Actual Games for 2 Year Olds

I've had a hard time when browsing the internet and reading about different game ideas for 2-year-olds. Either they're just a list of affiliate items, or the games aren't really meant for 2 year olds.

For her second birthday, I found myself looking for ideas for a small group of children to play together. I saw things like musical chairs, sack races, Red Light - Green Light, and obstacle courses. 2-year-olds still don't have much patience or ability to learn, and if they hadn't been exposed to the game before the event, there's little chance that they would want to learn it at the same time.

So here are some actual games to play with a 2-year-old. That's age-appropriate. I think one should be able to get a small group of similar-aged children together.

  1. Peekaboo: This timeless game is perfect for a 2 year old, and it encourages social interaction and understanding of object permanence.

  2. Stack Blocks: Using whatever items you have at home, such as plastic bowls, cups, or boxes, you can encourage your child to stack them.

  3. Sing-a-long: Sing nursery rhymes or other simple songs. Add in some dance moves to make it fun and to help develop motor skills.

  4. Sorting Games: Provide your child with a mix of objects of different colors or shapes (toy blocks, different fruits, etc.) and ask them to sort them.

  5. Storytelling: Read stories aloud to your child or even make up your own. This can stimulate their creativity and language skills.

  6. Animal Sounds: Play a game identifying different animal sounds. This can be very entertaining as well as educational.

  1. Finger Painting: All you need is some non-toxic, washable paint, and a piece of paper. This can be a fun sensory play and can help improve their motor skills.

  2. Texture Play: Fill a tub with different safe materials like cooked pasta, water, sand, or corn flakes. Let them explore different shapes, sizes, feelings, and patterns.

  3. Pretend Play: Pretend to have a tea party, go grocery shopping, or be different animals. This promotes creativity and role play.

  4. Simple Hide and Seek: Hide a toy somewhere around and ask your 2-year-old to find it. This can be an excellent game for problem-solving.