March Break is here, and if you’re home with your toddler, you might be searching for fun indoor activities for toddlers to keep them entertained. Sure, outdoor walks and trips to the park are great, but sometimes you just need an easy DIY craft idea to bring the fun indoors. OR if you are a full time working mom like me, superhero after 5pm, and want to get some bonding time after daycare/school, this crafts are quick and perfect for that!
This list of simple toddler crafts uses items you probably already have at home, making it budget-friendly and mess-free (mostly!).
So, grab your coffee (and maybe a vacuum for the aftermath), and let’s get crafty with these top 10 trending toddler crafts!
1. Easter Bunny Handprint Art
Simple Easter Craft for Toddlers
Handprint crafts are always a keepsake-worthy activity, and this Easter bunny craft is adorable!
What You Need:
- Paint
- Paper ( this non toxic one works amazing!)
- Markers
- Googly eyes ( or you can also draw the eyes with marker)
How to Make It:
- Paint your toddler’s hand with the color they choose and press it onto paper. ( do not paint the thumb!)
- Once dry, draw a cute bunny face to it and add the googly eyes!
TIP: make them print several hands in different papers so we give them time to dry the ones we just did!
2. Easter Bunny Handprint Art VERSION 2.0
Ok, this is one is a bit easier if you have impatient little ones like I do!
What You Need:
- This template
- Paper
- Markers
- Glue
- Paint (This is the one we use)
- Googly eyes ( or you can also draw the eyes with marker)
How to Make It:
- Print this template I made for you.
- Paint your toddler’s hands in their chosen color and press them onto the template, positioning each hand as whiskers
- Draw a cute bunny face to it and/or add the googly eyes!
3. Dino heads !
Hand and footprint crafts are always a favorite around here, and these big, chomping dinosaur heads are no exception! It’s amazing how something as simple as tiny toes can turn into a roaring dino masterpiece. With just a few basic supplies, this toddler-friendly craft comes together in no time.
Thanks to Crafty Morning for the inspiration!
4. Painted Pasta Necklaces
Easy Fine Motor Craft for Toddlers
Let’s make some DIY toddler jewelry with painted pasta necklaces!
What You Need:
- Uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni, bigger size easier to paint)
- Paint (these non-toxic ones worked perfectly!)
- String or yarn
How to Make It:
- Thread it onto the string to create a necklace.
- Paint the pasta in different colors and let it dry.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Octopus Stamp
If your little one is still working on their fine motor skills and finds paintbrushes tricky, this toilet paper roll octopus stamp is the perfect easy painting activity for toddlers! It’s a mess-free craft that encourages creativity, sensory play, and hand-eye coordination while keeping things fun and simple.
What You Need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Paint (these non-toxic ones worked perfectly!)
- Carboard box paper ( Cereal boxes work great)
- OR black card stock paper.
How to Make It:
- Cut small slits around one end of the toilet paper roll and fan them out to create “tentacles.”
- Pour paint onto paper plates (the more colors, the better!).
- Dip the cut end of the roll into the paint and stamp it onto the cardboard or paper.
- Let your toddler have fun creating their own colorful octopus designs!
4. Puffy Paint Car Wash: A Fun and Messy Sensory Activity for Toddlers
If you’re looking for an easy and engaging activity that combines creativity, sensory play, and a little bit of mess, the puffy paint car wash is a perfect choice. This simple craft uses everyday household items and keeps little hands busy while encouraging imaginative play.
What You’ll Need:
- Shaving cream
- Food coloring or washable paint
- Toy cars (or other plastic toys)
- A baking tray or large plastic container
- A sponge or small brush
- A bowl of water
Instructions:
- Make the Puffy Paint Soap – In a small bowl, mix shaving cream with a few drops of food coloring or washable paint. Stir well to create vibrant, foamy paint. You can mix multiple colors for added fun.
- Set Up the Car Wash Station – Place toy cars in a baking tray or plastic container. Provide a sponge or a small brush for your child to use.
- Let the Painting Begin – Encourage your child to “paint” the cars using their hands, a brush, or a sponge. They can cover the cars entirely, create patterns, or mix colors to make a rainbow effect.
- Time to Wash – Fill a small bowl with water and give your child a sponge or cup to rinse off the shaving cream paint. Watching the colors dissolve in the water adds to the sensory experience.
- Repeat and Enjoy – Kids can repaint and wash their cars as many times as they want.
This activity not only provides entertainment but also helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory exploration. Best of all, it’s easy to clean up—just wipe down the toys and any shaving cream mess when playtime is over.
5. Rainbow yummy necklace
One of the best things about this rainbow threading craft is the hands-on learning and developmental benefits it offers for toddlers and preschoolers! It’s perfect for little hands, as they practice grasping small objects (hello, cereal!) and carefully threading them onto a string. Plus, it’s a fun way to boost hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity, both essential for early childhood development.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! This easy rainbow craft is also an engaging way to introduce color recognition, sorting, and pattern-making. As kids organize different colors and thread them in order, they’re developing early math and problem-solving skills—all while having a blast!
Thanks to Messy Little Monsters for the idea!
What You’ll Need:
- Colorful hollow cereal (Rainbow Cheerios)
- String
- Marshmellows
- Plastic yarn needle
Instructions:
- Show your little how to thread the cheerios and marshmallows (while he eats some too!)
- Let them experiment with patterns and colors.
I hope you loved this post and that these toddler-friendly crafts are a huge hit in your home—just like they are in mine! I’ve handpicked the top 5 easy crafts for toddlers that my little one absolutely enjoys.
What are your go-to fun crafts for kids? I’d love to hear which easy DIY activities are a favorite in your household—I’m always looking for fresh toddler craft ideas!
