8 ways to keep your toddler entertained (and happy) when you live in an apartment
Posted by Lucy Kippist at March 28 2018, 10:29am

Apartment living for families is on the up, at least in Australia’s metro areas. And for all good things about it, entertaining small children in that environment can prove a bit of a challenge.
According to Kinderling’s MotherCraft nurse Chris Minogue the secret to keeping your toddler happy in a smaller living space, is the right mix of inside and outside play.
“It’s important to get outside at least twice a day,” Chris told Kinderling Conversation. “Once they’ve had an opportunity to run around for a little while, they’ll be happier to be inside.”
Once you're back from the park, mix these activities around for the rest of the day:
-
Sticker books
These books are worth their wait in gold for tiny fingers. Grab a bunch of them from Kmart or your local newsagent; arrange them on the coffee table and watch your toddler work. -
Mosiacs
You can get hours of fun out of mosaics; smallish pieces of tile, large beads or even pieces of mixed up puzzles can work. Scatter them around the table or floor and let your toddler’s imagination fly. -
Dress Ups
You don’t need “real costumes” grab a box or basket and throw in some of your own clothes, a big sheet, some gum boots, a scarf and some bangles and let your toddler's imagination do the rest! -
Blocks and puzzles
Set them on the floor or scatter the pieces in a big mixing bowl. -
Water play!
Don’t panic! This can be as simple as giving them a paint brush and a tiny bowl of water; if you don’t have a balcony, set up play on the bathroom floor or put a towel down. -
Magnets
Mix up the pieces in a mixing bowl and get your toddler to create a pattern on the fridge or invest in a small easel or magnetic board. -
Change your environment
If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony, setting up any of the above activities outside can be fun. Play “spot the plane” or "count the clouds", water the plants or just have a snack in the sunshine. -
Listen to Kinderling!
Download the Kinderling Kids Radio app and check out our daily schedule; Together Time, Story of the Week and Play and Learn are all great listening choices for this age group.
Kinderling Helpline: Got a question about your toddler? Catch Kinderling's Mothercraft nurse, Chris Minogue every Monday at 12pm on Kinderling Conversation.
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