Happy Saturday! Today I am sharing a few really easy and fun summer ideas with toddlers. Having a toddler is totally different than a baby — who I used to just push around in his stroller and he was content all afternoon. Now, he’s a busy bee who loves to be independent and into something at all times!
As my little guy naps, my mind is turning and turning trying to think of all the fun things he and I can get into outside today. It’s a beautiful day; we will absolutely be taking a walk because it is his favorite thing to do right now. But once we get back home he usually doesn’t want to go back inside right away (unless he really wants a snack).
I am always trying to think of new and fun and simple activites for him to do to keep busy outside. He LOVES to push his lawnmower around, usually for our entire walk and then for a bit in the front yard. He likes to collect things in it, like grass and sticks. But eventually, he wants to do more. I usually break out the sidewalk chalk but even that gets old after a while. We have his cars that he loves to ride in, but he typically likes to walk and run these days.
Trying to keep him occupied and busy can be tiring some days. I have a very, very busy little toddler on my hands. With the weather becoming more and more gorgeous every day, I have compiled a list of fun and easy summer ideas with toddlers that you can use, too! Enjoy!
1. Play in a Sprinkler
Easy for hot days, set up a kids sprinkler in the yard for your little one to run in and out of. They’ll be busy giggling nonstop and they’ll be kept cool on the hottest of summer days. Want to make your own sprinkler? Take a look at there 8 DIY sprinkler ideas.
2. Sidewalk chalk
Keep it simple, create beautiful sidewalk art with chalk. Do you have a small one that likes to put everything in his or her mouth (like my little guy)? Try a sidewalk chalk holder to help prevent a yucky chalk snack in their mouth.
3. DIY Chalk Paint
If regular sidewalk chalk isn’t enjoyable enough for your little one, try making your own chalk paint. All y0u need is a cheese grater, large sidewalk chalk, and a small container of your choice (a small Tupperware is just fine). Grate the large sidewalk chalk into the container mix in a little water – and voila! You have your own chalk paint. Fun to use, easy, easy, easy cleanup!
4. Small Pool with Balls
Fill a simple plastic pool with water and toy balls of your choice. Your little one can either get into the pool to play, throw and move balls in and out of the pool (over and over again) or stand outside of the pool to do the same. Super inexpensive and super fun for them!
5. Find and Paint Rocks
If your toddler is anything like mine and wants to pick up anything and everything in the yard, this is perfect. Encourage him or her to find rocks and then allow them to use kid’s paint or the DIY chalk paint listed above (if you don’t mind the colors eventually being washed off). Afterward, you should place the rocks all along your garden, porch, or stairs to show off their artwork all summer long!
6. DIY Splash Pad
Create your own slip and slide with a simple tarp and garden hose. This was a summer favorite of mine and my brothers growing up. It was so easy to set up — no purchase necessary if you already have a tarp at home. Not interested in DIY? Don’t worry, there are plenty of actual slip and slides available!
7. Toy Car Wash
Washing cars can be a lot of fun for your toddler, but you really don’t want them accidentally scratching up your own car. Instead, have them wash their own car! If you don’t already have one, snag a classic Little Tykes or another fun car of your choice. We love our Little Tyke and Whisper Ride.
8. Window Paint
Give your little one a fun and new way to paint by allowing them to do so on your glass windows and/or your glass door/slider. Use kid’s tempera paint and mix in a little dish soap for thinner paint and even easier removal. Have your little one use different size paintbrushes and sponges to apply the paint.
9. Have a Picnic
In between your summer activities, spread out a large cozy blanket in your yard or front porch and have a delicious snack together! This is an easy way to make sure your little one eats throughout the day (because they may not want to go inside and miss out on outside fun).
10. DIY Giant Bubble Wand
What little kid doesn’t love bubbles? How about GIANT bubbles! By creating a bubble wand of your own you can decide just how big you want the bubbles to be. Your little one will be in awe! Bubble Wand Tutorial
