Toddler Activities December: A Guide for Parents with Little Ones
Hey readers! Are you looking for fun and engaging activities to keep your toddlers entertained this December? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore a wide range of ideas that will spark their creativity, foster their development, and make this holiday season extra special.
Festive Sensory Explorations
Wintery Textures
Create a sensory bin filled with various wintery materials like artificial snow, cotton balls, ice cubes, and toy snowflakes. Let your toddler explore the different textures and shapes, encouraging them to describe what they feel.
Scented Snow Globes
Fill clear jars with water and glitter. Add a few drops of peppermint or wintergreen essential oil for a festive scent. Seal the jars and let your toddler shake and swirl them, creating mesmerizing snow globes.
Creative Holiday Crafts
Paper Plate Reindeer
Transform paper plates into adorable reindeer by drawing on antlers and a red nose. Decorate them with markers, paint, and stickers, letting your toddler’s imagination run wild.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix flour, salt, and water to create a soft salt dough. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to cut out holiday shapes. Bake them and let your toddler paint and decorate them with festive colors.
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Snowball Scavenger Hunt
Write down objects related to winter (like mittens, hats, or snowmen) on pieces of paper. Hide them in the backyard and let your toddler search for them, building their problem-solving skills.
Snowy Obstacle Course
Create a simple obstacle course using snow mounds, buckets, and sticks. Encourage your toddler to crawl, climb, and jump, promoting their gross motor skills.
Table for Various Toddler Activities for December
| Activity | Materials | Age Range | Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Plate Reindeer | Paper plates, markers, paint, stickers | 2-4 years | Creativity, fine motor skills |
| Salt Dough Ornaments | Flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, paint | 2-5 years | Creativity, sensory processing |
| Scented Snow Globes | Clear jars, water, glitter, essential oil | 1-3 years | Sensory exploration, fine motor skills |
| Snowball Scavenger Hunt | Pieces of paper, objects related to winter | 2-4 years | Problem-solving, outdoor play |
| Snowy Obstacle Course | Snow mounds, buckets, sticks | 2-5 years | Gross motor skills, problem-solving |
Festive Reading and Music
Holiday Storytime
Cuddle up with your toddler and read them holiday-themed books like “The Night Before Christmas” or “The Gingerbread Man.” Encourage them to ask questions and engage with the stories.
Festive Tunes
Put on some cheerful holiday music and dance around the living room with your toddler. Sing along to the lyrics and clap your hands, fostering their musical development and coordination.
Conclusion
We hope these activities have given you plenty of inspiration for keeping your toddler entertained and engaged this December. Remember to tailor the activities to your child’s unique interests and abilities, and most importantly, have fun creating lasting memories together. Be sure to check out our other articles for more toddler-friendly ideas throughout the year!
FAQ about Toddler Activities December
What are some fun indoor activities for toddlers in December?
Answer: Try crafting Christmas ornaments, building snowmen out of play dough, or having a dance party with holiday music.
What are some outdoor activities for toddlers in December?
Answer: If the weather permits, go for walks to look at holiday lights, visit a Christmas tree farm, or play in the snow.
What are some festive snacks for toddlers in December?
Answer: Offer Christmas-themed treats like gingerbread cookies, candy canes, or reindeer popcorn balls.
How can I keep my toddler entertained during the long winter months?
Answer: Set up a sensory bin, provide them with plenty of books to read, and encourage imaginative play with dress-up clothes and props.
What are some ways to incorporate learning into December activities for toddlers?
Answer: Use Christmas-themed songs and books to teach counting, colors, and shapes. Decorate sugar cookies with sprinkles to practice fine motor skills.
How can I keep my toddler busy on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Have them help with last-minute decorations, read Christmas stories together, or play with wrapped presents.
What are some easy Christmas crafts for toddlers?
Answer: Make paper plate Christmas trees, decorate sugar cookies, or create salt dough ornaments.
How can I make the most of December with my toddler?
Answer: Focus on creating special memories and traditions, such as visiting Santa, baking holiday treats, and decorating the house together.
What are some tips for managing toddler tantrums during the holidays?
Answer: Stay calm, try to understand the trigger, offer choices, and provide a safe and soothing space.
How can I help my toddler transition smoothly from the holidays back to normal routines?
Answer: Gradually reduce the amount of holiday-themed activities, establish a regular sleep schedule, and encourage healthy eating habits.