6 fun indoor activities for your toddler's development

If you're stuck at home on a rainy day, you might be looking for ways to keep your little one active and engaged. The World Health Organisation recommends that toddlers aged 1–2 years get at least 180 minutes of physical activity a day, spread throughout the day, while children aged 3–4 should aim for 180 minutes too, including 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity like running or jumping.

It's not just about hitting a number, either. A 2019 study, conducted by researchers from the University of Wollongong found a significant positive association between gross motor skills and cognitive development in a sample of Australian toddlers.

The good news? You don't need a backyard, a playground, or fancy equipment to hit that target. There are all sorts of activities you can try in your own home, and it really comes down to what works best for you and your child. Whether it's a scavenger hunt, a little dance party, or an obstacle course, the possibilities are endless.

Benefits of outdoor activity for toddlers

Regular movement supports your little one's: 

• Physical development: running, jumping, crawling and climbing, builds the strength, balance and coordination behind many of the key toddler milestones.
• Thinking skills: movement games ask little ones to plan, problem-solve and follow simple instructions. 
  
• Confidence and independence: mastering a new skill, like hopping or balancing, builds self-belief and encourages independent play. 
  
• Emotional wellbeing: active play is a healthy outlet for big feelings. Pair it with some mindful activities to help them settle afterwards. 
• Sleep: busy, active days can help little ones wind down at bedtime. For more, watch our LittleChats session on nurturing better sleep for your little one. 
  

Ready to get moving? clear a little space in the lounge room and try these seven easy, low-cost ideas. All you need is a few household items and some enthusiasm.

Make a jumping course

Arrange flat pillows in a line and encourage your child to jump from one pillow to the next. If this is too easy, challenge them by adding something to hold while jumping (just make sure the cushions don't slip on the floor). Jumping games like this build the kind of gross motor coordination linked to healthy physical and cognitive development in early childhood.

Build a tunnel 

Drape a bed sheet over a table to create a little tunnel for your child to crawl through. Crawling and tunnel play support core strength and spatial awareness — both important building blocks for balance and coordination.

Make a balance activity

Stick a line of masking tape on the floor and encourage your child to crawl or walk along it. They can also roll pencils or balls, encouraging them to roll in a straight line. Simple balance games like this are a great low-cost way to build coordination skills at home.

Hop-scotch

Make a little hop-scotch pattern using masking tape on the floor. Depending on your child's age, you can include more or fewer squares. Hop-scotch is a classic for a reason — it combines balance, counting, and gross motor practice in one simple game.

Crawling 

Place some chairs in a line and encourage your little one to crawl around them in a zigzag pattern. Zigzag crawling challenges your child to change direction and problem-solve on the move, both useful motor-planning skills.

Bean bag throw

Using a hula-hoop, some string or tape, create a circle on the floor and encourage your child to throw bean bags inside the shape. If you don't have bean bags, soft toys work just as well. Throwing games like this help develop hand-eye coordination and aim.

Keeping little ones active, every day

Whether it’s inside or out, every bit of active play helps build your little one’s coordination, balance and confidence, and it all adds up over the day. For more on why movement matters for your child’s development, check out GymbaROO or the Australian Government’s raisingchildren.net.au for evidence-based play ideas.

Play is about so much more than strong muscles. It’s how little ones learn, connect and grow in confidence. At LittleOak, we’re here to support every stage of that growth, from first wobbly steps to busy toddler days. That’s why our Natural Goat Milk Toddler Milk is made with whole New Zealand goat milk and a cold-pressed olive oil blend, using our From Fresh process, and it’s certified 100% palm oil free.

Want to know more? Discover our story, or refuel after a morning of play with our toasted maple granola or nut-free bliss balls. For more ideas, explore Our Library.