Play Ideas by Age

Published: September 3, 2026

19-24 Months: Two-Word Phrases and Gestures

At this age, toddlers often start putting two words together, use gestures to express themselves, and try eating with a spoon on their own. Based on CDC resources, the following play ideas may be helpful at this age.

Sensory Play

• Keep exploring toys with varied textures, along with sand or water play.
• Moving to music or swaying to a rhythm is often enjoyed at this age.

Physical/Gross Motor Play

• Let your toddler practice running freely in a safe space.
• Kicking a ball or going up and down stairs helps build balance.

Fine Motor & Exploration Play

• Let your toddler hold a spoon to self-feed and practice drinking from a cup.
• Try simple puzzles or shape-sorting toys to encourage problem-solving.

Language & Social Play

• Play a body-parts game by asking your toddler to point to two body parts.
• Encourage two-word phrases like “more cookies,” and try new gestures beyond waving, like blowing a kiss.
• Point to objects in a picture book and talk about them together.

Play Tips for This Age

Matching and shape-sorting games are considered helpful for cognitive development at this age. Encouraging attempts at self-dressing or using a spoon can support growing independence.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If your toddler isn’t putting two words together, can’t point to show you something they want, or doesn’t seem to know what to do with familiar objects like a spoon by around 24 months, checking in with a pediatric provider may be helpful. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.