50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (2024)

Author: Susie

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (2)

Table of Contents:

  1. Looking for easy outdoor activities for kids? Here’s the list.
  2. This outdoor activities list is for ALL AGES
  3. What are some activities to do outside?
  4. Outdoor activities for kids that are actually doable…
  5. 50+ Outdoor Activities – ENJOY!
  6. 24 Outdoor Arts and Crafts Activities for Kids
  7. 16 STEM Activities for Outside Fun
  8. 16 Water and Ice Play Ideas
  9. 8 Fun and Easy Outdoor Activities
  10. These activities – oh, they are the best!

Looking for easy outdoor activities for kids? Here’s the list.

It is time. Time to get the kids outside for play, outside for messes, outside for fun and I AM HERE FOR IT.

I’m mostly excited for messes to head to the backyard – bring on all the warm weather. If you’re looking for the best outdoor activities for kids (kids of ALL AGES) – this is The List for you.

RELATED: Need even more activities for outside? Here’s my summer activities list for toddlers and preschoolers.

This outdoor activities list is for ALL AGES

I mean it. I scoured the Internet looking for activities to span the ages of all the kids at home right now – from babies and tabies to toddlers, preschoolers and then our big kids home from elementary school.

This list spans a WIDE age group with many great activities for siblings – which is the ultimate way to play (getting all the kids in on the fun).

Our outdoor play has never been more important and I’m so hopeful this list can help you bring some extra bits of fun to your backyard.

What are some activities to do outside?

I have 50+ activities listed here and I split them into FOUR categories for outdoor fun:

  • Arts & crafts
  • STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
  • Water & ice play
  • Easy ideas

These activities are the absolute best from the web – no need to search Pinterest during your break time. I did it all for you.

RELATED: Download my FREE Summer Activities List – ideas you can keep on your fridge for days when you need a little extra.

Outdoor activities for kids that are actually doable…

This list is fun. It’s easy. It’s doable ideas to get kids playing outside.

It’s a welcome break for my living room and I can’t wait for the warm weather to stay (aka get the messes outside…)

50+ Outdoor Activities – ENJOY!

(Get ready to click through and meet some amazing blogs!)

24 Outdoor Arts and Crafts Activities for Kids

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (6)

1. Squirt Gun Painting – Fireflies and Mudpies

2. How to Freeze Paint – Busy Toddler

3. Chalk Ice – The Best Ideas for Kids

4. How to Make Mini Water Blogs – Hello, Wonderful

5. Bubble Painting – Fun Learning for Kids

6. Cotton Rounds Splatter Painter – A Crafty LIVing

7. Outdoor Toy Paint – Busy Toddler

8. Graffiti Art for Kids – Playground Parkbench

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (7)
  1. Outdoor Name Art – Busy Toddler

2. Ball Painting – Happy Toddler Playtime

3. Puffy Sidewalk Paint – The Best Ideas for Kids

4. Painting Ice – Picklebums

5. Friendship Art – Play Teach Repeat

6. Rainbow Dyed Seashells – Mama in the Now

7. Water Balloon Painting – Lets Lasso the Moon

8. Foam Bubble Painting – 123 Homeschool4Me

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (8)
  1. Tape Resist Art – Busy Toddler

2. Frozen Ice Paints – The Imagination Tree

3. Giant Window Painting – Busy Toddler

4. Shadow Art – Rhythms of Play

5. Pointillism – Busy Toddler

6. Giant Nail Salon for Kids – Happy Toddler Playtime

7. Bubble Art Butterflies – Red Ted Art

8. Splatter Paint – Busy Toddler

16 STEM Activities for Outside Fun

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (9)
  1. Science Table – Busy Toddler

2. Engineering with Mud Bricks – Play Teach Repeat

3. Bubble Recipe – Red Ted Art

4. Mini DIY Kaleidoscopes – Babble Dabble Doo

5. Make a Bubble Snake Blower – Messy Little Monster

6. Watermelon Science Activity – Natural Beach Living

7. Ice Boat Racing – Toddler Approved

8, Pool Noodle Pouring Station – Raising Dragons

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (10)
  1. Potion Making Science Station – Busy Toddler

2. Rain Gutter River – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

3. How to Make a Kite – Babble Dabble Doo

4. Build a Changeable Water Wall – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

5. Making Ice Cream in a Sandwich Bag – Busy Toddler

6. Pinwheel Craft – Babble Dabble Doo

7. How to Build a Water Balloon Launcher – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

8. Homemade GIANT Bubbles – Happy Hooligans

16 Water and Ice Play Ideas

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (11)
  1. Sponge Targets – Busy Toddler

2. Pom Pom Ice Cubes – The Paige Diaries

3. Pouring Station – Busy Toddler

4. How to Make Water Balloon Pinatas – Hello, Wonderful

5. Frozen Dinosaur Eggs – The Imagination Tree

6. Pom Pom Water Play – Busy Toddler

7. DIY Sponge Bombs – Messy Little Monster

8. Clean the Cars Activity – Busy Toddler

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (12)
  1. Splash the Alphabet – Days with Grey

2. Pom Pom Water Table – Happy Toddler Playtime

3, Nature Soup (Mess Free Sensory) – Happily Ever Mom

4. Ice Smash – Busy Toddler

5. Ice Play Sensory Bin – Days with Grey

6. Spray Bottle Water Painting – Happy Toddler Playtime

7. Colored Ice Play – Crayons and Cravings

8. Ice Table Sensory Bin – Busy Toddler

8 Fun and Easy Outdoor Activities

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (13)
  1. Animal World Sensory Bin – Busy Toddler

2, Decorate the Cake (with Shaving Cream) – Days with Grey

3, Oobleck Baking Bin – Busy Toddler

4, Dinosaur Mud Play – Play Teach Repeat

5, DIY Mud Kitchen Food – Play Teach Repeat

6. DIY Outdoor Chalk Board Game – Days with Grey

7. Shaving Cream Cloud Art – Play Teach Repeat

8. Outdoor Color Scavenger Hunt – Days with Grey

These activities – oh, they are the best!

Let’s get the kids outside and playing – and these fun and easy activities are perfect for it.

Happy “taking the messes outside” to all!

50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (14)
50+ Outdoor Activities for Kids (of all ages!) - Busy Toddler (2024)

FAQs

How do you entertain a busy toddler? ›

  1. Outdoor Art Activities for Kids.
  2. Ice Table Sensory Bin.
  3. Nature Cutting Bin for Preschoolers.
  4. Water Activities for Kids.
  5. Pom Pom Water Play.
  6. Outdoor Road Easy Activity.
  7. Rainbow Rice and Funnels Sensory Bin.
  8. Animal Line-up Activity.

How to keep a toddler busy during the summer? ›

Indoor Activities:
  1. Learn a new dance.
  2. Play a game (charades, cards, board games, etc.)
  3. Assemble a puzzle.
  4. Read a book.
  5. Draw, paint, cook, or play music.
  6. Create origami or paper airplanes.
  7. Start a treasure hunt.
  8. Visit a museum/aquarium.
Jul 28, 2023

How do I keep my child entertained for 2 hours? ›

35 Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work or Study
  1. Build a Fort. Create a fort using blankets, coffee tables, couches, boxes or whatever you've got in your home. ...
  2. Gather Donations. ...
  3. Start a Journal. ...
  4. Learn to Draw. ...
  5. Hear a Story from Space. ...
  6. Build the Ultimate Paper Airplane. ...
  7. Put on a Play. ...
  8. Collect Broken Crayons.
Mar 18, 2020

How to keep a 2 year old busy outside? ›

50 Outdoor Activities to keep Toddlers and Kids Busy
  1. Encourage creativity and fine motor skills by having kids build sand castles using shovels, buckets, and their hands. ...
  2. Pack a yummy lunch and head to a local park or your backyard for a family picnic. ...
  3. Teach your children the joy of kite flying on a breezy day.
Apr 16, 2023

How do you mentally stimulate a 2 year old? ›

Sing simple songs that involve actions or animal sounds. For example, 'Heads and shoulders' or 'Old MacDonald'. Give your toddler things to sort, like coloured blocks, shapes or pegs, or plastic cups and containers of different sizes. Give your toddler toys with buttons to push to make something happen.

How do you entertain a 2 year old all day? ›

How to fill a day with toddlers
  1. Get Out of the House. Whether it's for a baby/toddler class, playgroup or just a visit to the park. ...
  2. Try a Simple at Home Activity. ...
  3. Read Stories Together. ...
  4. Sing Songs. ...
  5. Mealtimes. ...
  6. Quiet time activities. ...
  7. Bathtime. ...
  8. Attempt Chores Together.
Jul 10, 2019

Do toddlers need to be constantly entertained? ›

But there's good news: Letting children wallow in boredom can help them foster creativity and autonomy.

How do I entertain my kids all summer? ›

50 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained this Summer
  1. Pick your own... whatever. ...
  2. Camp out. First-timers, try backyard camping.
  3. Camp in. Put the sleeping bags on the floor and have a family slumber party.
  4. Rearrange the furniture. ...
  5. Invite friends over for a game day. ...
  6. Make your own pizza. ...
  7. Talk to the animals. ...
  8. Get wet.
Jul 31, 2013

How long should a toddler be outside in the summer? ›

You can take "baby steps" when introducing your little one to the steamy summer weather. Start by gradually increasing outdoor time, taking breaks every 15 to 30 minutes during very hot weather. And again, use caution in temperatures 90 or above (or 84 with 70 percent humidity).

What age is busy toddler for? ›

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's knowledge based and doesn't focus on rapid memorization. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's specially designed to work with a broad age range (from 2.5 – 5 years old). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I built the comprehensive program I needed – a program to honor child development, teach the whole person, and create cherished family memories.

How to keep a toddler busy without TV? ›

Here are 20 old-school and fun activities to keep kids of all ages busy.
  1. Create a game box. ...
  2. Have them make their own cartoon. ...
  3. Let them help you. ...
  4. Give them an important task. ...
  5. Create an idea box. ...
  6. Offer creative toys. ...
  7. Design a treasure hunt. ...
  8. Encourage outdoor play.
Apr 16, 2019

What is sensory play for toddlers? ›

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates our senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. It helps children interact with and make sense of the world that surrounds them.

At what age should a child entertain themselves? ›

At 6 months, a child may be content playing by themselves for 5 minutes. At 12 months, they can handle about 15 minutes of solo play. At 18 months, they might play alone for 15 to 20 minutes. At 2 years, they should last around 30 minutes.

What activities should a 2 year old be doing? ›

Let your child play with sand toys or plastic containers, spoons, or a funnel in the tub or in a sandbox. Help your child do simple puzzles with shapes, colors, or animals. Name each piece when your child puts it in place. Encourage your child's curiosity and help her learn and explore new things.

How do I entertain my child outside? ›

Next time the weather looks inviting, try these creative ways to play outside:
  1. Blow bubbles using a DIY mix.
  2. Build a fort using lawn furniture.
  3. Build paper airplanes. ...
  4. Color eggs outside with less mess.
  5. Draw a hopscotch board with chalk.
  6. Drive to a neighboring town and check out their playgrounds.
Oct 19, 2021

Why is outdoor play good for toddlers? ›

Spending time outdoors in their early years directly affects your child's physical strength, coordination, and even the development of their immune system. Kids who spend more time outdoors playing are less likely to develop weight-related health issues because they are able to engage in active play.

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