Easy activities and approachable traditions

Preparing for Passover with a toddler can sometimes feel impossible. Much like brushing your teeth with chocolate-covered jelly rings, four out of five dentists would not recommend it. Let’s take baby steps through a variety of activities, ranging in difficulty, and find ways to enjoy 

Passover within your comfort zone.  

Spring  

Degree of difficulty: 1 out of 5 

The Jewish people wandered the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt. I recommend a slightly shorter time commitment with your toddler: spend 40 minutes (or more) outside, enjoying nature together.  

This can be as simple as walking to a nearby playground. For a more involved experience, visit the Morton Arboretum or Chicago Botanic Gardens, as both have excellent children’s spaces. 

For a natural indoor activity, the Garfield Park Conservatory’s Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden is a welcome reprieve from wet spring weather.  

Stories  

Degree of difficulty: 2 out of 5 

Holidays are all about spending time together, and the Passover seder takes this concept to the max. If your toddler needs a breather and some quiet time, I highly recommend having board books on hand. Board books are fun to touch and teethe on. 

My book, Mushy Matzah Ball, connects babies with Jewish comfort foods and features matzah ball soup, the Passover MVP. I Like Your Chutzpah, by Suzy Ultman, is another cozy board book that will make your toddler smile. It’s filled with Yiddish words and funny pictures. 

Songs 

Degree of difficulty: 3 out of 5 

Music is a gateway to learning, and what song is more fun to sing at the top of your lungs than “Dayenu”? It has a “this is the song that doesn’t end” quality that I really love. Another hit is “One Morning When Pharaoh Awoke in His Bed.” While not part of the Passover seder, it is always a crowd-pleaser. To take it to the next level, add plastic frogs or bubbles. 

Some toddlers need a bigger stage. Create a movie or theater set together with blocks, puppets, and costumes. This sets the scene for creativity and fun! The performance can happen at the 

beginning of the Passover seder or as a lively intermission. Voilà—a new family tradition! 

Sensory 

Degree of difficulty: 4 out of 5 

Sensory bins allow toddlers to get messy in a contained area. The focus is on putting things in and out of cups, onto plates, scooping with measuring cups, etc. 

To create your sensory bin, take a large open plastic container. Assemble the following ingredients: matzah meal, plastic frogs, red pom-poms, and cotton balls. The red pom-poms represent blood, and cotton balls represent hail. Add all ingredients to the plastic container. 

From your kitchen gather spoons, plastic cups, measuring cups, and small plates. Add them to the plastic container and enjoy! 

Sweet and savory 

Degree of difficulty: 5 out of 5 

Make matzah balls together. You can measure out the ingredients while you allow your toddler to place each item in a large bowl. 

Place plastic wrap over the bowl and refrigerate. During refrigeration, marinate on whether your matzah balls will be formed together or solo. Remember that matzah balls do not have to look perfect; they can be lumpy and bumpy and still taste delicious. 

If this sounds like too much, you can just spread butter, margarine or jelly on matzah and call it a day. Either option will be eaten and enjoyed. 

Whatever adventures you embark on, I hope that your Passover is filled with sweet toddler smiles and belly laughs. Chag sameach! 

Arianna Brooks is an educator, Jewish comfort food presenter, and the author of My Mushy Matzah Ball, My Happy Hamentashen, and Carissa the Crane and the Construction Crew. She lives in Chicagoland with her family.