How to Engage Little Ones in Outdoor Fun

Winter gloom is gone and summer fun is here! It’s getting warmer outside and now’s your opportunity to excite little ones to explore, play, and make memories at home. Whether you have a backyard oasis or a small patio, there are plenty of ways to bring summer fun to your home. Here are some tips to make the most of the season with your little ones:

• Create a Backyard Adventure Zone: Whether as a simple sandbox or a full-on ninja warrior obstacle course, you can transform your backyard into a playground paradise! Encourage exploration and imagination by incorporating nature and elements you may already have like rocks, flowers, and chairs.

• Host a Casually Fancy Outdoor Picnic or Tea Party: Bringing mealtime outside with picnics and tea parties in the backyard can be a fun change of pace, and avoid mess inside! Lay out a blanket, pack snacks, and let your little ones play and snack. Inviting their favorite stuffed animals to join in the fun can ignite their imagination as well.

• Splash in the Water: If you’re in Arizona like me, you can beat the heat with water play right in your backyard. Set up an umbrella, sprinklers, or water table for hours of refreshing fun. Add shovels and floating toys to enhance the entertainment and keep your little ones hooked.

• Plant a Garden Together: Watch your little ones and your garden grow while teaching the wonders of nature by planting a garden together. Let them get their hands dirty planting, encourage responsibility with regular watering, and teach them about growing fruits, veggies, and flowers.

• Sensory Activities and Messy Play: Bring a sensory bin of assorted items outside and let your little ones explore their senses. Set up a sand table, water bin, or sensory bin with filler materials like rice or beans with things they can squish, mold, and feel all the textures.

• Host Outdoor Movie Nights: Set up a tent and projector or laptop to create a magical outdoor movie experience for your little ones. Bring some blankets, cozy pillows, and snacks to make the perfect movie night under the sky.

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching your little ones independent play and explore the great outdoors. To make the most of your outdoor adventures, here are 10 of my favorite products we use and love that will keep your kids entertained and active for hours on end.

As a Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This comes at no additional cost to you, but allows me to earn a small commission.

1) Kids 4-in-1 Picnic Table with Umbrella:

I first saw this versatile kids picnic table from Amazon on Instagram and it's been everything I hoped for! It works for snack time, craft time, and play time as it has two compartments with buckets included for sand, water, or any toy play. It includes an umbrella to protect little ones which fits right down the center.

2) The BEST Automatic Bubble Machine:

Trust me as someone who has tried four different automatic bubble machines for our kid, this one is the best by far. It's produces the most bubbles per minute, is durable against typical toddler rough-housing, and can either be used on battery or plugged in. It's perfect for backyard playdates or lazy afternoons in the sun. And there is nothing more magical to little ones than a sky full of bubbles.

3) Step2 Roller Coaster Toy:

Thrill-seeking toddlers and even cautious toddlers (like mine) love this pint-sized roller coaster! It's got easy-to-climb steps and gentle slope, so it's the perfect introduction to the world of roller coasters. Watch as your little have the time of their life as they "Weeeee!" down the track again and again. Bonus win, its super quick and easy to put together. No tools necessary.

4) Triangle Set Climber 5-in-1:

For little adventurers who love to climb or those just getting curious to explore, this triangle set is perfect. My son was too nervous to try the park big structures so this was just the right introduction. It's sturdy and has multiple climbing configuration options, making it an excellent way to encourage physical activity and exploration in your own backyard. This is also small enough to be the perfect indoor play room climbing structure.

5) Little Tikes Water Table:

To help beat the heat, use this water table from Little Tikes that your kiddos can splash and utilize their imagination in. It's packed with interactive features like spinning wheels and pouring cups, and it's easy to add on a water spraying feature to create waterfall effects. Plus, it's a great way to introduce your little babes to the joys of water play in a safe and controlled environment.

6) Kids Inflatable Bounce House (Blue - Sports Theme) & (White - Timeless Theme):

Want to be the coolest parents in the town? Turn your backyard into a neighborhood funzone with one of these inflatable bounce houses! Whether your kids are bouncing around or sliding down the attached slide, they will love the endless fun that these bounce houses provide, and you will love all the energy they are getting out. Plus, they're easy to set up and take down, making them perfect for impromptu playdates or family gatherings. I highly recommend these.

7) Little Tikes Snug & Secure Swing:

Swinging has been one of my sons favorite things since he was about 9 months old. It's both a safe and fun outdoor experience when you have this swing from Little Tikes. With its high back and adjustable straps, it provides a safe and comfortable ride for even the smallest little ones. Hang it and watch your kids smile grow huge as they soar to new heights. It will surprise you how high some kids like to go!

8) First Slide for Toddlers Age 1-3:

Slide into summer outdoor fun with this toddler-friendly slide! It's perfect for littles who are just learning to walk and climb as it's low to the ground with only a few steps. It also has easy-to-grip handles for added stability. My son is almost 2.5 years old and is still loving it everyday whether sliding down headfirst or sitting and scooting.

9) Tonka Dump Truck:

This may be directed a bit more towards the boys, but as a boy mom I absolutely love this toy. You can let your little ones unleash their inner construction worker with this heavy duty dump truck. It provides so much simple entertainment for them such as hauling rocks and dirt in the backyard or loading up toys for an imaginary adventure. It doesn't require any batteries AND has survived my throw everything toddler so it's a favorite in our backyard.

10) Inflatable Gymnastics Tumble Mat:

This one takes the cake for us. Perfect for outdoor or indoor, this inflatable air gymnastics mat is the best for both silly play time and gymnasts in training. Your kids can practice jumping, running, summersaults, and new tricks as they grow and adventure with all their bodies can do. It provides a safe and supportive surface for all your childrens' adventures. Plus, it's easy to inflate and deflate, and packs up small.

With these fantastic additions to your backyard, you'll be ready to make the most of every sunny day with your little ones. From climbing and sliding to bouncing and tumbling, there's no end to the outdoor fun that’s calling your name! Grab your sunscreen, bring out a fan and some snacks, and get ready for laughter and exploration this summer.

For more activity tips for your babes, visit my other blog posts and follow me on instagram for discounts @MommingSimplified!