Toddler Games

Toddler games are important not only so that your toddler has fun but they encourage your toddler's overall healthy development - gross and fine motor skills, concentration, problem-solving, bonding with you, socialising and so much more. Here we give you some ideas on games and some fun activities for toddlers.

Here we list lots of games for you to try. All children develop at different speeds and have their own preferences so you may want to mix and match the games or adapt them accordingly.

• Toddler Games: For Ages 1 - 2
• Games For Toddlers: For Ages 2 - 3
• Party Games For Toddlers
• Play Toddler Games Online

Games for toddlers are very varied and most will be short, depending on the attention span of your toddler. Some toddlers will like quiet games, sometimes they will like more boisterous games. Some games do not need adult intervention. Bear in mind that your plan of the game may change completely depending on how your toddler wants to play the game! Rules will not work and you need to be prepared to be flexible and to go with the flow.

Toddlers learn through play and young children soak up information and skills. During these important developmental years toddlers will enjoy playing with you and other caregivers. Gradually toddlers will also enjoy playing group games with other children which will give them the opportunity to develop more advanced social skills.

If you do not want to play too long (and let's face it, sometimes repetitive games that are great fun for toddlers might not always be great fun for adults) try and plan it so that you play before snack or lunch time. In this way you and your toddler will get a good time and you'll be able to draw the game to a happy end.

Having a range of games up your sleeve is also very handy for when you have a toddler friend around. Toddlers often play on their own so when you play a game it is easier to include everyone in the game.

If you want to play games at a playgroup or party then playing circle games work well. The toddlers sit or stand in a circle and they follow the actions of the leader who stands in the center. This means that the leader can easily move to see everyone and the children can also see what they need to do.

The key is to enjoy playing. Get involved in the game, prepared to be silly, lose any feelings of self-consciousness and enjoy it. If you aren't enjoying it then it's likely your toddler will pick up on this so won't enjoy it either. If your toddler is not in the mood for playing then try another time. Forced fun just isn't fun.

Try new games and enjoy!