Summer activities for toddlers that are sure to delight.
Summer is a magical time for kids, especially for toddlers who are exploring their world and learning new things every day.
As parents, we want to make the most of these precious moments, but it can be tricky to come up with new and exciting activities to keep our little ones entertained.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 surprisingly simple summer activities that are perfect for toddlers.
From DIY sensory play tables to making your own popsicles, these activities are not only affordable and easy to set up, but they also provide opportunities for bonding with your child.
So, let’s dive in and explore the fun-filled world of summer activities for toddlers!
This post is about summer activities for toddlers
10 Surprisingly Simple Summer Activities for Toddlers
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1. DIY Sensory Play Table
Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It helps to build nerve connections in the brain and encourages the development of language and motor skills
www.oac.edu.au
One of the best ways to entertain little ones during the summer is through sensory play. And what better way to do so than with a DIY sensory play table? It’s easier than you might think to set up and provides endless hours of fun for your toddler.
To start, you will need a shallow storage container or plastic table with edges to hold in materials.
Fill it with various materials such as rice, water, kinetic sand and cornmeal for your child to explore and play with. You can also add in toys such as scoops, funnels, and plastic animals to enhance the experience.
Not only is a DIY sensory play table a great way to keep your toddler entertained, but it’s also an opportunity for them to learn and develop fine motor skills and sensory processing. Plus, it’s a perfect activity for those scorching hot days when you want to stay cool indoors.
If you’re short on time you can opt to get a ready made sensory play kit for your child. Some of the bestselling sensory play sets for toddlers on Amazon are:
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer Space
Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid
Kinetic Sand, Sandbox Set Kids Toy
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Another fun activity for toddlers during the summer is a nature scavenger hunt. This is a great way for your child to explore the outdoors and learn about different plants and animals in their environment.
You can make a list of things for your child to find, such as a certain flower, a bird, or a rock. You can also give them binoculars or a magnifying glass to inspect different objects up close.
This activity not only encourages your child to be curious and observant but also provides an opportunity for family bonding.
You can all participate in the scavenger hunt and help your child find the items on the list. This will also help your child develop their communication and teamwork skills.
CHECK OUT: Melissa & Doug Let’s Explore Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Play Set
3. Bubble Art
Bubble art is a fun and simple way to encourage your toddler’s creativity and imagination.
Simply blow bubbles onto a surface, whether it’s paper or pavement, and let your little one pop them to create unique and colorful artwork.
Not only will this activity keep your child entertained, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the beautiful summer weather.
Amp up the bubble fun with an automatic bubble machine, crazy fun bubble guns or this Amazon bestseller: a bubble blower machine that doubles as a lawn mower!
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4. Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
Another great option for outdoor fun is a sidewalk chalk obstacle course. All you need is some sidewalk chalk and a little creativity!
Draw a line for your little one to balance on, a circle for them to jump into, or even a zig-zag pattern for them to weave through.
Hopscotch is another classic chalk game that most of us have played in our own childhoods.
The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way for toddlers to practice their gross motor skills and coordination.
CHECK OUT: Non-toxic Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk
5. Ice Cube Painting
When it comes to finding summer activities for toddlers, creativity is key.
And what better way to spark creativity than with some ice cube painting? This activity is a fun and unique way to let your toddler explore their artistic side while staying cool on hot summer days.
Simply mix non toxic washable paint into ice cube trays and freeze them. Once they’re ready, pop them out and let your child paint on paper or even their own skin.
Not only is it a fun sensory experience, but it also allows for some much-needed relaxation and artistic expression.
6. Picnic in the Park
Speaking of relaxation and enjoying the summer weather, a picnic in the park is a great way to spend an afternoon with your toddler.
Pack a basket with some of their favorite snacks, a blanket to sit on, and maybe even a ball or frisbee to play with.
You can encourage your toddler to take their own little picnic basket along! (my toddler has this picnic basket by leap frog and it’s super cute!)
The park provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure for your little one, whether it’s chasing butterflies or watching the ducks in the pond.
Not only is a picnic in the park a fun activity for toddlers, but it’s also a great way to encourage them to try new foods and practice their social skills.
They can learn to share snacks with you or other children they may meet at the park. Plus, it’s a chance for you to relax and enjoy some fresh air while spending quality time with your little one.
7. Water Play
Another fun activity to keep your toddlers entertained during the summer is water play.
Splashing around in water is something that children love, and it’s a great way to cool down on hot days.
You can opt for an inflatable kiddie pool in your backyard or even set up a mini-version in your living room using a tarp underneath. Fill up the pool with water, add some water toys, and watch as your little ones have endless fun.
Alternatively, you can attach a sprinkler to your garden hose and let your toddler run through the water (or get a splash pad sprinkler like this one )for endless fun.
It’s a simple activity that takes just a few minutes to set up, and it will provide your child with hours of entertainment.
As with all water activities, it’s important to supervise your child to ensure their safety.
CHECK OUT:
Intex Gator Inflatable Play Center
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids and Wading Pool for Learning
3 Rings Kiddie Pool for Toddler
8. Backyard Camping
As the summer night begins to settle in, create a fun and cozy experience for your toddler by setting up a backyard camping adventure.
Gather blankets, pillows, and some flashlights to create a makeshift campsite in your own backyard.
Your toddler will love being outdoors and exploring nature while learning about camping and sleeping under the stars!
CHECK OUT:
Meland Kids Camping Set with Tent 30pcs
9. Gardening
Create a green space in your backyard and introduce your toddler to the joys of gardening during the summer.
Gardening is an excellent way to teach your child about nature and the importance of taking care of the environment.
Your toddler will have a fun time planting seeds or pulling weeds with you, and you both can enjoy watching your garden grow throughout the summer months.
If you don’t have a garden you can always get indoor plants and help your toddler enjoy taking care of them.
CHECK OUT:
10. Make Your Own Popsicles
Another great summer activity to do with your toddler is to make your own popsicles. Not only is this a fun and tasty project, but it also allows you to involve your child in the kitchen and teach them some basic cooking skills.
To start, gather your ingredients – fruit juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, or any other desired flavors.
Have your toddler help you measure out the ingredients and mix them together in a blender or bowl. You can also add some fun elements like colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips to make the popsicles even more exciting.
Once you have your mixture, pour it into popsicle molds (remember to get the silicone popsicle moulds so its easier to take the pops out!)
Freeze them for a few hours, or overnight, and then enjoy a cool and refreshing treat with your little one.
Making your own popsicles is a great way to beat the summer heat and add some sweetness to your day. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with your toddler and teach them some valuable skills in the kitchen.
This post was about summer activities for toddlers
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In conclusion, there are plenty of surprisingly simple summer activities for toddlers that parents can enjoy with their little ones.
From DIY sensory play tables to making your own popsicles, the possibilities are endless.
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and create memorable experiences that you and your child will cherish for years to come.
As the summer season is short, we encourage you to make the most of it by trying out some of these fun activities and spending quality time with your toddler. Remember, the best memories are made with the ones we love.
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