by Trudy Brown

Created on: February 22, 2010

It's easy to find entertainment for your toddler during the warm, sunny days of the year. Outside there are leaves to collect and ants to observe, swings to ride and balls to chase. On cold, rainy days, however, spending time outdoors becomes less of an option.

While the idea of curling up with your family and watching the rain fall rhythmically to the ground may be pleasant, the reality is much less idyllic. Oblivious to the damp, your toddler is pointing at the door whining to go outside and play. Meanwhile, you find yourself glancing at the T.V. thinking how much easier it would be to simply switch on the television and switch off the whining. Before you reach for that remote, consider these 10 indoor activities that will keep your toddler happily occupied even when you can't go outside.

1. Strike up the band: Children love making music. Even if it's just clapping their hands, little ones have an ear for rhythm and feet that love to dance. Homemade musical instruments (some would say noisemakers) are a fun way to let your child march to his own beat.

-Maracas are very easy to make with items around your house. An empty soda bottle or water bottle that has been rinsed and allowed to dry makes a perfect container. Pour in a cup of rice or dried beans and screw the cap on for an instant noise maker. Make different sounds by doing the same with an empty milk jug or formula can.

-Make a drum by turning a small trash can upside down. Give your child a pair of chopsticks or spatulas to use as drum sticks.

-Hand bells make a noise that's less jarring than drums and maracas but is just as satisfying to little ears. Help your child decorate a paper towel roll using markers, construction paper, stickers, glitter and whatever else inspires his imagination. Thread jingle bells onto a length of ribbon or chenille sticks. Wrap the bells around the paper towel roll. A little hot glue will hold them in place.

2. Obstacle course: This activity often means an unfortunate amount of straightening up later, but it provides unlimited fun in the meantime. Use the cushions from the couch, a card table, chairs from the dining room, a toy box, and whatever else you have on hand to make a maze for your child. Try to find objects that he can climb over and crawl under. This is a good way to work those large muscle groups that don't often get much use indoors. Make sure you supervise at all times to see that he doesn't climb onto something he shouldn't.

3. Cookie cutters: Making cookies

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