Over the last few weeks, we’ve slowly (sporadically) seen warmer weather. My toddler loves being outside, and I love that he loves it. But sometimes I feel like our outdoor time becomes a repeating list of rules (“stay where I can see you,” and “don’t put dirt in the dog’s mouth”).
He’s in that awkward in-between stage where he’s not quite ready for the playground, but still wanting to explore. So I’m trying to find things to do at home.
While I’m all for letting kids be bored sometimes, in this stage, my toddler needs so much direction outside that I just want to give him constructive, educational things to do. And they need to be simple things that are easy for me to set up.
So here’s a list of some things we’re going to try this summer to keep my toddler engaged, and keep my frustration level down. Maybe next summer will hold more independent play. Fingers crossed. 🙂
Helping with Basic Chores
Most toddlers love “helping.” I’ve found that I get so much more done outside, and I’m able to keep my toddler entertained and engaged, when I let him “help” with whatever I’m doing.
Filling the bird feeder? Have your toddler carry a cup of seeds and pour it into the bird feeder with you. Raking leaves? Have him help you carry leaves, a handful at a time. Watering plants? Give him a plastic cup and let him help. Going out to the mailbox? Give him a piece of junk mail to carry for you.
I’ve found that even when the birdseed doesn’t make it into the bird feeder, or the leaves end up dropped on the grass, or the water ends up on my son instead of the plants, it’s still worth it. I still can get way more done with his “help” than if I’m constantly chasing him around trying to keep him from hurting himself. And we’re both happier for it.
Also, make sure you celebrate the fact that he’s helping, too! My toddler feels so happy and confident after “helping”.
Water Guns, Bubbles and Sidewalk Chalk
These are childhood classics, but sometimes I forget that my toddler is old enough to enjoy simple things like bubbles and sidewalk chalk. These are things that don’t take a lot of effort on my part to set up. I just picked up some bubbles this week, and I’ll try sidewalk chalk, too, this summer.
Another thing I want to try this summer is water guns. I think he’s old enough to handle a little squirt gun like this, and I could see him having a lot of fun with that.
Birdwatching
I’ve been really surprised by how early my son started enjoying birdwatching. We have a bird feeder in our backyard, which is about 20 feet away from his bedroom window.
Every morning, he wakes up and checks on his birds (and the squirrels that frequently raid the feeder). He probably started engaging with the birds at about 15 months old. Sometimes, if we’re outside, he needs some redirection to focus on the birds. But once I point them out, he’s fascinated and will spend several minutes at a time just watching a bird at the feeder, or a robin looking for worms.
This is a really affordable way to bring nature a little closer, especially if you have a small yard or even no yard. Even a hummingbird feeder on the window is super easy and educational.
Picking Up Sticks or Picking Flowers
Super simple, but you can make a game out of this! Ask your toddler to find sticks that have fallen after a storm. He or she can stack them, or make a pile, where you’d like. If you’re super excited that they’re “helping,” they will really enjoy this game.
Picking flowers can be a really fun activity, too. Help your child find dandelions or violets in the yard, then teach him or her how to pick them and bring them to you. Once he gets that hang of that, teach colors and names. (“Can you please bring me a yellow dandelion?”)
Water Play
This doesn’t have to be fancy. If you don’t have a kiddie pool, or a water play table, that’s okay! Use a dishpan, or a plastic Rubbermaid storage container. Just make sure that you’re supervising, and be aware that kids can get stuck in taller, narrow buckets.
Flying a Kite
Okay, this is kind of a wild card at our son’s age. It requires a little more prep work and activity from my husband or I, and I don’t know how long it would actually engage a toddler. But I want to try it this summer! He might surprise me with how much he enjoys it.
Other Things We Might Try Next Summer
When my son is a little older, we’ll definitely bring out the hose and have a sprinkler. We’ll do the playground and swings, and we might try water painting on the sidewalk. But for now, we’ll try the things we already talked about.
Let me know what your family does to keep toddlers engaged outside!
Until next time,
Lynette
Credits for gorgeous photography go to:
Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com, Yan Krukau on Pexels.com, Huy Nguyễn on Pexels.com, Alimurat Üral on Pexels.com, Harrison Haines on Pexels.com, Наталия Игоревна on Pexels.com, Gustavo Fring on Pexels.com