Looking for some fun activities for 17 month olds?
As your little one transitions from a baby to a curious and active toddler, their world is full of exploration and discovery.
At 17 months old, toddlers are developing rapidly, eager to engage with the world around them. As a parent or caregiver, providing stimulating and age-appropriate activities is not only fun but also crucial for their cognitive, physical, and emotional development.
Here are some fun activities tailored for 17-month-olds, designed to encourage their natural curiosity and foster growth:
1. Sensory Bin
Sensory play is a fantastic way for toddlers to explore different textures, colors, and materials. Create a sensory bin/ or area using items like uncooked rice, dried beans, pasta, or even water.
Add in cups, spoons, and small toys for scooping and pouring fun. This tactile experience not only entertains but also helps in developing their fine motor skills.
Related Post: Sensory Play for Babies
2. Color Sorting
Introduce your toddler to the world of colors with a simple sorting activity. Use colored blocks, toys, or pieces of cloth and encourage them to sort objects by color.
This activity helps enhance their color recognition while also honing their hand-eye coordination.
3. Pretend Play
At 17 months, toddlers are beginning to understand basic pretend play. Set up a mini kitchen with play food and utensils, or create a pretend doctor’s office with toy medical kits.
Encourage imaginative play by participating in their scenarios, sparking creativity and social skills development.
4. Mess-Free Painting
For a mess-free painting experience, fill a large ziplock bag with a bit of paint (ensure it is securely sealed) and tape it to a table or window.
Your toddler can then use their fingers to create designs and swirls on the surface without any worry of spills. It’s a sensory delight without the cleanup!
5. Outdoor Adventures
Take advantage of the great outdoors for some fresh air and exploration.
Simple activities like playing with bubbles, going on a nature walk to collect leaves or rocks, or pushing a toy cart around the yard can provide hours of entertainment and learning.
6. Dance Parties
Put on some lively music and have a dance party right in your living room!
Toddlers love to move and groove, and dancing helps with their coordination and rhythm. Encourage them to mimic your movements or simply let them dance freely to the beat.
7. Book Exploration
Reading is a wonderful activity to introduce early literacy skills. Choose sturdy board books with colorful pictures and simple stories.
Let your toddler flip through the pages, point out objects, and make sounds or gestures corresponding to the images.
8. DIY Puzzles
Create DIY puzzles using large foam shapes or pictures glued to cardboard.
Cut them into large, easy-to-handle pieces and watch as your toddler tries to fit them back together.
Puzzles are excellent for problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
9. Water Play
Set up a water table or simply use a large basin filled with water and a few floating toys.
Toddlers at this age love splashing and pouring water, which not only entertains but also improves their sensory awareness and hand muscles.
10. Building Blocks
Classic building blocks are a timeless favorite for toddlers. Invest in a set of large, soft blocks that are easy for little hands to stack and knock down.
Building towers and structures not only hones their motor skills but also teaches concepts like balance and gravity.
Engaging with these activities isn’t just about keeping your little one entertained; it’s about creating meaningful moments of learning and discovery. Remember, toddlers thrive on routine and predictability, so try to incorporate these activities into your daily schedule.
Always ensure activities are supervised, especially those involving small objects or water. Most importantly, have fun and cherish these moments of laughter, curiosity, and growth with your 17-month-old explorer!
