For 2-year-olds! Fun craft activities and indoor play ideas
As children reach the age of two, a sense of independence—“I want to do it myself!”—begins to emerge.
You’ll start to see them eagerly taking on new challenges and acting with confidence and initiative.
As their fine motor skills improve, the range of crafts they can make using tools and techniques expands significantly.
In this article, we’re introducing craft activity ideas that are just right for two-year-olds’ development.
From season- and event-themed projects to activities that lead into pretend play and ones that use unique techniques, we’ve gathered fun ideas that will boost children’s motivation to create.
Through these activities, we hope children can experience the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from doing things on their own.
We hope you find these ideas helpful.
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For 2-year-olds! Fun Craft and Indoor Play Ideas (11–20)
Strawberries with cotton swab stamping
Let’s make strawberries using cotton swabs as stamps.
Cut the red construction paper into the shape of the strawberry fruit, and the green construction paper into the shape of the strawberry calyx.
When using scissors, be sure to keep an eye on your child.
If your child isn’t yet comfortable with scissors, it’s a good idea to do the cutting in advance.
Once you’ve cut out the shapes and combined the fruit and calyx, dip a cotton swab in yellow or gold paint and dab it on.
These dots will become the strawberry’s seeds.
You’ll end up with very cute strawberries, so give it a try!
Shirokuma-chan’s Hotcakes
Let’s jump into the world of picture books! Here are some ideas inspired by Shirokuma-chan’s Pancakes.
The heartwarming picture book Shirokuma-chan’s Pancakes, in which Shirokuma-chan makes warm, fluffy pancakes and everyone eats together, is beloved by both children and adults.
This time, let’s try creating a scene from the book! It’s unique how mixing shaving foam with craft glue can recreate the fluffy texture of pancakes.
Give it a try!
Playing with plastic bags
Versatile for all kinds of play! Here are some ideas for games using plastic bags.
These are unique activities you can enjoy with two-year-olds.
Plastic bags are light and sturdy, making them great for easy, varied play.
In the video, we introduce 10 different ways to play, such as inflating a bag to feel the breeze and making a ball using a bag.
Using familiar materials like plastic bags can help nurture creativity.
Let’s spend time full of smiles with the children!
Summer at-home fun you can get all at the 100-yen shop!
Everything you need from the 100-yen shop! Here are some ideas for summer play at home.
Have you heard of a sensory bag? It’s a pouch-like item used as a toy to stimulate children’s senses, letting them play while engaging their perception and sensations.
This time, let’s make a DIY sensory bag and play with it! You’ll need a vacuum/compression bag, decorative pom-poms, beads, and liquid laundry starch or school glue.
You can also add glitter for extra sparkle.
The cool, chilly feel makes it perfect for summer.
Onigiri Boy
Make the most of paper towels! Here’s a fun idea for creating an Onigiri Boy.
Many kids love the Bread Thief series, especially “Bread Thief: The Departure of Onigiri Boy,” don’t they? This time, let’s make an Onigiri Boy using paper towels.
You’ll need construction paper, crayons, scissors, paper towels, double-sided tape, and regular tape.
Draw the onigiri fillings on the paper towel, then wrap it with a seaweed sheet made from construction paper—and you’re done! Pack it in a container and take it on a walk to enjoy a pretend picnic, too!
The goldfish ran away.
Let’s stamp while dabbing with a sponge! Here’s an idea inspired by “The Goldfish Got Away.” The picture book “The Goldfish Got Away,” with its charming art style and the fun of searching for the escaped goldfish, is a favorite among children! This time, let’s enjoy making a craft with sponges.
You’ll need white drawing paper, sponges, paints, and paper parts you’ve made from construction paper.
Use paint to represent the water in the fishbowl where the goldfish is.
Using a single color is fine, but mixing light blue, blue, and white will give it a different feel!
For 2-year-olds! Fun craft activities and indoor play ideas (21–30)
Polar Bear’s Underpants
Let’s create a picture-book character! Here are some ideas for the polar bear’s underpants.
The polar bear in the beloved baby book “Shirokuma no Pantsu” (Polar Bear’s Underpants) is popular with children for his cute expressions and humorous underwear.
This time, let’s make your very own pair using a crayon-and-paint resist technique! When kids stick on the polar bear’s face parts themselves, their individuality will really shine through! Give it a try!