Let’s play at home with a one-year-old! Activity ideas using things you already have at home
On rainy days or when your child isn’t feeling well and you’re staying home, you might find yourself wondering, “What should we play today?” As children reach around one year old, they start walking, their horizons expand, and their curiosity about the things around them grows even stronger.
As they can do more, the range of play widens too, so let’s stimulate their five senses by incorporating a variety of activities.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for at-home play recommended for one-year-olds.
From active play and bonding games to sensory play and simple crafts, we’ve gathered activities that one-year-olds will be completely absorbed in! Best of all, they’re all things you can do with items you already have at home—so please use this as a reference.
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Let’s Play at Home with Your One-Year-Old! Fun Activity Ideas Using Things Around the House (11–20)
Masking tape toy
Stick 2–3 strips of masking tape horizontally on the wall, leaving a small gap in the middle to form a tunnel.
Then drop balls or beanbags through it—simple and fun.
It helps children develop control of hand strength, aiming skills, and concentration.
You can place a box underneath and adjust how loose the tape is to match each child’s developmental level.
Children with disabilities can also enjoy success at their own pace, building confidence.
It’s easy to start with everyday materials, and it naturally brings smiles to children’s faces!
circuit play
Even on days when you can’t go outside, circuit play is a fun indoor option! By connecting various items to create a course like a circuit, children can use their whole bodies and keep playing without getting bored.
If you want an easy setup, you can link towels or handkerchiefs together, or use crepe paper tape.
Another benefit is how easy it is to adjust the difficulty level to match children’s ages and developmental stages.
ghost light
@necosensei.to.asobo 5 minutes to make! Super easy and so much fun!Nursery teacher / Childcare workerChildcare#Childcare CraftingSimple craftParenting#AtHomePlayShadow PlaySleepless Night#HandmadeToys
Shinako World (Chorus ver.) – Shinako
Cute ghosts appear—so fun! Here’s an idea for a Ghost Light.
It’s a unique idea that will make your time at home even more exciting.
You’ll need a toilet paper roll, plastic wrap, rubber bands, a permanent marker, and a light.
Draw a ghost on the plastic wrap with the permanent marker, then attach it to the toilet paper roll with rubber bands.
Shine a light through it and a ghost appears on the wall! You can use your smartphone’s light, so give it a try easily.
garbage bag ball
https://www.tiktok.com/@rano.mama_asobi/video/7453813532077903112Let’s make a big ball and have fun! Here’s an idea for a garbage-bag ball.
It’s a DIY ball you can make with materials you have at home.
All you need are a trash bag and vinyl tape or duct tape.
After sealing the bottom of the trash bag with tape, blow air into it and tie the opening.
Wrap vinyl tape around the inflated bag, and you’re done! Its fluffy feel is addictive, and kids are sure to get excited! The soft material means it won’t hurt even if it hits you, which is a nice bonus.
Jump play
@renamama_asobi♬ Athletic Meet “Heaven and Hell” (No Introduction) – Shinonome
Let’s get moving and play using colored construction paper! Here’s a jump-play idea.
It’s a unique activity that lets you use your brain while having fun moving your body.
All you need is a space where you can see the TV—tape four colors of construction paper to the floor, and you’re ready! Search for “tapete de movimiento” on YouTube.
Kids jump onto the color that appears on the screen one after another, so they won’t get bored.
Give it a try!