When my kids were toddlers, one of the ways I stayed sane was to get all of us outside as much as possible.
Sometimes that meant walks to the library in the double stroller, and other times it meant driving to one of our favorite parks first thing in the morning, before it got too hot.
And sometimes it just meant hanging out in our yard and driveway.
Here are 9 ways for you and your kids to stay home and still enjoy the outdoors.
Most of these activities involve very few materials. None of them are expensive, nor do they require any specific skills.
Have fun!
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Puffy Paint with Shaving Cream and Glue
Puffy Paint is always a huge hit with the kids. It's easy to make, and you probably already have most of the materials you need.
Materials:
* Shaving cream
* Flour
* White glue
* Resealable Bags
* Food Coloring
Simple Homemade Bird Feeder for Kids
Making these Simple Homemade Bird Feeders is the ideal way to introduce young children to watching and feeding the birds in their garden.
This is definitely an activity that requires adult assistance.
And of course, please do not make them if you child is allergic to peanuts.
Materials:
* Cardboard tube (like a clean toilet paper roll)
* Peanut butter
* Bird seed
* String
* Scissors
* Bamboo skewer
* Butter knife
Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint
This Sidewalk Chalk Paint is easy and inexpensive to make -- and it will keep your kids entertained outside for hours!
Materials:
* Water
* Cornstarch
* Muffin Tin
* Paint brush
Disney In Ice STEM Activity for Toddlers
This Disney in Ice Activity is sensory as well as play-based, but it is also a STEM activity (meaning that it involves science, technology, engineering, and math).
Materials:
* Disney figurines (or any other figurines)
* Eye droppers
* Measuring cups
Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
Making an Outdoor Obstacle Course with Sidewalk Chalk is an activity that helps toddlers and preschoolers work on their gross motor skills.
Even better -- it requires almost no prep work and all you need is chalk!
Sensory Bean Box for Toddlers and Preschoolers
I know you must have an empty box in your house -- and it probably has the word "Prime" on it.
Why not put that box to good use and create this Sensory Bean Box? It's an activity that your child will enjoy for hours.
Materials:
* Box or bin
* Dried beans, uncooked rice, large beads, rocks, sand, etc
* Construction vehicles
Homemade Ladybug Catcher from a Jar
Materials:
* Glass jar with lid
* Acrylic paint (red and black)
* Paint brush
* Black chenille stem
* Hot glue gun and glue
* Black permanent marker
Animal Washing Station for Toddlers
This Animal Washing Station is seriously such a simple activity to do with your toddler outdoors, and enjoy some fun fine motor and sensory play.
Materials:
* Three bins or containers
* Water
* Soap
* Pouring cups (optional)
* Tongs (optional)
* Chalk (optional)
* Scrub brush (optional)
Galaxy Blue Baking Soda And Vinegar Reaction
This Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction is fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids.
It's a good activity to do outdoors so you don't have a huge mess to clean up when you're finished!
Materials:
* Baking soda
* Vinegar
* Dark blue food coloring
More Fun Stuff for Toddlers
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