Fun, creative activities for 18-24 mos?

[scottishmommy]

I guess the title says it all! I need new ideas for dd. I don't mind messy! TIA

[crunchy_mommy]

-nature walk (and collect items to fill a 'nature box' that she can play with at home or use in crafts)
-songs with hand motions (Itsy Bitsy Spider & Wheels on the Bus are DS's current faves) or -- like Ring Around the Rosy
-cut out felt shapes (animals, trees, cars, etc.) & you can stick them to a bigger sheet of felt/flannel & rearrange etc. to tell stories
-pretend to be the family pets (for some reason this is hilarious to DS)
-cook together (especially something where she can pick out ingredients to add herself -- salad or brownies with raisins, nuts, etc. or veggie dip)
-tell stories (great when you're really trying to do something else like shower)
-play musical instruments
-make your own crayons -- then color with them of course!
-chalk in the driveway
-bubbles
-anything with water (DS gets bored with the pool but loves to play with the hose!)

Well that's a start, I'm sure I'll think of more...

[starbuckmom]

Here is one of my favorite web sites for toddler activities. I look at it more and use it more during the colder months than I do in the summer. Toddler activities.

I have another site but can't think of it right off hand.

The previous poster has some great ideas!! As soon as I set up my room for homeschooling, I will set up an area for some Montessori activities for my twins too. There is a book called "Teach me to do it myself". Great ideas for activities!

[gagin37]

ds and i like to color together, or play in the sandbox, playdough, chalk, anything involving water or dirt. he's getting an aqua doodle for his birthday

[Biscuits & Gravy]

I have a book called The Toddlers Busy Book that has tons of great ideas.

[Honey693]

[LDSmomma]

DS likes to do most of the above things. We also play follow the leader (like simon says, but no simon). He loves it when I copy him. Also, we feed the ducks at the local park.

[tjjazzy]

yoga

[carmel23]

When my guys were toddlers they loved to play with flour; scooping, pouring, etc.

A big bin of beans or lentils, with tons of cups and spoons, etc.

Pouring water from a little pitcher into a cup and then back.

Susan's Striker's _Young at Art_ book is great, too. And Montessori from the start, is great as well!

[Dahlea]

Art for twos and toddlers is an awesome book. It has ideas for art activities and is about process not product. Even better it has recipes to make all your own art supplies!

[starbuckmom]

Wanted to jump in a few months late, but I found a book by Jackie Silberg.  Well, she has quite a few books about games and activities for toddlers, two and up.  I have 2 books of hers on hold at my library!  I can't wait to come up with some games for my twins who are 2 now.

[LDSmomma]

ooh, my library has several of her books!  And I just realized I have one on my bookshelf here at home!

[starbuckmom]

Originally Posted by LDSmomma 

ooh, my library has several of her books!  And I just realized I have one on my bookshelf here at home!

Yay!!  I can't wait to read some of her other books and see what games and such that I can play with my toddlers!

[MamatobabyA]

I really like http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/

She has lots of great ideas and you can search based on age group.

[Courtney-Ostaff]

Originally Posted by carmel23 

Susan's Striker's _Young at Art_ book is great, too. And Montessori from the start, is great as well!

Originally Posted by Biscuits & Gravy 

I have a book called The Toddlers Busy Book that has tons of great ideas.

Originally Posted by Dahlea 

Art for twos and toddlers is an awesome book. It has ideas for art activities and is about process not product. Even better it has recipes to make all your own art supplies!

I second all those books. I also have:

The Encyclopedia of Infant and Toddler Activities: Written by Teachers for Teachers
Kathy Charner, et al

The Complete Resource Book for Preschoolers: An Early Childhood Curriculum With Over 2000 Activities and Ideas
Pam Schiller, Kay Hastings

Toddler Play (Gymboree)
Wendy S. Masi

Michael Olaf.net is also very helpful:  http://www.michaelolaf.com/JCcontents.html