Have a busy toddler? Me too! Playtime is a great way for toddlers to not only burn some energy off, but also to learn and explore their environment. With so many technology & screen time options now a days, I love being creative and spending time outside with my little, inviting her to explore and learn about things around her. Not only can playing outside help eliminate or decrease screen time, it is also a great way to get some outside air and bond with your little! Below I am sharing some outdoor actives that are fun and safe for toddler.
10+ Outdoor activities for toddlers
This post will share some easy outdoor activities with toddlers, including my favorite outdoor activities like going on a nature scavenger hunt, having a backyard picnic and planting a mini garden. Some are easy things you can make and DIY on your on and others listed below have some links for things to purchase to help with outdoor activity fun for young children.
How much time kids need outdoors
While I am no expert by any means, I do believe that is is great to get outside with your little at least a little each day. Outside time doesn’t have to be too complex or fancy- even going for a short 10 minute walk is great for toddlers. When we first started trying to go outside more, we started with little walks a couple times of week. This was easy to start and gradually became a normal part of our day.
How to get kids interested in the outdoors
Make outdoors fun by creating a special family routine when going outside. Something easy to start with is going for family walks and talking about your day or even going on a nature scavenger hunt. Below are some easy tips to make going outdoors fun
Be excited about going outside
Being excited about going outside will encourage your little one to be excited also. Make it an exciting time and be sure to have fun with your little too!
Explain the importance of going outside
Explain how going outside is good for your little and an exciting time for them to explore the world around then!
Go outside consistently
Being consistent is the best way to get your little excited about going outside and something to look forward to. Make it a part of your daily or weekly routine that something that you do as a family activity.
What are the best activities for toddlers
Below are more than 10 easy outdoor activities for toddlers that are easy to put together! Most of these can be done in a backyard or at a park and are minimal to no prep time.
Nature scavenger hunt walks
One of my favorite outdoor activities is to go on a walk. Make a walk even more fun by making it into a nature scavenger hunt! You can do this by giving your little things to “find” on your walk such as a certain colored flower, a fire hydrant, etc. You can make this up as you go, or there is also really cute nature scavenger hunt boards that can be found on amazon & Etsy!
Water sensory table
I am convinced that most kids love water play! A water table is a great outdoor activity and is minimal clean up, since you are already outside. There are so many types of water tables you can by at all different price points and most stores have some that are really interactive.
Sidewalk chalk
Really easy outdoor activities include things like sidewalk chalk and hula hoops! My little loves drawing with sidewalk chalk and we have so much fun drawing shapes, letters and numbers together. You can have your little practice their writing skills by asking them to “write” certain things in a certain color!
Start a mini garden
One of the outdoor activities my mom has done with my little since she was very small was make a mini garden! Lo loves to “check” on all the things that she is growing- small flowers and easy to grow veggies and fruits such as strawberries and peppers. Make sure your little has clothes on that can get messy when they are gardening, as things might get a little messy.
Outdoor Obstacle course
A fun outdoor activity that I have seen but have never tried is to make an outdoor obstacle course! This can be made with so many things and I think would be a great thing to do on the weekends! A great way to run through some energy, you could make one that is fun for the entire family.
Blow bubbles
If you have young children, a fun mess free activity is to blow bubbles. Bubbles are always at the dollar store, making for an expensive activity that allows for hours of fun.
Sand Table
Similar to a water table, a sand table is also a great sensory play activity for little hands. You could make this a scavenger hunt by hiding things in the sand and even make it themed!
Toddler bikes & cars
Little toddler bikes are cars are always so adorable and lots of fun! Just make sure to keep your little safe and not go too fast. We got our little a motorized car when she turned two and it has been a hit ever since!
Have a backyard picnic
I love an outdoor picnic moment! Pack up you and your littles favorite snacks, grab a blanket and head to the backyard for a few hours of fun! I also like to “pack” some of my littles books and a craft like painting or stickers.
Splash pad or kiddie pool
For a fun activity on a hot afternoon, get a splash pad or a kiddie pool. There are so many cute ones that can be found now, with Target having some of my favorite options.
I hope these outdoor activities for toddlers gave you some fun activities to do with your own little ones! Need some more toddler activities? I shared a post about easy toddler travel activities here!
XO,
B
