Seven outdoor activities for 1-year-olds and up
With their unbridled curiosity and boundless energy, toddlers are always eager to explore the world around them. They thirst for experiences that engage their senses and allow them to discover new things.
As a parent, trying to keep up and think of new activities to inspire your little adventurer can be exhausting. It's easy to fall into the same routine of indoor playtime, but with the weather warming up, it's the perfect time to head outside and enjoy the fresh air with your little one.
If you're feeling stuck and struggling to come up with new ideas to keep your toddler entertained, don't worry. We've got a list of outdoor activities for 1-year-olds and up that will provide hours of fun and learning.
1. Play with a water table
Water tables are the ultimate sensory playground! With the warm sun shining down, a cool breeze in the air, and the sound of water splashing, it's no wonder that toddlers love playing with water tables.
With just a few cups, spoons, or even bath toys, your toddler can scoop, pour, and splash around in the water, providing hours of fun and imaginative play. They can fill and empty containers, practice pouring and measuring, and even experiment with the effects of different objects in the water.
2. Paint the fence
Unleash your little one's creativity with a fun and mess-free painting activity using only a bucket of water and a large paintbrush. Your toddler will have a blast as they dip the brush in the water and create beautiful artwork on any outdoor surface they can find.
From the sidewalk to the fence, the possibilities are endless! They'll love the freedom of creating their masterpiece and equally be fascinated by how it disappears as it dries.
3. Enjoy some sprinkler fun
When it comes to summer fun, sometimes the simplest activities bring the most joy. So introduce your little one to the delight of running through a sprinkler and watch their eyes light up with excitement! Not only is this activity easy on the wallet, but it's also a breeze to set up.
You can create hours of outdoor entertainment for your toddler with just a water hose and a sprinkler. And if you don't already have a sprinkler system installed in your yard, no problem! There is an excellent range of fun kid-friendly sprinklers available that your little one will surely love.
4. Dig for treasure
Digging for treasure is a classic childhood activity that never goes out of style. With just a few simple tools, your little one can become a treasure hunter and go on an exciting adventure right in your own backyard!
Start by providing your child with a shovel, a bucket, and a few other digging tools like a sieve or a magnifying glass. Then, let them loose to explore the soil or your sandbox and unearth hidden treasures like rocks, shells, and even old coins. To make the experience even more exciting, you can create a treasure map or scavenger hunt for your child to follow.
As they dig, they'll develop their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
5. Draw with chalk
Drawing with chalk is a wonderful way to foster your child's creativity and imagination while spending time outdoors. With a box of colorful chalk, your little one can transform your driveway or sidewalk into a vibrant canvas where they can let their artistic talents shine.
Encourage them to draw whatever they like—maybe they'll create a colorful rainbow, an imaginary animal, or a beautiful landscape. You could also challenge your toddler to draw a hopscotch board or use the opportunity to teach them about shapes, colors, and numbers in a fun way.
6. Pull out the bubble wands
There are so many outdoor activities for 1-year-olds to choose from, but it's hard to go past the joy of blowing bubbles.
Bubble wands are a simple but effective way to entertain and engage your toddler in sensory play. Blowing bubbles and watching them float and shimmer in the air is a mesmerizing experience for young children, and it can be a great way to teach them about cause and effect.
All you need are some bubble wands and a bottle of bubble solution, and you're all set! You can make your own solution using dish soap and water or buy a ready-made solution at your local store.
Once your bubbles are ready, show your little one how to dip the wand in the solution and blow gently to create a cascade of bubbles. Then, encourage them to pop the bubbles with their hands or increase the physical activity by blowing them in different directions for your little one to chase.
7. Organize a nature collection adventure
Organizing a nature collection adventure is a great way to foster your toddler's curiosity and help them learn more about the world around them. So take a walk outside, whether in a park or just around your neighborhood, and encourage your little one to look for interesting natural objects like leaves, rocks, and flowers.
You can bring a small bag or bucket to collect their treasures and make it more exciting by giving them a magnifying glass or a list of objects to discover. As you collect items, you can talk to your child about the different shapes, colors, and textures to support their learning. And once you're done collecting, you can create a nature table or a display in your home where your child can showcase their treasures and continue to learn and explore.
The benefits of outdoor play for sleep
Whether it's playing with bubbles or going on a nature scavenger hunt, outdoor activities for 1-year-olds offer endless possibilities for fun and exploration.
But did you know that research shows that outdoor play can also improve the quality of your little one's sleep?
Spending time in the sun helps to regulate your child's circadian rhythm, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night. And the freedom of movement and physical activity your kiddo enjoys when playing outside can also increase sleep duration.
So, take advantage of the warmer weather and get out into nature with your little one.
And if you'd like further information on setting healthy sleep foundations for your kiddo, check out our virtual toddler sleep class. This video-based course will provide you with everything you need to manage the stage of toddlerhood with ease—and with more sleep!
Contact the team at My Sweet Sleeper today to explore how we can help you and your family.
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