Mamas Little Studio

Simple Toddler Activities

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

There’s something about the 4-6pm window that can feel completely chaotic when you have toddlers. Everyone is tired, hungry, clingy, and somehow needs you at the exact same time you’re trying to cook dinner.

Over time, I’ve found a few simple activities that help keep my toddler happily busy while I get food on the table – without needing screens or lots of prep.

These are the activities I actually use during real-life dinner prep.

1. Ice Cube Tray Sorting

This is one of the easiest activities I pull out.

I give my toddler:

• an ice cube tray
• pom poms, blocks, or snacks
• tongs or a spoon

They spend ages sorting and moving things around while sitting safely near me in the kitchen.

Buy here on Amazon:

• Silicone Ice Cube Trays on Amazon Australia
• Pom Poms for Kids Activities
• Toddler Tongs Fine Motor Set

2. Sticker Time

Stickers buy me SO much time.

I use:

• reusable sticker books
• plain paper
• old cardboard boxes
• inexpensive sticker sheets

This is especially good when dinner takes longer than usual.

Buy here on Amazon:

• Reusable Sticker Books for Toddlers
• Toddler Sticker Packs

3. Sink or Water Play

If I really need uninterrupted cooking time, water play usually works every time.

I’ll set up:

• a shallow container of water
• cups and spoons
• toy animals
• measuring jugs

I keep towels nearby (or under container) and expect a little mess – but the entertainment time is worth it.

Buy here on Amazon:

• Water Play Toys for Toddlers
• Plastic Animal Toys for Sensory Play
• Sea animal toys 

4. Snack Tray + Books

Sometimes toddlers are simply hungry while waiting for dinner.

I’ll make a tiny snack plate with:

• fruit
• crackers
• cucumber
• cheese

Then I pair it with:

• books
• colouring
• magnetic tiles

This usually helps avoid the “hangry dinner meltdown.”

Buy here on Amazon:

• Magnetic Tiles on Amazon Australia
• Toddler Snack Plates 

5. Busy Basket Rotation

I keep a few activities hidden away and rotate them during cooking time.

Some favourites:

• threading toys
• magnetic tiles
• duplo
• felt boards
• animal figurines

The trick is not leaving them out all day.

Buy here on Amazon 👇

• Threading Toys for Toddlers
• Felt Board Sets for Kids
• Duplo Sets on Amazon Australia

6. Drawing Beside Me in the Kitchen

Sometimes my toddler just wants to be close to me.

I’ll set up:

• paper
• washable markers
• crayons

Right at the kitchen table or even on the floor nearby.

Not every activity needs to be complicated.

Buy here on Amazon 👇

• Washable Markers for Toddlers
• Toddler Crayons

Things That Help Me Most During Dinner Prep

A few things I’ve learned:

• Lower expectations help.
• Simple activities work best.
• Toddlers usually want connection more than entertainment.
• Rotating activities keeps them feeling fresh.
• Some days nothing works perfectly – and that’s normal too.

Dinner time with little kids can feel exhausting, but having a few easy go-to activities makes a huge difference in our home.

Easy Toddler Activity Ideas Recap

• Ice cube tray sorting
• Kitchen cupboard play
• Stickers
• Water play
• Snack trays
• Busy baskets
• Drawing in the kitchen

Even one or two simple activities can completely change the mood of the evening.

You don’t need fancy setups or expensive toys – just realistic ideas that work in everyday family life.