Have you ever had one of those moments where you just need your toddler to sit and play with something for just a minute?! Man, J was desperately looking for something to do the other day and so was getting into everything! I didn’t have anything prepared and needed to think fast. So, I looked around the house and came up with this. One of J’s new favorite things to play with are my silicone muffin trays. So, I pulled one out and filled it with treasures for J to find. I covered all the treasures with something (lids, tin foil, tape, small bowl, blocks), so it was more of a hunt.
The tray presentation.
Showing me one of his treasures….cheerios!
He decided that the mini muffin tray would be fun to fill as well.
The objects I used in the tray were: a matchbox car, small airplane, marbles, spider rings, small foam dinosaurs, Easter egg filled with goldfish, bouncy balls, and cheerios,
This was so much fun for J and kept his attention for the longest time. Children this age love to put things in and out, fill and dump, and transfer objects from place to place. This activity involves all these things and is truly child-led (which are the best kinds of activities). It was great for an impromptu thrown together activity! This might just be my go to activity when J starts getting restless.
Disclaimer: I did use small things that can be choking hazards so supervision is necessary for this activity.
I love this idea! I’d love to share this on my blog and link back to you.Can I use your picture? Let me know. =)
My little boy is the exact same way, when he gets bored he goes berserk getting into everything. I love this idea. Thanks for sharing!
dropped in from Show and Tell BH.
Love this idea – good job on your quick observation and reaction. Thanks for sharing on Monday Madness.
Great idea. Looks like he loved it. Glad you stopped by Monday Madness.
I just put mine together for my 19 month old son. I want it on hand for when he gets ancy this afternoon since it’s raining outside. Thank you so much. That’s why I check your site daily so I can always learn something new! But I feel guilty just always copying your ideas!
I’m so glad you like the blog! And, feel free to copy all my ideas…that’s why I share them. I hope your son loves it as much as J did!
He really enjoyed this activity. When he was finished playing after 15 min, he ran around the living room squeeling in delight. =) Similar to the sensory tray activities he really enjoyed it.
I used 3 of his fave snacks, rubber lizard and ladybug, felt truck pieces, pom poms, rubber jacks, play carrot and strawberry, wind up owl, and small feather. Very colorful. I covered objects with Post It notes, small lids, and puzzle pieces. Will definitely do again soon. Thanks again! Amy
So fun! It thrills my soul to know that he had such a good time! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me.