30+ Free Baby and Toddler Development Activities for 0-3 Years | Simple at-Home Ideas
I posted a Reel on my Instagram page with simple (and free) things to do with newborns during their little windows of awake time between naps and it went viral with almost 100,000 likes and over 35,000 shares - so what did that tell me? That parents are seeking out activities to boost their baby’s development in ways that are easy to execute and don’t cost a ton of money.
As parents, we want to give our little ones the best start in life, but sometimes the overwhelming amount of expensive toys or curated play kits makes it seem like we have to spend a fortune to do so. The good news? You don’t! There are tons of ways to support your baby or toddler’s development right in your own home, and they don’t require much more than everyday items you already have. From boosting physical milestones to encouraging emotional and cognitive growth, simple play and connection can make all the difference. Plus, the more engaged your child is during their awake time, the better they’ll sleep later—as long as they have the independent skills needed to sleep through the night and connect sleep cycles during the day for naps!
Here are the research-backed ways you can play with your baby all the way from the newborn phase through toddlerhood that will help boost their cognitive, physical, and emotional development:
Free Baby Development Activities for Newborns 0-3 Months Old
At this early stage, your baby is discovering the world little by little, and every small movement or sensation is a brand-new experience. Even though they’re just starting out, newborns benefit immensely from simple, gentle activities that encourage muscle growth, sensory processing, and emotional bonding.
Tummy Time for Your Baby’s Physical Development
One of the most important and free activities for your baby’s development is tummy time. During this activity, you lay your baby on their belly for a few minutes each day to help strengthen their neck, shoulder, and upper body muscles—crucial for future milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting. Start with just a few minutes on a soft blanket, and position yourself in front of them. Talk, smile, or use high-contrast toys to catch their attention. Over time, they’ll lift their head and push up, which helps them develop the muscles they need for moving around.
Face-to-Face Interaction to Encourage Emotional Bonding
Newborns love looking at faces, especially yours! Holding your baby close and making eye contact is one of the simplest ways to encourage emotional development. Try cradling them in your arms and talking softly about anything—your day, what you’re doing, or even silly stories. The sound of your voice, paired with your smile, is comforting and helps them learn facial expressions and the basics of communication. Plus, it’s a special bonding moment for both of you.
Tracking with Eyes for Visual Development
Your baby is just starting to hone their visual skills, and you can support this by playing a simple tracking game. Hold a brightly colored toy or object in front of your baby’s face and slowly move it from side to side. They’ll try to follow it with their eyes, which is fantastic for building hand-eye coordination and sharpening their visual focus. It’s amazing to see how quickly they concentrate on the moving object!
Gentle Baby Massage for Relaxation and Touch
A soothing baby massage is a perfect way to help your newborn relax while also stimulating their sense of touch. Using soft strokes on their arms, legs, and back, gently massage your baby after a bath or during diaper changes. Not only does this help with circulation and muscle tone, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your baby. Soft, rhythmic motions work best, and they’ll likely drift into a calm, contented state afterward.
Babywearing to Stimulate Sensory and Vestibular Development
Babies thrive on closeness, and babywearing is a wonderful way to give them comfort while exposing them to new sights and sounds. Strap your baby into a soft carrier and go about your day—whether you’re walking around the house, folding laundry, or even stepping outside for fresh air. Being held close stimulates your baby’s sense of balance (known as vestibular development) and helps them feel safe and secure.
Singing and Talking for Early Language Skills
Even if they can’t understand the words yet, babies are learning about language from the very start. One of the best ways to encourage early language skills is by simply singing and talking to your baby. Whether it’s a lullaby, a funny made-up tune, or narrating what you’re doing (“Mommy’s making lunch now!”), your voice helps them start to pick up on the rhythm and flow of language. Over time, they’ll begin cooing back, engaging in their own early form of conversation.
Bicycle Legs for Digestive Relief and Muscle Strength
A great way to help your newborn with digestion is by playing the “bicycle legs” game. Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion, which helps with gas and tummy troubles while strengthening their hip and leg muscles. It’s a sweet and fun way to interact with your baby while also supporting their physical development.
Mirror Time to Build Self-Awareness
Babies love faces, and seeing their own reflection is both fascinating and beneficial. Place your baby in front of a baby-safe mirror during tummy time or while they’re being held. Watching their reflection move and smile back at them helps build early self-awareness and visual exploration. They’ll be curious about the “other baby” they see, which is great for cognitive development.
Exploring Sounds to Boost Auditory Processing
Newborns are naturally curious about sounds, so introducing them to different noises can support their auditory development. Use soft rattles, crinkly paper, or even your voice to create interesting sounds for your baby to listen to. Babies love the sound of your voice, but even the rustling of clothing or the clinking of a spoon can captivate them, helping them process different auditory stimuli.
Gentle Rocking or Swinging for Comfort and Balance
Gentle, rhythmic movements remind babies of being in the womb, making rocking or swinging incredibly soothing. Hold your baby and sway from side to side, or place them in a safe baby swing for a few minutes. This helps with their sense of balance and calms them, often leading to a more relaxed and content baby. It’s also a great way to wind them down before sleep.
Free Baby Development Activities for Babies 3-6 Months Old
As babies start to become more alert and aware of their surroundings, their curiosity kicks into high gear. Between three and six months, they’re more interactive and eager to explore, which makes this an exciting time to introduce activities that focus on building motor skills, encouraging curiosity, engaging their senses, and practicing early problem-solving.
Reaching and Grabbing for Fine Motor Skills
Around this age, your baby is starting to use their hands more intentionally. Lay them down on a soft blanket and place some safe toys just out of reach. This encourages them to reach, grab, and pull the toys toward them, building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. You’ll see their determination as they stretch toward the toy, learning to control their movements with more precision each day.
Peekaboo to Teach Object Permanence
Peekaboo is an all-time favorite baby game, and for good reason! It’s not just fun—it also teaches your baby about object permanence, or the idea that things exist even when they can’t see them. Hide your face behind your hands or a blanket and then “pop out” with a big smile. At first, they’ll just enjoy the surprise, but soon enough, they’ll start to understand that you’re still there, even when you’re out of sight.
Sitting Up Practice for Core Strength
Your baby might be ready to start sitting up with some help. Gently support them in a seated position on the floor or a soft surface, using pillows for extra stability. This strengthens their core muscles, helping them prepare for sitting independently. They’ll love the new perspective on their surroundings, and you’ll love watching their confidence grow as they get stronger.
Water Play for Sensory Stimulation
During bath time, give your baby the chance to splash, kick, and explore the water with their hands and feet. Water play stimulates their senses and helps with motor coordination. You can introduce simple toys like cups or floating bath toys to encourage curiosity. Not only is it a sensory-rich experience, but it’s also a wonderful way to bond during those everyday routines.
Exploring Textures for Tactile Development
Babies at this age are all about exploring new textures with their hands (and mouths). Offer them a variety of safe household items with different textures, such as a soft blanket, a crinkly piece of paper, or a smooth wooden spoon. Let them feel and manipulate these objects during playtime, stimulating their tactile senses and helping them develop sensory processing skills.
‘Airplane Game’ to Boost Balance and Strength
One classic baby activity that’s always a hit is the “airplane” game! Gently hold your baby under their arms and lift them up into the air as if they’re flying. You can make airplane noises or talk to them as you move them around. This fun game helps strengthen their core and neck muscles while giving them a sense of balance. Plus, the giggles are priceless!
Listening to Music to Enhance Auditory Development
Music is a powerful tool for early brain development. Play different types of music (soft classical, playful children’s songs, or even your favorite tunes) while your baby is awake. You might notice them kicking their legs or waving their arms in response to the beat. Music helps with auditory processing and rhythm recognition—and it can even calm a fussy baby!
Rolling Practice to Encourage Mobility
By now, your baby is likely trying to roll over. Lay them on a soft blanket and encourage rolling by placing a toy just out of reach or using your voice to coax them to move. Rolling helps build their core muscles and is an important step toward crawling and moving around independently. Each roll is a victory, and they’ll love the praise and excitement you offer when they master it.
Puppet Play for Imagination and Interaction
You don’t need anything fancy—just grab a sock or soft toy and turn it into a puppet! Use a silly voice and make the puppet talk or interact with your baby. This kind of play boosts your baby’s imagination and social development as they begin to engage with characters or voices. It’s also a fun way to introduce new words and phrases.
Outdoor Exploration for Sensory Development
Take your baby outside for a mini adventure! Even sitting in the backyard or going for a short walk can provide endless sensory experiences for your little one. Let them feel the breeze, hear the birds, or watch the leaves rustle in the wind. Being outdoors introduces them to new sounds, smells, and textures, which helps develop their sensory processing skills.
Free Baby Development Activities for Babies 6-12 Months Old
As your baby moves into the 6-12 month range, they become more mobile and curious. This is an exciting stage where they start crawling, pulling themselves up, and exploring their surroundings. The activities in this age range focus on gross motor skills, problem-solving, and fostering independence.
Crawling Tunnels for Gross Motor Skills
Your baby may be crawling by now, and one way to encourage more movement is by creating a simple crawling tunnel at home. Use chairs, blankets, or boxes to make a soft pathway for them to crawl through. Crawling helps strengthen their arms, legs, and core muscles, and it’s a fun way for them to explore a new space. Plus, they’ll love the thrill of moving through the tunnel!
Building Towers for Fine Motor Skills and Problem-Solving
Stackable toys like cups or blocks are great for this age. Let your baby practice stacking them into a tower—and then, of course, knocking them down! This helps build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early problem-solving. Your baby will love the challenge of figuring out how to balance the blocks and will laugh with delight when they knock the tower over.
Ball Rolling for Coordination
Sit across from your baby and gently roll a soft ball toward them. Encourage them to roll or push it back to you. This simple back-and-forth game improves hand-eye coordination and encourages interaction. As your baby gets more confident, they might even crawl or scoot to grab the ball if it rolls away, helping to strengthen their muscles and balance.
Finger Foods for Sensory Exploration
If your baby has started eating solids, mealtime becomes a great opportunity for development. Offer safe finger foods like soft fruits or vegetables, and let them practice picking up and tasting the food. This helps improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing as they explore different textures, tastes, and smells.
Clapping Games for Social Engagement
Your baby is starting to understand more social interactions, and clapping games like “Pat-a-Cake” are a great way to engage them. Gently guide their hands to clap along with yours, which helps with coordination and rhythm. Plus, they’ll love the attention and praise that comes with the game.
Object Hiding Games for Cognitive Development
To further build on their understanding of object permanence, hide a favorite toy under a blanket or behind a pillow and encourage your baby to find it. You can make it even more exciting by pretending to be surprised each time they uncover the toy. This activity strengthens their memory and problem-solving skills while being lots of fun.
Cruising Along Furniture for Gross Motor Development
If your baby is pulling up to stand or cruising along furniture, create a safe space for them to practice. Place a favorite toy on the couch or a low table, just out of reach, so they’ll move along the edge to get it. This activity helps build leg strength and prepares them for walking independently. They’ll love the challenge of reaching their toy!
Dancing Together for Coordination and Balance
Dancing is a joyful way to get moving with your baby! Pick them up and sway to some music, or hold their hands and guide them in simple dance movements. Dancing helps with coordination, balance, and rhythm, and it’s a fun bonding experience for both of you. Whether it’s a slow waltz or a silly jig, your baby will love moving with you.
‘What’s Inside?’ Game for Problem-Solving
Fill a small container with soft, baby-safe objects like cloths or stuffed toys, and let your baby explore what’s inside. This encourages curiosity and problem-solving as they figure out how to retrieve each item. You can use different objects to stimulate their sense of touch, and they’ll enjoy the thrill of finding something new with each reach.
Exploring Nature for Sensory Enrichment
Take your baby outside and let them explore nature’s sensory experiences. Sit with them on a blanket and let them touch the grass, feel the leaves, or observe birds flying by. Talk about what you see, hear, and feel, helping your baby connect with their environment. It’s a calming and enriching experience that nurtures their curiosity and sensory development.
Free Toddler Development Activities for Toddlers 12-24 Months Old
As your baby enters the toddler phase, they’re full of energy, curiosity, and a growing sense of independence. Activities during this stage focus on physical activity, problem-solving, imagination, early language, and creative expression.
Obstacle Course for Physical Coordination
Your little one is probably climbing, running, or at least wobbling on their feet by now, so why not turn your living room into an obstacle course? Use pillows, blankets, and furniture to create a path for them to navigate. Crawling under chairs, stepping over cushions, and climbing onto the couch are all great ways to improve their balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. Plus, it helps burn off some of that boundless toddler energy!
Pretend Play to Foster Imagination
Toddlers love to mimic what they see, and pretend play is an excellent way to encourage creativity. Give your toddler a few simple props—like a spoon, a pot, or a doll—and let their imagination take over. Whether they’re “cooking” or tucking in their stuffed animals, pretend play boosts social skills, language development, and problem-solving.
Sorting Games for Cognitive Development
Toddlers are starting to recognize shapes and colors, so set up a simple color-sorting activity using everyday items like plastic cups, blocks, or socks. Ask them to group objects by color (“Can you find all the blue ones?”), which helps with cognitive development and early math skills. You can make it a fun challenge by timing how fast they can sort different items!
Water Painting for Creativity
Looking for a mess-free way to encourage creativity? Grab a cup of water and a paintbrush, and let your toddler “paint” the sidewalk or a wooden fence. The water will disappear quickly in the sun, letting them create over and over again without any clean-up. It’s a fun and easy way to encourage artistic expression while developing their fine motor skills.
Playing with Boxes for Imaginative Play
Sometimes the simplest toys are the best ones! Give your toddler a big cardboard box and watch as they turn it into a fort, car, or spaceship. Open-ended play like this encourages creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking. They’ll love exploring all the possibilities of their new “box fort.”
Animal Walks for Gross Motor Skills
Toddlers love imitating animals, so turn it into a physical activity! Ask them to “walk like a bear” on all fours or “hop like a bunny” across the room. This playful exercise helps develop coordination, balance, and gross motor skills. Plus, it’s a fun way to get them moving while encouraging imaginative play.
Simple Puzzles for Problem-Solving and Confidence Building
Introduce your toddler to simple puzzles with big, easy-to-handle pieces. Start with puzzles that have fewer pieces, then gradually work up to more complex ones. Puzzles help build problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience. Your toddler will feel proud when they successfully complete a puzzle, which boosts their confidence and perseverance.
Hide and Seek with Toys for Problem-Solving
Hide your toddler’s favorite toy in plain sight and ask them to find it. As they get better at the game, you can make the hiding spots more challenging. This activity helps with problem-solving, memory, and spatial awareness while giving your toddler a sense of accomplishment.
Dramatic Play for Social Development
Encourage your toddler to explore different roles and scenarios through dramatic play. Whether they’re being a “doctor,” “chef,” or “teacher,” role-playing helps them understand the world around them and develop social skills. You can join in by asking questions about their pretend world, sparking even more creativity and conversation.
Free Toddler Development Activities for Toddlers 24-36 Months Old
At this stage, your toddler is full of energy, curiosity, and big ideas! They’re building independence, practicing more complex problem-solving, and refining their motor skills. The activities for this age group focus on imaginative play, early literacy, and plenty of movement to support their development while keeping them engaged and having fun.
Pretend Play for Imagination and Language Development
Toddlers in the 24-36 month age range love pretending, and it’s one of the best ways to foster creativity and language skills. Whether they’re playing house, running a pretend grocery store, or taking care of “baby” (a doll or stuffed animal), these role-playing activities allow them to explore different scenarios and develop their social skills. Encourage your toddler by joining in: “Oh, are you making dinner for mommy? What are we having?” This kind of imaginative play is key for early language development and creative problem-solving.
Simple Arts and Crafts for Fine Motor Skills
Around this age, toddlers love to experiment with colors and shapes. Set up a simple craft station with crayons, paper, and stickers—no need for anything fancy! Let them draw or place stickers on paper to create their own masterpieces. These activities help develop fine motor skills as they practice holding crayons or peeling and sticking. Plus, this time allows for creative expression, which is crucial for cognitive and emotional development. You can say things like, "Wow, tell me about your picture!" to help build their storytelling and language skills.
Building with Blocks for Problem-Solving and Spatial Awareness
By now, your toddler is likely getting better at building things with blocks or other stackable objects. Encourage them to create towers or simple structures, which boosts their problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. You can even challenge them to build the tallest tower they can, praising their effort whether it stands or tumbles. This kind of open-ended play is great for improving focus and concentration while they learn through trial and error.
Outdoor Exploration for Sensory and Physical Development
The outdoors is the ultimate playground for toddlers! Whether it’s a walk around the block or a mini adventure in the backyard, toddlers love exploring nature. Point out plants, flowers, and bugs, letting them touch different textures like smooth stones or soft grass. You can say things like, “Look at this rock! How does it feel?” This not only enriches their sensory experiences but also encourages curiosity and independence. Outdoor play is perfect for physical development, as they practice running, jumping, and balancing on uneven surfaces.
Story Time for Early Literacy Skills
At this age, toddlers are absorbing language quickly, and story time is a wonderful way to support early literacy skills. Choose books with simple stories and colorful illustrations, and let your toddler “read” along with you. As you read, ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” to engage their imagination and language development. By encouraging them to flip pages and point to pictures, you’re also helping them build fine motor skills and an early love for books.
Sorting and Counting Games for Early Math Skills
Toddlers are ready to start recognizing patterns, colors, and shapes, making this the perfect age for simple sorting and counting games. Gather everyday items like blocks, toy cars, or even snacks, and encourage your toddler to group them by color or size. For example, ask, “Can you put all the red blocks together?” or “How many cars do we have?” These games help build early math skills and strengthen their problem-solving abilities. They’ll love the challenge, and you’ll be laying the foundation for future learning.
Sensory Bins for Tactile Exploration and Focus
Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage your toddler’s senses while promoting independent play. Fill a shallow bin with materials like dry rice, pasta, or water (supervised) and add scoops, cups, and small toys. Your toddler will love digging in, filling containers, and exploring textures. This kind of play helps build fine motor skills, improves focus, and encourages creativity. The beauty of sensory bins is that they can be easily customized depending on what materials you have at home.
Dance Parties for Coordination and Fun
Toddlers have a ton of energy, and dancing is the perfect way to channel that while also developing coordination and rhythm. Put on some music and encourage your little one to dance around the living room. You can join in, twirling and clapping to the beat, or introduce simple dance moves like jumping or spinning. Dancing helps improve gross motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness, all while being a fun and joyful way to bond with your toddler.
Hide and Seek for Problem-Solving and Spatial Awareness
Your toddler is now ready for more advanced games like hide and seek. Hide behind furniture or around corners and call out to your toddler to find you. Start with easy hiding spots, then make it more challenging as they get better at the game. Hide and seek helps toddlers practice problem-solving, spatial awareness, and memory skills, and they’ll love the thrill of “finding” you. Make it even more fun by pretending to be surprised when they find you!
Helping with Chores for Independence and Responsibility
Believe it or not, toddlers love to feel helpful, and giving them small, simple chores is a great way to teach responsibility and independence. Let them help with easy tasks like wiping the table, putting away toys, or sorting laundry by color. They’ll feel proud of their contributions, and these tasks also build fine motor skills and organizational abilities. You can say things like, “Wow, thank you for helping clean up! You’re such a great helper!” to boost their confidence and make chores fun.
Helping your baby or toddler develop key physical, cognitive, and emotional skills doesn’t have to involve expensive toys or complicated routines. These free activities, easily done at home, offer countless opportunities for growth and learning while fostering a stronger bond between you and your child. Plus, as your little one engages in these activities, they’ll build up the energy they need for better naps and longer stretches of sleep—something every parent can appreciate! So give these fun, simple ideas a try and watch as your child explores, learns, and thrives right in the comfort of your home.
