25 Ways to Entertain Your Toddler This Summer

Toddlers are big balls of energy! Keep your cool, mama, with these 25 ways to entertain your toddler during the upcoming summer months.

Toddlers are….busy. As I sit here and type, Blake just had her last day of school yesterday and Branden, today. Even though they are 6 and 14, I’m still going crazy thinking about how to balance working from home with their schedules. It’s a challenge at every age, but extra challenging during the toddler years. 

I hope that these tips help guide you with your busy little one so you can have a fun and rewarding summer. 

25 Ways to Entertain Your Toddler This Summer

Summer is a fantastic time to engage and entertain your toddler with a wide range of activities. From outdoor adventures to indoor creativity, there are countless opportunities to keep your little one entertained and stimulated during the sunny months. To help you make the most of this season, we have compiled a list of 25 exciting and educational ways to entertain your toddler this summer.

1. Visit a local park: Take your toddler to the park and let them explore the playground, run around, and enjoy the fresh air.

2. Plan a picnic: Pack a lunch and head to a nearby park or beach for a delightful picnic. Let your child help prepare the snacks for added fun.

3. Create a water play area: Set up a small inflatable pool, a sprinkler, or water toys in your backyard for some splashing and water play.

4. Explore nature: Go on nature walks with your toddler. Point out different plants, insects, and animals along the way to foster their curiosity about the natural world.

5. Organize a treasure hunt: Hide small toys or treats around your backyard or home and create a treasure map for your toddler to follow. This activity encourages problem-solving skills and adds an element of excitement.

6. Have a mini beach day: If you don’t live near the beach, you can create a mini beach experience at home. Fill a sandbox with sand, set up beach chairs, and bring out buckets and shovels for some sandy fun.

7. Build a fort: Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to build a cozy fort indoors. Your toddler will love playing and hiding in their secret hideaway.

8. Visit the local library: Check out your local library’s schedule for storytimes and other toddler-friendly events. It’s a great way to introduce your child to the joy of reading.

9. Start a garden: Let your toddler help you plant and care for a small garden. They will love watching the plants grow and learning about nature.

10. Create art with nature: Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs on your nature walks and use them to make beautiful crafts, such as leaf rubbings or flower collages.

11. Set up a sensory bin: Fill a plastic container with rice, sand, or water and add toys, scoops, and measuring cups. Sensory play helps develop fine motor skills and engages your child’s senses.

12. Have a dance party: Put on some music and have a lively dance party with your toddler. It’s a great way to burn off energy and have fun together.

13. Visit a petting zoo: Take your toddler to a local petting zoo or farm where they can interact with friendly animals and learn about different species.

14. Play with bubbles: Blow bubbles in the yard or at the park. Toddlers are fascinated by bubbles and enjoy chasing and popping them.

15. Have a themed dress-up day: Choose a theme like superheroes, princesses, or animals, and let your toddler dress up accordingly. Encourage imaginative play and storytelling.

16. Create a DIY obstacle course: Use pillows, hula hoops, tunnels, and other household items to set up a fun and safe obstacle course in your living room or backyard.

17. Arrange playdates: Invite other toddlers and their parents for playdates. It’s a great opportunity for social interaction and learning through play.

18. Build with blocks: Provide your toddler with building blocks or Lego bricks and let them explore their creativity by constructing towers, houses, and other structures.

19. Have a backyard camping adventure: Set up a small tent in your backyard and spend a night under the stars. Tell stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the camping experience without leaving home.

20. Create a sensory garden: Plant flowers and herbs with various textures and scents in your garden. Encourage your toddler to touch, smell, and explore the different plants.

21. Play with playdough: Make or buy playdough and let your toddler shape and mold it into different objects. It’s a great sensory activity that aids in fine motor skill development.

22. Visit a children’s museum: Explore the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at a local children’s museum. It’s an educational and entertaining experience for your little one.

23. Watch a children’s movie: Have a movie night with your toddler and let them enjoy a favorite children’s movie or a new animated feature.

24. Go on a bike ride: If your toddler is old enough, take them for a bike ride in a safe and supervised area. It’s a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

25. Take a day trip: Plan a day trip to a nearby zoo, amusement park, or beach. Discover new places and create lasting memories with your toddler.

Looking for more toddler tips? You’ll love these:

• ROAD TRIP PLANNING: TIPS FOR TRAVELING SAFE WITH TODDLERS
• HOW TO INCORPORATE LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS INTO EVERYDAY PLAY
• THE ULTIMATE NO MESS CRAFTS FOR TODDLERS
• HOW TO MAKE BUSY BOXES FOR TODDLERS
• 25 WAYS FOR KIDS TO HAVE FUN IN THEIR OWN BACK YARD

Summer offers numerous opportunities to entertain and engage your toddler, both indoors and outdoors. By incorporating these 25 activities into your summer plans, you can ensure that your little one has a season filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Embrace the sunny days and make the most of this special time with your toddler! Enjoy your summer, embrace the chaos, and take lots of pictures!

XOXO,

Allison