How to Make a Toddler Activity Box

When you have some kids doing school with you and some kids below school age, balancing your time becomes a challenge. Our solution was to create a toddler activity box for our youngest, so she can have something to do while her older sister is doing school.

These sensory toddler activities helped me a lot as well so make sure to check them out.

Once you have your own busy box, I’m sure you will find the balance between teaching your older kids and keeping the little ones busy so they don’t destroy the house (without resorting to TV time). Problem solved!

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What activities do 2-year-olds like?

Toddlers are full of energy and curiosity. They love playing with simple toys, making art with crayons, and listening to stories. Activities like stacking blocks, playing with playdough, and exploring nature are big hits too.

A toddler activity box can be super handy because it’s packed with fun, age-appropriate games, and crafts that keep them entertained and help them learn. It’s a great way for little ones to explore and discover new things!

Everything is designed to be big enough to avoid choking hazards and gentle enough for tiny hands to handle. It’s a treasure chest of creativity and learning!

Recommended Books for Toddlers

Here are my top picks for recommended books for toddlers, perfect for encouraging love for reading and brightening their day with fun stories.

Giraffes Can’t Dance (Board Book)World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book – Great for First Words – PI Kids 123 Count with Me (Trace-And-Flip Fun!)The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s ABC (The World of Eric Carle)All by Myself (Little Critter) (Look-Look)Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Say Good Night

Toddler Activity Box Supplies and Ideas

If you want to make your activity box, these are some supplies you might need:

A sturdy container (plastic bin or shoe box)
Toy animals
Toy Construction Trucks
Playdough
Crayons
Paper
Kid-safe scissors
Paper dolls
Sticker books
Board books
Coloring books
Toy gardening tools
Flowers and plant stickers
Duplos
Hidden pictures
Foam letters
Magnetic numbers
Felt boards
Color mixing games
I Spy worksheets
Buttons
Quiet books
Pom poms
Pattern blocks
Lacing cards
Puzzles
Foam blocks
Dot markers

We put special things inside the box that are easy to use, but they also won’t make a huge mess (although she does manage to make a mess of some of the items anyway).

This box is only brought out during school hours so she can stay on task and not cause chaos elsewhere during our homeschool day.

Recommended Toy Animals

Among the many delightful items to include, toy animal figurines stand out for their ability to spark imagination and teach toddlers about different animals in an engaging way. Check out these amazing sets that you can grab for your toddler.

Schleich Farm World Realistic Farm Animal Figurines – 5pc Funcorn Toys Ocean Sea Animal Toymany 12PCS North American Forest Animal Figurines Toymany 8PCS 2-5 19 Pcs Arctic Animal Toy Set Includes 10 Pcs Polar Animals Figurines Terra by Battat – Toy Tropical Fish & Crabs – 60 Mini Figures in 12 Realistic Designs

a kid playing with a Toddler Activity Box

How to Make a Toddler Activity Box?

Creating a toddler busy box is a fantastic way to keep your little one engaged and entertained while also encouraging their development. To make an activity box, start with a sturdy container, like a plastic bin or a shoebox, and fill it with a variety of themed activities and toys.

Here are some fun and educational themes to consider:

Animal Safari

Include toy animals, animal-themed books, and simple puzzles featuring jungle creatures. Add a pair of child-safe binoculars for extra fun!

Under the Sea

Fill the box with sea creature figurines, an ocean-themed picture book, and some blue playdough. Throw in a net for “catching” their toy fish.

Construction Zone

Gather toy trucks, small blocks to stack, and a container of kinetic sand for some digging and building fun. Include a construction hat to make them feel like a real builder.

Art Studio

Pack it with chunky crayons, washable markers, a stack of blank paper, kid-safe scissors, and some tracing activities for toddlers. A small apron and a mini easel can add a touch of realism.

Recommended Art Materials for Toddlers

Check out my top picks for recommended art materials for toddlers, perfect for inspiring creativity and ensuring your little ones have a blast while making their own masterpieces!

Do A Dot Art! Markers 6-Pack Rainbow Washable Paint Markers, The Original Dot Marker, Activity Craft Coloring Supplies for Kids and Toddlers U.S. Art Supply 10 Piece Children’s No Spill Paint Cups with Colored Lids and 10 Piece Large Round Brush Set with Plastic Handles Melissa & Doug Deluxe Double-Sided Tabletop Easel (Arts & Crafts, 42 Pieces, 17.5” H x 20.75” W x 2.75” L, Great Gift for Girls and Boys – Best for 3, 4, 5 Year Olds and Up),Gold SATINIOR 2 Pieces Kids Art Smock, Waterproof Painting Artist Aprons Sleeveless Children Art Smocks with 3 Pockets for Age 3-10 Years, Palm Style Arts & Crafts Supplies Kits & Materials Set for Kids, Toddler – Carl & Kay Shuttle Art Tempera Paint Sticks, 20 Pastel Colors, Solid Tempera Paint for Kids, Super Quick Drying, Works Great on Paper Wood Glass Ceramic Canvas

Garden Adventure

Include toy gardening tools, flower and plant stickers, a book about plants, and some pretend fruits and vegetables. A small watering can could make the experience even more enjoyable.

Use these simple ideas for your own toddler activity box. Each theme not only provides hours of entertainment but also helps toddlers learn about different subjects and develop various skills. So, get creative and watch your toddler’s imagination soar with their very own busy box!

More Toddler Activities

You need more activities like these if you have an active toddler:

Cheerio Activities for Toddlers
Goopy Grass Sensory Play
Cheerios Fine Motor Snack for Toddlers
Toddler Travel Activities
Indoor Activities to Occupy Your Busy Toddler by Darcy and Brian
Educational Toddler Activities for Homeschoolers by 3 Boys and a Dog

Tips on how to use the busy box

Keep the box filled with items your toddler likes that aren’t messy, don’t require an adult to help, and don’t make a lot of noise. We use our box right at the table (sometimes on the floor) during school hours, and it has made a big difference in everyone’s attitude (especially mine).

The rules of our box are, that if you make a mess, it gets put away. If you make too much noise, it gets put away. If a sibling is distracted by the activity, it gets put away. These rules help to keep the mess level low and keep young kids engaged even though they aren’t quite ready for “real” school.

kids playing with a Toddler Activity Box

Creating a busy box for a toddler is a great way to keep your little one entertained while promoting their growth and development. These boxes are filled with engaging and educational items to keep toddlers busy while older children are homeschooling.

By offering themed activities and toys, toddlers can explore, learn, and play independently, giving you the chance to focus on homeschooling older kids. Start crafting your own toddler busy box today and watch your little one’s imagination and skills flourish!