Tot Explorations: Oh the fun of one balloon!

Are you ever, like me, tempted to over-complicate playtime for your kids? Feel the need for lots of toys, props and activities? Ultimately, I keep going back to simplicity. Kids like simple toys, simple fun tasks they can repeat, simple rewards like “yays!”, high-fives, and hugs!

Last week, we had fun with one of the simplest things: a balloon! This particular balloon came in a Christmas Surprise Ball my sister-in-law gave my son. It had some multi-colored star confetti inside, and THAT is what made this balloon time so fun!

The confetti in the balloon added a little weight, so kicking and throwing the balloon around was unpredicatable – and fun. My son loves the swishing noises the confetti made when it rolled around. And, we both liked making a kaleidescope of patterns as we spun the balloon, watching the confetti pieces stick to the inside walls!

When he’s older, we could probably do some races or other games with the balloon, too!

Such a simple toy! It lasted for nearly the whole week too, and we kept going back to playing with it throughout the days. I have another one of these confetti-filled balloons not yet inflated, and I think I’ll keep it in the diaper bag for when we need a fast distraction!

Do you have any other simple fun games to play with toddlers?