21 Fun Activities for Your 16-Month-Old
Your toddler is 16 months old and suddenly, everything captures their attention. The kitchen cabinet. Your phone. That random piece of lint on the floor.
Welcome to the wonderful, exhausting world of parenting an active 16-month-old! These little kids are walking, climbing, and getting into everything. They’re also learning at lightning speed.
But here’s the thing – keeping them busy and happy doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple activities are most effective at this stage of development. A cardboard box can be more exciting than expensive toys.
The key is finding activities that match their energy and curiosity. Things that let them move and learn. Activities that don’t require a Pinterest-perfect setup or a master’s degree to understand.
Ready to turn everyday moments into fun experiences? These activities will keep your little one engaged while giving you both something to smile about.
How to Engage a 16-Month-Old’s Growing Curiosity
Sixteen-month-olds are naturally curious about everything around them. Support this by creating safe spaces where they can investigate freely.
Let them open containers, stack bowls, or pull tissues from boxes. Follow their interests rather than forcing them to participate in activities.
Talk about their actions as they play using simple words: “You’re shaking the rattle” or “The ball rolled away.” This helps build vocabulary and enhances their understanding of the world.
Keep expectations realistic – process matters more than results at this age.
The Best Activities for Toddlers’ Development
Toddlers are naturally curious, so create safe spaces where they can investigate containers, stack bowls, or pull tissues from boxes.
Talk about their actions using simple words to build vocabulary, and keep expectations realistic since process matters more than results.
1. Building Block Towers
Soft blocks are perfect for little hands that are still figuring out how to grip and stack. Your 16-month-old doesn’t need to build a skyscraper – even two blocks on top of each other is a big win!
Start with just a few blocks. Show them how to stack one on top of another. Don’t worry if they prefer knocking towers down instead of building them up. That’s totally normal and actually great for their development.
What you’ll need: Soft blocks, foam blocks, or lightweight building blocks
How it helps: Builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Plus, knocking things down teaches cause and effect in the most fun way possible.
2. Wandering through Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are containers filled with safe materials like rice, large beans, or water that let toddlers find through touch while learning about volume and texture.
Keep the bin low and accessible. Expect spills. Place a towel underneath or conduct this activity outside when the weather permits. The mess is worth it when you see how focused and happy they become.
What you’ll need: Shallow bin or container, rice, dried beans, or water, plus simple scooping tools
How it helps: Develops fine motor skills, encourages sensory exploration, and teaches concepts like full, empty, and cause and effect.
3. Reading Together
Board books are perfect for 16-18-month-olds who love to find out everything with their hands and mouths. These sturdy books can handle being chewed, thrown, and carried around.
Let them turn the pages, even if they skip ahead or go backwards. Some days they’ll sit still for a whole story. Other days, they’ll flip through three pages and walk away. Both are fine.
What you’ll need: Sturdy board books with simple pictures and bright colours
How it helps: Builds language skills, introduces new vocabulary, and creates special bonding moments.
4. Musical Instruments Play
Making noise is serious business for 16-18-month-olds. Give them some simple instruments and watch them create their little symphony.
Toy drums are ideal for this age group. They can bang away and feel the vibrations. Maracas are easy to grip and shake. Xylophones help them find that different spots produce different sounds.
What you’ll need: Simple toy instruments like drums, maracas, or xylophones
How it helps: Develops listening skills, introduces rhythm and beat, and encourages creative expression through sound.
5. Finger Painting Fun
Finger painting is a messy, colourful activity that’s perfect for 16-18-month-olds. They don’t need to create a picture – they just need to move around.
Don’t worry about teaching technique. Let them squish, smear, and pat the paint however they want. They’re finding out the texture and joy of making marks.
What you’ll need: Non-toxic, washable finger paints and large paper
How it helps: Encourages creativity, provides sensory exploration, and develops fine motor skills through squishing and spreading motions.
6. Building Cups
Building cups are simple toys that pack a big developmental punch for 16-18-month-olds. They can build them up, knock them down, or nest them inside each other.
Start by showing them how to put one cup on top of another. Don’t worry if they prefer the knocking down part – knocking towers down is just as valuable as building them up.
What you’ll need: A Set of plastic stacking cups or rings in different sizes
How it helps: Improves hand-eye coordination, teaches size concepts, and develops problem-solving skills through trial and error.
7. Bubble Play
Bubbles are pure magic for 16-18-month-olds. Those floating, shimmery spheres capture their attention like nothing else.
Blow bubbles and watch your toddler try to catch them, pop them, or stare in wonder. They’re learning to track moving objects with their eyes, a skill that is important for later development.
What you’ll need: Bubble solution and bubble wand
How it helps: Develops visual tracking skills, encourages gross motor movement, and provides sensory stimulation through chasing and popping.
8. Animal Sounds Game
Animal sounds are hilarious to children aged 16-18 months. “Moo,” “woof,” and “meow” are often some of their first attempts at talking.
Start with familiar animals, such as dogs, cats, and cows. Hold up a toy animal or picture and make the sound. “The cow says moo!” Your toddler will love trying to copy you.
What you’ll need: Animal toys, stuffed animals, or picture cards
How it helps: Develops language skills, teaches animal recognition, and encourages sound imitation and communication.
10. Outdoor Exploration
Fresh air and open spaces are perfect for active 16-to 18-month-olds. Even your backyard becomes a fun zone when you’re this age.
Let them walk on different surfaces, such as grass, sidewalks, and dirt paths. Each texture helps with balance and coordination.
What you’ll need: Comfortable shoes and a safe outdoor space like a yard or park
How it helps: Develops gross motor skills, provides sensory experiences, and introduces them to the natural world around them.
11. Tummy Time with Toys
At 16-18 months old, traditional tummy time is behind them, but playing on their bellies is still great for building strength. Your toddler can lie down to reach toys or just roll around on the floor.
Place interesting toys just out of easy reach while they’re lying down. This encourages them to stretch and reach in different ways. Soft blocks, balls, or favorite stuffed animals work perfectly.
What you’ll need: Soft toys and a comfortable play mat or blanket
How it helps: Continues to strengthen core muscles, encourages reaching and stretching, and provides calming floor-level play.
12. Water Play
Water is endlessly engaging to children aged 16-18 months. It pours, splashes, and feels different than anything else they touch.
Set up a shallow container with just a few inches of water. Add some cups, spoons, or floating toys. Your toddler will love filling, dumping, and splashing over and over again.
What you’ll need: Shallow water container or bathtub, simple cups, and scooping toys
How it helps: Develops fine motor skills, provides rich sensory experiences, and teaches concepts like full, empty, and cause and effect.
13. Pretend Play with Dolls
Pretend play is just beginning to blossom for 16-to 18-month-olds. They love copying what they see adults do, and dolls provide them with the perfect opportunity to practice.
Watch them “feed” their doll with a toy spoon or cover it with a blanket for “night-night.” They’re learning to care for others and practice daily routines.
What you’ll need: Soft dolls or stuffed animals
How it helps: Develops empathy, encourages nurturing behavior, and helps them practice social skills through imaginative play.
14. Chase the Ball
A simple ball creates endless fun for 16-18-month-olds who are mastering their walking skills. Rolling, chasing, and kicking a ball provides great practice in balance and coordination.
Start by rolling the ball gently across the floor. Your toddler will love chasing after it. Try rolling it back and forth between you, or let them kick it with their feet.
What you’ll need: A soft ball (foam or fabric works best)
How it helps: Develops gross motor skills, improves balance and coordination, and encourages active movement.
15. Building a Tent or Fort
Creating a cozy hideaway is exciting for 16-to 18-month-olds. Drape a blanket over two chairs or use pillows to create a simple fort that they can crawl into.
Keep it simple and low to the ground. They love having their own special space, even if they only stay inside for a few minutes. Let them help by bringing pillows or crawling under the blanket while you hold it up.
What you’ll need: Blankets, pillows, and chairs or a couch
How it helps: Encourages imaginative play, teaches spatial concepts, and creates a cozy space for quiet time.
16. Climbing Play
Climbing is irresistible to children aged 16-18 months. They want to get on top of everything! Give them safe options to practice this critical skill.
Soft climbing toys, low ottomans, or sturdy couch cushions on the floor work perfectly. They can climb up, slide down, and take pride in their accomplishments.
What you’ll need: Soft climbing toys, low ottomans, or couch cushions
How it helps: Builds strength and balance, develops confidence, and satisfies their natural urge to climb safely.
17. Dance Party
Turn on some music and watch your 16-18-month-old move! They might bounce, sway, or just march in place – all of it counts as dancing.
Join in with simple moves like clapping, swaying, or stomping your feet. They love copying what you do and dancing together.
What you’ll need: Music and open space to move around
How it helps: Promotes gross motor skills, introduces rhythm and beat, and provides joyful physical activity.
18. Matching Games
Simple matching games are ideal brain exercises for 16-to 18-month-olds. Start with just two pairs of identical objects, like two toy cars or two blocks.
Show them how to assemble the matching items. Don’t expect perfection – they might match by colour instead of shape, and that’s fine.
What you’ll need: Matching cards, identical toys, or everyday objects in pairs
How it helps: Develops memory skills, teaches visual discrimination, and builds early cognitive abilities.
19. Animal Walks
They might not copy the movements exactly, but they’ll love trying. Any silly movement counts as success at this age.
What you’ll need: Clear space to move around safely
How it helps: Develops gross motor skills, improves coordination and balance, and encourages creative movement.
20. Interactive Story Time
Books with interactive elements, such as objects to touch or lift, make story time extra engaging for 16-to 18-month-olds. Flap books, touch-and-feel books, or pop-up books capture their attention perfectly.
Let them lift the flaps, feel the textures, or push buttons that make sounds. They’re learning that books are interactive, not just something to look at.
What you’ll need: Books with flaps, textures, or interactive elements
How it helps: Develops language skills, provides sensory experiences, and makes reading an engaging, hands-on activity.
21. Peekaboo with a Twist
Classic peekaboo never gets old for 16-18-month-olds, but you can make it even more fun with simple variations. Hide behind a cloth, pop out from around corners, or cover toys instead of your face.
Try hiding their favorite stuffed animal under a blanket and asking, “Where did teddy go?” Watch their excitement when they find it.
What you’ll need: A cloth, blanket, or just your hands
How it helps: Reinforces object permanence, encourages social interaction, and provides lots of giggles and bonding time.
Growing Through Play
These activities might look like simple play, but they’re actually powerful learning tools for your 16-18-month-old. Every stack of blocks builds hand strength. Every bubble chase improves coordination.
Your toddler doesn’t need expensive toys or complicated setups to grow and2 learn. They need your time, attention, and willingness to get down on their level.
The most important thing? Follow their lead. Some days they’ll love finger painting. Other days, they’ll want to read books. Both are perfect choices that support their development.
Remember that play is your child’s work right now. Through these simple activities, they’re building the foundation for everything that comes next – walking confidently, talking clearly, and understanding their world.
Keep it simple, keep it fun, and watch your little one grow through the joy of play.
