Charlie is now 18 months and SUCH a little person! We have been so active lately with our beautiful Spring season and getting out and exploring all sorts of things. I love seeing his face light up with something as simple as putting wood chips in a bucket.
The other day while at the park, Charlie hopped on the slide and exclaimed “uh uh daaaa!” (up up, down!) before sliding down. I was overwhelmed with glee watching my little boy take such joy at the park. I started thinking about all the activities he and I do together and how I could continue these afternoons of fun, even on days with bad weather.
After reaching out to you guys on Instagram for more ideas and then doing a little walk down memory lane of my two years working in a toddler classroom, I found some inspiration to share with you! Thanks to those of you who gave me your ideas! If you have more, please leave them in the comments :)
Water Table- In the shower when the weather is bad or out in the back yard!
Sandbox- make sure to have a lid! It’s very messy so be prepared!
Sidewalk chalk- you can get creative together!
Sprinkler- going to be so necessary soon here in Austin.. put on a suit and play!
Sensory Bin- Ideas on The Busy Toddler! I love pieces of nature in a bin :) SO many ideas here though.
Bubbles- how did I ever forget about this?
Get water bucket and give them a big paint brush so they can “paint” water on the side of the house or fence… Genius!
Head to Home Depot and explore! (this can be done on a bad weather day too!)
MY GYM– we just did this for this first time and it’s the perfect indoor activity for your toddler. It’s a safe place for them to run around and climb and there are locations all over the country!
Run. Literally take them to an open field and let them run. We sometimes bring a soccer ball but he just loves wandering.
Make smoothies or bake something using KitchenAid– Charlie thinks its so fun watching things mix together!
Get a play kitchen! And some pretend food. Pretend to cook together!
Tear up paper (old magazines/mail/etc) – haven’t done this but I’m going to!
Build with blocks. Our favorites are Mega Bloks.
Play with shaving cream (can get a plastic bin for this or play with it outside!)- seriously this stuff feels amazing on the hands and is SO fun for toddlers.. we did this in our classroom and it was my favorite
Paint pottery- My favorite coffee mug is one Charlie and I made together and even though it wasn’t an activity that engaged him for very long, it was a special memory and he got to put paint on his hands :)
Play with blocks- SO good for development and so many ways to do this! Right now we are using these soft foam blocks that he builds towers with and knocks over. We love them! And still to this day my favorite stacker is this.
LOCAL TO AUSTIN:
Dick Nichols Park- they just re-vamped this! So fun!
Lost Creek Park– a friend just recommended this one! Have not been yet but can’t wait to check it out!
Central Market Playground- perfect place to grab lunch with friends and let your kids run around!
The Thinkery– we are members and there is a whole room designed specifically for babies and toddlers. We love the water table too!
Austin Zoo
Locomotion- An indoor bounce park! And they have an area for babies :)
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center- we just joined and can’t wait to explore more! Great spot for photography and the best place to take bluebonnet photos!
Zilker Park Train– there is a miniature train ride that’s on my bucket list! I’ve seen it many times but I can’t wait to take Charlie on it
What are your favorite activities to do with your toddler?
activity ideas for you and your toddler
