2 years, 1 month old
Little Explorers at Play
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 25 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
As you enter Month 25, you might be finding your little one is a true explorer. They’re curious about everything, moving with more purpose, and often surprising you with their determination. You’re probably seeing new leaps in independence, right alongside those moments where they want nothing more than to be held.
In a world full of wonder, your child is learning so much just by being by your side. You are the steady anchor through all their adventures. And in the middle of it all, remember that caring for yourself matters too.
At two, your little one will still happily follow you anywhere, so enjoy doing things together that you both love. Find spaces where they are content to simply be while you take a moment for yourself, have a little date, catch up with friends who have children of a similar age, or enjoy slow days at home playing and doing everyday jobs side by side. Enjoy your little mini, in another year or so, they’ll very much have their own agenda!
Here's a few little ideas, for when you want to add in a bit more to your day
Kitchen Roll Fun
How: Save a couple of empty kitchen or toilet rolls and see how many ways you can play with them! Pretend they're binoculars and go on a hunt for birds, flowers or toys. Talk through one like a microphone, or sing your favourite songs. Hold one to your ear and listen to different sounds around the house or outside. Whisper a secret through the tube to each other, roll cars or balls through it, or use it as a tunnel for little animals. Let your child lead the play and see what ideas they come up with!
Why: There’s so much learning hidden in this simple activity. Talking, singing and whispering encourage language development and listening skills, while pretending, exploring and inventing new ways to use the tubes sparks imagination, creativity and problem-solving. Open-ended play like this also helps children discover that everyday objects can become almost anything with a little imagination. 🌿🧻
Water Play Fun
How: Set up a simple water play area using a bucket, tub, or water table. Add cups, spoons, jugs, or small containers and let your child scoop, pour, and splash. You can also add natural items like leaves, sticks, or flowers to explore.
Why: Water play builds coordination and strength as children pour, scoop, and carry. It also encourages curiosity and problem-solving as they explore concepts like filling, emptying, floating, and sinking, all while enjoying sensory play.
Water play is full of endless possibilities; pouring stations, washing toys, painting with water, adding ice, or exploring with little treasures. Kids can enjoy it for years, and it’s a wonderful way for them to experiment, explore, and get messy; all while you get a chance to sit back and relax (and maybe stay a little drier!). Even on cooler days, a splash of warm water and a nearby towel with a cozy hug makes it just as fun.
Song of the month: Ten in the Bed
Ten in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
Nine in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over! Roll over!”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
Eight in the bed…
(Keep counting down to…)
One in the bed
And the little one said,
"Goodnight" or "Im cold and miss you" so they all came back!
Play this one out with all their teddies, dolls, dinosaurs or even trucks in their bed or a made up one on the lounge. Or you snuggled up in bed together singing and tickling your way through the song.
Book of the Month: “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell
A Gentle story about reassurance and family, great for reading aloud at any time.
Did You Know?
Did you know toddlers around 25 months start combining words into short sentences and asking lots of “What?” and “Why?” questions? It’s their way of exploring the world and sharing ideas!
Social & Emotional:
Toddlers this age are learning to take turns and show empathy, like offering a toy or noticing when someone is upset. These small acts are huge steps in building social skills and understanding feelings.
✨ Remember Your presence is the greatest gift of all. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just genuine. Every lullaby, every laugh, every shared moment builds layers of love and learning. You’re doing beautifully.