I look forward to summer every year.
Why?
Because there is so much to do!
I love being outside and all the learning opportunities that come with it.
If you are looking to get the most out of your summer then you will enjoy this Ultimate List of Toddler Summer Activities!
In this post you will find:
- Toddler Summer Outdoor Activities
- Rainy Day Activities for Toddlers
- Toddler Traveling Hacks
- Toddler Summer Art Activities
- Best Summer Toys for Toddlers
- Toddler Learning Activities
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Toddler Summer Outdoor Activities
Being outside with little one allows so many different learning experiences. With warm weather and sunshine we spend a lot of time outdoors.
Here are some of my favorite ways you can encourage your toddler’s development during summer play!
10 Things to Teach While Gardening With Your Toddler
Sand Play for Toddlers: How to Promote Learning
11 Surprising Ways to Teach Your Toddler at the Zoo
How to Encourage Toddler Development at the Playground
Head out and about in your community and explore what it has to offer.
One Merry Mama has some great ways to enjoy summer with your little one no matter where you go.
You can read about them HERE.
Have you every thought about having a water balloon pinata?
Yea…I hadn’t either but I plan on trying this out with my son (you can read about it here)!
You can read some more unique and inexpensive summer ideas from Posh in Progress HERE.
Rainy Day Activities for Toddlers
Rainy days will happen during the summer…no doubt! However that does not mean the summer fun has to end.
Making playdough is a great way to pass the time.
Need a gluten free recipe? My Gluten-Free Miami has you covered. You can check out the recipe HERE.
Take part of the SLIME craze. You can grab a simple 3 ingredient slime recipe HERE.
Board games are also a great option. Need some ideas? You can checkout some new games to play HERE.
Get some movement in by trying out some Yoga moves with your little one. (You can learn some new moves here.)
Need some more ideas?
Check out my list on 13 Ways to Have Fun With Your Toddler on a Rainy Day.
Toddler Traveling Hacks
Summer is a very popular traveling time and it will make things go smoother if you have activities planned for travel.
If you are planning on flying to your location you can check out this post on how to entertain your toddler on an airplane.
Stranded in the airport with a layover?
Here is how to save money and be prepared if you are stuck in the airport with your toddler.
Road trips are also popular during summertime.
If your toddler hates being strapped down in a car seat try these simple tips to get him buckled!
You can read about some practical tips to make traveling with an infant easier HERE.
Headed to the beach? If you are looking for tips to make your day run smooth you can read them in this post from Hampton Roads Moms.
RELATED POST: BEST OUTDOOR TOYS FOR 2 YEAR OLDS
Toddler Summer Art Activities
Crafts can be a lot of fun for both you and your little one.
When looking for crafts for your toddler you want to pick ones that are not too difficult as that can make both of you frustrated and you will end up with a lot of unfinished projects.
I love the crafts and activities from Hands On As We Grow.
You can even browse activities by age!
Find crafts for 12 months Old HERE.
Find 18 months old crafts HERE.
Find 2 year old crafts HERE.
Find crafts for 3 year olds HERE.
There is also a summer activities pack available which you can grab HERE.
Don’t have time to plan crafts? Get a subscription to Green Kids Crafts to have them delivered to your doorstep with little or no prep (You can read my Green Kids Crafts Review Here)!
Best Summer Toys for Toddlers
Shopping for some new toys to mix things up this summer?
When I look for toys I want ones that will last a long time and allow for open ended play.
Toys that encourage development in cognitive, language, and motor skills are always at the top of my list.
PLASMA CAR
We purchased my son a plasma car for Christmas and it has been one of my favorite gifts ever!
It is compact enough that we let him cruise around inside the house on it, but it is even more fun outside!
I also love the age range on it as it is adult friendly and can hold up to 220lbs!
Unlike some toddler ride on toys…this one will last for years! You can check it out HERE.
4 IN 1 TRIKE
We have loved our 4 in 1 trike since we got it!
Grandma gifted it to us for our son’s first summer and he loved having us push him in it more than his stroller.
He is now at the point where he is big enough to reach the pedals and is enjoying that stage.
My son is not one to ride in a stroller so this allows us to still get out and go for walks…without having to try and get him into a stroller.
I am looking forward to when he can use it has a bike! You will get a lot of use out of this. Find out more about the 4 in 1 trike HERE.
SAND AND WATER TABLE
If your child loves to get messy then a sand and water table will occupy them for hours! Playing in sand and water is a great sensory activity for toddlers.
It also encourages fine motor skills as you dump cups of water or mold a sand castle.
You can look at some sensory tables HERE.
Click here to read more about the best outdoor toys for toddlers.
Toddler Learning Activities
Learning can happen throughout your summer with a little mindful teaching. Wondering what skills to expect from your toddler?
Grab the checklist below to see what skills your toddler may be working on!
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
Top 10 Non-Toy Toddler Gifts that Rock
Ultimate Toddler Resource Guide
How to Select Books Your Toddler Will Love
4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Vocabulary
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.
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