outside activities for toddlers...

[megan4777]

This may sound really dumb but I need activities for our DD#1 (2.5 yrs). She goes outside to play (we have a pretty small yard that is fenced in) but just runs around and eats the snow.
I would like some toys, ideas, etc to do with her outside. We already make snowmen, forts, etc when we get the right snow.
Any suggestions are welcome.


Thanks

 

[becker1123]

What about a small tricycle? She's probably big enough to ride a small one, or a big wheel designed for her age group. I know my 2-year-old loved her barbie big wheel. Bubbles are always fun, or a small sand box or place to just dig in the dirt or in a leaf pile and some containers to fill up. Good luck.

 

[mtemm]

bubbles, a sandbox, get a little basket and see what you can find to fill it (pinecones, acorns, different leaves etc...you can do a craft project with them afterwards if you are ambitious).

feed the birds...my kids love to feed the birds.

sidewalk chalk for your driveway/walkway. tricycles and other ride on toys are fun.

just playing tag or staring at the clouds (on a warmer day) is a big hit. when its nice out, weave daisies or clover or the like into wreathes or chains.

plant something.

fill a plastic tub up with shaving cream and play away with it. you could even color it if you want.

eta, most of these are for warmer weather. I just noticed you are in upstate so realize snow is more than likely what you have to work with. what about a pull sled? she could even take some toys for a ride and pull it herself. or you could use food coloring and color the snow (use a tub maybe, same idea s the shaving cream).

 

[Rachie0507]

I have two kids myself and I also do daycare, so I'm used to playing outside with 2 yr olds, which isn't always easy . From my experience, the Little Tykes Cozy Coupes are always a big hit. I bought a couple at yard sales. They are orange with yellow tops. I also have a Little Tykes toddler slide that is a great size for little ones. They love to slide and with that one that can do it all by themselves. Bubbles are always a favorite. Sandbox is pretty good to as long as you can always watch. It isn't fun trying to rinse sand out of a toddler's mouth (luckily, that only happened with my own child!).

This time of year is tough though. I'm not a big fan of playing outside in the snow in general, but adding toddlers in the equation . But I do it a few times a week anyway.

 

[Diana Lyn]

I have a 2 1/2 year old snow eater too! Here are a couple of snow activities we've tried that she enjoyed--but she still likes to eat the snow!

Snow Painting--take a spray bottle and fill with water. Add a couple of drops of food coloring and paint the snow.

Maple Syrup Sticks--make a thin "tunnel" in the snow, about as long and as wide as a pencil. Pour Maple Syrup in the hold and wait for it to freeze. Dig out the snow around the syrup and eat! I should add the disclaimer that you shouldn't try this in your yard if you have a dog.

For non snowy activities, we love sidewalk chalk, bubbles and digging in the dirt.

 

[kldmom2000]

Do you have a sled to pull her around in? My girls (ages 5 and 3) love to take turns being pulled around the snow in the sled....

We also took out the "sand" toys and use them in the snow to make snow forts with them.

In the warmer weather, we have a large swingset, kiddie pool, sprinklers, sandbox, trikes, sidewalk chalk, etc......

Good luck in finding some things to do!!!!