There’s something magical about a group of toys that springs to life the moment you leave the room. My own kids have watched Buzz light up the Christmas lights more times than I can count, and honestly? I still get choked up when Woody holds Buzz’s hand as they fall toward the moving truck. 😭
If your house is anything like mine, you’ve got a closet full of characters just waiting for an adventure. So I’ve rounded up 12 Toy Story activities that’ll keep the kids busy—and maybe even give you a minute to sip your coffee while it’s still hot. You’re welcome.
1. DIY Alien Grab-Bag Game
Remember those squeaky green aliens with the giant eyes? This game is ridiculously simple and perfect for parties or rainy afternoons.
What you’ll need:
- Green pom-poms or small green balls
- Googly eyes (the bigger, the better)
- Glue
- A few small buckets or bowls
Glue the eyes onto the pom-poms to create your aliens. Scatter them around the room and give each kid a bucket. Set a timer for one minute and watch them scramble to collect as many little guys as possible. The rule? They can only pick up one alien at a time. This prevents the grab-and-shove chaos that usually ends with someone crying. I learned that the hard way. :/
3. Pizza Planet Restaurant Night
Turn your kitchen into Pizza Planet for the evening. This one takes a little prep, but the payoff is huge—especially if you have a picky eater who suddenly finds food more interesting when it’s themed.
Set the scene:
- Hang string lights or Christmas lights if you’ve still got them up
- Print a simple Pizza Planet sign for the door
- Use red-checkered tablecloths or placemats if you have them
For the food, make personal pizzas the kids can top themselves. Cut them into triangles, obviously. Serve with space-themed juice boxes or “Buzz Lightyear Blast” punch. The key here is commitment. Play the Pizza Planet song from the first movie on loop and greet everyone at the door. I may or may not have worn an apron and pretended to be the alien chef. No regrets.
4. To Infinity and Beyond Obstacle Course
Kids have endless energy. Harness it with a Toy Story obstacle course that challenges them to “fly” like Buzz and “lasso” like Woody.
Course ideas:
- Buzz’s Flight Path: Run from one side of the yard to the other with arms outstretched
- Woody’s Lasso: Toss a hula hoop over a cone (or a willing sibling)
- The Claw: Have kids grab a stuffed toy using a set of kitchen tongs
- RC Car Dash: Push a toy car across the finish line using only a stick
Time each kid and let them try to beat their personal best. Or if you’re feeling brave, let them compete against each other. The trash talk between my five-year-old and seven-year-old is honestly next-level.
5. Recycled Toy Craft
One of the core messages of Toy Story is that toys are meant to be loved and played with—but let’s be real, sometimes they break. Instead of tossing that sad, limbless Woody in the trash, turn him into something new.
Craft ideas:
- Glue broken toy parts onto a canvas to create “abstract art”
- Make magnets by gluing small magnets to the backs of figurines
- Create jewelry using tiny pieces (think Jessie’s hat on a necklace chain)
It’s a great way to teach kids about upcycling while keeping the Toy Story spirit alive. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to give new life to the toys that have seen better days.
6. Nightlight Shadow Puppets
Buzz’s glow-in-the-dark features are iconic. Recreate that magic with a simple flashlight and some shadow puppets.
Wait until dark, turn off the lights, and use a flashlight to cast shadows on the wall. Show the kids how to make simple shapes—a cowboy hat for Woody, claws for the aliens, wings for Buzz. Challenge them to act out a scene from the movie using only shadows.
The best part? It requires zero prep and keeps them entertained until bedtime. Or at least until someone argues about who gets to hold the flashlight.
7. Woody’s Roundup Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are my secret weapon for quiet time. This one’s especially great for toddlers who still put everything in their mouths—just supervise closely and choose age-appropriate items.
Fill your bin with:
- Dried beans or rice as the base (desert sand vibes)
- Small Toy Story figurines (the cheap ones from party favor bags work perfectly)
- Mini cowboy hats from a craft store
- Small rocks or sticks from outside
- A tiny mirror for a “pond”
Let the kids dig, sort, and create their own Roundup adventures. FYI, you will find beans in strange places for weeks. It’s the price we pay.
8. Write a Letter to a Toy
This activity tugs at the heartstrings a little. Ask your child to pick one of their toys and write a letter from that toy’s perspective. What does the toy think about during the day? What adventures does it want to have?
For younger kids, you can write down what they dictate. My daughter once wrote a letter from her Jessie doll complaining that the dog kept trying to eat her. 😂 It was both hilarious and slightly concerning.
It encourages creativity and empathy—and gives you a keepsake you’ll treasure forever.
9. Alien Escape Balloon Game
This one’s pure chaos in the best way. Blow up several green balloons and draw alien faces on them with a sharpie. Toss them all into a room and tell the kids they have to keep the aliens from touching the floor.
Rules:
- No holding the balloons—they must be kept in the air
- If an alien touches the ground, it’s “captured” and removed
- See how long they can keep the rest afloat
It’s basically hot potato meets volleyball, and it will wear them out fast. Mission accomplished.
10. Toy Story Movie Night Marathon
Okay, this one feels obvious, but hear me out. A movie marathon done right takes a little planning. Don’t just plop them in front of the TV—make it an event.
Movie night checklist:
- Pajamas required (bonus points for character-themed ones)
- Blanket forts built in the living room
- Snacks in themed bowls (aliens for the green alien popcorn, get it?)
- All four movies queued up and ready to go
Will you make it through all four in one night? Probably not unless your kids are older. But you can spread it across a weekend. The key is making it feel special. Dim the lights, pop the popcorn, and actually watch with them instead of scrolling your phone. I’m guilty of this, so I’m really preaching to myself here.
11. Potato Head Decorating Contest
Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are the ultimate customizable toys. For this activity, you don’t even need the real thing—just grab some real potatoes and a bunch of craft supplies.
Set out:
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners (for glasses and mustaches)
- Small buttons
- Felt scraps
- Glue (tacky glue works best)
Give each kid a potato and let them go wild. Set a timer for 15 minutes and see who creates the most original character. We had entries ranging from “Potato Head Superstar” (covered in glitter) to “Angry Potato” (just a frowny face drawn in sharpie). Creativity knows no bounds.
12. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” Craft
End your Toy Story festivities with a craft that celebrates friendship. This one’s simple and sweet.
Materials:
- Wooden clothespins
- Paint and markers
- Small scraps of fabric
- Yarn for hair
Help the kids create little clothespin dolls representing themselves and their best friend. They can paint faces, add yarn hair, and glue on fabric clothes. Once the dolls are dry, clip them together on a string to make a friendship garland.
Hang it in their room as a reminder that they’ve always got a friend—whether that friend lives next door or is a squeaky green alien from a claw machine.
Wrapping This Up (To Infinity and Beyond)
Look, I’m not saying these activities will make you the “Fun Parent of the Year.” But they might buy you a few hours of peace while your kids are happily occupied. And who knows? You might actually have fun too.
The best part about Toy Story is that it’s genuinely timeless. These movies mean as much to us as they do to our kids. So when you’re building that obstacle course or eating Pizza Planet pizza off a paper plate, you’re not just entertaining them—you’re sharing a piece of your own childhood.
Now go rescue some aliens and try not to step on any Lego Woody dolls on your way to the kitchen. I believe in you. 🚀
