Toddler FaceTime games work best when they’re short, familiar, and easy to join. Try a simple song, a playful face, or showing an everyday object already nearby, and let your toddler choose whether to watch, join in, or move on. [1][2] For more detail, see Games for Babies: Simple Play Ideas for Everyday Moments.
A familiar person and a little back-and-forth can make a video call feel more like play than a conversation your toddler has to sit through. Keep the ideas flexible: your child might join for a moment, then wander off, and that’s okay. The games below offer easy ways to reconnect without needing special toys or a set plan.
Play peekaboo and make silly faces
Peekaboo and silly faces make an easy FaceTime game because you can play them with just your expressions and voice. Try this when your toddler enjoys watching your face or copying a playful moment.
Cover your face with your hands, then reveal it with a smile or a gentle “boo.” Invite your toddler to cover and reveal their face, too.
Make one funny expression—like a wide-eyed look—or add a soft silly sound for your toddler to copy.
Keep it playful, not like a test. If your toddler responds with a grin, a sound, or their own expression, enjoy the moment; there’s no need to ask them to repeat it.
Sing a familiar song with actions
Choose a song your toddler already knows, then add a few easy actions and a pause that invites them to join. This familiar rhythm makes singing a simple video-call game, and you can keep it playful without needing any props. Singing songs together is one suggested FaceTime activity. [3]
Pick a familiar song: Start with a tune your toddler recognizes, such as a favorite action song.
Add easy gestures: Clap, wave, or repeat another movement your toddler already knows as you sing.
Leave a little gap: Pause at a predictable point in the song so your toddler can add a sound or movement, such as a clap or a wave.
This works well when your toddler enjoys music and familiar routines. Try one verse first, and let your child’s response guide whether you sing it again.
Play a simple show-and-find game
A simple show-and-find game gives your toddler an easy way to join the video call by spotting familiar things nearby. Ask them to find something concrete, such as a shoe, a cup, or a stuffed animal, then invite them to point it out or bring it into view. Keep each prompt clear, and offer a hint if searching starts to feel frustrating. Related reading: Things to Do With a Baby Throughout the Day.
Take turns: Ask your toddler to find an object, then show them a safe everyday item to guess or name.
Keep it familiar: Choose things they can see in the room, rather than asking them to search through drawers or climb to reach something.
Offer a hand: If they are unsure, give a clue such as “Can you find something soft?” or point toward where to look.
This game suits toddlers who enjoy noticing and naming everyday objects, and it can be adjusted with easy clues or more specific prompts.
Share a short story or picture book
Hold a picture book up to the camera so your toddler can see each page. This turns storytime into a shared activity with a familiar person, rather than just a call. [3]
Pick one clear picture and name it, point to it, or invite your toddler to make its sound—for example, “Can you roar like the lion?”
Let your child’s interest set the pace. If they want to look closely at one picture or make the same animal sound again, enjoy that moment instead of trying to finish the book.
Take turns copying simple movements
Copy simple movements: Wave, clap, or tap your shoulders while the toddler watches, then pause so they can try the same move. You can also make a gentle arm motion or pat your knees; keep the action easy to see on screen.
Let the toddler lead: Invite them to choose a movement, then copy it back. For example, if they raise their arms, do the same and give them another turn.
Keep it in view and gentle: Stay where the camera can show your movements, and avoid big or sudden actions. This game suits toddlers who enjoy moving and copying familiar people; you can take turns without needing toys or setup.
Try a tiny game of hide-and-seek
Try a tiny hide-and-seek game when your toddler enjoys a playful surprise and can stay near a caregiver. It adds a simple change of scene to a video call without needing special toys.
Caller hides: Have the caller briefly move out of view, then pop back into frame with a warm “There you are!”
Toy hides: Invite your toddler to tuck a toy just out of sight, then bring it back and show it to the camera.
Keep it safe: Stay nearby and choose an uncluttered play area, so your toddler has room to play without nearby hazards.
This game suits toddlers who like watching someone disappear and reappear or showing a toy to a familiar person. Keep the hiding spot easy to reach, and make the reveal the fun part rather than turning it into a hard search.
Choose a game that fits your toddler today
Match the game to your toddler’s mood: choose songs or movement when they’re wiggly, and a book or show-and-find when they’re ready to sit and look. [4] [3] [2]
Offer just one idea, such as clapping together or looking at a picture, then watch your toddler’s cues before suggesting something else. You can switch when their attention shifts rather than trying to keep the same game going.
If your toddler wanders away, keep the call relaxed instead of calling them back repeatedly. Take a break and try another time; a video call does not have to hold their attention to be a pleasant chance to connect.
End on a warm, familiar note
A successful FaceTime call can be just a few shared smiles or one short game, so you do not need to stretch it past your toddler’s interest. [3] When you’re ready to wrap up, use a familiar goodbye song or wave, or say you’ll call again; a consistent little sign-off gives the call a warm finish. [3]
If one game becomes a favorite, bring it back next time rather than searching for something new. [2] Your next step can be simple: end with the same goodbye, then repeat the game your toddler enjoyed most on your next call.