Your 15-month old toddler has changed dramatically from the baby they were a year ago. They are now capable of talking, walking, and solving problems. Engage their senses, and encourage their development by engaging them in age-appropriate games that are both fun (read: low lifting! Keep those hands busy. Here are our top 15-month old activities.
Related: 15-month old baby milestones
Sensory activities for 15 month olds
- Break out the Blocks
Allow your child to explore the world with building blocks. They can stack them and knock them down, or create sculptures. This fun construction/destruction play boosts their fine motor skills and spatial awareness while also demonstrating cause and effect. - Scribble sessions
It’s a good idea to use chunky crayons during this phase. They are easy to hold, nontoxic, and can (almost) be washed. You can also tape some sheets of printer or butcher paper to the kitchen table so that they have a large area to color. Don’t force your child to choose a hand. Most kids are still ambidextrous. - Sorting by color
Sort colorful items such as potholders, spatulas, and toys by color. This will help your child develop their color recognition and cognitive skills.
Related: 15-month old health and growth guide
15-month olds can benefit from developmental activities
- Catch and Release
Rolling soft balls in different sizes will help your child develop gross motor skills. You can also set up a miniature bowling alley with empty plastic bottles and cardboard paper towel rolls. You can show them how you gently toss the ball into a basket of laundry. Score! - Sorting by shape
Introduce your child to a sorting toy that has large, colorful shapes. Help your child develop their hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills by helping him identify and match the shapes with their holes. - Play the library
Set up some stacks of books for kids, create a library card out of construction paper, and have your child pretend to “check out” or scan library books. It’s a great time for toddlers to start pretending. Setting up imaginary scenarios is a lot of fun.
Babys as young as 15-month-olds can learn to be determined by watching their parents
What to do with 15-month olds
Week 1: Play pretend
Are there any dress-up items in your closet that you can use for imaginative play or roleplay? You can use a silk scarf as a pirate’s cape, or a necklace to make a crown. Playing imaginatively helps your child develop their creativity and social skills. It also helps them understand bigger world experiences, and brings stories to life.
Week 2: Arrange a playdate
Setting up a playdate allows your child to improve their social skills by observing their peers.
Play and learn with 50 sensory activities for 1 year olds
Week 3: Filling the Basket
With a laundry hamper, your child can fill and empty the basket to their heart’s desire. They can collect their favorite lovies to carry around the house.
Week 4: Catch Me If You Can
Your child will always want you to chase him. It may sound simple, but it is not. You can play a game of chase around your house, yard or the nearest park. Wait for both of you to laugh.