Below, you\u2019ll find a handful of easy, low-prep activities that let children play (and learn) when you hit those afternoon lulls but don\u2019t want to turn on the telly.<\/span><\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"},{"acf_fc_layout":"first_layout","section_title_here":"Modelling clay \u201cbakery\u201d ","section_sidebar_title_here":"","section_content_here":" What you need:<\/b><\/p>\n How to set it up:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The open-ended play is great for letting your little one explore textures and shapes at their own pace. Plus, their hand strength and fine motor control improve as they roll, cut, and mould dough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s so cute seeing the different \u201ctreats\u201d they create!<\/span><\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"},{"acf_fc_layout":"first_layout","section_title_here":"Learn the alphabet (in a fun way!)","section_sidebar_title_here":"","section_content_here":" Once you place a LEGO\u00ae DUPLO\u00ae set in front of a toddler, their attention becomes utterly fixated. There are so many ways to play, whether you follow the instructions, let your toddler go wild with their creativity, or put together a fun little activity with the set.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For example, I\u2019ve been using the LEGO\u00ae DUPLO\u00ae Alphabet Truck to create this game for educational, independent play.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to set up and keeps toddlers busy while they learn. They can sort letters, load the truck, and make deliveries until the evening draws close.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cute characters are also great for bringing a storytelling element to the activity!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Obstacle course\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n What you need:<\/b><\/p>\n How to set it up:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n It\u2019s the perfect activity to burn off their energy in a focused way. As they run, jump, and crawl, your toddler is working on their gross motor development. They\u2019ll also love inventing their own ways to navigate the course, sparking endless creativity.<\/span><\/p>\n The great toy dig\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n What you\u2019ll need:<\/b><\/p>\n How to set it up:<\/b><\/p>\n The different textures encourage sensory exploration while scooping and sifting develop fine motor skills. I also love using <\/span>LEGO\u00ae DUPLO\u00ae Truck & Tracked Excavator set for more storytelling and roleplay opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are two construction worker figures in hi-visibility vests, one for you and one for your toddler! You can work together in the \u2018dig site\u2019, operating the toy truck with its tip function and the excavator with its rotating digger as part of a story.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Time to pull out the character voices!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sticker stories\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n What you need:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n How to set it up:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n These sticker stories encourage imagination and storytelling, improve fine motor control when peeling and placing stickers, and (best of all) require minimal prep and cleanup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"},{"acf_fc_layout":"first_layout","section_title_here":"Wrapping it up","section_sidebar_title_here":"","section_content_here":" I hope these ideas inspire you to create simple, screen-free fun for your kids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As both a mum and an educator, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how hands-on play fosters creativity, independence, and confidence. With just a bit of prep, you can watch your child explore new skills and spark their imagination.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"}],"add_quote_content":"","hide_and_show_button_for_quote":"A","select_single_post_here":"","hide_and_show_button_for_single_post":"A","select_two_post_here":"","hide_and_show_button_for_two_post":"A","select_top_pick_section_mobile":[{"add_content_here":"Top Pick Top Pick","select_post_here":false}],"social_section_content":false,"add_instagram_embed_code":"","select_related_article_post_turn_onoff":false,"select_related_article_post":"","add_source_content_here":"","select_trending_post_here":"","add_google_ads_campaign_code_here":"LEGO0008","top_banner_ads_turn_onoff":true,"content_first_ads_turn_onoff":true,"content_second_ads_turn_onoff":true,"first_right_side_ads_turn_onoff":true,"second_right_side_ads_turn_onoff":true,"video_image":false,"jw_video_code_here":"","video_description":"","heading":"","content":"","add_video_embed_code_here":"","upload_gif_here":false,"banner_video_for_watch_post":"","banner_video_for_watch_post_jw_player_video_here":"","select_product":""},"yoast_head":"\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Child-squishing-homemade-playdough-during-outdoor-sensory-play.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat you need:<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
How to set it up:<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Toddler-learning-letters-with-LEGO-DUPLO-alphabet-blocks.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Toddler-balancing-on-pillows-for-indoor-play.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Child-building-toy-construction-vehicles-on-table.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Children-playing-with-colourful-heart-stickers-on-fabric.jpg\")
<\/p>\n