Is it even possible to keep a toddler quiet? At times it may feel like a struggle, but if you are prepared with the right activities you can keep them busy and entertained. No matter what your little one is interested in, these quiet activities for toddlers during church will help them to stay calm throughout the entire service.
Smart Quiet Activities for Toddlers during Church
When bringing your toddler to church, it can feel overwhelming since they aren’t exactly ready to sit still or be quiet. Their nature is to explore and be active! These quiet activities for toddlers during church will keep them from being a distraction and will help stimulate their little minds.
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1. Water Wow Pad
My daughter LOVES her Melissa and Doug Water Wow pad. We love that there is no mess and that it can be used over and over again.
It encourages her to practice coloring and drawing, without worrying she might draw on the back of the pew.
2. LCD Writing Tablet
I’ve found that having a few different coloring options helps to keep my toddler’s attention. An LCD writing tablet is perfect for endless pictures! At this stage, my daughter is really enjoying pressing the erase button, which keeps her occupied in itself.
3. Noahs Ark Jig-Saw Puzzle
A small Jigsaw puzzle is a fun toy for your toddler to play with during church. Store the pieces in a ziplock bag, so you don’t loose all the pieces.
4. Poke-A-Dot Board Book
Who knew that a poke-a-dot board book would keep a toddler occupied for hours?! My daughter received this as a gift and it’s been one of her favorite activities.
5. Puzzle Book
I mentioned a jigsaw puzzle earlier, but I love the idea of a puzzle book. This one is made from foam, so the pieces are quiet and soft for your little one to play with.
6. Problem Solving Whale
Anything that helps your child to use their problem solving skills is sure to keep them busy. This whale gives them the opportunity to practice fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, hand-eye coordination and more!
7. DIY Quiet Book
If you want to get creative, go on Canva and create a printable quiet book! This gives you the option to create activities that you know your toddler will enjoy.
I love this printable biblical quiet book by Teachers Pay Teachers. You can laminate the pages and get dry erase markers for hours of fun!
8. Special Books for Church ONLY
I have already mentioned a the poke-a-dot book, but it’s important to keep books separate for Church only. This makes them way more exciting when it’s time for the service.
Our Favorite Books:
9. Bible Story Lacing Cards
My daughter has been enjoying threading the large Montessori beads, so I know that she would love lacing cards. If I didn’t already have the bead set, I would grab these cute bible story themed cards.
10. Reusable Sticker Pads
It seems like we can never had enough stickers. My daughter loves to pick a sticker, stick on a specific page and then try to unstick it. This usually keeps her busy for a while!
I love the reusable pads simply becuase once they are stuck to a page you can move them again, which my daughter really likes.
11. Magnet Tins
If your little one isn’t into stickers or maybe you don’t love them, you could try Manet tins. This allows your toddler to use their imagination by placing the animals where they want in the scene.
12. Cars
Matchbox cars are another fun toy that will usually keep a toddler busy. They can drive them on the pew, chairs, or even the floor. Don’t worry if they make sound effects, more than likely this will just make the people sitting next to you giggle.
13. Scripture Memory Puzzle
I actually found this DIY puzzle on Christian Montessori Network. I think that it’s perfect for church.
On one side break the verse down into easy to remember sections and on the other put a picture. You can check out her easy to follow tutorial here.
14. Sensory Busy Book
I found these sensory busy books on Amazon and I think they would be perfect for a toddler during church service.
They can have fun matching colors, numbers, animals and more! The set up is a bit labor intensive, but it’s definitely worth it.
15. Tape Book
Recently, my daughter has become obsessed with tape. I know what you are thinking isn’t this the same thing as stickers? To my surprise, they are completely different. This tape book is a lot of fun and will keep them busy for the entire service!
16. Playdough
If your church doesn’t have fabric seats or carpet, play-dough is a fun treat for your toddler to play with. It’s not too messy if you have hard surfaces!
17. Lift Flap Bible
Earlier I mentioned our favorite Lift-Flap book, but if you want something that resembles the Bible this is a sweet version. My daughter loves books that have flaps, it keeps her busy for a while.
18. Dimple Fidget Popper
Last but not least, a fidget popper. I wasn’t going to hop on this trend, but the truth is my daughter plays with hers for hours!!! This is the perfect little treat for church.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Toddler Quiet During Church
#1 Bring Variety
You will want to be sure that you have a good variety of activities on hand. Although my daughter loves books and I do bring a bunch, sometimes she gets bored of them.
I like to have a few different things for her to choose from in our church bag.
#2 Keep These Things Special
I have a specific bag for church activities and then a another basket at home, so these are always new and special. Typically they will spend more time playing with something when they haven’t seen it a bunch.
#3 Rotate Toys
Like I mentioned earlier, I have a church bag and then a bin at home. This way I can rotate their toys and activities each week. It keeps things new and special for each church service.
#4 Choose Your Seat Accordingly
For some, sitting in the front of the church will keep your toddler less distracted and more engaged. For others, sitting in the back will help you make a quick exit if need be. You know your kiddo and what will be best for their personality!
#5 Bring a Snack
I don’t think my kids would survive a church service without snacks hahah. If all else fails, give them a snack to keep them held over through the service. I like to bring:
- Cheese Sticks
- Goldfish
- Veggie Straws
- Teddygrams
My Thoughts..
I know firsthand how difficult it can be to attend church with littles. It’s not only hard for you to focus, but to ensure that everyone else is able to enjoy the service too. I hope that these quiet activities for toddlers during church help to keep your little one occupied!
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