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Simple & Fun Activities for a 1-Year-Old- 4-Year-Old (Plus a Daily Routine That Actually Works)


simple & fun activities

Finding simple & fun activities that work for both a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old can feel overwhelming. One needs constant supervision and sensory exploration, while the other craves creativity, movement, and independence. The good news? You don’t need separate schedules or complicated setups.


With a little intention, you can create shared activities and a gentle daily rhythm that meets both kids right where they are.


As a mom, I’ve learned that the goal is connection, flexibility, and simple moments that make the day feel joyful instead of rushed.


Below, you’ll find easy activity ideas, a realistic daily routine, and tips to help your days flow more smoothly with little ones at different stages. I have put together a PDF for you to print out, along with a shopping list. You can also find items for purchase on my Amazon Storefront; click here.


Activities That Work for Both Ages

The secret to success is choosing activities where both kids can do the same thing at different levels.


Creative Play

Creative activities encourage imagination and fine motor skills, and they don’t need to be fancy.

  • Sticker stations (large stickers for toddlers, themed sheets for preschoolers)

  • Crayons and oversized paper taped to the floor or table

  • Finger painting or water painting

  • Play-Doh for squishing, rolling, and shape-making

💡 Mom tip: Focus on the process, not the outcome. Messy play counts as learning.


Sensory Play

Sensory play is calming for toddlers and engaging for preschoolers.

  • Sensory bins with rice, oats, beans, or water

  • Bubble play (blowing and popping)

  • Ice cube toy rescue

  • Texture walks using pillows, towels, or soft mats

These activities help regulate emotions while keeping little hands busy.


Quiet & Learning Time

Quiet moments matter just as much as active ones.

  • Board books for your 1-year-old and picture books for your 4-year-old

  • Sing-alongs with hand motions

  • Puzzle time (chunky puzzles vs. age-level puzzles)

This is a great reset time in your day.


Pretend & Movement Play

Movement helps burn energy and boost confidence.

  • Dance parties in the living room

  • Simple obstacle courses (crawl, step, jump)

  • Dress-up play with hats or scarves

  • Play kitchens, dolls, or animal figures

Pretend play is where so much learning happens naturally.


Outdoor Play

Fresh air changes everything, even for a short time.

  • Stroller walks with a color hunt for your preschooler

  • Sidewalk chalk

  • Ball play

  • Water table or splash pad

  • Nature scavenger hunts

Even 20 minutes outside can reset the whole day.


A Gentle Daily Routine for a 1-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old

This routine is meant to be flexible, not rigid. Think of it as a rhythm instead of a schedule.


Morning

  • Wake up, have breakfast, and get dressed

  • Free play/ we also have some TV time

  • One planned activity (art, sensory, or puzzles)

  • Outdoor time or a walk


Late Morning

  • Snack and books

  • Movement play (dance party, playground, or obstacle course)


Midday

  • Lunch

  • Nap for your 1-year-old

  • Quiet time for your 4-year-old (books, puzzles, calm play)


Afternoon

  • Snack

  • Activity station rotation:

    • One sensory activity

    • One creative activity

    • One pretend or movement activity

  • Free play or errands


Evening

  • Independent play or helping with dinner (TV time is fine here, too)

  • Dinner together

  • Bath, books, cuddles, and bedtime routine

✨ Same activity, different expectations.


*make it work for you and the kiddos


Rainy Day Play Ideas (When You’re Stuck Indoors)

Rainy days don’t have to feel long or chaotic.

Creative & Cozy

  • Sticker books

  • Coloring or painting

  • Play-Doh bakery or animal creations

  • Simple paper crafts

Sensory Calm

  • Dry rice or bean bins

  • Sink water play

  • Pom-poms with scoops

  • Blanket forts

Movement Indoors

  • Dance parties

  • Hallway obstacle courses

  • Kid-friendly yoga

  • Ball rolling games

Quiet Time

  • Story baskets

  • Puzzle trays

  • Audiobooks or worship music

  • Snack + book combo


Final Encouragement for Moms

You don’t need a packed schedule or elaborate activities to be a good mom. Some days will feel smooth, and others won’t, and that’s okay.

Focus on:

  • Connection over perfection

  • Simple activities done well

  • Creating a rhythm that supports you, too

Little moments at home matter more than we realize.


Please feel free to print it out for your use. You can also find items for purchase on my Amazon Storefront; click here.



"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
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