Toddler Play Area Ideas

An well-occupied toddler is a happy toddler.

A happy toddler engrossed in imaginative play in a safe environment --- this is every parent's dream. It can be more than a dream, though. You don't need a lot of space or money to create an effective play area for your toddler. Toddlers are small; their play space can be small as well. You don't have to spend a lot to create a safe indoor or outdoor toddler play area that encourages the creativity of the little person in your life.

Outdoor Toddler Play Area

Toddlers love sandbox play!

The outdoors is magical to small children. It doesn't take a lot of toys to keep them well-occupied; simply provide a place to hide, a place to be energetic, and a place to be creative. The first of these can be accomplished with a tent or small playhouse, the second with a patch of grass and/or a firm surface for riding a tricycle or other ride-on toys, and the third with a covered sandbox. Once you have these basics, you need only add a basic set of accessories --- a bucket and shovel and some trucks for the sandbox; a large ball or some bean bags, or the makings of a picnic, for the grassy area; and wheeled toys to ride on the hard surface.

Indoor Toddler Play Area

Provide a toddler play area with dress up clothes and accessories.

In the same way you divide the outdoors into different areas, you can make separate activity areas indoors. An open area, marked off by a carpet, makes a good place to tumble about. One corner can be designated the reading area with a few comfy pillows and a basket of books that you rotate periodically to maintain interest. Another area might contain things like trucks and blocks for "construction" activities. You can have a dress-up area with hats and shoes and accessories. And toddlers love to "cook," so an imaginative kitchen area is always a winner. The hiding place indoors can be as simple as a blanket draped over some chairs.

Safety in the Toddler Play Area

A good gate latch helps keep toddlers safe.

Indoors or out, safety is paramount. The play area should be completely visible to the toddler's caretaker. Outside, make sure it is well away from all public areas, preferably in a fenced backyard. Make sure there is some shade; whether from a tree or fabric covering. If there are plants, make sure they are not poisonous. If the toddler area is its own separate part of the yard, make sure its gate has a toddler-proof latch to prevent escape. Indoors, avoid furniture with sharp corners. Run electric cords up walls and cover them with cord channels. Try to find lamps made of unbreakable plastic. If you want a fan in the room for air circulation, consider purchasing a wall-mounted one and put it up high.

Other Ideas

Toddlers enjoy planting seeds and picking flowers.

Older toddlers will enjoy a slide/swing set combination outdoors. They also enjoy planting seeds and watching vegetables grow. Inside, they will enjoy their dress up activities more if you provide a shatterproof mirror. You might also have a couple of bins into which you put interesting textured items such as dried oats or rice. Provide music as they play. And scatter around some personal items such as family photos or souvenirs from family trips. Provide lots of toy storage in transparent bins, so that when you call for "clean up time," it will be easy for your toddler to see where things go.

References

• Kiddie Gardens: Play Area Design
• Lessons from the Frog Room
• 5 Staples in a Toddler Playroom
• Toddler Activities at Home
• Wondertime: One Mom's Ingenious Playroom

Resources

• Neva's Budget and Earth Friendly Play Kitchen