Welcome, parents and caregivers! If you’re looking for some exciting and educational activities to do with your 14-month-old, you’ve come to the right place. At this age, your little one is constantly learning and growing, and it’s essential to provide them with opportunities to explore and develop their skills.
The activities we’ve compiled in this guide are not only fun but also designed to support your child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. From sensory play and stacking blocks to singing songs and going on nature walks, these activities will keep your 14-month-old engaged and entertained while also promoting learning and growth.
We understand that finding the time and energy to come up with new and exciting activities can be challenging, which is why we’ve done the work for you. Our parent-approved guide is filled with ideas that are easy to implement and require minimal preparation.
So, whether you’re a seasoned parent or a newbie, you’re sure to find something in this guide that will delight your 14-month-old and strengthen your bond. Let’s get started!
Exploring the World: Outdoor Activities for 14-Month-Olds
Spending time outdoors is essential for your 14-month-old’s growth and development. Here are some fun and engaging outdoor activities to do with your toddler:
- Nature Walks: Take your 14-month-old for a walk in the park or a nearby nature trail. Point out trees, flowers, and animals to help them learn about the world around them. Remember to bring a stroller or a carrier for those tired moments.
- Sensory Bags: Fill a plastic bag with sand, rice, or water beads, and seal it tightly. Let your toddler explore the texture and feel of the contents. This activity is excellent for sensory development and can be done outside on a blanket or a patio.
- Bubble Play: Blowing bubbles is a fun and engaging activity for 14-month-olds. They will enjoy watching the bubbles float and pop. You can even get a bubble machine to make it more exciting.
- Water Play: Set up a small pool or a water table outside and let your toddler splash around. Add cups, containers, and toys to make it more interesting. Always supervise water play to ensure safety.
- Gardening: Let your 14-month-old help you in the garden. Give them a small shovel or a rake to play with, or let them plant their own seeds. This is a great way to teach them about nature and responsibility.
- Ball Play: Rolling, throwing, and kicking balls are excellent activities for developing motor skills. Use a soft ball and ensure that the area is safe and free from obstacles.
- Outdoor Art: Set up an art station outside with washable paints, brushes, and paper. Let your toddler explore their creativity and make a mess. Remember to dress them in old clothes.
- Picnic: Have a picnic in your backyard or a nearby park. Pack your toddler’s favorite snacks and toys. This is a great way to spend quality time together and enjoy the outdoors.
- Chalk Drawing: Drawing with chalk on the sidewalk or driveway is a fun and creative activity. It’s also easy to clean up – just hose it down when you’re done.
- Animal Watching: Visit a local zoo or a bird sanctuary and observe the animals. This is a great way to teach your toddler about different animals and their habitats.
Remember, the key to these activities is to keep them fun and engaging. Don’t worry about structure or rules – just let your 14-month-old explore and learn at their own pace.
Building Blocks: Constructive Play and Learning
At 14 months old, your child is beginning to develop their fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as grasping, picking up small objects, and eventually, writing. Constructive play and learning activities can help support the development of these skills. Here are some fun and engaging activities to try:
- Stacking Blocks: Stacking blocks is a classic activity that can help your child develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. You can use regular blocks or even nesting blocks, which come in different sizes and can be stacked inside each other.
- Puzzles: Simple puzzles with large pieces can help your child develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for puzzles with bright colors and interesting shapes to keep your child engaged.
- Playdough: Playdough is an excellent tool for developing fine motor skills and creativity. Your child can roll, squish, and cut the playdough using various tools such as cookie cutters, rolling pins, and scissors.
- Lacing Cards: Lacing cards are a fun way to develop your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Your child can thread the lace through the holes in the card, creating a pattern or design.
- Sorting Games: Sorting games, such as sorting shapes or colors, can help your child develop their cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for games that are age-appropriate and engaging for your child.
- Duplo or Mega Bloks: Duplo or Mega Bloks are larger versions of traditional building blocks, making them easier for young children to handle. Your child can build towers, houses, or whatever their imagination desires.
- Sensory Bins: Sensory bins are a great way to engage your child’s senses while also developing their fine motor skills. Fill a bin with rice, beans, or sand, and add small toys or objects for your child to find and manipulate.
Remember, the key to these activities is to keep them fun and engaging. Encourage your child to explore and learn at their own pace, and offer guidance and support when needed. With these constructive play and learning activities, your child will be well on their way to developing essential skills for future learning and growth.
Musical Moments: Singing and Dancing with Your Toddler
Music is a powerful tool for engaging and delighting young children. Singing songs and dancing with your 14-month-old not only provides a fun bonding experience but also supports their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Here are some musical activities to try:
- Sing Nursery Rhymes: Nursery rhymes are a great way to introduce your toddler to music and language. Sing classic rhymes like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and encourage your child to join in.
- Play Instruments: Introduce your toddler to different musical instruments like drums, maracas, or xylophones. Let them explore the sounds and rhythms they can create.
- Dance Party: Put on some upbeat music and dance with your toddler. Encourage them to move their body and express themselves through dance.
- Make Music Together: Sing a simple song and use musical instruments to accompany it. You can also create your own songs using simple melodies and lyrics.
- Music and Movement Games: Play games that combine music and movement, like “Ring Around the Rosie” or “The Hokey Pokey.” These games help develop your toddler’s motor skills and coordination.
- Listening to Music: Play different genres of music and observe how your toddler reacts. You can introduce them to classical, jazz, or world music and see what they enjoy.
Remember, the key to these musical activities is to keep them fun and engaging. Encourage your child to explore and express themselves through music and movement. With these activities, you can create memorable musical moments with your 14-month-old while supporting their growth and development.
4. Storytime: Introducing Books and Imaginative Play
Reading books with your 14-month-old is an excellent way to develop their language skills and foster a love for reading. Here are some fun and engaging storytime activities to try:
Reading Interactive Books: Choose books with interactive elements such as flaps, textures, or sounds. These books can help keep your child engaged and interested in the story.
Act Out the Story: After reading a book, act out the story with your child using toys or props. This can help bring the story to life and reinforce the concepts learned.
Make Up Your Own Story: Use your child’s favorite toys or animals to create your own story. Encourage your child to contribute ideas and make the story their own.
Sing Songs: Sing songs that reinforce the concepts learned in the book. For example, if the book is about animals, sing a song about different animals and their sounds.
Create a Craft: After reading a book, create a craft related to the story. This can help reinforce the concepts learned and allow your child to express their creativity.
Puppet Show: Use puppets to create a puppet show based on the book. This can help bring the story to life and make it more engaging for your child.
Remember, the key to these storytime activities is to keep them fun and engaging. Encourage your child to participate and express themselves. With these activities, you can help develop your child’s language skills and foster a love for reading.
5. Creative Crafts: Simple DIY Projects for You and Your Toddler
At 14 months old, your child is beginning to develop their fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as grasping, picking up small objects, and eventually, writing. Creative crafts are an excellent way to support the development of these skills while also having fun and bonding with your toddler. Here are some simple DIY projects to try:
Finger Painting: Finger painting is a classic craft that allows your child to explore colors and textures while developing their fine motor skills. Use washable paint and let your child create their own masterpiece on paper or even a canvas.
Pasta Necklaces: Pasta necklaces are a fun and easy craft that can help develop your child’s fine motor skills. All you need are some dry pasta shapes, string, and paint (optional). Let your child string the pasta onto the string and create their own unique necklace.
Handprint Art: Handprint art is a sentimental craft that can be displayed in your home. Use paint to create handprints on paper or even a canvas. You can turn the handprints into various shapes, such as butterflies, flowers, or animals.
Tissue Paper Collages: Tissue paper collages are a simple and colorful craft that can help develop your child’s fine motor skills. All you need are some tissue paper squares, glue, and paper. Let your child tear or cut the tissue paper into smaller pieces and glue them onto the paper to create a collage.
Cardboard Box Creations: Cardboard boxes can be transformed into various creations, such as houses, cars, or boats. Use markers, paint, or stickers to decorate the box and encourage your child to use their imagination.
Paper Plate Crafts: Paper plate crafts are an easy and affordable way to create various objects, such as masks, animals, or flowers. Use markers, paint, or stickers to decorate the paper plate and encourage your child to use their imagination.
Remember, the key to these creative crafts is to keep them fun and engaging. Encourage your child to explore and learn at their own pace, and offer guidance and support when needed. With these simple DIY projects, your child will be well on their way to developing essential skills for future learning and growth.
6. Active Play: Games and Exercises to Boost Physical Development
At 14 months old, your child is developing their gross motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as crawling, walking, and running. Active play is an excellent way to support the development of these skills while also having fun and bonding with your toddler. Here are some games and exercises to try:
Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course using pillows, chairs, or other household items. Encourage your child to crawl, climb, and balance their way through the course. This can help develop their gross motor skills and coordination.
Ball Rolling: Roll a soft ball back and forth with your child. This can help develop their hand-eye coordination and arm strength.
Dance Party: Put on some upbeat music and dance with your toddler. Encourage them to move their body and explore different movements. This can help develop their gross motor skills and coordination.
Animal Walks: Encourage your child to imitate different animals, such as crawling like a bear or hopping like a bunny. This can help develop their gross motor skills and coordination.
Parachute Play: Use a lightweight parachute or a sheet to create a fun and engaging activity. Encourage your child to hold onto the edges and shake it up and down. This can help develop their arm strength and coordination.
Bubble Popping: Blow bubbles and encourage your child to pop them. This can help develop their hand-eye coordination and arm strength.
Simon Says: Play a game of Simon Says with your toddler. Encourage them to follow simple instructions, such as “touch your toes” or “jump up and down.” This can help develop their listening skills and gross motor skills.
Remember, the key to these active play games and exercises is to keep them fun and engaging. Encourage your child to explore and learn at their own pace, and offer guidance and support when needed. With these activities, your child will be well on their way to developing essential skills for future learning and growth.
7. Socializing with Peers: Playdates and Group Activities for Toddlers
At 14 months old, your child is beginning to develop social skills and may enjoy playing with other children their age. Playdates and group activities can provide opportunities for your child to practice these skills and make new friends. Here are some fun and engaging socializing activities to try:
Playdates: Organize a playdate with other parents and their children. Choose a neutral location, such as a park or a playground, where your child can explore and play with other children. Bring along some toys or activities to keep everyone engaged.
Music Classes: Enroll your child in a music class designed for toddlers. These classes often involve singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. They can provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children and develop their social skills.
Storytime at the Library: Many libraries offer storytime sessions for young children. These sessions involve reading books, singing songs, and doing simple crafts. They can provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children and develop their social skills.
Mommy and Me Classes: Enroll your child in a Mommy and Me class, such as yoga or swimming. These classes provide opportunities for you and your child to bond and interact with other parents and their children.
Playgroups: Join a playgroup in your community. Playgroups often meet at local parks or community centers and involve free play, snacks, and sometimes, structured activities. They can provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children and develop their social skills.
Toddler Gym: Enroll your child in a toddler gym or play center. These facilities often have soft play areas, climbing structures, and other equipment designed for young children. They can provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children and develop their gross motor skills.
Remember, the key to these socializing activities is to keep them fun and engaging. Encourage your child to interact with other children and offer guidance and support when needed. With these activities, your child will be well on their way to developing essential social skills for future learning and growth.
In conclusion, there are numerous fun and engaging activities to do with your 14-month-old that can support their growth and development. From outdoor activities like nature walks and sensory bags to constructive play and learning with blocks, there are plenty of opportunities to promote physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Singing songs, dancing, and playing musical instruments can also be beneficial for your child’s development, while storytime activities can foster a love for reading and imaginative play. Creative crafts can help develop fine motor skills, and active play games can support gross motor skill development. Finally, socializing with peers through playdates and group activities can help your child develop essential social skills. With these activities, you can create memorable moments with your 14-month-old while supporting their growth and development.
