Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! If you’re like me, you’re probably antsy to get outside. My 2-year-old is the same way, always saying “Go outside?” and “Go to park?” I’m happy to take my toddler to the park, but sometimes it’s nice just to stay in your own backyard. Read this list of simple activities that you can easily do with your kids. Be sure to download my free printable checklist below!
1. Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles
We have classic bubble bottles and bubble wands that are good to have. For our toddlers’ first summer, we got an automatic bubble machine. This one was great because it was inexpensive and easy to take on the go. We even brought it to our beach rental and it was a great activity to do in between our trips to the beach. These bubble guns are also great for kids to be able to use themselves. I buy a huge container of bubble solution from Target that is super cheap and often goes on sale (they sell 80 oz or 128 oz containers).
2. Balls
Literally any type. From beach balls to tennis balls – you can make up almost any game with these. You can have competitions to see how far you can throw them, bounce them, kick them, or roll them. My toddler loves to find a hill in our yard and roll a ball down it over and over again (who can blame her? It takes lots of discovery to understand gravity!).
3. Water
The possibilities are endless! One of my favorites (mostly because of its simplicity) is just filling a container with water. When my toddler was very young, filling a bowl with water and giving her some beach toys was engaging and fun enough. Her favorite beach toy was (and still is) the watering can so make sure you have one of those! I also used a watering can with my toddler to water the plants in the yard. This was a great way for her to learn that plants need water to grow, and a great way for me to get a little something done. Now that my toddler is 2 years old, I still fill a container with water for some outdoor fun. I use a large storage bin and give her some toys that she will also be able to use in the pool once the weather gets warmer. She uses this net and toys, this fishing pole, and these wind-up water toys. Just be sure to always keep an eye on your child when they’re playing with water.
4. Wagon
My toddler has spent so much time playing with this wagon. I love how simple it is and how it encourages her to use her imagination. When she uses it outside, she likes to collect sticks in it – she’s already helping me with yard work!
5. Paint rocks
Painting outdoors is ideal because it makes almost no mess and doesn’t require much cleanup. You can start by searching the yard for the perfect rocks before starting your masterpiece. You can collect all the rocks your child paints over time and keep them in a vase as memories.
6. Magnifying glass
Teach your child how to be a scientist and explore your yard with a magnifying glass! Your child will see the world from a different perspective. Be prepared for lots of inquisitive questions!
7. Bring the inside outside
This idea is super easy yet it always keeps my kids entertained and having fun. We bring out a large towel (we use this oversized beach blanket) to lay on the grass and bring some of our indoor toys with us. I typically do this when we don’t have a lot of time to spend outside, but we still want (or rather, need) some fresh air.
8. Chalk
This is another classic! If your kids are older, you can play hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, or hangman. If your kids are on the younger side, you can stick to drawing (you can even practice writing their names or identifying letters and numbers). I recommend using neon chalk, especially if your kids are young or have trouble pressing down hard enough.
9. Swing
Whether you have a single slide, a swing, or an entire swingset, these are all great activities for kids to do in their own backyard. Right now, we have this swing that our 2-year-old still fits into (she started using it when she was 8 months old). She is now starting to practice how to pump her legs on her own. I find this is a great activity you can always come back to while spending time outdoors.
10. Binoculars
Teach your child how to use binoculars! Talk about how they use a lens to help you see things that are far away. Make a game out of it and try to find things like birds, squirrels, or even airplanes!
11. Have a picnic
This is one of my favorite backyard activities! I like to bring my toddler and baby outside after their midday nap and sit on our oversized beach blanket with our afternoon snack. We all get some fresh air while enjoying our snacks, and afterward, we spend some time playing in the yard. Eating outdoors also means there is little to no cleanup!
12. Plant or garden
Buy some seeds with your child and together, plant them somewhere in the yard or in a pot. Teach your child that in order to grow, seeds need air, water, and sunlight. Together, water the seed and watch it grow! My toddler loves to help her iaia pick tomatoes out of her garden. We look at them whenever we go over her house, and learn when they’re ready to be picked. She even helps wash them in the kitchen. I love that my toddler is learning about one of the places food comes from.
To sum it up
Spending time outdoors has so many benefits. I even find that when my kids and I are having a tough or challenging day, going outside resets us. Kids also love being outside. The activities on this list are all fun and engaging (if I do say so myself), but no matter what you choose to do, as long as you are out in the open air and your kids have space to roam – whether it’s crawling, walking, or running – they will be happy. And isn’t that our end goal? We want our kids to look back on their childhood and remember all the wonderful things they did – even if they happened in their own backyard.
