If you’re looking for ways to keep your toddler busy (and happy) this summer, you’re not alone. These activity ideas are fun, simple, and perfect for sunny days with little ones.
20+ Summer Toddler Activities in 2025
Keeping a toddler entertained during the summer can feel like a full-time job, especially when the days are long and full of energy. The good news? You don’t need anything fancy—just a few creative ideas and a bit of sunshine.
This list of summer toddler activities is packed with simple, fun ways to keep your little one engaged. Whether it’s water play, nature walks, or backyard games, these ideas are all about making memories without the stress.
1. Home Made Ice Cream
This cute summer activity uses cardboard cones, cotton balls, and colored water to make pretend ice cream. Kids can match the colors using droppers, following a simple guide card.
To make it even better, try adding a scent to each color or freeze the cotton balls beforehand for a cool sensory touch.
I came across this idea and immediately thought it’s perfect for toddlers—fun, colorful, and a sneaky way to practice fine motor skills.
2. Scavenger Hunt
I found this adorable summer scavenger hunt sheet with everyday items like flip-flops, sunglasses, and umbrellas—perfect for toddlers to spot at home or on a walk. Just print it out and let them circle what they find.
To make it even more engaging, you could laminate the sheet and use dry-erase markers for repeated use, or add a small prize at the end for extra excitement.
I’d definitely recommend this for parents of little ones—it’s such an easy way to spark observation skills while keeping things playful and light outdoors.
3. Decorate Rocks
This sweet activity involves collecting smooth stones and decorating them with drawings and messages for Dad using markers or paint pens. It’s simple, creative, and makes a thoughtful Father’s Day surprise.
To elevate it, you could seal the rocks with clear varnish so they can be kept outdoors or add googly eyes and felt for a playful twist.
I spotted this idea and instantly pictured little hands proudly gifting them—definitely a fun and meaningful project for toddlers this summer!
4. Gardening
All you need is a tub, some soil, mini pots, toy veggies, and a few garden tools to set up this fun toddler gardening station. Just lay it out in a sunny spot and let them explore and pretend to plant.
To enhance the experience, try adding real seeds or fresh herbs—they’ll love seeing something actually grow.
I think this is such a sweet summer idea for toddlers who love messy play and being outdoors—it kept my little one engaged for ages!
5. Sponge Water bombs
To make this summer water play, just cut colorful sponges into strips, tie them into bunches with string or rubber bands, and toss them into a bin of water. That’s it—instant sponge water bombs!
You could even freeze a few the night before for an extra-cool twist or set up targets to make it a game.
I spotted this idea and thought it was perfect—my toddler couldn’t stop laughing while playing with these squishy, splashy sponge bombs!
6. Water Play
Fill a shallow tub with water, toss in toy sea animals, shells, scoops, and a mini fountain to create this ocean-themed sensory bin. It’s a splashy setup that toddlers can enjoy for hours.
To make it more engaging, try freezing small sea toys in ice for kids to “rescue,” or add a little blue food coloring for ocean vibes.
I saw this and immediately thought how magical it looks—an easy and exciting way to turn any backyard into a mini marine adventure for toddlers!
7. Backyard Obstacle Course
Set this up using cones, stepping stones, small slides, and climbing toys across your backyard or lawn to create a toddler-friendly obstacle course. You can map out paths or just let them explore freely.
To make it more exciting, add a mini reward station at the end or play fun music as they move through the course.
I came across this setup and thought it’s such a great way to keep toddlers active and smiling outdoors—it’s simple, energetic, and totally doable at home!
8. Chalk Paints
This sidewalk chalk painting activity is so easy—just mix equal parts cornstarch and water, add food coloring, and let toddlers paint the pavement with brushes or sponges. It’s bright, bold, and washable fun.
To make it more creative, you could draw shapes or letters beforehand for kids to fill in like a giant coloring book.
I saw this and thought it was such a colorful way to keep toddlers entertained outdoors—I’d do this again in a heartbeat for a no-fuss art day!
9. Ice Play
Freeze small toys like bugs or animals inside balloons or containers to create these fun ice rescue activities. Once frozen, toddlers can chip away or pour warm water to free their treasures.
To make it more exciting, you can add colored water or use themed toys like dinosaurs or sea creatures for a mini adventure.
I came across this idea and thought it was genius—perfect for hot days and keeps little hands busy with cool, sensory fun!
10. Insects Sensory Play
Paint smooth stones with cute insect illustrations, place them in a bin with green dyed rice or shredded paper, and you’ve got an easy insect-themed sensory activity. It’s perfect for tiny hands to explore and sort.
To build on it, you could add matching cards or tweezers to turn it into a simple sorting or fine motor game.
I saw this idea and immediately loved how it blends art, nature, and sensory play—definitely one I’d recommend for curious toddlers this summer!
11. Jello Party
Whip up a few batches of colored gelatin, layer them in a bin, and hide some small treasures or coins inside for toddlers to scoop and dig out. It’s sticky, squishy fun that’s totally safe to explore.
You could freeze the gelatin slightly for a firmer texture or use themed items like alphabet beads for a learning twist.
I came across this and thought—what a brilliantly messy way to keep toddlers engaged on a summer afternoon!
12. Mud Kitchen
Set up a simple mud kitchen using a toy workbench or table, add bowls, spoons, water, flowers, and bits from nature like stones or leaves—it becomes a pretend play haven. Toddlers can “cook” to their heart’s content.
You could rotate materials seasonally—herbs, colored water, or flower petals—to keep the activity fresh and exciting.
I found this idea and thought it was absolutely adorable—mud kitchens are such a magical way for toddlers to mix creativity with messy outdoor fun!
13. Painting
Lay down a large sheet of paper, pour washable paint into bowls, hand over a few brushes—or don’t—and just let toddlers go wild creating their own masterpiece. It’s a mess, but a joyful one.
You could add textured brushes, sponges, or even toy cars for rolling through paint to add variety and fun effects.
I saw this setup and couldn’t help smiling—it’s such a freeing, expressive activity that toddlers absolutely dive into with both hands (literally)!
14. Pool Noodle Boats
Cut pool noodles into rings, poke a straw through each one, and attach a paper sail to make these floating noodle boats. Drop them into a tub of water, and toddlers can sail and splash all afternoon.
To make it even more exciting, add a little fan to create “wind” or set up a race lane with tape along the tub.
I saw this and thought it was such a creative twist on water play—my little one was totally captivated by watching the boats bob around!
15. Ride a Bike
Set up a safe, open space and bring out a toddler-friendly balance bike or ride-on toy like this one—it’s lightweight, low to the ground, and great for beginners. Let them explore indoors or on a smooth patio.
To make it more playful, try setting up a simple “track” with pillows or cones and cheer them on as they cruise.
I saw this and smiled—there’s something so exciting about watching little ones gain confidence and coordination while zooming around!
16. Side Walk Chalk
Draw large alphabet letters on the sidewalk with chalk and have toddlers match them using plastic or foam letter toys—it’s a playful way to sneak in some early learning outside.
To mix it up, you could call out letters for a quick scavenger hunt or add numbers to introduce counting.
I came across this and thought it was such a clever, low-prep idea—perfect for getting toddlers moving while learning right in the driveway!
17. Window Paint
Grab a bowl of water, some paintbrushes or sponges, and let toddlers “paint” on glass doors or windows—no actual paint needed! Just dip and swipe for an easy cleanup creative session.
For more fun, add a drop of food coloring or let them use foam shapes and textured rollers to switch up the designs.
I saw this setup and instantly loved it—it’s a super simple way to encourage art play without worrying about stains or big messes!
18. Ice Paint
Freeze large blocks of ice in bowls or containers, then let toddlers paint over them using washable paints and brushes—it’s cool, colorful, and totally mesmerizing to watch.
To make it extra fun, you can sprinkle a little salt beforehand to create cracking textures as they paint.
I spotted this activity and loved how it blends art with sensory exploration—perfect for keeping toddlers engaged on warm days!
19. Backyard Camping
Set up a toddler play tent in the backyard with soft blankets, cushions, and a few favorite toys—it creates a cozy outdoor nook for summer play or reading time.
To make it extra fun, bring out a basket of pretend snacks or add fairy lights for evening “campouts.”
I saw this idea and instantly loved the charm—it’s such a simple way to let toddlers enjoy fresh air while having their own little hideaway.
20. Water Mister
Head to a local splash park or set up a rainbow misting arch at home using a garden mister and pool noodles shaped into frames. It’s a gentle way for toddlers to cool off without overwhelming sprays.
To make it more fun, create a game where kids run through different “color zones” or play music for a mini splash dance party.
I came across this and thought—what a bright and playful way to beat the summer heat while letting toddlers stay active and giggly!
21. Picnics
Pack a toddler-friendly picnic with snacks, wipes, sun hats, and a little basket or cart, then head to the yard or park with a cozy mat. It’s a simple way to enjoy fresh air and nibble on the go.
To make it more special, include a mini storybook or soft toy for downtime after snack time.
I saw this and it felt like summer in its purest form—such an easy, sweet idea for slowing down and enjoying the outdoors with little ones.
