Summer is here and it’s going to be a fun one. You and your toddler will have so much time to play this summer! But what are you going to do with them?

As a parent, it can be hard to come up with constant new and interesting toddler activities. We’re here to help. Read on to learn about our favorite summer activities for toddlers that you can enjoy together.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Outdoor scavenger hunts are fantastic activities for toddlers, and you can do them anywhere! You can create a new scavenger hunt every time you go somewhere new with your toddler.

Scavenger hunts aren’t just fun. They can also be educational. They provide a great opportunity to teach your toddler new words, about new animals, and more, all while you and your child get active. 

Before your next walk with your toddler, make a list of things that you know you’ll be able to see together. On a nature walk, this might include common animals or plants in your local area. If you’re just on a walk through the neighborhood, you might want to include things like house colors, lawn ornaments, and shop signs.

As you walk around, encourage your child to look for each item on the list. Make sure that you have a reward for them at home! We love the idea of using healthy popsicles as scavenger hunt rewards. 

Fun Obstacle Course

If you want your child to stay active at home, why not set up an obstacle course for them? Again, this is something that you can change up week-to-week. Putting the obstacle course together is a lot of fun and your child will love it. 

You can set up an obstacle course with almost anything that you have around the house. You can make a sensory path or hopscotch path with chalk, have your child jump over pool noodles, and have them jump into hula hoops. 

This is one of our favorite outdoor toddler activities for teaching gross motor skills. 

Big Painting

Toddlers love to express their creativity, but parents don’t always love cleaning up that “expression” when it’s all over the walls. Luckily, it’s warm enough during the summer to take the art projects outside. Try “Big Painting”.

Set up a large piece of paper on a flat surface. If you have a fence that you can hang the paper on, that’s ideal. If not, a wall or clear driveway will work fine. 

Get some washable paint, plenty of brushes and sponges, and maybe some fun paint stamp tools. Set out a bucket of water to keep things clean and then let your toddler have a blast. They’ll have fun and you’ll get to keep their artwork.

Learn more about “big painting” here.

DIY Splash Pad

On a hot summer day, nothing is better than playing in the water. If you don’t have a pool, don’t worry. A DIY splash pad is a great way to cool off safely. 

Get a large tarp and set it in the yard (preferably on grass). On top of the tarp, set up a sprinkler. You can even put a smaller water pad, like a Slip n’ Slide, on top of the tarp.

As the water comes out of the sprinkler or water toy, the tarp will turn into a splash pad. Provide plenty of fun water toys and watch your toddler have fun.

We Love These Summer Activities for Toddlers

These summer activities for toddlers will keep your child entertained and active all summer long. Help them develop their creativity and motor skills while they have fun! 

At Grow With Us Learning Academy, we love helping toddlers and young children thrive in a safe and supportive environment. For more information about our programs or to be put on our waiting list, contact us today.