5 At-Home Outdoor Summer Activities for Toddlers via. The Pacific Standard | www.thepacificstandard.com

This post has been sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Summer looks a little different with a toddler running around, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! With Evie now on the move, we’ve had to put our heads together to map out activities to keep her occupied and entertained. The great thing about the warm weather is that it can allow you to get outside and introduce your little one to a whole new world of play and exploration! With a bag in tow of my favorite Johnson and Johnson Family of Consumer Company products: Benadryl® Allergy UltraTab® Tablets (for me, of course), Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection® Lotion Sunscreen, BAND-AID® Brand SKIN-FLEX® Bandages, and Neosporin® Pain/Relief Cream; we’ll keep the outdoor activities going all summer long.

Keep reading to see our top five at-home summer activities that we will be utilizing in our own backyard. No need for a lavish or expansive yard, most of these can be recreated in a small space or open grass area!

Sensory Station with Bath Toys

This has been one of our favorite activities for our daughter to play with. Not only is it entertaining for her, but it also puts play into her own hands. Much like bath time, small toys like foam numbers or letters let children play and arrange at their own speed. This is a great way to enhance your little one’s sensory time and entertain them during the day.

(The above image refers to Neosporin Kids. Please note the Neosporin Pain Itch Scar & Kids versions are not the same)

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With more time outdoors, it’s also a good idea to keep items handy that may be needed. Accidents do happen from time to time, whether it be a cut or bump, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages and Neosporin® are great to have on hand. Neosporin® minimizes the appearance of scars, and its no-sting formula is perfect for children 2+! We utilize Neosporin® with BAND-AID® Brand SKIN-FLEX® Bandages, which stay on for 24-hours—meaning you won’t need to continually reapply bandages. We consider these two items essential in our at-home first aid kits and also travel with them in Evie’s bag.

Splash Pad or Baby Pool

Depending on the age of your child, a splash pad or pool may be more suitable. A splash pad does require continuous water hook-up, such as a hose to operate, so this may be most well-suited for someone with a backyard. Splash pads are relatively inexpensive and are great for kids of all ages, especially those who may be more familiar with the water. Most are made with a bubbled bottom, which provides additional comforts/cushions.

Evie loves her little baby pool, and we often find ourselves passing the time by splashing and laughing along with her. Even when she is in the shade of an umbrella, we always apply sunscreen any time we're outside. Infants and toddlers have such precious skin, so having a kid-friendly sunscreen like Aveeno® is an absolute must. Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection® Lotion Sunscreen is formulated with naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active ingredient that is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free!

Bubble Station

It’s safe to say that bubbles are always a sure way to make your little one smile! Furthermore, you may wind up having just as much fun blowing bubbles as your little one does popping them! There are a TON of different ways to set up backyard bubble stations by utilizing a plastic storage container with dish soap, sugar, and water, or by purchasing automatic bubble machines.

Keep your little one cool on warmer days by keeping playtime in shaded areas and keeping water on hand. I typically have a small, insulated bottle for Evie to enjoy, stashed in an outdoor baby bag.

I’d also recommend bringing a few things for yourself, like a pair of sunglasses, water, and if allergy-prone, Benadryl®. Both Kevin and I suffer from seasonal allergies and know how much they can put a damper on a fun afternoon. Just one small tablet gives you the antihistamine relief when you need it most!

Create Your Own Moon Sand

Can’t make it to the beach? Bring the sand to you! This toddler sensory activity couldn’t be easier to put together, and it's taste-safe for small children. This can get messy, which makes it the perfect outdoor activity for summer. To make the “moon sand,” mix 2 C flour with ⅓ C coconut oil. Once combined, you can place this sand in a plastic storage container and allow your little to build up and down.

Add muffin cups, plastic rakes (or forks), and sandcastle toys, and let your child create! Younger toddlers may be more interested in the texture of the sand, but either way, it’s fun to let them build and tear down!

Chalk Dot Walk

Whether your child is older and free drawing on the sidewalks, or if you have an infant and are just introducing coloring, chalk is always a fun activity. Evie is learning the ropes of using chalk, so instead of coloring, we chalk dots on the cement for her. For older toddlers, you can also use water to wash away or clean-up the chalk dots. Chalk is super affordable and lasts for a while, so it’s sure to bring your little one plenty of fun and memories.
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