces.

10. Balloon Volleyball: Blow up a balloon and play a gentle game of volleyball with your toddler. This activity promotes hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.

11. Story Time: Set aside dedicated time for reading with your toddler. Choose colorful and interactive books that capture their attention and engage their imagination. Encourage them to turn the pages and participate in the storytelling.

12. Sensory Play with Ice: Freeze small toys or objects in ice cubes and let your toddler explore them as they melt. This activity provides a cool sensory experience and develops their fine motor skills.

13. DIY Puzzles: Create simple puzzles using cardboard or thick paper. Draw or print out pictures, then cut them into a few large pieces. Let your toddler assemble the puzzle, promoting problem-solving and concentration.

14. Bubble Wrap Stomp: Lay out a sheet of bubble wrap on the floor and let your toddler stomp on it. The popping sounds and texture provide a sensory experience and can be loads of fun.

15. Role Play: Provide props and costumes for your toddler to dress up as their favourite character or profession. 

16. Nature Collage: Collect natural items like leaves, flowers, and twigs, and create a collage by sticking them onto a sheet of paper or cardboard. This activity introduces your toddler to different textures and shapes while fostering creativity.

17. Color Sorting: Use colored construction paper or plastic cups and ask your toddler to sort objects based on color. This simple activity enhances their color recognition and categorization skills.

18. Homemade Musical Instruments: Make instruments using household items such as empty water bottles filled with rice, spoons as drumsticks, or rubber bands stretched over a container. Let your toddler explore different sounds and rhythms.

19. Indoor Picnic: Lay out a picnic blanket on the living room floor and have a picnic with your toddler. Prepare simple finger foods and enjoy a meal together, fostering social interaction and imaginative play.

20. Bubble Play: Blow bubbles for your toddler to chase and pop.