Potty training can feel like a rollercoaster—one moment your toddler is sitting on the potty clapping for themselves, and the next they’re hiding behind the couch with a suspicious smell in the air. But here’s the good news: with the right tools and a playful mindset, this journey doesn’t have to be a struggle. From potty training games to themed activities, potty training can be a lot more fun than you think.

We’ve rounded up the best potty training games, apps, and EYFS-aligned activities to help make your child’s transition out of diapers smooth, silly, and successful.

A Personal Potty Story: “From Chaos to Champion”

“I still remember the moment I realized I was losing the potty training war. My daughter, Lily, would proudly announce ‘I’m not going!’ and sprint behind the sofa. I tried bribes, songs, even reading books on the potty—nothing worked. Then I found a printable game board online where she could earn princess stickers for each potty attempt. Suddenly, things changed. It wasn’t about control anymore—it was a game, and she was winning.” — Maya T., mom of a very strong-willed 2.5-year-old

That’s the magic of potty training games—they reframe what can feel like pressure into playful progress.

Let Us Take a Look at Some of the Potty Training Games

1. Potty Sticker Chart Challenge

Purpose:

Encourage consistency, celebrate small wins, and visually track progress.

What You Need:

• Printable or hand-drawn potty chart (grid format)
• Fun stickers (stars, animals, characters)
• Markers or crayons (optional)

How to Play:

1. Print or create a chart with boxes labeled “Sat on the potty,” “Tried to pee,” “Pee success,” “Poop success,” and “Washed hands.”
2. Place it somewhere visible near the potty.
3. Each time your child completes a task, let them choose a sticker and place it on the chart.
4. Once they fill a row or reach 5-10 stickers, reward them with a small prize or special treat like a trip to the park.

Why It Works:

Children feel proud of their accomplishments and are more likely to continue the behavior. It builds a sense of responsibility and routine.

2. Potty Time with Teddy (Role-Playing Game)

Purpose:

Reduce potty anxiety by making it fun and relatable through pretend play.

What You Need:

• A teddy bear or doll
• A toy potty or child’s real potty
• Optional: baby wipes, small towel, pretend soap

How to Play:

1. Tell your child their teddy needs to learn how to use the potty.
2. Walk Teddy through each step: pulling down pants, sitting on the potty, going potty, wiping, flushing, washing hands.
3. Have your child demonstrate what Teddy should do.
4. Applaud and celebrate Teddy’s success with a high five or song.

Why It Works:

Role-playing removes pressure and builds familiarity. Children are more open to mimicking what they’ve “taught” their toy.

3. Potty Prize Hunt

Purpose:

Motivate potty attempts by building excitement around discovery and reward.

What You Need:

• Small prizes: mini stickers, bath toys, bracelets, healthy snacks
• A decorated prize box or “Potty Treasure Chest”
• Notes or cards with encouraging words (“You’re doing great!” or “Nice try!”)

How to Play:

1. Let your child know that after every successful potty attempt, they get to choose a surprise.
2. Keep the “treasure” hidden in a small box or a drawer.
3. After each success (even a try!), let them reach in and pull out a prize or card.

Why It Works:

Reward-based motivation is highly effective for toddlers and helps turn potty time into something they look forward to.

4. Potty Detective Adventure

Purpose:

Make potty time playful and curious to reduce reluctance.

What You Need:

• Paper arrows or footprints (cut out of construction paper)
• Simple clues or character cutouts (e.g., “Look! Elmo says this way!”)
• A potty chair as the final destination

How to Play:

1. Set up a trail of arrows or footprints from your child’s bedroom or play area to the bathroom.
2. Place clues along the way to build anticipation (e.g., “You’re getting warmer!”).
3. At the end of the trail, have a fun surprise waiting (like a plush toy on the potty or a special sticker).

Why It Works:

This game adds a sense of adventure and imagination to the potty routine—perfect for curious toddlers.

5. Potty Dance Party

Purpose:

Celebrate success in a big, joyful way—making potty training memorable and exciting.

What You Need:

• Your phone or speaker
• A short “Potty Song” (you can create one or use a YouTube potty training song)
• Space to dance around

How to Play:

1. Every time your child uses the potty, sing a designated potty song.
2. Dance together around the bathroom or living room—clapping, jumping, and twirling.
3. Make up silly lyrics like:
   “Pee-pee in the potty, oh yeah!
   Big kid dance, let’s cheer and clap!”
4. You can even make a special “Potty Star Dance” for extra big milestones (like poop in the potty!).

Why It Works:

Positive reinforcement through music and movement helps reinforce the behavior and makes it fun—not stressful.

Game Plan for Potty Time Success (All Potty training games In One Handy Table!)

Game Name	Purpose	Fun Element	Tools Needed
Potty Sticker Chart	Track progress, build routine	Stickers + visual rewards	Chart, stickers, markers
Potty Time with Teddy	Reduce anxiety through role-play	Teaching a toy how to potty	Stuffed toy, toy potty
Potty Prize Hunt	Motivate attempts with surprises	Treasure box with small prizes	Prizes, decorated box
Potty Detective Adventure	Make potty training feel like a game	Clues, footprints, discovery trail	Paper arrows, clues, potty chair
Potty Dance Party	Celebrate success with music & movement	Custom song + dancing	Music, space to dance

Ready to Sing and Potty Dance?
Make potty training extra fun with our favorite potty time song! Kids love singing along and celebrating their successes with a happy dance.

👉 Watch the Potty Training Song on YouTube!

Free Online Potty Training Games

Pull-Ups Potty Training Games – These web-based games offer fun ways to teach toddlers about potty steps. Games like “Potty Seek & Find” and printable sticker charts turn potty training into a reward-based adventure.

Potty Time with Elmo – A fan favorite for little ones, this app features Elmo guiding your child through potty routines with songs, animations, and gentle encouragement. Ideal for toddlers who need a familiar face.

Daniel Tiger’s Stop & Go Potty – Available on mobile devices, this interactive story teaches children about listening to their bodies, stopping play to use the bathroom, and hygiene. Daniel’s catchy tune—“If you have to go potty, stop and go right away”—actually sticks with them.

Potty Training Games for Girls

Princess Potty Adventure – This mobile game features princess-themed potty adventures where young girls can guide royal characters through successful toilet use, handwashing, and even wardrobe changes. The sparkle factor is high—and it works.

Barbie Potty Party (Printable Game) – With a printable board and sticker set, kids help Barbie through daily potty steps. Each success moves her closer to a party. Bonus: it teaches the sequence of actions in a visual way.

Doll Role-Play – One underrated method? Letting your child train their doll first. “Look! Dolly’s sitting on the potty!” This helps your child model behaviors without pressure and feel in control of the situation.

Potty Training Activities (EYFS-Aligned)

Sensory Play: Wet vs. Dry – Use water play activities with sponges, water beads, or towels to help toddlers understand the difference between being wet and dry. This helps build body awareness, especially for kids just learning to recognize signals.

Potty-Time Role Play – Set up a dramatic play area with a toy potty, toilet paper, and mini sink. Let children act out bathroom scenarios with puppets or dolls, reinforcing steps like flushing and handwashing.

Visual Routine Charts – These help toddlers anticipate what comes next: sit on the potty, wipe, flush, wash hands. Use pictures or let kids color them in to stay involved. It encourages sequencing, independence, and responsibility.

Potty tarining games (Apps) That Actually Help

Potty Whiz – Tracks potty time, successes, and accidents. Sends reminders to the parent and offers fun motivational rewards to the child.

Potty Time with Rachel Coleman (Signing Time) – Great for toddlers with speech delays or neurodivergent needs. Combines potty training steps with music and sign language. You can even schedule motivational FaceTime-style calls from Rachel to cheer your child on.

Perfect Potty – A tracking app that’s simple for parents to use and fun for toddlers to see their progress. Ideal for busy families who want to stay consistent.

Real Parent Thought: “The App Saved My Sanity”

“I downloaded the Daniel Tiger potty app out of desperation—and honestly, it saved my mornings. My son would listen to Daniel more than me, and I wasn’t arguing anymore. Now he sings, ‘If you have to go potty, stop and go right away’—and actually does it.” — Alex D., dad of 3-year-old twins

Sometimes, having a trusted character model behavior makes all the difference.

DIY Potty Training Games-Board Ideas

Potty Bingo – Create a bingo card with potty-related actions like “sat on potty,” “flushed,” “dry pants all day.” Your child gets to cover a square for each success. Five in a row = reward!

The Potty Path – Design a Candyland-style path with each square representing a potty task or goal. Move forward with each success until reaching a reward like a toy or special activity.

Sticker Race – Set up a racetrack poster where your child’s favorite character or animal moves forward every time they successfully use the potty. It builds excitement and momentum.

Why Potty Games Work

Potty training games succeed where logic fails because they give kids visual progress (charts, stickers), offer instant rewards, and reduce anxiety by shifting focus from pressure to play. They’re especially effective for toddlers who struggle with attention, transitions, or resistance to direct instruction. Bonus: they encourage independence and boost your child’s confidence.

Final Words of Encouragement

There’s no “perfect” way to potty train—but if you add a little fun, patience, and a whole lot of praise, your toddler will get there. Whether it’s through Elmo, a sparkly princess chart, or Daniel Tiger’s songs, remember that this is a learning process—for both of you.

On tough days, take a breath, grab an extra outfit, and trust the journey. One day soon, you’ll look back and laugh. (Just maybe not during cleanup.)

Check out our video for potty training tips and practical advice—watch it here!

Questions Parents Ask (And Need Answered!)

1. What age should I start potty training?
Most children show readiness between 18 to 36 months, but the key is looking for signs of readiness rather than focusing solely on age.

2. How do I know my child is ready to start potty training?
Look for signs like staying dry for 2+ hours, showing interest in the bathroom, hiding to poop, or telling you when they’re wet or dirty.

3. What’s the best way to start potty training?
Start with routine potty times, use a child-sized potty or seat adapter, and introduce the idea through books, videos, or games.

4. What activities can I do while potty training?
Try potty-friendly activities that encourage patience and calm:

• Reading potty books
• Singing potty songs
• Using a sticker chart
• Coloring or drawing on the potty
• Water play to understand wet vs. dry
• Pretend play with dolls or stuffed animals going potty

5. How can I make potty training into a game?
Turn the process into a game by:

• Using a potty bingo or reward chart
• Creating a “potty path” board game
• Letting your child earn stickers or stars
• Racing to the potty before a timer goes off
• Playing “Potty Says” (like Simon Says with potty steps)

6. What is the 3-day potty training rule?
This method involves ditching diapers for 3 full days (usually at home) and offering frequent potty breaks. Parents watch for signals, respond quickly, and celebrate every success. It requires full commitment but can work for children who are physically and emotionally ready.

7. Should I use a potty chair or a toilet seat adapter?
Choose whichever makes your child feel more comfortable. Potty chairs are more accessible; toilet adapters are convenient if your child is okay with height and noise.

8. How long does potty training usually take?
On average, it takes 3 to 6 months, but some children may take less time, while others might need a year for full independence—especially at night.

9. What if my child refuses to sit on the potty?
Avoid pressure. Use positive reinforcement, fun games, or even potty training apps to reframe the experience. Never force them.

10. Are potty training games effective?
Yes! Games add fun, structure, and reward to the process, which increases motivation and reduces resistance.

11. Can I potty train a child who goes to daycare?
Absolutely. Communicate with your daycare provider to stay consistent with your approach and schedule.

12. Should boys and girls be potty trained differently?
The basic method is the same, but boys may start training sitting down and transition to standing later. Gender-specific games or characters can help engage them.

13. How do I handle potty training regression?
Stay calm. Regressions are normal, especially during big life changes (like moving or a new sibling). Go back to basics with encouragement and patience.

14. What if my child is scared of flushing or the toilet?
Normalize the process. Let them flush with you, use storybooks or videos, and don’t rush it. Some toddlers need gradual exposure to get comfortable.

15. How often should I take my child to the potty?
Try every 2–3 hours, and always before naps, bedtime, or outings. Use a potty timer app or simple reminders.

16. What should I do when my child has an accident?
Stay calm, clean up together, and say, “Next time, let’s try to get to the potty.” Avoid shame or punishment—it can create fear or resistance.

17. Are rewards necessary for potty training?
They’re helpful! Stickers, praise, songs, or small treats can motivate toddlers and reinforce good habits.

18. Is nighttime potty training different from daytime?
Yes. Night training usually comes later. Wait until your child wakes up dry several mornings in a row before switching to training pants at night.

19. Should I use pull-ups during potty training?
They can be useful during outings or naps but may slow progress if used all the time. Switch to underwear as soon as possible for full training.

20. My child only poops in their diaper. What should I do?
This is common. Try letting them poop in a diaper in the bathroom first, then gradually encourage trying it on the potty. Never shame or rush this process.

21. Is there such a thing as potty training too early?
Yes. Starting before your child is developmentally ready may cause frustration and resistance. Wait for clear signs of readiness.

22. What if potty training just isn’t working?
Take a break. A pause of a few weeks can reduce stress and give your child a fresh start. Consult a pediatrician if you’re concerned about medical issues or delays.

23. How do I potty train during travel or vacation?
Keep things simple: pack a travel potty, stay on a familiar schedule, bring extra clothes, and celebrate small wins. Avoid starting training right before a big trip.

24.Do potty training games really help toddlers learn faster?

Yes! Potty training games are a powerful tool to make the process more enjoyable and less stressful for toddlers. By turning routine steps into playful activities, kids are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and relaxed. Games like sticker charts, pretend play with toys, and potty dance parties help reinforce positive behavior and build consistent habits—all while having fun!

Conclusion: Making Potty Training a Positive Milestone

Potty training doesn’t have to be a stressful struggle—it can be a fun and empowering journey for both you and your toddler. With the help of engaging potty training games, creative activities, and the right tools, you can turn everyday challenges into playful progress. Whether you’re using free online games, themed charts, mobile apps, or simple reward systems, the key is patience, consistency, and a little bit of humor.

Every child learns at their own pace, so celebrate the small wins, laugh through the setbacks, and trust that your little one will get there. And remember—you’re not alone. Parents everywhere are on the same rollercoaster, cheering each other on (and doing a lot of laundry).

Potty Training Tracker

Introduction

Potty training is an exciting journey for both parents and toddlers. Tracking progress helps you stay organized, celebrate successes, and identify areas needing extra attention. Use this tracker daily to note your child’s potty habits, moods, and any challenges.

Child’s Name: ____________________

Week of: ________________________

Day	Morning (Pee/Poop)	Afternoon (Pee/Poop)	Evening (Pee/Poop)	Accidents	Mood (Happy/Frustrated)	Notes/Comments
Monday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop
Tuesday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop
Wednesday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop
Thursday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop
Friday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop
Saturday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop
Sunday	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop	☐ Pee ☐ Poop

Weekly Summary

• Total Successful Potty Visits: ____________
• Total Accidents: ____________
• Favorite Reward: __________________________
• Notes or Observations:

👉 For even more detailed guidelines and tips—visit The Ultimate Guide to Potty Training: Tips, Tools, and Timelines

Note: The information provided in this blog is based on general knowledge and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for concerns regarding your child’s health and development.