Toddler Freeze Dance Party
Play music and dance with your toddler, then pause it suddenly — whoever keeps moving is silly! A perfect game for building impulse control and listening.
What You'll Need
- 1Phone or speaker for music
- 2Clear floor space for dancing
What You'll Need
A phone or speaker for playing music
Clear floor space for safe dancing
How to Play
Clear a safe space in the living room — move anything your toddler could bump into.
Put on an upbeat, toddler-friendly song and start dancing with your child. Your enthusiasm is contagious.
Dance with big, silly movements your toddler can imitate — stomp feet, wave arms, spin slowly, bounce up and down.
Pause the music suddenly and shout "Freeze!" while freezing your own body in a funny pose.
Watch if your toddler freezes too. Praise any attempt to stop moving, even if they wobble or fall over giggling.
Start the music again and dance even more enthusiastically. The contrast between movement and stillness is hilarious to toddlers.
Repeat the freeze 4-5 times during the song, varying when you pause to keep it unpredictable.
Tips
For 12-15 month olds, don't expect a true freeze. They're learning the concept. Model it yourself and celebrate any slowing down.
Use songs with natural pauses or changes in energy — "Baby Shark" has great tempo shifts for this.
Freeze in silly poses yourself — on one foot, with your tongue out, hands on your head. Your toddler will crack up.
This game secretly builds impulse control — the ability to stop an action in progress. That's a skill they'll need throughout childhood.
Play with siblings or other family members. Toddlers who see older kids freeze will catch on much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: phone or speaker for music, clear floor space for dancing.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-2 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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