14 Trendy Ideas for Outdoor Play for Toddlers

Now that summer is here, outdoor play for toddlers is on the tip of my mind. Outdoor play has been declining for years, but maybe the pandemic can help turn things around. Children and adults are spending more time outside, where infection risk is lower than indoor spaces.

However, there are many more reasons than that to get your kids out of the house. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children play outside as much as possible. They even urge doctors to prescribe playtime as part of wellness visits.

Things may be headed in the right direction, but there’s a long way to go. Many families with preschool children don’t go outside to walk or play regularly.

Help your family enjoy greater happiness and health. Learn more about the benefits of outdoor play and how to integrate it into your daily life.

This post is about outdoor play for toddlers.

Interested in purchasing items in this photo? Click here to see where you can find these toys and more for your babies and toddlers.

Benefits of Outdoor Play:

1. Increase physical activity. Children move faster and burn more calories when they’re outdoors. They also form habits that can help them manage their weight and reduce their risk for heart disease and other conditions linked to sedentary lifestyles. These habits can support vital health throughout their lifetime.
2. Promote learning. Research shows that children are more attentive after recess. Playing outside sharpens thinking by providing sensory input that helps link body and mind.
3. Connect with nature. Green spaces give us energy and brighten our moods. As your child builds their self-esteem and confidence, they may also become more interested in protecting the environment.
4. Make friends. Any unstructured playtime is an opportunity for your child to practice their social skills and interact with their peers. They learn how to share and negotiate.
5. Manage stress. Are you concerned about how the pandemic is affecting your child’s mental health? Outdoor activities can help them deal with confusion, fears, and loss. I wrote a post about 16 ways to encourage independent play with your young toddlers that is the first steps to independent play.

Interested in purchasing items in this photo? Click here to see where you can find these toys and more for your babies and toddlers.

Strategies for Increasing Play:

1. Limit screen time. According to the CDC, children aged, 11 to 14 spend an average of 9 hours a day in front of a screen. You’ll have more time for other things if you limit devices to 1 or 2 hours.
2. Play games. Team sports provide many benefits, but kids need unstructured play too. Toss around a frisbee or jump rope.
3. Create art. Set up an easel or give your child a sketch pad they can carry around. Assemble sculptures using sticks, rocks, and other natural objects.
4. Grow plants. Start a vegetable or flower garden in your backyard. If you’re short on space, see if there’s an opening at your local community garden. Many churches also welcome volunteers to help tend their plants.
5. Splash around. Visit a water park or create your own attractions. If you’re not ready for a pool, you can still run and dance under the spray from your sprinklers or a hose. Maybe you can even convince your kids that washing your car is fun.
6. Pack a picnic. Dine on the grass. Pack a basket and blanket for your next trip to a state park. Serve takeout or your own cooking on your patio for a family meal.
7. Walk your dog. If you need to be reminded to schedule time outdoors, you can count on your dog. For kids who are animal lovers but can’t have pets, you could try a bird feeder.
8. Contact your school. Many schools have cut back on recess periods despite studies showing that this may lower academic achievement. Let your local officials know that you support safe opportunities for kids to take a break outside. 

Outdoor play with young toddlers is essential for your child’s physical, mental, and social development. Spend more time outdoors, where your family can connect with nature and each other.

This post was about outdoor play for toddlers.