One of the best things I get to do as a dad is watch my toddler explore the great outdoors. I remember the first time I took him to the park, wondering if he’d enjoy it. To my surprise, his face lit up with joy as he ran across the lawn, his little legs pumping with excitement. Later on, outdoor play formed part of our everyday life. Outdoor play provides not only physical exercise, but also helps develop basic skills such as coordination, balance, and socialization.
Being a parenting coach, soon enough I came to realize how essential such time is not only for enjoyment, but also for his growth. If you’re looking for ways to keep your toddler entertained outside, here are 20 outdoor toddler activities they will absolutely love!
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Sandbox Play
A sandbox is a classic toddler outdoor activity. They can scoop, pour, and dig sand, teaching them fine motor skills and creativity. You can also add toys like shovels, trucks, and molds to make it even more fun. And, it’s a great way to let them get a bit dirty!
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Bubble Popping Fun
Who does not love bubbles? Blow bubbles and let your toddler follow them down and pop them. This is an extremely simple activity which can assist in hand-eye coordination as well as gross motor development. You could even play a game and observe how many bubbles consecutively they can pop.
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Nature Walks
Take your toddler on a nature walk in a near-by park, forest, or even around the neighborhood. Mark out prominent trees, flowers, and animals. Nature walks encourage toddlers to care about nature, develop observational techniques, and fitness.
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Tossing a Ball
You can toss the ball back and forth with your toddler as a perfect way of developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Play catch, kick the ball, or simply roll the ball on the floor. Soft, light balls are ideal for this age.
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Chalk Art
Let your child get creative with sidewalk chalk. Mark shapes, animals, or simple designs on the driveway or sidewalk. Toddlers can create, while also building fine motor skills. And, it’s mess-free outdoor fun!
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Obstacle Course
Create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course with common household items such as cones, chairs, and cushions. Invite your toddler to crawl under a table, jump over small objects, or walk along a balance beam that can be created using a piece of wood. This activity promotes balance, coordination, and strength.
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Swinging at the Playground
Swings are a hit with most toddlers. Gently push them on the swing at a park, or if they’re able, let them swing independently. Swinging helps toddlers with balance and spatial awareness, and they’ll love the excitement of being lifted high up in the air!
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Water Play
On warm summer days, water play is a great way of keeping your toddler busy. You can fill a small pool or even set up a sprinkler. Toddlers love splashing, and water play is a good sensory activity that stimulates motor development and keeps them cool on warm summer days.
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Treasure Hunt
Conceal small items in your backyard or a park and create a simple map for your toddler to follow. Have a treasure hunt with your toddler that will test your toddler to examine their surroundings and think. You can add a twist by concealing items like leaves during autumn or Easter eggs.
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Running Races
Make your toddler participate in a race. Create a finish line and race him or her as well to create their stamina and coordination. Toddlers like racing and will appreciate the good-natured competition. You can make it more challenging by instructing them to race in different ways—like hopping or skipping.
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Gardening Together
Show your toddler the pleasures of gardening by planting flowers or vegetables with them. They’ll enjoy getting their hands dirty and discovering how plants grow. Gardening promotes responsibility, motor skills, and patience, and it’s a serene outdoor activity for both of you.
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Flying a Kite
On a windy day, kite-flying can be magic for toddlers. Hold the kite and watch it soar in the air. This aids in hand-eye coordination and provides your toddler with a sense of pride when they see their kite high in the air.
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Tricycle Riding
Once your child is ready, introduce them to a tricycle or a balance bike. Balance and coordination improve through riding and provide your child with a sense of independence. Make it an ongoing activity by taking rides in the park or around the block.
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Picnics in the Park
Take your toddler to a local park for a picnic. Pack their favorite snacks and dine al fresco together. A picnic is a fun, simple activity to get your toddler used to going out into nature and interacting at meal times.
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Playing Hide and Seek
This classic is perfect for toddlers. Take cover in the garden or yard and call out your toddler’s name, or vice versa. Not only will they enjoy the thrill of seeing you, but it’s a good exercise in building listening skills, attention span, and physical activity.
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Hula Hoop Play
If your toddler is ready to practice something that’s a little bit harder, show them how to hula hoop. It’s an easy activity to develop balance and coordination. You can even participate with them and hold a hula hoop competition to do the longest-hooping spin-off!
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Animal Tracks
Go on a “track” adventure and search for animal tracks or any sign of wildlife in the neighborhood around your backyard. If you have no animals on your property, make some animal tracks with chalk or stage an animal scavenger hunt. The activity inspires awe while encouraging children to explore.
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Jumping in Puddles
Following a rainstorm, get your toddler dressed in their rain boots and head outside to jump in puddles! This simple, fun task develops leg strength and coordination while giving your toddler access to their sense of adventure. Be sure to let them splash to their hearts’ content!
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Leaf Collecting
During the fall season, go outside with your toddler and collect different types of leaves. You can turn this into a learning experience by pointing out different colors, shapes, and sizes of leaves. Once you have collected some, you can add them to a craft activity or leaf scrapbook.
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Stargazing
As your child grows up, you can introduce them to the magic of night skies. Stretch out on a blanket and view the stars together. It is a quiet, lovely experience which inspires curiosity and bonding. Study constellations, and in case there’s a clear evening, stare at the moon and stars.
Play outside is not just about keeping your toddler busy; it’s about helping them grow physically, mentally, and socially. The activities mentioned here are simple yet powerful means of achieving growth while doing quality time with them. From racing, playing at the sand, or seeing a kite soar, outdoor activities are rife with loads of chances for toddlers to learn, explore, and have fun. So next time the sun breaks out, go out, get active, and watch your toddler thrive outdoors!
