Outdoor activities for toddlers are one of our favorite ways to enrich a child’s life through play. Simply give them a few ideas utilizing their senses and allow their brain run wild. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities for an 18 MO or a 2+ YO, here are 40+ free activities to explore the outdoors.
There are so many ways to explore the outdoors with toddlers. As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to think of how to incorporate ‘play’ into every day life.
The internet is filled with sensory activities for toddlers to outdoor activities for toddlers, we are inundated with ideas however we often lack action to actually do the activities together. Even more experienced parents may need creative ideas on simple activities the whole family will enjoy.
These outdoor activities for toddlers can be scaled down for a 1 YO or made more ‘difficult’ for a 2 YO, providing different levels of entertainment suitable for a child’s development.
These activities are great for those with a short attention span or those who want to be creative in their outdoor learning activities. Plus, we all reap the benefits of fresh air, no matter the weather.
Many of these provide enrichment through engaging the senses and building sensory development through fine motor skills, gross motor skills, congnitive skills, physical skills and language skills.
These activities develop hand – eye coordination and engage the full body so those little hands and developing minds are put to work. Here is a list of 40+ free outdoor activities for toddlers (1-2 years old)!
Outdoor Animal Exploration
There are so many ways to explore the nature through outdoor play. These fun outdoor activities for toddlers are a great way to incorporate free play and engagement in the natural environment.
We are big fans of finding different animals and insects. We might not always find what we are looking for but we surely enjoy the benefits of spending time outside!
- Worm hunting
- Firstly, this is a perfect outdoor activity for toddlers in the spring. After all the rain showers, get outside and look for worms. Talk about the texture of their body and movement across the pavement.
- Animals finding
- We always go on a ‘bird hunt’ and try to chase birds around from tree to tree. We will track animals by their footprints on the ground. And you can even bring a net along to try and catch the animals.
- Identify animal poop
- Ok- hear me out on this one. We started identifying rabbit poop in our garden and landscaping when my little one was 18 MO. She was helping me plant bulbs in the landscaping when the bag tipped over – right next to rabbit poop. This lead to an engaging conversation about how animals go to the bathroom outside and the importance of not picking up poop! I will never forget ‘Hop – hop poop, bunny’s butt, eww!’ as my daughter put the two together.
- Pretend to be different animals
- While chasing down different animals, we pretend play. We hop like a bunny, slither like a snake or crawl like a bear. We might eat our snack like an animal. Or we work on our listening skills and copy the different sounds each animal might make.
- Often times little ones will learn a sound before a word, especially when it comes to animals. Do not be surprised if your little one begins making animal noises when they see the animal outside or the next time you are reading a picture book.
- While chasing down different animals, we pretend play. We hop like a bunny, slither like a snake or crawl like a bear. We might eat our snack like an animal. Or we work on our listening skills and copy the different sounds each animal might make.
Exploration
- Collect sticks, stones, shells and more.
- We commonly collect sticks to take them back to our campfire. I always say ‘the campfire is hungry, let’s go feed it sticks!’. Plus, it is helpful for everyone when it comes to mowing the lawn and having less sticks no the ground.
- Inspect leaves, trees, grass, and everything else
- Play in the dirt and mud
- Everything washes off, so why not get dirty when it’s socially acceptable!
- Get immersed within the garden and even help with maintenance (pulling weeds)
- My little one loves to bring me flowers from the garden (with her dad’s help to cut them, of course!)
- Fairy gardens are also popular for this type of play
- Discuss the life cycle of plants (seed to vegetation)
- Lastly, carry buckets to and from the garden with materials and vegetation
- It can also be fun to use the wheelbarrow (and get rides back to the house inside it!)
- Watch the clouds
- Stargaze
Waterplay
People naturally calm down when they go outdoors. Toddlers are no exception! Add in water and you will have a ‘cool kid’ at your fingertips.
- “Clean” the toys: Simple grab a bucket of water, or use a water table, to clean toys. Get an old tooth brush and sponge to make this activity fun. Bonus points if you have a toy car to clean the dirt off of!
- We are big fans of this play kitchen sink!
- Run through the sprinklers
- Fill a bucket with different items you can find.
- Put them in water to see what sinks and what floats
- Stir them around to make a fun ‘drink
- Help water flowers– either with a mini watering can or the hose
- Frozen toy rescue: Freeze toys in water. Use little hammers (or water) to melt the ice and free the toys!
Visit local attractions (the free ones!)
By becoming a tourist in your own city and explore different parks, splash pads, lakes and rivers. Use the opportunities to explore different textures, sounds, colors and more.
If people are outside, discuss what they are doing – playing, running, walking, biking, etc. It is a great way to discuss transportation! Act them out if you can.
- Run up and down hills and roll
- Kick a ball at a soccer field
- Run laps around the baseball diamond
- Take lunch to go and have a picnic outside. Bonus points if your little one will take a nap under a tree!
- Read a book in a new location
Art Outdoors
Art and exploration of colors can be a emphasized outdoors. Take materials like paint and water to spruce up your outdoor creativity.
- Draw in the sand
- Paint rocks, leaves and pine cones to stamp them on paper
- Use rocks to make ‘chalk’
- Gather flowers to press between books or to hang upside down to create a bouquet.
- Squish berries and make a ‘pie’ out of different items. Just remember to practice pretend and not to actually eat it!
Aim for 3,000 hours outside
The 3,000 hours outside challenge is a great way to explore the outdoors in all seasons. Where we live, it can be harder to encourage outdoor play in the winter. By bundling up, we enjoy playing outside in all seasons.
- Splash in puddles
- Build a snowman
- Paint the snow with dyed water in spray bottle
- Rake up leaves and jump into the pile
- Discuss different weather – feel the wind, hear the thunder, see the lightning
- Draw with sidewalk chalk
- Blow bubbles
Montessori Based Outdoor Activities
- Firstly, climb a ladder (with supervision of course)
- Go to a local park or splash pad to climb, jump, slide, spin and explore everything in sight. Also great for building social skills.
- Ride the lawn mower (be sure to provide eye and ear protection!)
- Lastly, watch the trash truck and mail man. After helping take out the trash or put mail in the mailbox – watch the employees do their jobs- right from the comfort of your home!
Paid Experiences
In our local area, certain experiences offer discount days or a “pay what you can / donation day” for reduced or free admission. While these opportunities may not be available in every city, consider this as a great way to be a tourist in your own city and explore these fun activities fit for young toddlers, older kids and even little tots. Just be sure if you have a little one who can be held in the baby carrier you bring it for a ‘hands free’ day!
- Zoo (including a petting zoo)
- Botanical gardens
- Animal rescue center / animal shelter
- For older kids, this is a great option for volunteer opportunities!
- Church events
- In the summertime, vacation bible school (VBS) is often offered to members of a church.
- Community events
- In our city there are designated kids nights and activities focused on toddler age children to get involved in areas like our local library or farmer’s market
- Beach or Lake
- Stay for a day in the sun. Do not forget to pack an umbrella for an outdoor nap in the natural environment, along with tummy time for little ones.
- Mom’s groups
- Check out Facebook or other community pages to see activities for the whole family. This is a great way to meet other mom friends, too!
What is your favorite outdoor activity with toddlers? Share in the comments below!
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