Life
When you're the mom of an infant or young toddler, finding activities to engage them can take some strategic planning. Luckily, the warmer months of summer offer endless opportunities to get your young one out and about. Just because they're little doesn't mean they can't enjoy some summertime fun, after all. Here are 15 summer activities for babies and toddlers, so the little ones can get in on the action, too.
While older kids are self-sufficient enough to entertain themselves or can participate in an organized activity, younger kids are often left out, making activities geared toward tots sometimes hard to find. The things to do on this list will not only keep your child entertained, but they'll also give your kid some extra, super-valuable bonding time with you. Plus, they also offer some serious developmental benefits in the realms of motor skills, sensory learning and more. So, whether you're staying in your hometown for the summer months or going away on vacation, you can find the time to squeeze in these baby and toddler-friendly activities. If you have older ones too, not to worry; most of these things can be fun for them as well, especially if you tell them they're "in charge" of the activity. (Okay, so they're not really.)
8
Have An Outdoor Tea Party
If your little one loves hosting tea parties, why not take it outside? Grab all her "guests," make some small sandwiches and take a blanket and for some outside fun. I'm pretty sure all tea parties are better outdoors.
9
Take Sensory Play Outside
You can get as messy as you want when you take sensory play outside. Sand, shaving cream, water or even pudding, your child will have a blast exploring their different textures and just making a mess.
10
Visit The Zoo Or Aquarium
If the weather is nice, you can visit the zoo to see all the exotic animals. The zoo is great for both babies and toddlers because it's something they can really engage in — it's exciting to see real animals, live and in person. The aquarium is also a great option and kids of all ages are excited and thrilled to see all kinds of exotic marine life.
11
Take Them To The Library
If you need a break from the heat, you can take them to the children's section of your local library. They're usually air conditioned and often have family events that are baby and toddler friendly like story time and music classes. Or you can simply let them wander around looking at books as they please. Bonus, you'll start their love for reading early, which is always a good thing.
12
Head To Your Local Children's Museums
If it's a rainy day and you can't get outside, don't fret. There's plenty of museums that offer children's programming. Just a little research can lead to a full afternoon of fun.
13
Make Some Bubbles
Bubbles are a no-brainer for summertime fun, but sometimes little ones can get frustrated with the old-fashioned wand/bottle hook-up. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives available now, like these super fun and easy-to-use bubble gloves.
14
Have Fun With Sidewalk Chalk
Older babies and toddlers will love to draw on the ground with sidewalk chalk. Grab a bin of sidewalk chalk with some fun colors and shapes and your little one will be entertained for hours. It's the perfect art project too, because you don't have to do any clean up — mom win.
15
Take Finger Painting Or Feet Paint Outside
Take some finger paints and some giant paper outside for a messy art project. Your young one can paint with their fingers, hands and feet with the paint while having fun exploring the texture and how it feels on different parts of their body. Help them paint the bottom of their feet and have them walk across the page, then show them their foot prints.