64 Fun and Easy Things to Teach A One Year Old

Name That Object

Start by teaching them the names of everyday objects—like “cup,” “spoon,” and “sock.” Soon, they’ll be pointing at things and proudly shouting their names (or something close).

Or use these free flashcards!

Animal Sounds Showdown

“Old MacDonald” has nothing on you. Teach your toddler the sounds that animals make. Cow goes “moo,” duck goes “quack,” and Mommy goes “why is it so quiet—oh no, where are you?!”

High-Five Practice

Teach them the art of the high-five. Not only is it adorable, but it’s also a great way to practice coordination.

Color Recognition

Introduce your little one to colors by pointing them out during playtime. “This block is red, and that one is blue!” Soon, they’ll start recognizing their favorites.

Clapping to the Beat

Turn on some music and clap along to the rhythm. Your one year old will start copying you, and before you know it, you’ve got a mini dance partner.

Whisper Game

Whisper something silly in their ear and encourage them to whisper back. It’s a cute way to teach them about volume control and communication.

Cleaning Helper

Give them a small broom or cloth and let them “help” you clean. My little one loves wiping the table, even if it ends up messier than before!

Button Pushing (The Good Kind)

Let them press buttons on toys, remotes (with no batteries), or keyboards. They’ll love the cause and effect.

Tickle Games

Gentle tickling while saying “I’m gonna get you!” is a sure way to teach them about anticipation and laughter.

Color Hunt

Go on a “color hunt” around the house. “Find something red!” Easy and educational

Magnet Play

Use fridge magnets to create simple patterns or pictures. Show them how magnets stick to metal

Hide and Seek

Hide behind a curtain or under a blanket and let them find you. The pure joy on their face when they discover you is adorable!

Sorting Shapes

Get a shape sorter toy and teach them how to match the shapes to the right holes.

Waving Hello and Goodbye

Teach them to wave when someone arrives or leaves. Soon they’ll be a waving machine, greeting everyone (and everything) in sight.

Bubble Blowing

Blow bubbles and watch your toddler’s face light up as they chase them around. It’s so simple, but so much fun!

Pretend Play Tea Party

Host a pretend tea party with their stuffed animals. They’ll love pouring invisible tea and serving imaginary snacks. For more pretend play ideas, check out this post on Pretend Play for One-Year-Olds.

Texture Exploration

Let them feel different textures, like soft blankets, bumpy toys, and smooth spoons. Describe each one—“This is soft, this is rough.” They’ll start connecting the words to the sensations.

Related: 7 Simple Activities For 1 Year Olds At Home

Sorting Laundry (No, Really!)

Have them help sort laundry by color or by who it belongs to. It’s simple, but they’ll feel like they’re really helping out.

Plus, it’s amusing to watch where they end up placing the laundry, often in the most unexpected and funny spots!

Water Play with Cups

Set up a safe water play area with cups and spoons. Filling and pouring water will keep them entertained and teach them about cause and effect.

Whisper “Shhh” Game

Make a game out of being quiet by whispering “Shhh” and seeing how quietly they can whisper back.

DIY Drum Circle

Grab some pots, pans, and wooden spoons and start a mini drum circle. My little one loves the noise (me a little less ;)), It’s great for rhythm and coordination.

Hand Over Hand

Teach them to “help” with simple tasks by placing your hand over theirs. It could be stirring a pot or wiping a table. Teamwork it is!!

Sensory Bin Exploration

Fill a bin with rice or pasta and let them explore the texture. Add small toys for them to find—just make sure it’s all toddler-safe.

Balloon Chase

Blow up a balloon and let them chase it around the room. It’s great for burning off energy and teaching about light, floaty objects.

Lacing Beads

Show them how to thread big beads onto a string. It’s tricky, but it’s great for fine motor skills.

Nature Walk Treasure Hunt

Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, rocks, or flowers. It’s an easy way to introduce them to the world around them.

Blow Kisses

Teach them to blow kisses. It’s adorable, and they’ll love seeing the reaction they get from others.

Pretend Cooking

Hand them a wooden spoon and a bowl, and let them “cook” alongside you. Pretend cooking is a great way to let them feel involved.

The toddler standing tower is perfect for this!

Color Sorting with Blocks

Sort blocks by color. This simple activity helps them learn their colors while enjoying their favorite toys.

Mirror Play

Stand in front of the mirror and make funny faces together. They’ll love discovering their reflection and mimicking your expressions.

Imitation Game

Do something simple, like clapping your hands, sticking out your tongue, or stomping your feet, and encourage them to imitate you.

Splash in the Puddles

If your little one can walk go outside after a rainy day and splash in some puddles together.

Sensory Pathway Indoors

Create a sensory pathway using different materials you have in the house like soft mats, crunchy leaves, and bumpy towels. Let them explore the textures with their feet or crawling.

Texture Walk

If your one year old is already walking, encourage them to explore different textures outside, such as grass, sand, different tiles, or anything safe you can think about.

It’s a wonderful way to engage their senses!

Indoor Obstacle Course

Create a mini obstacle course using pillows, cushions, and furniture. It’s a great way to build motor skills while they crawl, climb, and navigate.

Hide Toys in the Sand

Turn your sandbox into a mini treasure hunt by burying toys beneath the sand. Let your child dig through the sand to uncover the hidden surprises.

Counting Fingers and Toes

Count their fingers and toes while gently tickling them. It’s a fun way to introduce numbers and enjoy some giggles.

Finger Painting

Get some non-toxic paint and let them explore finger painting. It’s messy but a fantastic sensory experience.

Footprint Art

Dip their little feet in non-toxic paint and make footprints on paper. It’s a cute keepsake and a sensory activity rolled into one.

DIY Sensory Bottles

Toddler Yoga

Try simple yoga poses like stretching to the sky or touching toes. It’s fun and helps them learn balance.

Giant Cardboard Box Fun

Turn a giant cardboard box into a playhouse or a tunnel. My little one loves crawling in and out—it’s endless entertainment!

Sorting Objects

Supervise them while they sort large, colorful objects by size or color. It’s a great way to develop fine motor skills.

Shadow Play

Use a flashlight to create shadows on the wall and make them dance. It’s a fun way to introduce them to light and dark.

Floating Boats in the Tub

Use empty containers as boats in the bathtub. Watch them float and talk about what sinks and what doesn’t.

Pretend Pet Care

If you have a pet, let your toddler help with simple tasks like filling the water bowl. It teaches responsibility and empathy.

Counting Steps

Count the steps as you go up and down the stairs. It’s an easy way to introduce numbers.

Block Stacking Challenge

See how high they can stack their blocks before they topple over. It’s a simple challenge with a satisfying crash at the end!

Shape Recognition Game

Point out different shapes around the house, like a round clock or square tiles. It’s a sneaky way to introduce geometry.

Toy Wash Station

Set up a toy washing station with a basin of water and a sponge. They’ll love scrubbing their toys clean. It’s a good way to learn about hygiene and routines.

Pretend Doctor Play

Use a toy stethoscope and “check” their heartbeat. It’s a fun introduction to health and caring for others.

Sorting Snacks

Let them sort their snacks by shape or color before they eat (if possible). It’s a tasty way to practice sorting skills.

Hide Toys in the Bath

Hide toys under bubbles in the bath and ask them to find them. It’s a fun twist on a classic game.

Playing with Feathers

Let them explore the soft texture of feathers. It’s a gentle sensory experience and they’ll love watching a feather slowly float down from the air!

Nature Sound Imitation

Go outside and imitate the sounds of nature, like birds chirping or leaves rustling. It’s a fun way to engage with the world around them.

Magic Tricks

Perform simple “magic tricks” like hiding a toy under a cup and making it reappear. Watch their amazement as they try to figure it out.

Balloon Volleyball

Use a balloon for a gentle game of volleyball. It’s safe, fun, and surprisingly challenging for little ones.

Finger Puppet Fun

Create simple finger puppets and put on a mini-show and tell interesting stories. My daughter find this hilarious! Even with just simple socks 🙂

You may also enjoy: DIY Felt Monkey Hand Puppet: No Sewing Experience Needed

Peek-a-Boo with Toys

Hide their favorite toy under a blanket and watch them discover it. The excitement is always the same, no matter how many times you do it!

Rolling Fun

Roll a ball back and forth between you and your little one. It’s a simple game that teaches coordination and sharing.

Nature Collage

Collect leaves, flowers, and small sticks on a walk and create a nature collage together. It’s a craft project and a nature lesson rolled into one.

Play with Shadows

Use a flashlight to create shadow animals on the wall. Watch as your little one tries to catch the shadows.

Scent Exploration

Introduce them to different smells, like vanilla, lemon, or lavender. It’s a fun way to engage their sense of smell.

Animal Sound Match

Play a game where you make an animal sound, and they point to the matching toy animal. It’s educational and fun.

Final Thoughts