Fun Things to Do During the Week with Your Toddler

Keeping a toddler entertained during the week can feel like a full-time job, but it’s also an opportunity for adventure, learning, and quality time. Whether you're looking to burn off energy, spark creativity, or explore new places together, here are some engaging weekday activities that go beyond the usual routine.

Visit an Indoor Playground for Active Fun

Let’s be honest—toddlers have an endless supply of energy. Instead of watching them bounce off the furniture at home, take them to an indoor playground like Adam’s Garden. Soft play areas, climbing structures, and interactive games allow little ones to move freely in a safe environment. It’s a great way to encourage social interaction, build motor skills, and guarantee a solid nap later. Keep in mind, Adam’s Garden also has circle time Monday-Friday at 11 am and at 4 pm with songs, dances, bubbles, and puppets!

Make Grocery Shopping an Interactive Game

A midweek grocery run can double as an educational experience. Give your toddler small tasks like finding a red apple, counting bananas, or helping push the cart. Many stores offer child-sized carts, making them feel like an important part of the process. Talking about colors, shapes, and textures of food helps with vocabulary development while keeping them engaged.

Explore a Local Petting Zoo or Farm

Many small farms and petting zoos allow toddlers to get up close to friendly animals. Feeding goats, petting bunnies, or watching chickens roam teaches compassion and curiosity. Some places even offer hands-on activities like pony rides or egg collecting. Bring a small snack for your little one, and expect them to talk about their favorite animals for the rest of the week.

Host an Afternoon Picnic—Indoors or Outside

Turn snack time into an adventure by laying out a picnic blanket at the park, in your backyard, or even right in the living room. Let your toddler help pack simple foods like cheese cubes, crackers, and fruit slices. Playing “restaurant” by taking turns serving each other adds an extra layer of fun. If you're outdoors, bring bubbles or chalk for added entertainment.

Create an At-Home Sensory Play Station

Sensory activities are a surefire way to keep toddlers busy and engaged. Fill a shallow bin with materials like rice, dried beans, or kinetic sand, and let them scoop, pour, and explore. Water play is another easy option—just set out a bowl of water with cups and sponges. Adding small toy animals or cars can turn it into an imaginary world of play.

Visit the Library for Storytime or Exploration

Public libraries often host weekday toddler storytimes with interactive songs, puppet shows, and movement activities. Even outside of scheduled events, libraries are a goldmine for exploration. Many have dedicated play areas with puzzles, toys, and reading nooks. Let your toddler pick out a few books to take home—it builds excitement about reading and teaches decision-making.

Take a Nature Walk with a Toddler-Friendly Twist

A short walk becomes a scavenger hunt when you give your toddler simple things to find: a yellow flower, a round rock, or a big leaf. Walking at their pace allows them to explore without rush. Bring a small basket for collecting treasures like pinecones or acorns, and talk about the sights and sounds around you.

Bake Something Simple Together

Toddlers love hands-on activities, and baking is a perfect mix of fun and learning. Choose a simple recipe, like banana muffins or homemade pizza, and let them stir, pour, and sprinkle. It may get messy, but the joy of “helping” in the kitchen makes it worth it. Plus, eating something they helped create makes snack time extra special.