9 Summer Activities for Toddlers
The toddler years are full of energy and curiosity, and summer is the perfect time to channel both into simple, joyful activities. Whether you're looking for summer activities for a 1-year-old or 2-year-old or planning fun for 3-year-olds, this guide includes screen-free ideas to keep them entertained all season long.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Toddlers
When creating your summer checklist of toddler activities, start with outside fun so you can both make the most of the season.
Go On a Nature Treasure Hunt
A nature treasure hunt is one of the easiest free summer activities for toddlers. It can be done at a park or in your own backyard. Simply make a list of a few items for them to find outside, such as rocks, flowers, and leaves. Then cross them off the list as they find each one.
Of course, you’ll need a prize for completing the treasure hunt as well! A popsicle or their favorite fruit will do the trick.
Grow a Little Garden
Gardening has many benefits to your child’s development, and it doesn’t have to be done on a grand scale. If you happen to have the space, you can give your toddler a section of your yard to grow in. However, toddlers will be equally fascinated by watching things grow in a patio planter or even a plastic cup!
To make planting easy for your toddler, choose larger seeds such as peas, beans, sunflowers, cucumbers, and pumpkins. These plants are also fast-growing, so they’ll get to see the sprouts soon after planting.
Camp in Your Backyard
When we think of camping as adults, driving to some far-off destination is often part of it. But toddlers will have just as much fun playing in a tent in the yard.
If you aren’t comfortable letting your littles sleep outside (or if you’re not comfortable sleeping on the ground with them — and we don’t blame you), a daytime nap or play session in a tent can be just as fun. Don’t forget to pack some fun camping snacks like trail mix and s’mores fixings.
Draw With Sidewalk Chalk
If you want a sure way to occupy your toddler for an hour, set them on the patio or sidewalk with a bucket of chalk. Drawing is a great way for toddlers to practice motor skills, so its as good for their development as it is fun. Older children can use the chalk to play hopscotch and tic-tac-toe.
Feed Ducks at Local Parks
Heading out to your local park is usually a surefire win, and you can make it even more fun by finding one with ducks to feed. Bring along a bag of frozen peas, chopped lettuce, or sliced grapes and show your little one how to feed their new feathered friends.
Indoor Summer Activities for Toddlers
Here are some simple ways to keep your toddlers occupied during rainy days and heat waves.
Library Storytime
Most libraries offer free storytime for children, and some have special storytimes for babies and toddlers. Bonus: You can connect with other parents while your child is engaged in the plot!
While you’re there, why not check out a few books for storytime back at home?
Bake (or No-Bake) Cookies
Some of the sweetest childhood memories happen in the kitchen. Baking also offers practice for measuring, counting, and motor skills.
If your favorite cookie recipe is off the menu because who wants to turn on an oven in this heat? — don’t worry! You can still whip up something delicious, like one of these 17 no-bake cookie recipes.
Color a Work of Art
No list of summer activities for toddlers at home would be complete without coloring! If your toddler is tired of their coloring books, find a free coloring page printout, or check with your local library for printouts.
Remember, coloring doesn’t always have to be in the lines — posterboard and paper rolls can be laid out on the floor or kitchen tables.
Day at the Museum
Science museums offer a world of learning opportunities for children of all ages. Many also offer free or low-cost family days and discounted rates for children.
A day at the museum will help fill your kids’ summer schedule while providing enrichment they can’t get anywhere else.