5 Engaging Activities for Toddlers to Spark Creativity
- Pei Wen
- May 13, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 19
Toddlers are naturally curious and full of boundless energy. At this age, every new experience opens a window to creativity, imagination, and discovery. Engaging children in hands-on, creative activities not only nurtures their cognitive and emotional growth but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that creativity blossoms when children are given the freedom to explore and express themselves. Our programs — from Tampines infant care to Tampines nursery — are thoughtfully designed to encourage play-based learning that inspires curiosity, imagination, and self-expression.
Below are five fun and educational activities that parents can easily do at home to ignite creativity in their toddlers — all aligned with the engaging, nurturing approach we follow at Genesis Childcare 1989.
1. Mess-Free Finger Painting: Creative Fun Without the Chaos
Finger painting is a classic activity that sparks a child’s imagination and sensory curiosity. However, many parents shy away from it because of the inevitable mess. With a few clever adjustments, you can make this activity mess-free while keeping all the fun and learning intact.
Here’s how: place a few drops of non-toxic finger paint inside a large zip lock bag or between two plastic sheets. Seal the edges tightly with tape to prevent any spills. Then, let your toddler press, squish, and swirl the paint around using their fingers.
This safe, contained method gives children the sensory experience of finger painting without the cleanup. It also helps them learn about colors, blending, and visual patterns.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we incorporate similar hands-on art activities in our Tampines preschool classrooms to help toddlers develop fine motor skills, color recognition, and self-expression — all in a fun and structured environment.
2. Sensory Bin Exploration: Discovering the World Through Touch
Sensory play is one of the best ways to encourage creativity and independent learning in toddlers. A sensory bin engages multiple senses — touch, sight, and sometimes even sound — to help children explore textures, shapes, and imaginative play.
You can make your own sensory bin by filling a shallow container with materials like dry rice, beans, pasta, shredded paper, or kinetic sand. Add scoops, cups, and small toys for your toddler to dig, pour, and explore. To keep things exciting, try changing the theme of the bin every week — perhaps a “beach day” with shells and sand, or a “rainbow bin” with colorful pom-poms.
This simple activity encourages problem-solving, improves hand-eye coordination, and strengthens concentration.
At Genesis Childcare 1989’s Tampines child care center, sensory play is a key part of our daily routine. We design sensory bins and tactile play stations that help children learn through exploration and discovery — allowing them to engage all their senses in a safe and guided setting.
3. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Exploring the Outdoors
The natural world offers endless opportunities for creative learning. A nature scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to the environment while encouraging observation, curiosity, and appreciation for nature.
Start by creating a simple checklist of outdoor treasures — such as a feather, a smooth rock, a flower petal, or a leaf of a particular shape. Bring your child to a nearby park, garden, or even your backyard. Give them a small basket or bag to collect their finds, and let them explore at their own pace.
As they search, talk about what they see, hear, and feel — the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves, or the warmth of sunlight. These sensory experiences help toddlers make sense of the world around them and build vocabulary and communication skills.
Our Tampines preschool curriculum at Genesis Childcare 1989 includes regular outdoor learning sessions that encourage children to connect with nature. We believe that learning doesn’t just happen indoors — it flourishes when children have the chance to explore the beauty of the world beyond classroom walls.
4. DIY Musical Instruments: Nurturing Creativity Through Sound
Music is a powerful way to foster creativity, rhythm, and emotional expression in young children. Making simple DIY musical instruments at home can transform any day into a fun, interactive music session.
You can create a variety of instruments using everyday household items:
Fill empty bottles with rice or beans to make maracas.
Stretch rubber bands over an empty tissue box to form a mini guitar.
Tap on pots and pans with wooden spoons to explore rhythm and sound.
Once you’ve crafted your instruments, encourage your toddler to explore the sounds they make — shake, tap, and strum away! You can even have a mini “family concert” and let your child lead the performance.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, music plays a central role in our programs — from Tampines infant care to Tampines nursery. We use songs, rhythm exercises, and movement-based music sessions to help children develop language, memory, and coordination. Music not only entertains but also builds essential early learning skills.
5. Storytelling with Puppets: Building Imagination and Language Skills
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for developing a child’s imagination and communication abilities. Puppet play, in particular, gives toddlers a creative outlet to express their thoughts and emotions while improving their vocabulary and confidence.
You can easily create homemade puppets using socks, paper bags, or popsicle sticks. Decorate them with googly eyes, yarn, markers, or fabric scraps. Once the puppets are ready, let your toddler come up with their own characters and stories. You can build a simple “stage” using a cardboard box or the back of a couch.
Encourage your child to narrate their puppet’s adventures — whether it’s a brave dragon saving the forest or a talking cat who loves to dance. Puppet play allows children to act out their ideas, develop empathy through storytelling, and gain confidence in public speaking.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, storytelling and imaginative play are woven into our daily programs at our Tampines preschool and Tampines nursery. Our teachers use interactive puppet shows, story circles, and dramatic play to help children develop strong language skills and emotional intelligence in a supportive and joyful learning space.
Spark Creativity in Toddlers
Creative play plays a crucial role in a toddler’s growth and development. Through hands-on, imaginative experiences—such as building, drawing, and pretend play—toddlers learn to express themselves, explore ideas, and strengthen problem-solving abilities. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we cultivate these opportunities to spark creativity in toddlers , helping young learners become confident, curious, and imaginative thinkers.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we recognize that creativity is not just an artistic skill — it’s a lifelong mindset. By offering nurturing, play-based programs in Tampines infant care, Tampines child care, Tampines preschool, and Tampines nursery, we aim to create an environment where every child can explore freely, learn joyfully, and grow confidently.
Our educators are passionate about guiding children through hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, independence, and imagination. From art corners and music sessions to outdoor learning and storytelling, every activity is designed to support holistic development.
If you’re a parent seeking a caring, stimulating, and creative environment for your little one, Genesis Childcare 1989 in Tampines is the perfect place to begin their learning journey. We don’t just care for children — we inspire them to dream, create, and discover the world with confidence and joy.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, creativity begins from the very first day. Explore our programs in Tampines infant care, Tampines child care, Tampines preschool, and Tampines nursery — where every child’s imagination takes flight.
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Genesis Tampines Childcare 1989 is one of the best preschool and childcare in Tampines. Our Preschool Tampines have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At our Tampines Childcare, we advocate that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading early childhood center in Singapore since 1989, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions. We place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers facilitate and interact with the children.
Our Childcare Tampines believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished. Hence, our holistic curriculum aims to create meaningful learning experiences for each and every one of them!
Our Playgroup Tampines provides parents with the confidence that their children are in the good hands of our trained and caring teachers.
Our professional team of preschool teachers has a good understanding of child development and learning principles. We apply them efficiently and set the stage to create a meaningful learning experience that supports your child's discovery.
We consistently create a positive and cozy environment that will give your child a sense of security which builds their self-confidence to explore the world around them.
If you are looking for a good Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare near Tampines Central, do consider Nurture Infant House or Genesis Childcare 1989.
Located alongside our childcare in Tampines is our Nurture Infant House. If you are looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines, do visit Nurture Infant House. It is for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. You can learn more about our infant care Tampines here.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Genesis Childcare 1989 to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141
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