Playing outside should be a way of life for all of us, especially our kids. These outdoor activities for toddlers are filled with some wonderful ideas to get your kids (and you) outside and enjoying the fresh air.
In case you haven’t noticed…toddlers have TONS of energy, and keeping them cooped up in the house will cause them stress. They are also more likely to misbehave when they can’t properly burn their energy. So, going outdoors is a great way for them to destress and for you to spend time together.
Take a look at these ideas to help you have a blast!
Fun Outdoor Activities For Toddlers
I know you can always hit up a local park or zoo, but there’s something extra special about activities for toddlers at home. They are comfortable at home, and you can control the situation better. Parks are always fun, but your backyard is an oasis of relaxation, playtime, and making great memories too. This is especially true if you have a beautiful paved patio that is ultra-low maintenance.
Outdoor Activities for Toddlers to Build Fine Motor Skills
Drawing With Chalk
Let your toddler get super creative with chalk. There is no end to the possibilities, and it’s a beautiful way for them to start expressing themselves through art. A fun idea would be to take turns lying on the patio and tracing the outline of your bodies. This is a way to show your child how to practice tracing too. They will LOVE looking at their body shape too.
Practice Pouring Water Into Cups
Water outdoor activities for toddlers will always be a huge hit. Sit out several cups and water. Let them practice pouring the water into the cups. This is a great lesson for them, and they won’t even realize they are learning a valuable skill. Plus, it’s just good old-fashioned fun if you ask me.
Art
There are TONS of ways to work on art with your toddler. Hang an old sheet or use some canvas and fill water guns with food coloring and water. Spray the guns and make beautiful art! Or you can bring other items to paint like ceramics or rocks. Kids love to get their hands a little dirty and paint everything.
Here’s a great post with some ideas!
Other Fun Outdoor Activities for Toddlers
Bicycling
Learning how to ride a bike is a great way to get your child exercising and focusing on several skills. Plus, you will love making the memory of their first time successfully riding a bike. Make sure your child is protected with a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, so when they fall, they are less likely to get injured.
Star & Cloud Gazing
We live in such a fantastic universe. The bewildering sky is full of wonder! It only makes sense to lay out some blankets with your toddler and look up at the sky. Stare at the stars, and maybe you’ll get to see some airplanes or even a meteor. The clouds are always a blast to look at because you will be able to see so many shapes. It gives your toddler a chance to use their imagination a little bit too.
Games
I don’t care how old you are; you’re never too old for yard games! Play hopscotch, tag, or hide and seek are all games that toddlers can play. They will love every second of it and will often squeal with excitement. The options are endless when it comes to outdoor games, so get creative!
Plant Flowers Or A Garden
Kids love to learn about the earth, flowers, and gardens. It’s an exciting concept for toddlers to plant something, and it will grow. They will love playing in the dirt and mud. Plus, they can help water the flowers throughout the season. There is not going to be anyone more excited than your toddler when it’s time to pick the veggies and fruits that you have grown either! They will gladly take a basket and go pick the food with you.
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are great for kids of all ages. You can easily make a hunt yourself and have the kids look for items like rocks, flowers, or even a ladybug. Or you can look online and find tons of free scavenger hunts that are made just for kids. There is no wrong answer here as long as you are all outside enjoying your day and having a great time. The kids will love this idea and spending time with you doing something so fun right in their backyard.
View Your Yard With A Magnifying Glass
It’s incredible how different things look when you see them through a magnifying glass. Your toddler and even older kids will go wild for this idea. All you need is some magnifying glasses, and you can begin looking at everything. Study the leaves, flowers, grass, and bugs. The kids will enjoy this little science experiment and have a blast at the same time.
Messy Outdoor Projects for Toddlers
Melt Crayons
On a hot summer day, it’s warm enough to melt crayons in the sun! Begin by removing all the paper from the crayons. Then take some cookie cutters, a board or plate and cover it will foil and fill the cookie cutters with broken crayons. Let it sit until they melt in the direct sunlight. Once melted, move them to cool place so they will harden. When they become solid again, you can remove the cookie cutter, and you’ll have new crayons for your toddlers to color with…only in fun shapes!
Make Mud Pies
Put some dirt and water in a container and let the kids go to town making mud pies. If you remember making mud pies as a kid, then you’ll understand how much fun it is. It’s something people don’t do as often nowadays because there are so many other things to do, but it’s so worth it. Use small bowls, spoons, old cookie cutters, playdough toys, or anything else they can play with.
Make Some Stepping Stones
Have your kids help you make some stepping stones, and they can be displayed in your garden. The kids will love getting involved with this project and seeing their work. Plus, it’s a great way for you to have a terrific memento of them being so little too.
As you can see, there is no shortage of fun activities you can do with your child in your own backyard! If your backyard is more of a danger zone than a safe space, give us a call a 972-423-9266 to schedule a free consultation.
