1. Let Them Get a Little Wet
The magic of water play can easily beguile toddlers, keeping them fascinated for long stretches of time. My two-year-old enjoys “washing the dishes.” We’ll turn on a trickle of water from the kitchen faucet and give her a few measuring cups to fill, dump, and fill again. I’ve seen her intently focused on this task for half an hour, maybe longer. The bathtub plus some bath toys offers another avenue of water enchantment, though if there’s a substantial amount of water in the tub, parental supervision is needed, of course.
2. Play an Audiobook or Podcast
Children don’t have to see a story in order to enjoy it. Listening to a children’s podcast or an audiobook provides many of the benefits of a movie or TV show without the drawbacks. Children can get absorbed in a story or informational show without having their eyes glued to a screen. They’re required to exercise their imaginations to bring the content to life in a way that they aren’t when watching something on the TV or tablet.

3. Launch a Dance Party
My wife likes to tell me of the frequent dance parties in her household when she was growing up. When her father went outside to milk cows in the evening, her mother would turn on some music, and her mom and the four little girls would dance the night away—with brooms, rulers, and whatever else was at hand for partners. We’ve continued the tradition in our household, and our daughter loves it.
4. Use the Sticker Solution
Through the combination of appealing visuals and kinetic engagement, sticker books can keep toddlers entranced. From dinosaurs to cupcakes, there are sticker collections for almost any subject that a child might find interesting. As with most of the items on this list, the entertainment’s effectiveness depends on how often it’s used. If stickers are a special treat, permitted only a few days per week, then each play session will be longer and more engrossing for the child.
5. Produce the Pots and Pans
Often, small children will find this one on their own. Children must have some interior magnet that draws them to pots and pans. Sometimes they’ll raid the kitchen cupboards even before they’re walking. The pots’ and pans’ shine, ringing sound, and nesting ability make them irresistible. Consider simplifying the process for your child by getting the kitchen supplies out yourself and setting up your toddler with a skillet or two and a spoon. This option might not be the best if you’re looking for some quiet time because an impromptu percussion performance will probably ensue.
6. Have Them Lend a Hand
A parent’s desire to get work done doesn’t always have to conflict with a child’s desire for entertainment. Many children—even very small ones—enjoy imitating the adults and doing “real work.” Consider giving your child an age-appropriate chore to complete. This could be something as simple as picking up toys, setting the table, or folding clothing. The work might not be quite up to snuff, but it’s an enjoyable learning opportunity for children. Not only does this tactic keep children busy, it also begins to teach them important lessons about responsibility and the fulfillment that comes from meaningfully contributing to the household and family life.

7. Allow Some Boredom
Finally, parents do not have to keep their children entertained every hour of the day. Permitting your child some periods of boredom, can actually benefit them. With a little guidance, they may learn how to entertain themselves. According to the Child Mind Institute, periods of boredom help children develop important skills, such as dealing with frustration, building the imagination, and practicing creativity. “Boredom also helps children develop planning strategies, problem-solving skills, flexibility and organizational skills — key abilities that children whose lives are usually highly structured may lack.” The experts at the Institute explain that parents should help children learn to manage boredom so that it can become an opportunity for agency, independence, problem-solving, and the ability to entertain themselves.