9 Totally Fun Outside Activities For Toddlers That Need Very Little Preparation

Setting up fun outside activities for toddlers can be super easy.

Why?

Because at this age, your toddler is like a little explorer. There’s so much out there they find interesting. You won’t need to work hard to keep them happy outdoors.

Here are nine outdoor activities for toddlers aged 18 – 36 months. These are not just random choices. I’ve picked these activities because they help your little one develop the skills they need at this age.

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1. Toy Wash Outdoor Water Activity

What toddler doesn’t love a good splash? Given a few containers and a jug of water, a little one can create a world of fun. Here are some twists on this classic pastime that your toddler will love:

Ah, the Toy Wash – it’s a little adventure that’s equal parts imaginative play and real-life cleaning. It’s one of those activities that manages to bring out both joy and responsibility in toddlers. Here’s how it’s typically done and why it’s so much fun:

Whether it’s a Car Wash, Dinosaur Wash, or Doll Wash, your toddler will relish giving their toys a good scrub. Once they grasp the game’s mechanics, they’ll often happily play independently, freeing you up to relax and watch them enjoy. Solo play for at least an hour daily is great for their development.

Photo Courtesy 1: Happy Hooligans  | 2: Educated Common Sense Parenting

First, you’ll need to gather the materials. This is simple. All you need is:

• A basin or a small kiddie pool (if you’re doing this outdoors).
• A jug or some cups for pouring.
• A gentle soap or detergent.
• A sponge or washcloth.
• Towels for drying the toys (and possibly the toddler).
• A collection of your child’s favorite toys – think cars, dinosaurs, dolls, or anything else that’s waterproof.

1. Fill the Basin: Start by filling the basin or kiddie pool with water. You don’t need too much – just enough for the toys to have a proper bath.
2. Soap it Up: Add a little bit of the soap to make it feel like a real wash. This also adds a little bit of sensory play.
3. Wash Station: Lay out the sponge or washcloth and explain to your toddler that this is for scrubbing the toys clean.
4. Towels Ready: Have towels laid out close by, explaining these are for drying the toys after their bath.
5. Dive into Play: Encourage your little one to start giving their toys a bath. They can dunk them in the water, scrub them with a sponge, and then lay them on the towel to dry.

Once your toddler gets the hang of it, this is an activity they can do relatively independently, though it’s important to keep an eye on them, especially around water. It’s also an ideal time for you to pull up a chair, sip a refreshing drink, and watch the enjoyment unfold.

Toy washing isn’t just fun, it’s educational too. Here are a few key skills your child is learning:

• Fine Motor Skills: Handling the toys, sponge, and cups.
• Imaginative Play: Pretending to run a car wash or a doll spa.
• Responsibility and Care: Learning to take care of their belongings by cleaning them.
• Sensory Experience: Feeling the water, bubbles, and textures of the toys.

So, not only is a toy wash station a great way to keep your toddler entertained, but it’s also an excellent learning experience. And as a bonus, the toys get cleaned! Now that’s what you call a win-win.

An age-old favorite, the water transfer game is a wonderful exercise in fun and learning for your toddler. Easy to set up and rewarding to play, here’s a breakdown of the activity:

Set-Up:

You’ll need a few simple materials:

• A couple of safe containers – plastic cups, pots, or even empty yogurt containers will work just fine.
• A larger basin filled with water.
• A plastic jug or scoop for transferring the water.
• Funnels can add an extra layer of fun and challenge if you have them around.

The Game Begins:

1. Place Containers: Position the empty containers close to the basin filled with water.
2. Demonstrate: Show your toddler how to scoop or pour water from the basin into the empty container using the jug or scoop. If you’re using funnels, demonstrate how to pour water into the funnel to fill the container.
3. Let Them Play: Once they’ve seen how it’s done, encourage your toddler to try it for themselves. You’ll be amazed at how much joy they derive from this simple task.

Supervision and Independence:

Just like the Toy Wash, once they grasp the concept, toddlers can often play this game independently. Of course, supervision is necessary, particularly to ensure they’re playing safely with water.

Why It’s Beneficial:

At first glance, this may seem like a very simple activity. However, it offers numerous developmental benefits:

• Fine Motor Skills Development: Scooping, pouring, and handling the containers help refine your child’s fine motor skills.
• Understanding Cause and Effect: They start to understand that their actions, such as pouring water, have consequences – the water level rises in the receiving container.
• Enhances Concentration: The focus required to pour water without spilling helps improve your toddler’s concentration.
• Sensory Play: The feel of water, its movement, and the sound it makes when poured all contribute to a rich sensory experience.

What You’ll Need:

To get started, gather the following:

• A large container to mix the solution.
• A big wand for creating giant bubbles (you can buy one or make your own; more on this later).
• The ingredients for the bubble mixture:
  • 1 cup of dishwashing liquid (add more if it’s not as bubbly as you’d like).
  • 8 cups of water.
  • 1 tablespoon of glycerin.

Creating the Bubble Mixture:

1. Mix it Up: Pour all the ingredients into the container and give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Remember, the secret to strong, long-lasting bubbles is glycerin.
2. Let it Sit: If possible, allow your mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight. This helps the solution settle and increases the chances of forming big, resilient bubbles.

Crafting a Bubble Wand

While you can purchase bubble wands, making one can be a fun DIY project. Here’s a simple method:

• Gather Materials: You’ll need two sticks or dowels, some yarn or string, and a couple of washers or similar weighted objects.
• Assemble: Tie the ends of a long piece of string to the ends of each stick. Thread a washer onto the string and let it hang in the middle – it should form a ‘V’ or triangular shape with the sticks.
• Ready to Use: Dip the yarn into the bubble mixture and gently open the sticks to form a bubble.

Time to Play:

Once your mixture is ready and the wand is prepped, it’s bubble time. Dip the wand in the bubble solution and slowly pull it out. Let the wind do the work or gently wave the wand to create giant bubbles. Your toddler will absolutely love chasing and popping these sky-high wonders.

Why It’s Great:

Besides being loads of fun, bubble play also:

• Promotes Hand-Eye Coordination: Chasing and trying to catch or pop bubbles helps improve this skill.
• Encourages Outdoor Play: It’s a great way to spend time outside and enjoy fresh air.
• Teaches about Cause and Effect: Your toddler will learn that the action of waving the wand creates bubbles, and popping them makes them disappear.

Whether it’s a bought or homemade version, a water table is a fantastic investment in toddler joy. It’s essentially a sandbox, but with water, where little ones can engage in tactile play that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

Ready-Made or DIY:

You can easily purchase a well-made water table for roughly $30 on Amazon. These come in various shapes, and sizes, and often have built-in toys and accessories that make playtime more interactive.

However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach or are on a budget, a DIY water table can be just as effective. All you need is a large basin or under-bed storage box. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, consider adding PVC pipes, funnels, or other elements to simulate a commercial water table.

Set the Stage for Splashy Fun:

Once you have your table or basin ready, it’s time to fill it with water and introduce some toys. Go with ones that your child already loves – maybe it’s their rubber ducks, action figures, or even some simple cups and containers. Just make sure they’re safe for water play.

Play Time:

Now, step back and let your toddler dive into the fun. They might splash around, watch the toys float, pour water from one cup to another, or maybe even enact an aquatic rescue mission with their favorite superhero figurines. The possibilities are truly as vast as their imagination.

Learning in Disguise:

Water tables not only serve as a source of entertainment, they also offer numerous developmental benefits:

• Sensory Play: The feeling of water, the splashes, and the visual spectacle of floating toys provide a rich sensory experience.
• Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, and stirring water can help improve both gross and fine motor skills.
• Scientific Exploration: Your toddler can observe buoyancy in action as their toys float or sink, teaching them basic principles of physics in the most playful manner.

Summer is synonymous with outdoor play, and what could be more thrilling than a good old-fashioned water balloon fight? This classic activity brings bursts of laughter, heart-pounding anticipation, and refreshing splashes, making it a big hit with toddlers.

Gear Up for the Showdown:

A water balloon fight doesn’t require much in the way of preparation. You’ll just need:

• A bunch of small, biodegradable latex balloons (designed for water filling).
• A water source to fill up the balloons.
• A safe, open space to conduct the showdown.

The Fun Unleashes:

Fill the balloons with water, tie them up, and let the fun begin. Whether it’s a gentle toss-and-catch game or an all-out ‘battle’, ensure that it’s always gentle and fun, keeping in mind your toddler’s age and temperament.

Safety First:

While this activity is undoubtedly fun, it’s important to supervise your toddler closely throughout the game. Make sure they don’t put the balloons, especially the broken ones, in their mouth. Use biodegradable balloons to minimize environmental impact, and remember to pick up the pieces after the water balloon fight to keep your play area safe and clean.

Easy-Fill Options:

If you find the process of filling and tying the balloons a bit tedious, consider investing in an easy-fill water balloon set. These sets often come with a handy hose attachment that allows you to fill several balloons at once, and they tie themselves! This way, you can get back to the fun quicker.

Why it’s Great:

A water balloon fight is more than just a fun pastime; it offers several developmental benefits:

• Physical Activity: Running, dodging, and throwing are great ways to get your toddler moving and developing their gross motor skills.
• Hand-Eye Coordination: Throwing and catching the balloons helps refine this vital skill.
• Social Skills: If you involve siblings or friends, it becomes a great way to develop teamwork and fair play.

Washing the car isn’t typically seen as a fun-filled activity, but add a toddler into the mix and you have a recipe for a delightful and productive afternoon. Here’s how you can transform a mundane chore into a memorable outdoor adventure.

Preparation:

First, you’ll need a couple of items:

• A bucket filled with soapy water.
• A large sponge that’s easy for your toddler to handle.
• Your dirty car, of course!

Let’s Get Scrubbing:

Invite your little one to join you in the car wash operation. Hand them the sponge, show them how to dip it into the bucket, and guide them to scrub the car. Their contribution might not be the most efficient, but they’ll revel in the excitement of being involved in a ‘grown-up’ task.

It’s More Than Just Fun:

It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about keeping your toddler occupied. It’s also about teaching them the value of taking care of their belongings, learning practical life skills, and developing a sense of accomplishment from a job well done.

Fair Warning:

Sure, it may get messy and you’ll probably take twice as long to clean the car as you would alone, but that’s part of the fun! With every splash and giggle, your child is learning, exploring, and creating wonderful memories.

The Payoff:

In the end, not only will you have a shiny, clean car, but you’ll also have a very happy toddler who will probably be begging to do it again next weekend! My own son loved this activity so much when he was a toddler, that it has become a cherished routine for us.

Jumping in muddy puddles is an age-old delight that never fails to captivate toddlers. It’s a simple, spontaneous form of play that embraces nature’s most accessible water feature – puddles!

Unleashing the Joy:

Most toddlers are irresistibly drawn to the splash and squelch of a good puddle. And who can blame them? It’s an exhilarating sensory experience. Next time it rains, grab their rain boots, head outdoors, and let them stomp to their heart’s content in those enticing puddles.

Finding Fun, Even Without Rain:

If, like in my hometown, the rain doesn’t visit often, don’t let that stop the fun. You can recreate the joy of puddle-jumping right in your backyard. All you need is a bucket of water or a garden hose. Simply pour some water on a flat patch of ground and, voila, an instant puddle!

Jump Away:

Now comes the fun part. Step back and let your little one jump and splash around. Join in if you dare, and rekindle your own childhood joy of puddle play. You might be surprised to discover how much fun it still is!

Why it’s Great:

Puddle jumping is more than just messy fun. It also offers numerous developmental benefits:

• Physical Activity: Jumping is a great way for toddlers to exercise and improve their balance and coordination.
• Sensory Play: The feel of the water splashing, the sound it makes, and the sight of water droplets scattering all combine to create a rich sensory experience.
• Connect with Nature: This activity encourages your toddler to engage with the natural world, developing an early appreciation for our environment.

For a toddler, few things compare to the allure of a sand pit or a mud kitchen. Yes, they’re messy, and yes, they require some parental tolerance for dirt, but the fun and developmental rewards make it worthwhile outside activities for toddlers.

Setting the Stage for Messy Play:

Consider crafting a mini sand pit or mud kitchen for your toddler’s outdoor play. You don’t need anything fancy or costly – a large basin or a plastic tub filled with sand or soil can work just as well.

Embrace the Mess:

I won’t deny it, these play areas can be a bit messy, but if you can put aside your concerns for cleanliness for a while, the benefits for your toddler are immense. Messy play allows your child to explore, create, and learn in a tactile, hands-on way, providing countless developmental benefits.

Sand Pit Fun:

For the sandpit, you don’t necessarily need beach sand. When my own child was a toddler, I lived in a small village where sand was hard to come by. Instead, I used cornmeal flour. While it didn’t hold together for sandcastles, my son found joy in the texture and the imaginative play it inspired.

You can get creative with what you use – beans or colored macaroni can serve as fun alternatives. Just make sure that whatever you choose is safe for your child to handle.

Mud Kitchen Magic:

For a mud kitchen, fill several pots with soil and water and let your toddler ‘cook’. Provide old kitchen utensils for stirring, scooping, and pouring. They’ll relish the chance to mimic your actions in the kitchen, all the while honing their motor skills.

Photo: LearnPlayImagine

Transforming your backyard into an open-air art studio is a wonderful way to blend creative expression and nature exploration for your toddler. Yes, coloring and painting are traditionally indoor activities, but there’s something genuinely liberating about taking these creative pursuits outdoors.

Setting the Scene for Outdoor Art:

Prepping for an outdoor art session is as straightforward as it sounds. Grab your art supplies – crayons, markers, paints, and a bunch of paper – and find a suitable spot in your garden or on your patio. This could be a picnic blanket spread out on the grass, a kiddie table, or even a patch of driveway.

Unleashing Little Van Goghs:

Once you’ve set the stage, invite your 18-month-old to join in. Encourage them to dip their paintbrush or pick up their crayons and unleash their creativity. Remember, this isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about encouraging your toddler to express their feelings, ideas, and impressions through art.

Benefits of Outdoor Art:

Taking art activities outdoors has a range of benefits:

• Stimulation: The natural environment offers an abundance of sensory experiences that can inspire creativity. The rustle of leaves, the colors of flowers, or the shapes of clouds can all spark artistic expression.
• Motor Skills: Holding and manipulating art tools helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Relaxation: Being in the great outdoors while engaging in a focused activity like drawing or painting can have a calming, therapeutic effect on toddlers.

Squirt painting presents an innovative and engaging approach to children’s art, allowing your toddler to mix play and creativity in a truly vibrant fashion.

Assemble Your Toolkit:

Setting up for squirt painting is as straightforward as it is fun. First, you’ll need a plastic squirt bottle – the kind often used for watering plants or dispensing condiments works great. Fill this with a mixture of water and non-toxic paint. Then, grab a large piece of thick paper or a roll of craft paper, which will serve as your canvas.

Let the Colors Fly:

Once your tools are prepared, it’s time to create! Position the paper on a wall or lay it flat on the ground, then let your toddler squirt the paint-loaded water onto the canvas. You’ll be amazed at the kaleidoscope of color patterns and unique shapes that result. And if you’re out of paint, not to worry – plain water on a sunny day can create fascinating evaporative art.

Draw Inspiration:

For additional outdoor art activity ideas, Mr. Otter Art Studio offers a wealth of resources. They have an impressive array of video tutorials that cater to young artists, guiding them in creating masterpieces using the great outdoors as their studio.

Painting doesn’t always necessitate traditional brushes. In fact, Mother Nature provides a plethora of perfect painting tools, all ready to be explored. Using natural elements as brushes not only adds a delightful twist to your toddler’s painting activities but also helps them forge a deeper connection with the environment.

Embrace the Outdoors:

Start by going on a nature walk with your toddler in your backyard or a nearby park. Make it a treasure hunt, looking for objects that could be used as paintbrushes. Collect twigs, pine cones, rocks, leaves, and even feathers. You’ll be surprised at the variety of objects you can find.

Setting Up:

Once you have your nature-made brushes, it’s time to prepare your art station. Pour non-toxic paints into shallow containers. Add paper, and your painting station is all set up.

Dive into the Art:

Now, invite your toddler to dip these natural paintbrushes into the paint and make strokes on the paper. The different textures and sizes of these objects will create a variety of effects on the paper, leading to a truly unique piece of artwork.

Unleashing Creativity:

Encourage your child to experiment with different objects and paint colors. This activity nurtures creativity, helps develop fine motor skills, and familiarizes your toddler with various natural textures. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun!

PhotoCourtesy:  Messy Little Monster

Developing balance and coordination skills are critical developmental milestones for toddlers. What better place to practice these essential skills than in the great outdoors? The fresh air, space, and nature can only enhance this learning experience.

Constructing a Backyard Obstacle Course

A fun and effective way to work on these skills is to build an outdoor obstacle course. Not only will this engage your child’s motor skills, but it will also nurture their problem-solving abilities and creative thinking. And the best part? It’s a blast for everyone involved!

Jump the Crocodile Swamp

Set up outdoor pillows about a foot apart, creating a pretend ‘swamp.’ Does each pillow represent a small island and the space between them? That’s where the crocodiles swim! The objective is to jump from one ‘island’ to the next without being ‘eaten’ by a crocodile. This fun narrative will encourage your toddler to leap with precision and develop their balance.

The Pool Noodle Balance Beam

For this activity, all you need is a pool noodle laid out straight on the ground, acting as a balance beam. The aim here is for your toddler to walk along the ‘beam’ without stepping off. It’s a fun way to practice balance and concentration, all the while pretending they’re an acrobat in the circus!

Inspiration for Your Course

For more obstacle course inspiration, there are a plethora of online resources available. One such is the video below, offering easy-to-set-up toddler obstacle course ideas. They are not just fun but also a fantastic avenue to foster balance, agility, and spatial awareness in your toddler.

Balance and coordination are important toddler milestones. And what better way to practice it than outdoors in the garden?

One of the most classic, engaging, and educational outdoor activities for toddlers is the venerable scavenger hunt. It not only stimulates their curiosity but also encourages them to interact with the world around them in a structured yet fun way.

Setting up an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt:

The beauty of a scavenger hunt lies in its flexibility. You can tailor it to your toddler’s interest, level of understanding, and the environment you have access to. Whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or even a neighborhood walk, each setting can become an exciting exploration ground.

How to Begin:

Start by creating a list of items for your toddler to find. Depending on their age and learning goals, this could involve finding objects of certain colors, shapes, sizes, or textures. For instance, you might ask them to find something round, something soft, or a red leaf.

Adding an Educational Spin:

You can also incorporate learning elements into your scavenger hunt. For example, if you’re focusing on teaching your toddler about different animals, you could include items like a bird feather, a pinecone (squirrel food!), or leaves of different trees.

Making it More Fun:

For an extra element of fun, you could turn the scavenger hunt into a ‘nature bingo.’ Draw or print out a bingo card with pictures of items they need to find. Every time they discover an item, they can cross it off their card. Once they’ve crossed off all items, bingo!

Remember, the ultimate goal of the scavenger hunt is to engage your toddler’s sense of wonder and curiosity. Encourage them to look closely at their surroundings, ask questions, and make discoveries. This hands-on exploration not only supports their cognitive development but also fosters a love for nature and the world around them.