Outdoor Summertime Activities for Toddlers

Summer is a great time to get outside with your toddler. There are many valuable lessons are tons of fun. Just don't forget the sunblock!

"Surf" the local parks. Each park can bring new adventures and new friends for parent and child. Parks are great for a toddlers gross motor development and are a great way to let them run off any extra energy. Going to various different parks lets them try new equipment and get different perspectives of the world around them.

Study the clouds. Pull out a blanket and lay down in the grass. Point out the clouds to your child and guess what they look like. Ask your child what he thinks they look like. This is a great way to stretch your child's imagination and get in some cuddles.

Go chalking. Take your toddler right outside with some sidewalk chalk. You can draw pictures for them to fill in, they can draw pictures for you, or you could write messages to other members of the family. Chalk offers endless possibilities. Play guessing games or attempt to teach your toddler how to play Tic Tac Toe. Chalking can also be a great way to work on fine motor skills or learn the ABC's.

Blow bubbles. Buy bubbles or make your own. Making bubbles can be a great "first" science experiment for a toddler. Get different types of wands and experiment with sizes and shapes of the bubbles. Toddlers also have a great time chasing and popping bubbles.

Sand and Water Tables. They can be purchased or you can have fun by taking an old tub, some toys, and filling it with sand or water. On rainy days you can also take it indoors and fill it with noodles or rice. This is great for a child's fine motor development and sensory-motor skills.

Observe and collect bugs. Try to put aside your negative feelings about bugs and have fun. Kids don't know that bugs are yucky, so they love those little creepy crawlies. Show your child the differences between, flies, crickets, and ants. Go out on a nice evening and teach your toddler about the mystical firefly.