Toddler Activities That Keep My Little One Busy While I Cook Dinner

Simple activities that keep toddlers entertained and close by while you cook dinner — using “dinner time only” toys to make playtime exciting and engaging.

12/11/20251 min read

baby in white long sleeve shirt and black pants holding blue plastic toy

Every evening when it’s time to cook dinner, my toddler wants my attention — whether it’s being held, playing, or having me sit with him on the couch. I love that he wants to be close, but I also need a way to cook safely and keep him engaged.

One strategy that works really well is keeping a special kitchen drawer filled with “dinner time only” activities. These are toys and tools my toddler only gets while I’m cooking. Because he doesn’t see them during the day, they feel exciting and instantly capture his attention.

I put together a list of fun and easy activities that keep my toddler entertained, close enough for me to watch, and busy while dinner gets made — making our evenings calmer and more enjoyable for both of us.

1/ Magnetic Sorting Toy

My toddler’s absolute favorite! He sorts the magnets in the jars by color, which helps him learn while I can still engage with him. It's fun!

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2/ LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Letter Magnetic Set

Here’s another fun, educational toy that sticks to the fridge! My toddler loves learning letters and sounds while playing. It keeps him entertained!

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3/ 3-in-1 Dough Kitchen Creations Sets

My toddler loves this set! He “cooks” alongside me while I cook, staying entertained and creative with all the tools.

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