Summer is here, and for many families, this means a break from the routine of school and a chance to have some fun. However, it can be challenging to find activities to keep toddlers entertained that won’t break the bank. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 50 budget-friendly summer activities for toddlers to keep them busy and engaged.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Toddlers
Visit a local park or beach
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and visit a local park or beach for some fresh air and exercise. Pack a picnic or bring along some snacks and let the toddlers explore and play.
Have a picnic
Choose a picturesque spot in the park and spread out a blanket for a fun picnic lunch. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, and let the toddlers help prepare the food.
Play with water
Fill up a pool, turn on the sprinkler, or have a water balloon fight for some cool summer fun.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Make a list of items to find in the park, such as leaves, sticks, rocks, or flowers, and see who can find the most items.
Have a sidewalk chalk day
Provide some washable sidewalk chalk and let the toddlers get creative with drawings and games on the driveway or sidewalk.
Fly kites
Purchase a budget-friendly kite or make your own and head to an open field to fly them.
Plant a garden
Get the toddlers involved in growing their own fruits, vegetables, or flowers by planting a small garden.
Go on a bike ride
Take a leisurely bike ride around the neighborhood or park to explore and get some exercise.
Indoor Summer Activities for Toddlers
Have a dance party
Turn up the music and let the toddlers dance and move to their favorite songs.
Create a sensory bin
Fill a bin with different textures, such as sand, rice, or beans, and let the toddlers play and explore with their hands.
Have a cooking day
Choose a simple recipe, such as banana muffins or pizza, and let the toddlers help with the preparation and cooking.
Do some arts and crafts
Provide some paper, crayons, markers, and glue and let the toddlers get creative with their own artwork.
Play dress-up
Provide some old clothes, costumes, or dress-up clothes and let the toddlers play and imagine.
Build forts with blankets and pillows
Let the toddlers help create a cozy fort using blankets and pillows for some quiet time and imaginative play.
Have a game day with board games and puzzles
Choose some simple board games or puzzles and let the toddlers play and learn.
Have a movie day with homemade popcorn
Choose a family-friendly movie and make some homemade popcorn for a fun and cozy movie day.
At-Home Summer Activities for Toddlers
Do some DIY projects
Choose a simple project, such as painting or creating a birdhouse, and let the toddlers help and create something they can be proud of.
Have a treasure hunt
Hide some small toys or treats around the house and let the toddlers search and find the treasure.
Have a science day with experiments
Choose some simple science experiments, such as making a baking soda and vinegar volcano, and let the toddlers learn and explore.
Have a reading day with story time
Choose some favorite books, read them to the toddlers, and let them pick out some books to look at on their own.
Play with playdough
Make homemade playdough or purchase some, and provide some simple tools, such as rolling pins or cookie cutters, for the toddlers to play with and create.
Have a sensory bin day
Fill a bin with different textures, such as sand, rice, or beans, and let the toddlers play and explore with their hands.
Do some finger painting
Provide some washable finger paint and let the toddlers get creative with their hands.
Have a photo shoot
Take some fun and silly photos of the toddlers to remember the summer fun.
Play with bubbles
Purchase some bubbles or make your own and let the toddlers play and chase them.
Have a music day
Provide some simple instruments, such as maracas or drums, and let the toddlers make their own music.
Play with balls
Provide some soft balls for the toddlers to throw, catch, and play with.
Have a play-doh day
Provide some play-doh and some simple tools, such as rolling pins or cookie cutters, and let the toddlers play and create.
Do some coloring
Provide some coloring pages and let the toddlers color and express their creativity. This is always hit among all summer activities for toddlers.
Play with building blocks
Provide some building blocks and let the toddlers build and create.
Have a puppet show
Provide some simple puppets or make your own and let the toddlers put on a show.
Do some paper mache
Choose a simple project, such as creating a balloon bowl, and let the toddlers help and create something they can be proud of.
Have a sticker day
Provide some stickers and let the toddlers decorate and create their own designs.
Play with clay
Provide some modeling clay and let the toddlers create and shape their own creations.
Do some finger knitting
Teach the toddlers how to finger knit and let them create their own simple projects.
Play with paper airplanes
Teach the toddlers how to make paper airplanes and let them fly and compete.
Have a bead day
Provide some beads and let the toddlers string and create their own jewelry or projects.
Do some finger crocheting
Teach the toddlers how to finger crochet and let them create their own simple projects.
Play with hula hoops
Provide some hula hoops and let the toddlers play and dance.
Have a lego day
Provide some legos and let the toddlers build and create their own designs.
Play with moon sand
Purchase some moon sand or make your own and let the toddlers play and create.
Have a magnetic tile day
Provide some magnetic tiles and let the toddlers build and create their own designs.
Do some origami
Teach the toddlers how to make simple origami designs and let them create their own.
Play with pool noodles
Provide some pool noodles and let the toddlers play and create their own games and designs.
Have a cardboard box day
Provide some cardboard boxes and let the toddlers play and create their own designs and structures.
Play with Play-Foam
Provide some Play-Foam and let the toddlers play and shape their own creations.
Have a string art day
Provide some string, nails, and a piece of cardboard and let the toddlers create their own string art designs.
Play with a water table
Fill a water table with water and provide some simple toys, such as boats or cups, for the toddlers to play with and explore.
Have a paper plate day
Provide some paper plates and let the toddlers paint and decorate their own designs.
Play with kinetic sand
Purchase some kinetic sand or make your own and let the toddlers play and shape their own creations.
In conclusion, summer time for toddlers can be both fun and affordable with these 50 budget-friendly summer activities for toddlers. From playing with bubbles to having a water table day, there are plenty of options to keep toddlers busy, engaged, and entertained. Just remember to always supervise and stay safe while enjoying these summer activities for toddlers. Happy summer!
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Yumna is the lead author. She is a mom to two young children and have always been passionate about finding fun and educational activities for them. With her background in early childhood education, she strive to create engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development in toddlers.
