12 Fun Play Ideas For 14 Month Olds: Toddler Activities And Games

As babies turn into curious and energetic toddlers, their playtime needs also evolve. With so much energy to expend, keeping a 14 month old stimulated and entertained can be a challenge. But fear not, we’ve rounded up 12 fun play ideas for 14 month olds that will keep them engaged and happy. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor activities, educational games or just plain old fun, this list has got you covered! So, get ready to hop, skip, and jump into a world of exciting toddler activities and games.

Indoor obstacle course

As a parent of a 14 month old, it can sometimes be hard to come up with new and creative ways to keep your little one entertained and engaged. One idea that can be both fun and useful for your child's development is creating an indoor obstacle course.

To start, you can use items you have around the house to set up different stations for your little one to navigate through. Some suggestions include using pillows or couch cushions to create a soft play area, laying out blankets or towels for crawling or stepping on, and using tunnels made out of cardboard boxes or large fabric tubes.

Another option is to incorporate toys or objects that your child enjoys playing with into the course. For example, you can place a basket of balls at one station for your child to practice throwing and catching, or set up a stack of blocks for them to knock down.

You can also incorporate sensory experiences into the obstacle course, such as filling a shallow container with water or sand for your child to play in, or hanging objects of different textures (such as ribbons or soft toys) for them to touch and explore.

As your child navigates through the obstacle course, be sure to offer lots of praise and encouragement to help build their confidence and motivation. You can also join in on the fun and navigate the course alongside them, showing them different ways to navigate each station and helping them when needed.

Overall, an indoor obstacle course can be a fun and engaging activity for you and your 14 month old. Not only will it help develop their motor skills and coordination, but it can also encourage creativity and imagination as they explore the different stations you've set up.

Bubble bath playtime

As a parent of a 14-month-old, you probably know that finding activities to keep your little one entertained can be a challenge. However, one way to make bath time more enjoyable for both you and your child is to incorporate bubble bath playtime. Here are some tips on how to make your child's bath time more fun:

• Use a mild bubble bath: First and foremost, make sure that the bubble bath you use is mild and safe for your child's sensitive skin. You can find bubble baths specifically formulated for children at your local supermarket or baby store.
• Add toys: Bring some of your child's favorite bath toys to the tub and let them play with them alongside the bubbles. Squirt toys, rubber ducks, and foam letters and numbers are popular options.
• Blow bubbles: Your child will love watching you blow bubbles into the bathwater. You can use a simple bubble wand or a more elaborate bubble machine that fills the room with bubbles.
• Create a bubble mountain: Pile the bubbles as high as you can and let your child watch them fall down. This will help improve their hand-eye coordination and cognitive development.
• Sing songs: Bath time is a great opportunity to sing your child's favorite nursery rhymes or children's songs like "Rub-a-Dub-Dub" or "Splish Splash."
• Teach colors: Use the bubbles to teach your child colors by adding different food coloring to the water and pointing out the different hues.
• Make bubble beards: Create foam beards by covering your child's face with bubbles and encouraging them to make silly faces.

Remember to never leave your child alone in the tub and always supervise them closely during bubble bath playtime. With these tips, bath time can be transformed into a fun and engaging activity for both you and your 14-month-old.

Sensory bin exploration

As your little one hits 14 months old, they are becoming more curious and adventurous. They love exploring the world around them through their senses. One great activity to help stimulate their all-important senses is sensory bin exploration. Here are some ideas on how to create a sensory bin and what to include:

• Choose the right container: The first step is to choose a suitable container for your sensory bin. It should be big enough for your child to play in but not too big that it takes up too much space. A plastic baby pool or a low-sided plastic tub would work well.
• Choose the base material: Once you have your container, you need to choose the base material. Think about what textures your child will enjoy exploring. Rice, pasta, or sand are great options to start with. You can also add in some colorful items such as beads or buttons.
• Add some natural elements: Include some natural elements such as leaves, flowers, or pinecones. These can help your child experience different textures and smells.
• Include some toys: Add in some toys such as cups, spoons, and scoops. This will not only make the sensory bin more fun but also introduce your child to new objects to play with.
• Make it themed: You could make your sensory bin themed, such as a beach theme with sand as the base material and seashells and toy boats as the items to explore.

Now that you have created your sensory bin, it's time to let your little one explore. Encourage them to touch, feel, and smell the different items. Play with them and show them how they can use the toys to scoop and pour. Sensory play helps with your child's cognitive development, hand-eye coordination, and language skills.

In summary, sensory bin exploration is an excellent activity for your 14-month-old to help them learn and grow. By creating a sensory bin, you are providing them with a fun and interactive way to learn about the world around them. Plus, it's a great way to spend some quality time with your little one.

Dance party

A dance party is a fun and engaging activity you can enjoy with your 14-month-old. Not only will it help your child build gross motor skills, but it's also a great way to bond and have fun together. Here are some tips for hosting a dance party that your little one will love:

• Choose the right music: Pick songs with a lively beat that your child will enjoy. You can play kid-friendly tunes, silly songs, or even your favorite songs from when you were a child.
• Set the stage: Create a cozy and comfortable environment by turning off bright lights, lighting a few candles, or turning on a string of fairy lights. You can also add decorations such as balloons and streamers to make it festive.
• Get your dance moves on: Show your little one how to move to the music by dancing yourself. Encourage your child to get up and move too, even if it's just swaying to the beat or bouncing up and down.
• Use props: Get creative and incorporate props like scarves, ribbons, or shakers to make it more interactive and engaging.
• Take turns: Taking turns leading the dance can be a lot of fun. Let your child choose the next song and take the lead in dancing.
• Incorporate learning: Use the dance party as an opportunity to teach your child some new words and concepts. You can count out beats, teach colors and shapes, or even practice animal sounds as you dance.

Remember to have fun and don't take things too seriously. Dance parties are supposed to be silly and enjoyable, so let loose and groove with your little one. Before long, you'll both be having a blast!

Colorful finger painting

As a parent or caregiver of a 14-month-old, it can be challenging to come up with activities that are both stimulating and safe for your little one. One activity that is both fun and safe for your child is colorful finger painting.

Finger painting is a sensory activity that develops your child's hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and creativity. Plus, it's a fun way to spend some quality time with your child and create beautiful works of art.

To get started, you will need non-toxic finger paints in a variety of bright colors, a large sheet of paper, and a smock or old clothes to protect your child's clothing.

Set up a designated area for your child to paint, such as a designated table or a plastic sheet on the floor. Place a small amount of each color paint on a separate paper plate or palette.

Now it's time to let your child's creativity run wild! Encourage your child to dip their fingers into the paint and make colorful marks on the paper. You can also help your child create handprints, footprints, or even use other household items such as sponges, cotton swabs, or cookie cutters to create fun designs.

Make sure to praise your child's efforts and provide positive feedback. Avoid the urge to correct or guide your child too much, as this can limit their creativity and exploration.

Once the painting is complete, let the artwork dry before displaying it in a prominent place in your home. Your child will love seeing their masterpiece on display and will feel proud of their newfound artistic skills.

Overall, colorful finger painting is a fun and safe activity that your 14-month-old will enjoy. It's a great way to spend quality time together and encourage your child's creativity and fine motor skills. So go ahead and pull out the paintbrushes and get ready to create some beautiful artwork!

Water play in the sink

• Make sure the sink is clean and safe. Remove any sharp objects and ensure the sink is free of any chemicals or cleaning agents.
• Place a non-slip mat at the bottom of the sink to prevent your little one from slipping and falling.
• Fill the sink with warm water and place some toys inside. You can use bath toys, measuring cups, and other safe objects that your little one can easily grasp.
• Encourage your child to splash, pour, and play with the water. They will love the sensory experience and feel of the water.
• Model the behavior you want your child to mimic. Show them how to pour water from one container to another and how to make splashing sounds and waves.
• Use this time to bond with your little one. Sing songs, talk to them, and make silly faces to boost engagement and bonding.
• Don't forget to supervise your child at all times. Never leave them unsupervised around the sink, even if the water level is low.

Outdoor sandbox time

As a parent of a 14-month-old, it is essential to find activities to keep them engaged and entertained while fostering their development. One of the best ways to achieve this is by spending time outdoors, and an outdoor sandbox is a fantastic place to start!

Playing in the sandbox not only provides some recreational time for your little one, but it also encourages sensory exploration, improves hand-eye coordination, and develops gross motor skills. Plus, it's a wonderful way to soak up some sun and fresh air while enjoying some great bonding time with your baby.

Here are some ideas to make your outdoor sandbox time even more enjoyable for your 14-month-old:

• Provide the Right Sandbox: Be sure that you choose a sandbox that is comfortable and spacious enough for your toddler to move freely and play. Plastic sandboxes with rounded edges are a great option for safety reasons. Consider positioning it under a shade to avoid sunburns.
• Sand Toys: To make sandbox time more interactive, gather a few different sand toys such as rakes, shovels, and buckets, which encourage your baby's imagination and improve fine motor skills. Allow your baby to feel the sand with their hands, encouraging them to build sandcastles, scoop and pour sand and more.
• Sensory Play: Sensory activities such as adding water to the sand or mixing it with different materials like rice, pasta or leaves can make sandbox time more engaging for your little one. These activities help them understand textures and develop their fine motor skills.
• Make It a Group Activity: Arrange a playdate for your little one to play in the sandbox with other kids their age. Together they can build sandcastles and play pretend games. This will help your baby develop social skills such as sharing and communication, contribute to their cognitive development and improve their physical skills.
• Time Limits: Be conscious of the length of time your baby can spend in the sandbox and ensure they don't spend too much time. As a guideline, limit your sandbox time to around 30 minutes, keeping in mind the much-needed naptime and playtime.

In summation, outdoor sandbox time is a thrilling and enjoyable activity for a 14-month-old that stimulates physical and cognitive development. By providing the right sandbox setting, sand toys, and sensory play and making sure the activity takes place in groups under time limits, you can enhance your baby's sandbox playtime experience. Happy Sandbox time!

Toddler-friendly cooking class

As a parent of a 14-month-old, finding activities that are both entertaining and educational for your toddler can be challenging. One excellent activity that you might want to consider is taking your little one to a toddler-friendly cooking class.

Cooking classes offer many benefits for kids. For starters, cooking is an excellent way to get your child interested in healthy eating habits. It can also help them develop fine motor skills as they work with utensils and ingredients. And let’s not forget the added bonus of spending quality time with your little one!

When selecting a toddler-friendly cooking class, you will want to choose one with activities that are appropriate for your child's age and developmental level. Look for classes that prioritize safety and create a comfortable environment where you and your child can enjoy the experience.

Some cooking classes offer a range of culinary activities, such as making toast, cereal, or soft boiled eggs. These activities will not only improve your child's fine motor skills but will also help develop independent eating habits.

Your toddler can also learn how to wash fruits and vegetables, mix different ingredients and help chop & slice in limited capacity, which is an excellent way to boost their confidence and develop problem-solving skills.

Bottom line? If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and engaging activity for your 14-month-old, consider signing up for a toddler-friendly cooking class. With the many benefits it offers, you can't go wrong with this option.

Reading corner

As a parent of a 14-month-old, you know that your little one is constantly exploring and learning about the world. One great way to foster their development is through a reading corner in your home. Here are some tips on how to create a cozy and engaging reading space for your child.

Choose the Right Spot: Pick a quiet and well-lit area of your home where you and your child can cuddle up and enjoy story time together. It can be a cozy corner in their room, a nook in the living room, or a spot in the playroom. Make sure it's a comfortable space for both of you.

Get Comfy: Put some soft pillows, blankets, or a beanbag chair in your reading corner to make it a cozy place to snuggle up and read together. Your child will love feeling comfortable while exploring new stories.

Select the Right Books: Choose books that are age-appropriate and visually appealing to your child. Board books with bright colors, interesting textures, and simple stories are perfect for little ones. Consider books with familiar animals, objects, or characters that your child may recognize.

Make it Interactive: Encourage your child to get involved in the story by asking them questions or pointing out pictures. Ask them to name objects or animals on the page. Even if they can't answer, they will start to recognize words and pictures over time.

Keep it Fun: Don't be afraid to use props, puppets or even costumes to make reading time more fun for your child. You can even play some background music to enhance the experience.

Reading with your child is not only a great bonding activity, but it also teaches them valuable language and cognitive skills. So, create a reading corner in your home and enjoy many cozy memories and enjoyable moments together.

Musical instruments jam session

As parents of a 14-month-old, it can be challenging to come up with new and exciting activities to keep our little ones engaged and entertained. One fun activity that you can do with your 14-month-old is to set up a musical instruments jam session.

First, gather an assortment of musical instruments such as shakers, tambourines, maracas, drums, bells, and xylophones. You can buy them from a toy store or make your own DIY instruments using household items.

Next, choose a space where you can spread out the instruments and make some noise. The living room or playroom would be ideal places. Sit on the floor and invite your little one to join you. Encourage your toddler to pick up the instruments, shake, bang, and make noise.

As you play, you can introduce different sounds and rhythms. Clap your hands, sing a song, or tap a beat on the floor. Your toddler will love to follow along and experiment with different sounds and movements.

Take turns with your toddler and show them how to play each instrument. You can also play a game where you pass an instrument around and take turns playing it. This is a great way to develop social and sharing skills.

Playing musical instruments with your toddler is not only fun but also offers many developmental benefits. It helps to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and cognitive skills. Music also stimulates brain development, language, and social skills.

In conclusion, a musical instruments jam session is an excellent activity to do with your 14-month-old. It offers a fun and engaging way to explore sounds, rhythms, and movements. Plus, it provides a range of developmental benefits that will help your toddler grow and learn. Try it today and watch your little one shine!

DIY playdough station

If you're looking for a fun and creative activity to do with your 14-month-old, a DIY playdough station could be just the thing. Not only is playdough a great sensory experience for young children, but setting up a designated playdough area can also help promote independence and encourage open-ended play. Here's how to create your own playdough station at home:

Materials:

• Playdough (homemade or store-bought)
• Rolling pins
• Cookie cutters
• Playdough mats or trays
• Props (such as small toys or natural materials like sticks and leaves)

Step 1: Choose the Right Space

Find a spot in your home where your child can play freely and without interruption. It might be a corner of the living room, a section of the kitchen table, or a low shelf in your child's bedroom. Consider placing a mat or tray underneath the playdough area to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Stock Up on Supplies

Gather all the supplies you'll need for your playdough station. You can make your own playdough using flour, salt, water, and food coloring, or you can buy premade playdough in a variety of colors and scents. Be sure to include plenty of rolling pins and cookie cutters of different sizes and shapes, as well as other props your child might enjoy using to create textures and patterns in the playdough.

Step 3: Set Clear Boundaries

Depending on your child's age and temperament, you may want to create some guidelines around playdough use. For example, you might establish a rule that playdough stays in the designated area and isn't carried around the house. You might also set a time limit for play, or agree that playdough is only used when a grown-up is around to supervise.

Step 4: Let Your Child Explore

Once your DIY playdough station is set up and ready to go, introduce your child to the materials and let them explore on their own. Remember that the goal is for your child to engage in open-ended play and creativity, so try not to direct or correct their actions too much. Instead, encourage their curiosity and experimentation, and be ready to join in their play as needed.

In conclusion, creating a DIY playdough station is a simple and fun way to engage your 14-month-old in creative play and sensory exploration. With a few basic supplies and a designated play space, your child can enjoy hours of imaginative fun and develop important motor skills and cognitive abilities. So why not give it a try today?

Park playground visit

As parents, you want to keep your 14 month old entertained and engaged throughout the day. One of the best ways to keep them active and happy is by taking them to the park playground. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a visit to the park.

Firstly, make sure that the park you choose has a playground that is suitable for toddlers. The playground should have equipment that is age-appropriate and safe for your little one. Look for swing sets, slides, and climbing structures that are not too tall or complicated for a 14 month old.

When you arrive at the playground, take a few minutes to let your child explore and get comfortable with their surroundings. Encourage them to climb, slide and crawl on the equipment with your close supervision. This will help to build their confidence and improve their motor skills.

It's also important to engage with your child as they play. You can join them on the swing or encourage them to climb up the stairs of the slide while you guide them gently down. This will help your child feel more secure and increase their enjoyment of the experience.

Be prepared for your child to get dirty or wet while playing on the playground. Pack extra clothes, wipes, and diapers to ensure that your little one stays comfortable throughout their visit.

Finally, make the most of your time at the park by bringing along some snacks and drinks for your child. You can also meet other parents and toddlers, which will help your child to socialize and develop their communication skills.

In conclusion, a visit to the park playground is a great way to keep your 14 month old entertained and happy. With a little bit of preparation and supervision, you can create a fun and safe environment for them to explore and play.

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