Ask MaryPat: How to Find Creative Activities for Toddlers

MaryPat doesn’t fly around with a black umbrella, but she does have over 20 years of experience as a Child Development Expert and over 10 years experience as a Placement Counselor in our Palo Alto office. She’s has a wealth of knowledge and we’re confident you will find her advice spot-on!

Dear MaryPat,
The children I care for love doing arts and crafts projects and really look to me to find activities for them to do. I seem to be running out of good ideas! Help! -Katie

Dear Katie,

Children all have different interests and favorite games. Many nannies find that doing a craft based around a holiday can be fun and interesting. Other ideas could be going for a nature walk and then decorating a frame with the treasures they have found. Pinterest, KiwiCrate, Michaels and PBS.org are all websites where you can find timely and unique art projects, as well as indoor and outdoor game ideas.

Some of the children I know love making a fort in the living room and getting to have lunch (with permission) there for the day. Baking cookies is another fun activity and it can also be a great math lesson with the measuring.

Don’t forget to check out your local library. They often have holiday and seasonal books that can make reading time more interesting to a child. You don’t need to try to be Martha Stewart with your crafts – just have fun with your charges and don’t be afraid to get messy!