18 Funny Things To Do At Home with Toddlers Outside

There’s something magical about toddlers’ summers, the endless energy, the scraped knees, and the way that simple things become big adventures. My husband and I have been looking for new things to do at home to entertain our little ones, moving outside from typical playgrounds and splash pads, hoping to fill our days with something fresh, that sticks in our memories long after the season ends.

Then I see it: other kids, wild and free, creating their own kind of fun. A two-year-old running barefoot through the yard, diaper sagging, giggling as he douses himself with a garden hose. Twins chasing bugs, rolling in the grass, building entire worlds out of sticks and stones. A tiny explorer, hands deep in the sandbox, lips covered in dirt, delighted by the discovery of yet another rock worthy of their collection.

It reminds me that the best adventures aren’t planned. They happen between moments like watching a butterfly land, feeling the cool breeze after a hard run, curling up in a hammock after a day of play.

So we take notes. A sandbox, a water table, a bucket for collecting treasures. Maybe we’ll paint patio tiles with water or chase bubbles across the lawn. We’ll hide tiny toys in the sandpit and turn our backyard into a treasure hunt. On the hottest days, we’ll fill up a kiddie pool, toss in some reusable water balloons, and let chaos ensue.

And when the sun sets, when those tiny bodies finally tire out, we’ll bring the fun with some Montessori activities inside. Maybe some printable worksheets, a stack of books, or a simple game of cards. Because childhood is about the memories that last, not about big goals. Below, I present 18 funny things to do at home with toddlers Outside to captivate your kids’ interest and provide endless fun.

18. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt in your backyard to encourage exploration and observation. Create a list of common outdoor items for your toddler to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or insects.

Tips:

• Use pictures for the scavenger list to aid younger toddlers.
• Encourage your child to describe each found item to enhance language skills.

17. Sensory Water Play

Set up a water play station using a shallow basin filled with water. Provide various tools like cups, spoons, and sponges for pouring and squeezing activities.

Tips:

• Add food coloring or safe natural dyes to the water for visual stimulation.
• Always supervise water play to ensure safety.

16. Chalk Art on Pavement

Provide sidewalk chalk for your toddler to create drawings on driveways or patios. This activity promotes fine motor skills and creativity.

Tips:

• Draw shapes or letters for your child to color in, aiding in learning.
• Create hopscotch grids to combine art with physical activity.

15. Bubble Blowing

Blowing and chasing bubbles is a timeless activity that enhances hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.

Tips:

• Use a variety of bubble wands to create different bubble sizes.
• Incorporate a fan to produce a stream of bubbles for your toddler to chase.

14. DIY Obstacle Course

Design an obstacle course using household items like cushions, cones, and hula hoops. Guide your toddler through crawling, jumping, and balancing challenges.

Tips:

• Tailor the course difficulty to your child’s age and abilities.
• Use a timer to add a fun, competitive element.

13. Gardening Together

Introduce your toddler to gardening by planting easy-to-grow plants or flowers. This hands-on activity teaches responsibility and nurtures a connection to nature.

Tips:

• Choose non-toxic plants and child-sized gardening tools.
• Assign simple tasks like watering or digging small holes.

12. Sandbox Exploration

A sandbox offers endless opportunities for imaginative play. Provide toys like shovels, buckets, and molds for digging and building.

Tips:

• Ensure the sandbox is covered when not in use to keep it clean.
• Incorporate small construction vehicles for added play scenarios.

11. Things To Do At Home: Nature Painting

Collect natural items like leaves, pinecones, and flowers to use as painting tools. Dip them in non-toxic paint and press them onto paper to create unique art pieces.

Tips:

• Discuss the textures and shapes of the items to enhance sensory learning.
• Display the artwork to boost your child’s confidence and sense of accomplishment.

10. Things To Do At Home: Outdoor Storytime

Bring books outside and create a cozy reading nook with blankets and pillows. Reading in a new environment can make storytime more engaging.

Tips:

• Choose books about nature to connect with the outdoor setting.
• Encourage your toddler to point out elements from the story in their surroundings.

9. Things To Do At Home: Ride-On Toys and Balance Bikes

Provide ride-on toys or balance bikes to develop gross motor skills and coordination. Riding on different surfaces adds to the sensory experience.

Tips:

• Ensure the riding area is safe and free from obstacles.
• Use helmets to instill safety habits early on.

8. Things To Do At Home: Outdoor Music and Dance

Play music outside and encourage your toddler to dance or play simple instruments like tambourines or maracas. This activity promotes rhythm and physical expression.

Tips:

• Create a playlist of upbeat, toddler-friendly songs.
• Join in the dancing to model enthusiasm and encourage participation.

7. Things To Do At Home: Nature Collage Crafting

Collect various natural materials and help your toddler glue them onto paper to create a collage. This activity fosters creativity and fine motor skills.

Tips:

• Use a sturdy backing like cardboard to support heavier items.
• Discuss the different textures and colors during the crafting process.

6. Things To Do At Home: Outdoor Picnic

Organize a picnic in your backyard. Involve your toddler in setting up and selecting foods, making it a collaborative experience.

Tips:

• Choose healthy, finger-friendly foods for easy eating.
• Bring along a favorite stuffed animal or toy to join the picnic.

5. Things To Do At Home: Bird Watching

Set up a bird feeder and observe the visiting birds with your toddler. Use a simple guide to identify different species.

Tips:

• Keep a journal to record the types of birds spotted.
• Discuss the colors and sounds of each bird to enhance observational skills.

4. Things To Do At Home: DIY Mud Kitchen

Create a makeshift kitchen using old pots, pans, and utensils. Encourage your toddler to “cook” using mud, water, and natural materials.

Tips:

• Designate a specific area for the mud kitchen to contain mess.
• Emphasize the importance of washing hands after play.

3. Things To Do At Home: Leaf and Bark Rubbings

Place paper over leaves or tree bark and rub with crayons to create textured art. This activity connects art with nature exploration.

Tips:

• Use tape to hold the paper in place for easier rubbing.
• Compare rubbings from different plants to observe variations.

2. Things To Do At Home: Outdoor Ball Games

Engage in simple ball games like rolling, kicking, or throwing. These activities develop coordination and social skills.

Tips:

• Use soft, appropriately sized balls for safety.
• Create simple goals or targets to aim for, adding structure to the play.

1. Things To Do At Home: Shadow Tracing

On a sunny day, trace the shadows of objects or your toddler’s silhouette on the ground with chalk. This activity introduces basic concepts of light and shadow.

Tips:

• Revisit the tracings at different times to observe how shadows change.
• Incorporate storytelling by creating characters from the shadow outlines.

Conclusion

By incorporating these diverse and engaging outdoor activities into your routine, you provide your toddler with valuable opportunities for learning, exploration, and fun right at home.