Top 10 Summer Outdoor Activities for Infants and Toddlers: A Guide to Healthy, Safe, and Fun Family Bonding 

Summer is finally here, and it’s time for sun-soaked adventures and quality family time outdoors! As parents, we want to ensure our little ones have a blast while staying safe during this exciting season. So, let’s dive into some essential tips and ideas to make the most of summer fun while keeping our kids safe.  

Summertime offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and fun-filled activities that promote physical development and enhance family bonding. However, keeping infants and toddlers entertained while ensuring their safety can sometimes be challenging.  

Here are 10 Health Promoting Outdoor Activities for Kids 

• Water Play: There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with some water play. Fill a kiddie pool or a water table with water and safe, age-appropriate toys. Always supervise water play to ensure safety. 
• Sandbox Fun: A sandbox can provide hours of imaginative play. Your toddler can dig, pour, sift, and build, which is excellent for their fine motor development. Remember to use child-safe, non-toxic sand. 
• Picnic in the Park: Pack a toddler-friendly picnic and head to your local park. This allows your child to explore a new environment and can be a great opportunity for socializing with other kids their age. 
• Nature Walks: Take your little ones on a nature walk, either walking or in a stroller. Point out different plants, animals, and sounds. This will help foster a love for nature from an early age. My kids love to bring a bag or some sort of container with them to collect things they find. (Make sure you bring your own backpack for the inevitable moment when they don’t want to carry their own things anymore!) 
• Garden or Yard Exploration: If you have a garden or a yard, encourage your child to explore it. Introduce them to different plants, textures, and insects. You could even start a small vegetable or flower garden together. My family recently purchased caterpillars and watched them turn into butterflies over the course of a few weeks. They loved it! 
• Bubble Blowing: Kids love bubbles, and it’s a fantastic outdoor activity. If your child is old enough, they can try blowing the bubbles themselves, helping to develop their breath control and mouth muscles. 
• Visit a Petting Zoo: An outdoor petting zoo or a farm visit can be a fun and educational experience. It offers a chance to learn about different animals and understand the basics of caring for them. 
• Sidewalk Chalk: For toddlers, drawing with sidewalk chalk can be a fun way to get creative outdoors. They can scribble, draw, and even start learning about different colors. 
• Outdoor Story Time: Take your usual story time outside. A blanket under a shady tree makes for a perfect spot to read their favorite books. 
• Sensory Bins: Create outdoor sensory bins filled with safe, non-toxic materials like water beads, flower petals, or safe-to-eat mud. Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, and fine and gross motor skills. 

With these engaging outdoor activities, summer becomes the perfect time for your infants and toddlers to explore the world, develop crucial skills, and spend quality time with family. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy these precious moments of childhood. 

Stay Sun-Smart 

Sun safety is crucial, especially for young children whose delicate skin requires extra care. Here’s how you can keep your little ones protected from harmful UV rays: 

Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours. Remember to cover all exposed areas, including the face, neck, arms, and legs. 

My personal favorite is Vacation. They say it’s the best smelling sunscreen, and it’s the truth. v 

Seek shade: Limit direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) by seeking shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies. 

Dress for protection: Dress your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. 

Some of my favorite summer clothes hail from Rylee + Cru Collective. They make clothes for newborns through 12 years and even have the cutest rash guard style swimwear that’s UPF 50 for extra protection!  

Hydration is Key 

Hot summer days can lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to keep your little ones hydrated. Here’s how you can ensure they get enough fluids: 

1. Offer water regularly: Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, even if they’re not feeling thirsty. Remember to bring along a water bottle when you’re out and about. 
2. Offer hydrating snacks: Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries, into their diet. These tasty treats will help keep them hydrated. 

Water Safety 

Splashing around in the water is a quintessential summer activity, but it’s important to prioritize water safety, especially for young children. Consider the following: 

Supervise at all times: Never leave your child unattended near water, whether it’s a pool, lake, or even a bathtub. Designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher” to keep a close eye on them. 

Teach basic swimming skills: Enroll your child in age-appropriate swimming lessons to develop essential water skills and instill confidence in and around water. 

Invest in floatation devices: Choose Coast Guard-approved life jackets or floatation devices that fit your child properly. Remember, these devices are not a substitute for supervision. 

Outdoor Play and Heat Safety 

Playing outdoors is a fantastic way for children to explore, learn, and burn off energy. However, it’s important to take precautions to ensure their safety: 

Check the playground: Before letting your child play, inspect the playground equipment for any potential hazards, such as sharp edges, loose parts, or extreme heat. My friends and I often joke that parents must not be the ones designing playgrounds because so often we come across playgrounds that are entirely metal and useless in our SoCal Summer heat!  

Protect against heat-related illnesses: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive sweating, fatigue, or flushed skin. Move activities to shaded areas and offer frequent breaks to cool down. 

Stay cool and comfortable: Dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing and provide them with a hat and sunglasses to shield them from the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen! 

Bug Bite Prevention 

While exploring the great outdoors, pesky bugs can sometimes make an appearance. Follow these tips to protect your child from bug bites: 

Use insect repellent: Choose an EPA-registered insect repellent specifically designed for children. Apply it to exposed skin, but avoid the face and hands. 

I personally have the worst time with mosquitos. They love me and my skin reacts horribly. One of the bug sprays I love is Golden Hour. It smells amazing and it’s safe for the whole family. If you do happen to get bit, the best solution I have found for the itchiness is these Itch Relief Stickers. I could not tell you how they work, but they do. Better than any cream I’ve used before. 

Dress appropriately: Dress your child in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize their exposure to insects. Tucking pants into socks can provide an extra barrier. 

Avoid peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so plan outdoor activities accordingly or create a bug-free zone by using mosquito nets or screens. 

 

Planning Summer fun while staying safe can feel overwhelming, but remember to slow down, trust your gut, and enjoy your time together.