What Can I Play with My 19–24-Month-Old?

Ball and fill-and-empty games

Roll a soft ball back and forth while sitting on the floor. Pause to give your child time to roll it back or ask for another turn.

Try a large, soft ball outdoors and let your toddler kick or carry it across a clear area.

Offer a few large, safe containers and objects that are too big to swallow; let your child put them in and take them out.

Use plastic cups, a spoon, or a funnel for supervised water play in a shallow basin. Stay within arm’s reach and empty the water afterwards.

Name what is happening with short phrases such as “in,” “out,” “full,” and “empty.”

There is no need for the game to have a right answer; repeating an action is part of how toddlers explore.

Imitation and block games

Let your child copy a familiar action, such as stirring an empty bowl, wiping a table, or brushing a doll’s hair with a safe toy brush.

Build a short tower with large blocks, then take turns adding one block or knocking it down.

Use pretend play with a toy cup, soft toy, or doll; describe what your child is doing rather than directing every step.

Play “copy me” with clapping, waving, or simple actions your child already knows.

Use large blocks without small detachable pieces and supervise so blocks are not thrown or mouthed.

Follow your child’s idea when it changes the game; imitation and shared attention matter more than the finished tower.

Drawing and simple problem-solving games

Offer chunky crayons and a large sheet of paper while you stay nearby. Let your toddler explore marks without expecting a picture.

Try a simple shape sorter or large-piece puzzle that matches your child’s current skills. Show one step, then give them time to try.

Use household objects such as a large spoon and bowl to practise putting in, taking out, stirring, and sorting.

Name colors, shapes, or actions naturally, without quizzing your child.

If the activity becomes frustrating, simplify it or take a break rather than insisting that your child finish.

Keep small craft pieces, markers with removable caps, and plastic bags out of reach.

What problem-solving play can I offer?

Let your toddler try a safe everyday task, such as putting a napkin on the table or placing a toy in a basket.

Use simple cause-and-effect toys that are sturdy and suitable for your child’s age.

Give your child time to try before stepping in; help if they become frustrated.

Can a book count as play?

Yes. Point to a picture, name it, and pause so your child can respond with a sound, word, or gesture.

Let your child turn sturdy pages or choose a favorite story; repeating the same book is normal.

Books can be part of quiet play and a predictable bedtime routine.

How should movement games work?

Make room for walking, dancing, kicking a soft ball, or copying simple movements.

Stay close around stairs, furniture, and outdoor play areas, and match the activity to your child’s ability.

Stop when your toddler is tired or losing interest; short bursts of active play can be enough.

How much should I guide the play?

Join in when your child invites you, then pause and see what they do next.

Use simple words to describe your child’s actions and add one new idea at a time.

It is fine for your toddler to explore independently while you stay nearby and keep the area safe.

What should I consider when choosing toys?

Choose sturdy toys that match your child’s age and abilities, and follow any age or supervision warnings.

Check toys for broken edges, loose small parts, accessible batteries, and long cords before play.

A toy does not need to be expensive or electronic; household objects can be useful when they are safe and supervised.

What can I try today?

Pick one simple activity: roll a ball, stack large blocks, look at a book, or put large objects into a container.

Follow your toddler’s interest and describe what they are doing with a few words.

Keep the space clear of small objects and stay close during water, outdoor, or climbing play.

Stop or switch activities when your child has had enough.