Children love to play outdoors. And when toddlers are on the move, they’re learning, too.
Encourage your child to discover and explore the outside world with these fun and simple summertime activities.
1. Nature is All Around Us
Take a nature walk and find ways for your child to explore using their senses.
- Sight: Talk about all the sights around you as you walk. Talk about the color of the sky, the grass, the dirt, etc.
- Sound: Listen for things such as birds chirping. Mimic the sounds and have your child try to make the sounds too. Add some fun to your walk and make up songs about items you see on your walk using basic nursery rhyme melodies.
- Touch: Nature is full of fun things to touch and explore such as tree bark, grass, and rocks.
- Smell: Enjoy the sweet smell of nature. Various flowers have different scents.
2. Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles
Have fun with bubbles! Blow bubbles and have your child chase them, touch them, and pop them. Purchase a bubble kit with various plastic wands or make your own. You can make your own bubble solution with dish detergent and water. Make shapes out of colored pipe cleaners for your wands. Add a little more learning to the fun and count the bubbles as your child pops them.
3. Sink or Float
Using a play pool or little tub of water and a variety of objects – toy animals, cars, tub toys – let your child see if the items sink or float. Have measuring cups and bowls available too. Your toddler will enjoy just pouring water from one container to another. You don’t need very much water for this activity. Remember – never leave a child unattended around water.
4. Bunches of Blossoms
Young children love to help you. Have your child help water flowers. Encourage your child to smell and touch the flowers. Support your child’s excitement and curiosity. Let your child create their own flower using finger-paint and paper. Show your child you are proud of their work and display your child’s picture on the refrigerator for them to easily see.
5. Bats and Balls
Have a few playground balls of different sizes available and encourage your child to roll the balls back and forth to you. Rolling, throwing and trying to kick balls can keep your little one busy while also developing eye and muscle coordination. Using a small plastic bat, help your child learn how to hold the bat and hit a ball with it.
Keep safety in mind
- Close supervision is a must with this age. These active explorers are too young to understand what is unsafe.
- Remember sun safety tips. Use broad spectrum sunscreen for you and your child and re-apply after two hours or after being in water. Hats, sunglasses, cool and comfortable clothing are also recommended.
Learn more
- Road trip tips for parents of toddlers
- Water safety tips keep kids water smart
- Nurture your child’s natural curiosity
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
