Who would’ve ever thought that a mall escalator could be an exhilarating adventure? Well, for a toddler, it sure can be! In simple terms, toddlers are energetic little beings between the ages of one and three who are in a constant state of exploration. This phase of life is all about curiosity, independence, and rapid development, often accompanied by tantrums and boundless energy.
Toddlers are little bundles of energy, always on the move and eager to explore. Keeping up with their fiery enthusiasm means always having a variety of engaging activities ready. Most toddlers love making a mess, so it’s great to include activities that involve different textures like sand, grass, or water to satisfy their sensory cravings. Below, are some of my young children’s favourite tried-and-true outing activities backed by research insights. Read on for inspiration on how to best entertain your young child!
My Experience
As a parent and observer, I can confidently say that toddlers are incredibly creative! They’re always on the move, exploring their surroundings with absorbent minds, keen eyes and astonishing speed. One of the simplest and most cost-effective outings is stepping outside into nature. My kids love running around and riding their bike/scooter in the great outdoors. We often take neighbourhood walks where they interact with others and enjoy the fresh air.
I love how these outings contribute to my young ones’ growth. It’s amazing to see my 22-month-old son trying to apply his mind’s eye to reality. One day, while out on a walk, we ran into a couple from church who were walking their dog. As my husband and I exchanged pleasantries with them, our son patted the dog. Suddenly, we watched him lift one leg to straddle the dog as if he was about to ride a horse. We burst into laughter as we ended our chat and parted ways.
One of our go-to spots is the playground/park. This place offers endless fun for toddlers with a variety of activities. My daughter enjoys the swing and jungle gym, while my son heads straight for either the sandpit or the slide. Usually, we spend at least 45 minutes at the playground, moving from one activity to another. By the time we head home, they’re content and tired from all the fun. Our outing adventures are numerous, but we will share just a few of our favourite ones below.
Research Insight
It turns out that almost any idea can be transformed into a fun activity for a toddler. Imagine how something as normal as a mall escalator can be thrilling for a toddler. A quick Google search for “toddler outing ideas” will yield a plethora of suggestions. From hiking to riding the mall escalator and much more, the possibilities are endless. However, here are our top picks:
6 Outdoor Spots For Toddlers Fun
- Playground/park: Slides, swings, sandpits, and merry-go-rounds offer endless entertainment for kids of all ages. A picnic can add to the fun.
- Library: Our local family library has a lovely sensory room, among a few toddler activities like puzzles. My kids love it there, and we visit frequently.
- Beach: Weather permitting, the beach is a fantastic spot for free water play, especially if your toddler enjoys it as much as mine does.
- Indoor soft play: Perfect for rainy days, these indoor places are equipped with soft play gyms and mazes designed for young kids.
- Nature outings: Letting your toddler run free even in the backyard provides great exercise and fresh air, essential for their health.
- Pet Farm/Zoo: Toddlers love seeing animals up close, connecting what they see on the television with real life.
Conclusion
A fun outing for a toddler doesn’t have to be expensive! Their version of fun should be intriguing and involve sensory experiences with a parent close by. We’ve identified some great spots for toddlers, including trips into nature, the beach, the library, the zoo or pet farm, the playground or park, and indoor play areas. The best part is that these outings cost next to nothing, and your little one gets to have maximum fun. In the end, all a toddler really wants is to have fun!
Action Point
Try a new outing that you’ve never tried before with your toddler and kindly share your experience with us!