Crafts and Activities That Actually Work With More Than One Toddler

If you've ever had a craft session spiral into chaos within five minutes, you are not alone. Doing crafts with toddlers is a challenge, but it can be done - and even enjoyed - if you go in with low expectations, the right supplies, and activities that don’t require constant supervision or Olympic-level clean-up.

Here’s a list of multiples-friendly crafts and activities for under 2s that are toddler-approved, mess-contained, and perfect for days when you just need something to do.

Contact paper collage

Why it works: It sticks without glue, and you can reuse random craft bits

Tape a sheet of clear contact paper (sticky side up) to the wall. Put out cut-up tissue paper, feathers, ribbon scraps, or even leaves from the backyard. Toddlers can press and stick whatever they like, and it all stays in place. The standing activity helps promote balance and coordination.

Sticker station

Why it works: No glue, no scissors, no supervision needed

Give each toddler a sheet of stickers and a blank piece of paper. Stickers are great for fine motor skills, and they’ll happily peel and place for ages.

Water painting

Why it works: No mess, lots of fun

Give them a cup of water and a paintbrush, and let them 'paint' the fence, the deck, the path, or even the shed. Indoors? A dark sheet of construction paper or cardboard works too. The water marks disappear as they dry - like magic.

Nature hunt + glue craft

Why it works: It burns off energy and ends in a craft

Step 1: Go on a nature hunt - collect sticks, leaves, flowers

Step 2: Come back and glue them to cardboard in fun shapes or 'stick people'

Mess free option: Instead of glue, use chalk to draw a grid on the ground outside, and the children can place their found treasures in the boxes - you can even do a follow-on categorising activity, where the children organise things by colour, size, texture, etc!

Paper tearing & gluing

Why it works: Toddlers love destruction - let them

Give them old magazines, scrap paper, or even coloured tissue. Let them tear it up and glue the pieces onto paper. It’s great for little hands and has a nice 'creative chaos' vibe.

Decorate-your-own snack

Why it works: Combines snack time with craft time

Use rice cakes, crackers or mini pancakes. Offer toppings they can add themselves (banana slices, sprinkles, yoghurt, raisins). They’ll love the independence - and likely taste test as they go.

Frozen toy rescue

Why it works: It’s sensory, keeps them focused, and can be done outside

Freeze small plastic toys (animals, blocks) in an ice tray or container. Give them spoons, cups of warm water, or toy hammers to 'rescue' their frozen friends. Perfect for warmer days.

For a different sensory experience, you could also do a jelly rescue, where toys are suspended in set jelly.

Yoghurt painting

Why it works: Edible paint means you can relax when they lick the brush

Mix yoghurt with food colouring and use a muffin tray as a palette, then let them paint paper, themselves, a cardboard box, etc. For easy clean up, do the whole activity in the bath tub, then just wash it all off when they're done!

Bubble foam play

Why it works: Toddlers + bubbles = pure joy

Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap with ¼ cup of water and whip it up with a hand mixer to make foam (add food colouring if you like). Plop it in a tray or bucket and let them go wild with spoons and scoops.

Washing station

Why it works: They feel helpful, you get a quiet 20 minutes

Fill a tub or bucket with warm soapy water. Add toy dishes, dolls, plastic animals - anything washable. Give them sponges and cloths. It's simple, satisfying, and surprisingly engaging.

Decorate your own play house

Why it works: It's a craft activity that doubles up as a temporary toy

Got a large box? Cut out a front door (and windows if you're feeling fancy), and set your toddlers up with stickers, crayons, pens - washable paint if you don't mind the extra mess. When they're finished it then can be used as a little indoor playhouse until it falls apart or you need the space back!

Top tips:

• Keep it simple

• Don’t expect a Pinterest-worthy result

• Choose crafts that require minimal setup and minimal supervision

• Have a damp cloth ready for clean-up and a snack ready for post-craft recovery (for you and them)

Some days crafts will last 20 minutes. Some days, five. But either way, you showed up and created a moment, and that’s what counts.

Got a go-to activity that keeps your twins/triplets entertained?

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