Think back to when you were a kid.
What memories stand out for you the most?
For me it is playing outside with me it is playing in the sandbox with my sister.
Planting a garden with my mother.
Sledding with my dad down the hill at our elementary school in the cold.
Looking up at the stars while I lay on my back in the snow.
Finding lady bugs in piles of leaves that we raked in the fall.
I truly believe that playing outdoors as a young child shaped my love for being outside as an adult.
The Benefits of Outdoor Play in Toddlers
Not only will you create great memories with your little one when you prioritize outdoor play but your little one will also get all of the other benefits that outdoor play has to offer.
Outdoor play is wonderful for building independent play skills.
When children get the opportunity to explore outdoors they become naturally curious and seek out what interests them all on their own.
They discover what feels good for their own body and sensory system.
Do they like the feeling of grass under their feet?
Is it fun to spash water?
Nature is the ultimate sensory experience!
Playing Outside Burns Energy
Toddlers are not meant to sit still.
They are naturally very busy people and playing outdoors gives them lots of ways to move their body which helps promote fine and gross motor development.
Balance and coordination refine as your little one walks across a variety of surfaces and climbs over obstacles.
Hand strength is gained as they build sand castles or draw in the dirt.
If you notice you child seems to be “climbing the walls” inside…this is a cue that they need the opportunity to move their body.
Outdoor Play Encourages Development in All Areas
We already discussed how outdoor play encourages motor skills so let’s explore some of the other areas.
Playing outside allows for lots of opportunities for creativity and imaginary play.
Cognitive skills are sharpened as well we your child explores the various science experiments that it just offers up.
When playing outside children will learn to interact as they work together to build a sand castle or race to the swingset.
As parents, there are lots of opportunities for us to encourage almost any skill outside by just being a little mindful.
Promote Language Development While Playing Outside
Whenever a child is in a new environment we find new words to learn.
Children need to hear words over and over again before they even attempt to imitate them…and when we are outside there is a lot to talk about.
When you are on a walk with your toddler or just playing outside talk about what you see.
Label the objects you see and use descriptive language to introduce them to even more words.
If your child points out something they are interested in label it for them.
If your child is starting to use words you can also point to things and say “Look! It is a_____!” and let them fill in the blank.
This is a low-pressure way to give them the opportunity to label something without saying “say this” which some kids don’t respond well to.
We also can use lots of action words when we are outside which we don’t always use as much when playing indoors.
Think of words like running, climbing, jumping etc.
By describing your toddler’s movements they will start to learn those as well.
Do not feel like you have to be labeling things 24/7.
Just do it for a few minutes at a time or what feels comfortable and natural to you.
What toddler outdoor toys should you get?
The wonderful thing about being outside is you don’t necessarily need lots of toys to entertain your little one as there is so much around for them to explore by just being in nature.
However, if you are looking to buy a few things here is a post that I wrote all about my favorite toddler outdoor toys.
Simple Outdoor Play Ideas for Toddlers
Outdoor play requires little to no planning which makes it a great low-prep activity for parents and childcare providers.
Here are some simple outdoor play ideas you can try out with your toddler that are fun and promote learning.
Go for a Toddler Hike or Walk
This simple activity allows your little one to get moving and explore what they are interested in.
Ask them about what they see and label what you see as you go along.
Bring a small bag with them for them to put items in that they find interesting. Toddlers and preschools love to collect!
Include Them in Your Outdoor Activities or Chores
You may be able to complete tasks quicker without the help of a toddler, however, if you include them there are lots of opportunities for them to learn and have fun.
Gardening with toddlers allows your little one to play in the dirt while learning about plants and patience.
Let your child help you fill bird feeders, pull weeds, or do any other activity that is safe for them to help with when outside.
Nature Sensory Activities
Just being outside provides your child with a sensory experience.
They may smell new things and feel new sensations.
Sensory play can naturally be found outside as your child explores puddles, mud, sandboxes, and more.
Let your child enjoy some independent play or you can use some structured play ideas as well.
Click here to read some simple ways to encourage learning through sandbox play.
Try a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can be a great way to build language skills and encourage gross and fine motor skills!
It is also considered an early literacy activity as you pair written words with pictures on a list for your child to navigate.
You can make your own by simply cutting out or drawing pictures of things that your little one can find outside or you can download my free printable spring scavenger hunt here to try out!
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Going for a walk or hike can be a great place to start. Also including your little one in activities that you enjoy doing outside like gardening can be fun.
Anything that fits well with your own child’s interests and encourages development is a great option. I put a list together of some of the best outdoor toys for toddlers that you can check out.
Toddler proofing and making sure they are safe should be your number one priority. This means keeping all outdoor chemicals put away and locked. Also, sharp tools should be kept out of reach as well. Adding a few outdoor toys, a playset, or even a sandbox can be fun ways for your child to enjoy outdoor time.
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
Simple Wind-Down Activities for Toddlers Before Bed
Simple Activities to Promote Sharing and Turn Taking
What You Need to Know About the 2-Year-Old Sleep Regression
Fun Toddler Camping Activities
How to Find a Babysitter You Can Trust
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.