200+ Fun STEM Activities For Toddlers
As a mom of three rambunctious little explorers, I’ve learned that keeping toddlers engaged is like trying to catch a cloud with a net – adorable but oh-so challenging!
That’s why I’m thrilled to dive into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities tailored for toddlers.
These activities are not only great for their growing minds but also a fantastic way to spend quality family time.
Whether you’re a STEM enthusiast or a novice, these activities are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. So, grab your lab coat (or just a comfy sweater), and let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery and fun!
This post may contain affiliate links. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.
STEM Activities For Toddlers: What You Need To Know
It’s never too early to start introducing your child to STEM activities. Even at a very young age, your child can start to develop important problem-solving skills and getting familiar with simple machines, which they will carry with them throughout their life!
Toddlers are naturally inquisitive, so they’ll enjoy exploring STEM topics. They’re also easily engaged and curious about the world around them, so STEM learning activities are a good way to keep those little hands and minds busy and engaged (without needing to use screens). You can introduce STEM concepts by using toys that are related to these areas of study.
For example, you can use household items and materials to do some fun engineering and building activities that will spark a toddler’s imagination and interest in STEM topics.
The best thing about these activities is that they can be done anywhere and with items you already have lying around the house like popsicle sticks, ice cream buckets or an unused coffee filter. You don’t need to go out and buy special STEM toys for your toddler.
How to Teach STEM to Toddlers
Teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to toddlers is all about hands-on exploration. Encourage them to ask questions and provide answers through engaging activities like sensory bins or simple experiments.
Follow their interests and use everyday moments to introduce STEM concepts. Reading STEM-themed books and stories is another effective method.
Take your learning outdoors by exploring nature and observing the world around you. STEM toys and blocks can foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Be patient, prioritize safety, and celebrate your toddler’s achievements to create a positive STEM learning environment. It’s about nurturing their curiosity and setting the stage for lifelong learning.
Sensory-Based STEM Activities
- Magic Milk: Explore color-changing milk with food coloring and dish soap.
- Fizzy Painting: Create art with baking soda and colored vinegar.
- Walking Water: Experiment with capillary action using glasses, water, and paper towels.
- Sensory Bins: Explore rice, sand, or beans with various objects.
- Water Play: Learn about volume and buoyancy with water toys.
- Nature Sensory Table: Feel and explore natural materials like leaves and rocks.
- Bubbles: Pop bubbles and discuss their shapes and sizes.
- Sensory Bags: Explore textures in sealed plastic bags.
- Scented Playdough: Make and shape scented playdough.
- Texture Matching Game: Match items with different textures.
- Sensory Garden: Plant and tend to a sensory garden.
- Nature Art Prints: Create art with leaves and other natural materials.
- Scented Sensory Bottles: Make sensory bottles with scented liquids.
- Sound Exploration: Explore sound with musical instruments.
- Ice Exploration: Play with ice cubes and observe melting.
- Taste Testing: Introduce new foods and flavors.
- Sensory Storytime: Include sensory elements in storytelling.
- Sandpaper Art: Create art with different grades of sandpaper.
- Rainbow Rice: Dye rice in various colors for sensory play.
- Kinetic Sand: Mold and shape kinetic sand.
- Bubble Wrap Art: Create art with bubble wrap.
- Shaving Cream Art: Explore texture with shaving cream.
- Oobleck: Make and play with this non-Newtonian fluid.
- Sensory Bottles: Create calming sensory bottles.
- Playdough Creations: Sculpt imaginative figures with playdough.
- Scented Water Beads: Soak water beads in scented water.
- Sensory Obstacle Course: Set up a sensory course with different textures.
- Edible Sensory Play: Explore textures and tastes with edible materials.
- Sensory Balloons: Fill balloons with various materials for touch exploration.
- Sensory Paints: Experiment with textured paints.
- Sensory Story Stones: Use painted stones for storytelling.
- Nature Sound Wall: Create a sound wall with natural materials.
- Glitter Jars: Make calming glitter jars.
- Sensory Walkway: Create a sensory path with different materials.
- Tactile Puzzles: Solve puzzles with interesting textures.
- Color Scavenger Hunt: Find items of different colors.
- Scented Sensory Rice: Add scents to sensory rice.
- Gel Bag Art: Paint and squish gel bags.
- Sensory Alphabet: Explore textures for each letter of the alphabet.
- Sensory Balloons: Fill balloons with various materials for touch exploration.
- Sensory Bottles: Create calming sensory bottles.
- Playdough Creations: Sculpt imaginative figures with playdough.
- Scented Water Beads: Soak water beads in scented water.
- Sensory Obstacle Course: Set up a sensory course with different textures.
- Edible Sensory Play: Explore textures and tastes with edible materials.
Engineering and Building Activities
- Block Play: Build structures with wooden or soft blocks.
- Straw Rockets: Launch simple rockets with straws.
- Cardboard Creations: Construct imaginative structures from cardboard.
- Magnetic Building Tiles: Create with magnetic building sets.
- Stacking Challenges: Balance objects to build towers.
- DIY Marble Run: Design marble runs from cardboard.
- Sandcastle Building: Build sandcastles at the beach.
- Tinkering with Gears: Explore gear-based building sets.
- Puzzle Play: Solve age-appropriate puzzles.
- Nature Structures: Build outdoor structures with natural materials.
- Balancing Act: Stack objects to teach balance.
- Recycled Material Sculptures: Create sculptures from recycled items.
- Block Towers: Build tall towers with blocks.
- LEGO Challenges: Engage in creative LEGO challenges.
- DIY Paper Airplanes: Fold and fly paper airplanes.
- Playdough Sculptures: Sculpt imaginative figures with playdough.
- Straw Structures: Build with drinking straws and connectors.
- Domino Rally: Set up a domino chain reaction.
- Cardboard Mazes: Create mazes from cardboard.
- Stick Bridges: Build bridges with sticks and tape.
- Magnetic Sculptures: Create sculptures with magnets.
- Popsicle Stick Creations: Make art with popsicle sticks.
- Bead Jewelry: Design jewelry with colorful beads.
- Toothpick Structures: Build with toothpicks and marshmallows.
- Spaghetti Towers: Construct towers with spaghetti and marshmallows.
- Origami Animals: Fold paper into animal shapes.
- Recycled Robots: Make robots from recycled materials.
- Straw Mazes: Create mazes with straws and tape.
- Tangram Puzzles: Solve puzzles with tangram pieces.
- Pipe Cleaner Creations: Craft with pipe cleaners.
- Styrofoam Structures: Build with styrofoam blocks.
- Clothespin Structures: Create with clothespins and craft sticks.
- Playdough Architecture: Build architectural structures with playdough.
- Egg Carton Creations: Make art with egg cartons.
- Straw Flutes: Create musical instruments with straws.
- Clay Sculptures: Sculpt with modeling clay.
- LEGO Marble Maze: Build marble mazes with LEGO.
- Tissue Box Creations: Make crafts with tissue boxes.
- Paper Plate Puzzles: Design puzzles from paper plates.
- Spaghetti Art: Create art with colored spaghetti.
- Foam Block Towers: Build towers with foam blocks.
- Nature Weaving: Weave with natural materials like twigs.
- Sock Puppets: Make puppets from old socks.
- Clothespin Airplanes: Craft airplanes with clothespins.
- LEGO Bridges: Build bridges with LEGO bricks.
STEM Activities in Nature
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Search for items like leaves, rocks, and pinecones.
- Bird Watching: Identify birds in local parks.
- Bug Exploration: Study insects with magnifying glasses.
- Nature Art: Create art with fallen leaves and twigs.
- Rock Sorting: Sort rocks by size, shape, or color.
- Weather Observation: Record weather conditions.
- Plant Life Cycle: Grow plants from seeds.
- Shadow Play: Experiment with shadows on sunny days.
- Nature Sounds: Listen to sounds in the environment.
- Rock Skipping: Try skipping stones on water.
- Tree Identification: Learn about different tree species.
- Cloud Watching: Observe clouds and discuss meteorology.
- Pond Exploration: Explore life in a pond or lake.
- Garden Planting: Plant and tend to a garden.
- Butterfly Watching: Identify butterflies and their life stages.
- Animal Tracking: Look for animal tracks in nature.
- Pond Dipping: Examine pond life with nets.
- Tree Bark Rubbings: Make rubbings of tree bark.
- Leaf Rubbings: Create rubbings of leaves.
- Bird Nest Watching: Observe bird nests in trees.
- Hiking Adventures: Go on nature hikes.
- Pond Skimming: Explore life on the water’s surface.
- Outdoor Art: Create art with natural materials.
- Nature Scents: Smell and identify natural scents.
- Sunset Watching: Watch the sunset and discuss colors.
- Campfire Stories: Tell stories around a campfire.
- Nature Weaving: Weave with natural materials.
- Animal Habitats: Learn about animal homes.
- Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga in nature.
- Outdoor Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Stump Jumping: Jump from stump to stump.
- Leaf Identification: Identify leaves and trees.
- Rock Painting: Paint rocks with nature themes.
- Geocaching: Go on a geocaching treasure hunt.
- Pond Ice Skating: Skate on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Nature Journaling: Keep a journal of outdoor experiences.
- Bird Feeding: Attract and observe birds.
- Animal Tracks: Look for animal footprints.
- Nature Sculptures: Create sculptures from natural materials.
- Stargazing: Observe the night sky and stars.
- Campfire Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Pond Hockey: Play hockey on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Leaf Rubbings: Create rubbings of leaves.
- Bird Nest Watching: Observe bird nests in trees.
- Hiking Adventures: Go on nature hikes.
- Pond Skimming: Explore life on the water’s surface.
- Outdoor Art: Create art with natural materials.
- Nature Scents: Smell and identify natural scents.
- Sunset Watching: Watch the sunset and discuss colors.
- Campfire Stories: Tell stories around a campfire.
- Nature Weaving: Weave with natural materials.
- Animal Habitats: Learn about animal homes.
- Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga in nature.
- Outdoor Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Stump Jumping: Jump from stump to stump.
- Leaf Identification: Identify leaves and trees.
- Rock Painting: Paint rocks with nature themes.
- Geocaching: Go on a geocaching treasure hunt.
- Pond Ice Skating: Skate on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Nature Journaling: Keep a journal of outdoor experiences.
- Bird Feeding: Attract and observe birds.
- Animal Tracks: Look for animal footprints.
- Nature Sculptures: Create sculptures from natural materials.
- Stargazing: Observe the night sky and stars.
- Campfire Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Pond Hockey: Play hockey on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Leaf Rubbings: Create rubbings of leaves.
- Bird Nest Watching: Observe bird nests in trees.
- Hiking Adventures: Go on nature hikes.
- Pond Skimming: Explore life on the water’s surface.
- Outdoor Art: Create art with natural materials.
- Nature Scents: Smell and identify natural scents.
- Sunset Watching: Watch the sunset and discuss colors.
- Campfire Stories: Tell stories around a campfire.
- Nature Weaving: Weave with natural materials.
- Animal Habitats: Learn about animal homes.
- Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga in nature.
- Outdoor Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Stump Jumping: Jump from stump to stump.
- Leaf Identification: Identify leaves and trees.
- Rock Painting: Paint rocks with nature themes.
- Geocaching: Go on a geocaching treasure hunt.
- Pond Ice Skating: Skate on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Nature Journaling: Keep a journal of outdoor experiences.
- Bird Feeding: Attract and observe birds.
- Animal Tracks: Look for animal footprints.
- Nature Sculptures: Create sculptures from natural materials.
- Stargazing: Observe the night sky and stars.
- Campfire Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Pond Hockey: Play hockey on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Leaf Rubbings: Create rubbings of leaves.
- Bird Nest Watching: Observe bird nests in trees.
- Hiking Adventures: Go on nature hikes.
- Pond Skimming: Explore life on the water’s surface.
- Outdoor Art: Create art with natural materials.
- Nature Scents: Smell and identify natural scents.
- Sunset Watching: Watch the sunset and discuss colors.
- Campfire Stories: Tell stories around a campfire.
- Nature Weaving: Weave with natural materials.
- Animal Habitats: Learn about animal homes.
- Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga in nature.
- Outdoor Cooking: Cook meals over a campfire.
- Stump Jumping: Jump from stump to stump.
- Leaf Identification: Identify leaves and trees.
- Rock Painting: Paint rocks with nature themes.
- Geocaching: Go on a geocaching treasure hunt.
- Pond Ice Skating: Skate on a frozen pond (in winter).
- Nature Journaling: Keep a journal of outdoor experiences.
- Bird Feeding: Attract and observe birds.
- Animal Tracks: Look for animal footprints.
Math and Technology for Toddlers
- Counting Games: Practice counting everyday objects.
- Shape Recognition: Identify shapes in the environment.
- Sorting and Classifying: Sort objects by color, size, or shape.
- Pattern Play: Create and continue simple patterns.
- Number Recognition: Match numbers with objects.
- Measurement Fun: Compare sizes of objects.
- Interactive Learning Apps: Use educational apps for toddlers.
- Educational Videos: Watch math-related shows and segments.
- Digital Puzzles: Solve digital puzzles and matching games.
- Virtual Zoo or Aquarium Tours: Explore virtual tours online.
- QR Code Scavenger Hunt: Engage in a QR code scavenger hunt.
- Digital Storybooks: Read interactive digital storybooks.
- Shape Sorting: Sort objects by shape.
- Number Puzzles: Solve puzzles with numbers.
- Cooking Math: Practice math while cooking together.
- Math Bingo: Play bingo with numbers and shapes.
- Measurement with Playdough: Compare playdough lengths.
- Shape Stamps: Create art with shape stamps.
- Number Hunt: Search for numbers around the house.
- Building with Blocks: Count blocks and build structures.
- Tangrams: Solve tangram puzzles together.
- Measuring Nature: Measure objects in the backyard.
- Math in the Garden: Count and measure plants.
- Math Books: Read math-themed picture books.
- Counting with Stickers: Count and apply stickers.
- Number Tracing: Trace numbers with fingers.
- Shape Hunt: Find shapes in everyday objects.
- Math Art: Create math-inspired art.
- Math in the Kitchen: Measure ingredients for cooking.
- Shape Collages: Make collages with shapes.
Promoting STEM through Books and Stories
One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts to toddlers is through books and stories. Reading together not only fosters a love for learning but also provides opportunities to explore STEM topics in a fun and engaging way. Here’s how you can promote STEM through books and stories with your little one:
1. Select Age-Appropriate Books: Choose books that are specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Look for sturdy board books with colorful illustrations and simple text. Books with interactive elements like flaps or textures can captivate your child’s attention.
2. Explore a Variety of Topics: STEM encompasses a wide range of subjects, so explore diverse topics within STEM literature. You can find books about animals, the human body, space, machines, and more. Tailor your selections to your child’s interests.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: As you read together, encourage your toddler to ask questions and share their observations. Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think that happened?” to stimulate their critical thinking.
4. Make Connections to Real Life: Relate the stories to real-life experiences and objects. For example, if you’re reading a book about animals, take a trip to a zoo or nature reserve to see the animals in person.
5. Incorporate STEM Vocabulary: Point out and explain STEM-related words in the books. For instance, when reading about space, introduce terms like “planet,” “star,” and “astronaut.” Repetition helps reinforce learning.
6. Experiment with DIY Activities: Some STEM books come with suggested hands-on activities or experiments that you can try together. Whether it’s making a volcano or growing a crystal, these activities bring the stories to life.
7. Encourage Problem-Solving: Select stories that involve characters solving problems or overcoming challenges using STEM concepts. Discuss how the characters approached the problems and encourage your child to brainstorm solutions.
8. Visit the Library: Take regular trips to your local library to explore a wide range of STEM-themed books. Libraries often host storytime sessions with STEM themes, making learning even more interactive.
9. Create a STEM Reading Nook: Set up a cozy reading nook at home where your child can explore their STEM books. Make it inviting with comfy pillows and good lighting.
10. Be Enthusiastic: Your enthusiasm for reading and learning will be contagious. Show excitement about the STEM books you’re reading together, and your child is more likely to share your enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At what age can you start STEM with toddlers?
STEM exploration can begin as early as infancy when you engage in sensory play and introduce age-appropriate toys. However, structured STEM activities can be introduced to toddlers as young as 1-2 years old, adapting to their developmental stage.
How do you teach a toddler STEM?
Teaching STEM to toddlers involves hands-on exploration, open-ended questions, and age-appropriate activities. Encourage curiosity, provide opportunities for observation and experimentation, and use everyday moments to introduce STEM concepts.
Do kids like STEM?
Yes, many children have a natural curiosity and enjoy STEM activities. When presented in a playful and engaging way, STEM can be both fun and educational, fostering a love for learning and exploration from an early age.
Introducing STEM to toddlers is a rewarding journey that can spark a lifelong love for learning and exploration. We’ve explored a comprehensive range of STEM activities, from sensory-based experiments to engineering challenges, nature exploration to math and technology engagement. These activities, including fun science experiments like creating a lava lamp or observing a chemical reaction, help young children develop essential skills and nurture their natural curiosity about the world.
Promoting STEM through books and stories is a great way for little kids and older kids alike to bond and explore. Actively participating in STEM activities with your child, such as building the tallest tower with a bag of marshmallows or exploring the water cycle with simple items, strengthens your parent-child connection. We’ve discussed how to get involved in STEM, offering stem ideas and answering frequently asked questions to guide you on this educational adventure.
Remember that STEM learning is not about rushing your child’s development but about fostering a positive and engaging environment where curiosity is celebrated, questions are encouraged, and learning is an exciting journey. Simple STEM activities, like sunscreen painting or experimenting with different shapes, are much fun and can be a fun way to introduce concepts like surface tension or the scientific method to young scientists.
By igniting their interest in STEM from an early age, with activities suitable for kids of all ages, we can better prepare students to pursue STEM-related coursework in middle and high school and eventually enter STEM degree programs. Activities like sensory activities in the STEM laboratory or fun experiments with lemon juice and baking soda can help little learners develop fine motor skills and a sense of the world.
As a result, there is a growing emphasis on implementing STEM initiatives and content in American elementary schools to ensure a strong foundation in STEM subjects. Younger learners and older children alike can benefit from engaging in easy STEM activities, whether on a rainy day or as part of a structured educational program, fostering problem-solving, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Get Your Free Download
Take your parenting journey to the next level with our comprehensive ebook on Connected Parenting.
Download this ebook now and embark on a transformative parenting experience that will strengthen your bond with your child and bring joy and fulfillment to your family life.
Download Here
More Like This
- 26 Mom and Toddler Activities To Try Today At Home
- 36 Fun Father Daughter Activities for Toddlers
- Water Table Activities for Toddlers
- Summer Activities you Need To Add To Your Toddler Bucket List
References
- Incorporating Environmental Themes: Activities involving environmental issues, such as marine plastic pollution, can be an effective way to engage toddlers in STEM education. Using programmable robots like Bee-Bot, children can be encouraged to solve problems and enhance their skills in a fun, interactive way (Tallou, 2022).
- Science Motivation and Process Skills: Inquiry-based STEM activities, including engineering designs, significantly improve or support children’s science and mathematics skills as well as their social-emotional development. These activities help children recognize science as a vital area of activity and boost their motivation towards it (Dilek et al., 2020).
- Informal STEM Learning Supports: Most STEM activities occur at home, often as hands-on activities, indicating the significant role of the family home in fostering STEM engagement. High levels of child interest and engagement in these settings suggest that situational interest is common during these activities (Morris et al., 2019).
- Problem-Solving Skills Enhancement: STEM activities have been shown to positively affect problem-solving skills in preschool children, indicating the importance of early exposure to STEM concepts (Akcay Malcok & Ceylan, 2021).
- Early Exposure to STEM and Educational Robotics: Introducing educational robotics and STEM methodology in kindergarten through creative activities like learning about seasons with the Makey-Makey kit and Scratch coding program can be highly effective for preschool children (Onal & Saylan Kirmizigul, 2022).
- STEM and Early Language Development: Engaging toddlers in STEM education through reading picture books and interactive tablet play, even in a non-native language like English, can contribute positively to their early language development and STEM learning (Zhao, 2018).
- Inclusive STEM Play Environments: Creating inclusive play environments that support girls’ involvement in STEM activities is crucial. Activities that allow role-playing as engineers and scientists can create new learning areas that are inclusive and encourage gender equity in STEM (Fleer, 2020).
- Understanding Concepts through STEM Activities: Young children can develop a deeper understanding of concepts like volume through engaging in STEM activities that involve practices of engineering design, such as creating clay boats (Park, Park, & Bates, 2018).