One Year Old Activities to Play, Learn, and Explore (150+ Easy Ideas!)

Finding fun activities for a one-year-old doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes it’s the simple ideas that turn into the sweetest little moments.

That’s exactly why I bundled up some of my favorite activities from the blog!
You’ll find outdoor adventures, easy at-home ideas, fun car ride activities, and even the cutest pretend play inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for quick activities, sensory fun, or ways to spark their imagination, there’s something here for everyone.
And honestly? I love how these ideas fit into real, everyday life with a little one!

1. 51 Simple and Free Outdoor Activities for One-Year-Olds

Okay but how fun is it to just get outside without a big plan?

This list is packed with super simple outdoor ideas that you honestly just have to know to think of.
From visiting a furniture store to tiny sensory play moments.

And the best part? Most of them are totally free!
You don’t need fancy toys — just a little sunshine and your sweet little explorer. 💛

Read all 51 outdoor ideas here!

2. 7 Simple Activities for 1-Year-Olds at Home

These activities are all tried and tested with Lily, and honestly, they’ve saved our days more than once!

From stacking paper cups into funny little towers to letting her play with kitchen utensils (and seriously being busy for a good 30 minutes!), these simple ideas turn into the sweetest everyday moments!

Perfect for when you need something easy (like, easy easy) but so much fun.

Check out the 7 activities here!

3. Pretend Play for One-Year-Olds to Boost Big Imagination

Pretend play is pure magic at this age!

Even though they’re still so little, one-year-olds LOVE to copy, create, and imagine.
Pretend play helps build big imagination, encourages early problem-solving skills, and honestly, it’s just the sweetest way to see their little personalities shine.

This post is full of easy pretend play ideas that help build imagination and have all the cozy, giggly moments.
Not mad about that at all. 🥰

Get inspired with pretend play ideas here!

4. 64 Fun and Easy Things to Teach a One-Year-Old

Teaching a one-year-old sounds big, but trust me — it’s possible and fun!

This list shares simple, sweet things you can introduce at home.
From fun words to new skills, it’s all about encouraging their natural curiosity.

Extra bonus: it feels like play, not work. (Love that for us.)

Explore all 64 ideas here!

5. Car Activities for 1-Year-Old Toddlers

Long car rides + toddlers = you definitely need a plan. 🚗

This post shares the easiest car activities that don’t involve handing over your phone.
(Although no judgment if you do sometimes — real life is real.)

Lots of simple ideas you can prep in minutes — and maybe even enjoy a coffee while you’re at it.
Maybe. 😉

See all the car ride ideas here!

6. 88+ Fun Activities and Play Ideas for One-Year-Olds

If you ever feel stuck thinking, “What else can we do today?” — this one’s for you. 🌼

This giant list is packed with ideas to keep little ones busy, happy, and exploring.
And fun fact: it’s not just my own activities in there — I also included some amazing, creative ideas from other wonderful bloggers! 💛
Because honestly, the more inspiration, the better, right?

Indoor, outdoor, sensory, pretend… there’s so much to choose from.
Honestly, this is one of my most popular posts ever — and it’s no wonder why.
Because who doesn’t need 88+ ideas up their sleeve?!

Find all the fun ideas here!

Final Thoughts

I honestly had so much fun putting these favorite one-year-old activities all in one place!
It’s like a little toolbox you can pull from whenever you need something easy and happy for your tiny human.

There’s a bit of everything here — outdoor fun, indoor play, road trip lifesavers, and simple imagination boosters.
Nothing fancy, just sweet ideas that actually fit real life with a one-year-old!

Happy playing, friend! 🌈

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