At The Governess and Co., we understand the importance of making each day with toddlers a fun and educational adventure. Marbella’s sunny climate and beautiful surroundings offer the perfect backdrop for exciting, developmental activities. Whether indoors or out, here are ten activities nannies can do with toddlers to help boost their physical, cognitive, and social development.
1. Outdoor Nature Walks
Marbella is blessed with gorgeous parks and beaches, so why not take full advantage? Nature walks are a wonderful way for toddlers to explore their environment. Encourage them to observe birds, flowers, and insects. You can even make a simple nature scavenger hunt where they have to find certain items like leaves or shells. This sparks curiosity and improves observation skills while getting some fresh air.
2. Water Play
Who doesn’t love splashing around in the water? Whether it’s a small paddling pool in the garden or a day at the beach, water play is a fantastic sensory activity. Let toddlers explore pouring, splashing, and floating objects, which helps improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Bonus: Marbella’s warm weather makes this an activity you can do almost year-round!
3. Music and Dance Time
Put on some lively Spanish tunes or their favorite nursery rhymes and let the little ones dance around! Music and movement help toddlers develop rhythm, coordination, and balance. You could even incorporate some instruments like tambourines or maracas to engage them further. At The Governess and Co., we love watching toddlers express themselves through dance and music—it’s a surefire way to lift their spirits!
4. Sensory Bins
Creating sensory bins filled with rice, pasta, or sand can engage toddlers in hands-on exploration. Add objects like spoons, cups, or small toys, and let them dig, scoop, and pour. This activity stimulates their sense of touch while enhancing problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s an easy, low-mess option that nannies can set up anywhere.
5. Building with Blocks
Building towers or structures with blocks helps develop toddlers’ spatial awareness and fine motor skills. It also teaches cause-and-effect thinking as they watch their towers tumble down. At The Governess and Co., we encourage nannies to ask open-ended questions while building, like, “What happens if we add more blocks?” This simple activity is great for boosting their creativity and critical thinking.
6. Storytime in Spanish and English
Living in Marbella offers a rich blend of cultures, and this can be an opportunity to help toddlers grow up bilingual. Nannies can read books in both Spanish and English, introducing them to new words and ideas. Storytime also enhances their listening skills and imagination. Whether it’s a classic like El Grúfalo or a fun story about Marbella’s beaches, toddlers will love snuggling up with a good book.
7. Arts and Crafts
Get those little hands busy with arts and crafts! Whether it’s finger painting, coloring, or making simple paper crafts, creative activities promote fine motor development and self-expression. Marbella’s landscapes can serve as inspiration—think beach-themed crafts or painting flowers from a local park. Nannies at The Governess and Co. often encourage children to create something special for their parents, building pride and a sense of accomplishment.
8. Puzzle Time
Puzzles are an excellent way to boost cognitive development in toddlers. Simple jigsaw puzzles, shape sorters, or matching games challenge their problem-solving abilities and improve hand-eye coordination. Plus, completing a puzzle gives toddlers a sense of achievement. If possible, pick out puzzles that feature animals or objects they might see around Marbella, making the activity even more relatable.
9. Imaginative Play
Toddlers love to imitate adults and engage in pretend play. Set up a mini kitchen, have a teddy bear tea party, or pretend to run a shop. This type of role-playing helps toddlers develop social skills, creativity, and language as they act out different scenarios. Nannies at The Governess and Co. know that imaginative play also fosters emotional understanding as toddlers learn to empathize with others through their role-playing games.
10. Playground Adventures
Marbella has plenty of well-maintained playgrounds that provide toddlers with the perfect opportunity to climb, slide, and swing. Physical play is essential for gross motor development and coordination. Nannies can encourage toddlers to try new challenges, like climbing a ladder or balancing on a beam, which boosts their confidence and physical abilities. Plus, playgrounds are fantastic for social interaction with other children.
At The Governess and Co., we believe that every day is a learning opportunity for toddlers. These activities not only keep little ones engaged but also help them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re exploring Marbella’s beautiful outdoors or engaging in creative play indoors, there are endless ways to support a toddler’s development. By providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, nannies can ensure that each day is filled with joy and discovery!