According to a recent study, spending time outdoors can have important benefits for toddlers. The study found that increased exposure to nature improved attention spans and cognitive skills in children as young as two years old.
This is great news for parents who are looking for ways to help their children get ahead in school. Spending time outdoors is also a fun way for parents and toddlers to bond and get some exercise. Here are a few tips for getting outdoors with your toddler this spring:
Find a park or nature trail nearby.
There are likely lots of parks and nature trails in your area that would be perfect for spending time outdoors with your toddler. These types of locations typically have plenty of open space for running around, as well as trees and bushes for exploring.
Take a walk.
If you don’t live near a park or nature trail, you can still get outdoors by taking a walk around your neighborhood. This is a great way to get some exercise while also spending time with your toddler. If you really want to get some good exercise in, bring a stroller along with you. Let your child walk for a little bit after a brisk walk with them in the stroller. If your focus is more on getting your child to burn off some energy, consider bringing a ride-on toy like a Bentley trike or a balance bike.
Go for a hike.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous outdoor activity, consider going on a hike with your toddler. There are lots of great hiking trails in the area, and many of them are suitable for toddlers. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and dress your child appropriately for the weather. You may consider a backpack carrier or stroller for younger toddlers.
Visit a farm.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational experience, take your toddler to a local farm. Farms have plenty of open space for exploring, and most of them have animals that your child can interact with. It’s also a great opportunity to teach your child about where food comes from.
Blow bubbles.
Bubbles are another cheap and easy way to get outdoors with your toddler. All you need is a bottle of bubbles and somewhere to blow them. You can set up an outdoor bubble station in your yard, or take bubbles with you on a trip to the park or beach.
Jump on the trampoline.
If you have a trampoline in your yard, your toddler is sure to enjoy playing on it. This is a great way for them to get some exercise, and it’s also a lot of fun. Just be sure to supervise your child closely while they’re jumping, and don’t let them jump on the trampoline if they’re wearing clothes that could get caught in the mesh.
Plant a garden.
If you’re looking for a more educational outdoor activity, consider planting a garden with your toddler. This is a great way to teach them about the food cycle, and it’s also a lot of fun to watch plants grow. You can plant a simple garden in your backyard, or take your toddler to a local farm to help plant a larger garden.
Take a trip to the beach.
If you live near a beach, taking a trip there can be a lot of fun for your toddler. They’ll love playing in the sand and water, and you may even get to see some dolphins or whales. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreens, water, and snacks, and to dress your child appropriately for the weather.
Have a picnic.
A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave your backyard. Pack a few sandwiches and snacks, and find a spot in your yard where your toddler can run around and play.
Get out the sidewalk chalk.
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get outdoors with your toddler is by using sidewalk chalk. Just grab a bucket of chalk and draw a hopscotch board, maze, or some other fun design on your driveway or sidewalk. This is a great activity for a sunny day when you don’t want to go too far from home.
Catch lightning bugs.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where there are lots of lightning bugs, catching them can be a fun outdoor activity for your toddler. All you need is a jar with a lid and some patience. Sit down with your child and help them catch as many lightning bugs as they can. Once they’ve caught enough, release them back into the wild.
Go to the zoo.
If you’re looking for a more educational outdoor activity, take your toddler to the zoo. Many zoos have areas where children can interact with the animals, and many of them also have playgrounds and other activities. It’s a great way to teach your child about the different types of animals in the world.
Conclusion
Getting outdoors with your toddler is a fun and healthy activity that can benefit your child in many ways. By following the tips above, you can help your toddler explore their natural surroundings and learn new things.