Toddlers

Simple Simon says Play an easy version of Simon Says: Ask your child to touch his nose, kick up his leg, put his hands in the air, and so on.

Sort and drop Pull out your snack bag, hand your child a cup, and encourage her to put, say, cereal or small crackers into it, one by one. (Then dump them back into the bag and start all over again.)

Sound charades Bark like a dog, wail like a police siren, or moo like a cow and see whether your child can tell you what makes that sound. Let him try to stump you, too.

Look for... Challenge your kids to find (with a little help from you) something in the car or outside the window that's in the shape of a square. Then try a circle, a triangle, and so forth. Look for colors next, then sizes.

Tune in Don't forget classic songs like "Eensy Weensy Spider," "Wheels on the Bus," and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Your toddler will love joining in on all the fun hand motions with you.

Blowing in the wind Pack a pinwheel. Let her hold it in the breeze of an open window. A napkin works well too.