Categories: Baby, Home, Toddlers
June 14, 2019
There’s so much to love about summer: trips to the beach, backyard barbeques, bike rides, fireworks, s’mores… the list goes on. Longer days mean there’s more time to get outside and play, and you don’t have to wait until your baby can crawl or swim to take full advantage of the fresh air. Studies have shown that the health benefits of nature for infants include the development of language and basic motor skills as well as the promotion of healthy sleep patterns, giving us all the more reason to get outdoors. Even just a walk around the block can do wonders for both baby and you, so investing in a quality stroller is an absolute must. And if there are older kids at home, you’ll want to have a bunch of activities on hand to get them outside as well (and avoid the inevitable groans of “I’m bored” over the coming months). Here, we’re rounding up the best outdoor games and toys for summer that children of all ages will enjoy.
By Land or By Sea: Outdoor Fun for Babies & Toddlers
While your little one may not be ready to swim just yet, the Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy by SwimWays is designed to help both babies and parents relax during the water introduction experience. Plus, its removable canopy has mesh sides and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
If you’re staying on land, the compact, lightweight folding frame of the Pop N’ Jump comes fully assembled and sets up in seconds while still providing important sun protection. And with its spinner ball, rattle, teether, mirror book, and jumping feature, your baby is sure to be entertained wherever you go.
Splash mats are a great way for kids to keep cool in the heat, and this one by SwimSchool is designed specifically with babies in mind. Recommended for ages 6 to 18 months, the extra-wide inflatable mat also features a backrest and removable canopy to keep your little one upright and in the shade while splashing.
No matter where you live, this duel sandbox and water table will transform your backyard or patio into your toddler’s very own beach. Holding both play sand and water, it’s guaranteed to become an instant outdoor favorite of kids and parents alike.
Baby on the move? This wooden lawnmower push toy promotes the development of gross motor skills, and is perfect for new walkers. Plus, it is handcrafted with solid cherry and birch wood, and the balls are painted and sealed with a non-toxic, food-grade coloring.
Take your little one for a bicycle ride in the 2 Seat Kids Bike Trailer by Burley. Its hammock style seat design means your child is not sitting on the floor of the trailer, and it folds flat for easy transportation and storage.
Summer Cool Down: Backyard Activities for Kids
For the smallest of green thumbs in your family, this Melissa & Doug gardening set is the perfect introduction to planting and growing. The five-piece set includes a sturdy tool belt with adjustable self-stick closure and pocket, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can, and plant pot.
Don’t have a pool? No problem. The H2OGO! Fun Sketching Art Splash Blobz is more than just a cool surface for kids to play on and slide across. It also comes with five erasable crayons to use for coloring on the exterior of the blob for double the fun and creativity.
Play Ball: Outdoor Games for the Whole Family
Whether playing on grass or sand, this Rollors Outdoor Game combines the best parts of horseshoes, bocce ball, and bowling all into one. Our suggestion? Host a neighborhood tournament for a full afternoon of friendly competition.
Baseball is America’s favorite pastime for a reason. Nothing beats a classic game of wiffle ball on a summer evening, and this complete set has everything you need to get started.
Summer is finally here! Get the entire family outside with games and toys that encourage movement, creativity, and endless fun—just don’t forget the sunscreen!
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