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Play ideas for 9 to 12 months

Here are 17 screen-free play ideas for 9 to 12 months, each using things from around the house. The American Academy of Pediatrics says infants under 18 months learn best from real-world interactions, so these are about you and your child, a few minutes at a time. Stay close, and follow each safety line.

Checked October 29, 2026.

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17 things to do

  • In and out of the box6 min · you need a cardboard box, socks, scarves or big blocks · In and out is one of the first ideas babies learn, and they love to practice it.
  • Toys on the couch6 min · you need a couch, two or three toys · A toy up high is a reason to pull up, stand and step sideways along the couch.
  • Pull the scarves out6 min · you need an empty tissue box, a few scarves or washcloths · Pulling things out of a small opening takes a pinch, a grip and a pull.
  • Point and I'll name it5 min · nothing to get · Pointing is your baby asking you a question, and naming the thing is the answer.
  • Bye-bye and hello3 min · you need a few toys, a blanket · Waving is an early gesture, and it often comes with an early word.
  • Pat-a-Cake clapping3 min · nothing to get · Clapping along to a rhyme joins words, rhythm and hands together.
  • Knock the tower down5 min · you need plastic cups or blocks · Babies love making something happen, and crashing a tower is a big, happy result.
  • Box tunnel6 min · you need a big cardboard box open at both ends, or a blanket over two chairs · Crawling through to find you is a reason to keep going.
  • Cushion mountain6 min · you need couch cushions or pillows · Climbing over something soft builds strength and balance.
  • Voice hide-and-seek4 min · nothing to get · Finding you by your voice is a happy game and good practice for little partings.
  • Lids on, lids off5 min · you need two or three plastic food containers with easy lids · Lids take two hands working together, a new challenge at this age.
  • Muffin tin surprise6 min · you need a muffin tin, a few washcloths, toys too big to fit in your baby's mouth · Lifting a cloth to find a toy is hide-and-seek for hands.
  • Push the box5 min · you need a sturdy cardboard box or laundry basket · Pushing a box helps new standers and walkers steady themselves.
  • Fill and dump in the bath5 min · you need plastic cups or a colander, your baby's usual bath · Full and empty, in and out: the bath is a great place to learn them.
  • Family photo flaps5 min · you need a few family photos, paper, tape · Lifting a flap to find a face they love makes names and people feel close.
  • Touch the tree8 min · nothing to get · Outdoor textures are new and interesting, and each one comes with a word.
  • Ramp roll5 min · you need a cutting board or a big picture book, a couch cushion, a ball · Your baby sees that a ball let go at the top always rolls to the bottom.

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