Hi there, parents! This week’s blog continues on our Toy Suggestion List. But these suggestions will be tailored to indoor play at home. So, let’s talk about toys for indoor play for hot summer days that don’t take up TOO much space.
It’s mid-July, when that midsummer rut starts to creep into our lives. It might be a bit more difficult to feel motivated to come up with new fun activities. The heat is reaching a point where the mornings and evenings are more ideal for outdoor play. So how do we fill our afternoons? If the plan is to stay home, we’ve got to keep those kiddos entertained.
Lots of Possibilities
My first suggestion is a set I initially purchased for my son when he was not even two yet. He turned three in April, and we’ve gotten so much use out of it. I can only imagine he will use this toy more and more as he gets older.
What is it? Stepping stones!
These are stackable, so they don’t take up a ton of space and the options are practically endless. For the really little guys, they can just practice stepping up and down and stepping from one stone to the next. The set that I bought my son also has balance beam pieces, which also are stackable!
My little guy recently started a gymnastics class at our local rec center, and he loves creating his own little obstacle courses at home that mirror what he does at gymnastics each week.
Older kiddos can use the stepping stones for playing “the floor is lava.”
Loving the idea of an obstacle course? Add in a tunnel. Kiddos love racing through the tunnel as fast as they can go. Parents, you can come up with ideas for older kiddos to use the stepping stones, encouraging them to come up with their own games!
Indoor Camping
Another idea that is great for getting those little minds turning is an indoor tent. In my house we refer to it as a fort. This was a gift my son received from a family member for his second birthday, and we are still getting so much use out of it.
To describe it with more detail, we are talking about a canvas tent that is held up by four long wooden dowels. In the moment, it does take up a bit of room. But the great thing is that you can pull the dowels together and shove it in a closet when you’re done!
The one we have came with little twinkle star lights and has a little window. This is great for pretend play, an indoor slumber party or a pretend camping trip.
This is also great if you do have the space for using it for a ‘“calming corner” that I discussed in another post, if you are interested in learning more about those!
Endless Creativity
Another idea for keeping your little one entertained on those super hot summer days: Magnetiles! I know, I know, we’ve all heard the hype around the Magnetiles. However, they are so wonderful at getting a kiddo’s brain gears turning, using their creativity to come up with different structures to create.
My mom bought my little gremlin his first set of Mangetiles. She, knowing our concerns around space, decided to also purchase a handy dandy Magnetile container. The sides zip so that when they are all unzipped, it turns into a magnetic board that my son can build on top of! When he’s done playing, we just push them all to the center and zip up the sides. Quick and easy!
Side note: They do make little tin containers of mini magnetiles that are great for when you are out at a restaurant or event where your little one needs to stay put and entertained.
There you have it! My favorite indoor toys that will last you years and years and hopefully not take up too much room inside your home.
What are your little one’s favorite indoor toys? Until next time.
Sophie Hamel is a freelance writer and works as a crisis responder. Her son is three years old.
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