Five Fun Free Toddler Activities for the Summer Season

With the soaring temperature and the upcoming summer vacations, most toddlers and preschoolers will be spending quite a bit of their time indoors. I know that mine would. The heat and high temperatures make it practically impossible to step out during the day. Therefore, this means thinking up some activities to keep an active and energetic toddler engaged and out of my hair. ***laughing*** So, here are some five fun and free toddler activities that are perfect for the hot summer days.

Water Play

The cool, inviting water is a perfect way to let a toddler splash around and have fun. Since our apartment is really small and lacks the space for an inflatable pool, I will be simply filling up her tub, minus the soap, and letting her play with toys that can float and survive in water. What fun for both of us! If you have the space and facilities, use an inflatable pool or head over to an indoor swimming pool and have a splash fest!

Coloring, Painting and Crafts

Toddlers, like mine, love to get all arty and spend time scribbling away, coloring and painting. However, I’ve found that she ends up using up all the coloring books that we get her in next to no time. So now, all I’m gonna do is print out plenty of free coloring sheets, hand her a box of Crayola and let her go color crazy. Since the sheets will be printed on one-side, I will be using the blank side to do her painting and crafts.

Painting with toddlers is messy and fun. Use thumbs, fingers, small pieces of sponges, a regular paintbrush and have fun painting with your toddler. Remember to keep the painting area covered with old newspapers or waterproof sheets to minimize cleaning up later on!

Music and Dance

Music and dance are great ways to groove the summers away. All I have to do is pop in a CD of some nice, happy music and get my toddler to do her dance. She loves music and dancing is a great way for me to get some free, fun exercise as well.

Baking and Cooking

Cooking is something you will be doing anyways. So, why not get your toddler to chip in and be junior chef? Mine loves to watch me wash, chop, peel and cut and I sit her down and give her a running commentary with her chipping in every now and then. It is a fun way to spend time and also, bond with your preschooler. Baking is yet another fun way to spend time with a toddler. This article on baking with your toddler will show you how to have fun whipping up cakes and cookies.

Play Dates and Coffee Time

I’m sure there will be other moms of toddlers and preschoolers who will love to catch up with you and give their kids an outing. Set up one to two play dates a week and let the kids have fun doing their thing while you enjoy a cuppa java with adults! Better still, have one play date at your place, followed by another at a friend’s place. Or, babysit a friend’s toddler for a day and have her return the favor later in the week. The idea is to get the kids together indoors for some playtime while moms get some rest and relaxation.

These are fun and for the most part, free toddler activities that I will be engaging in with my daughter as summer moves on. Do share your own favorite toddler activities for the hot summer season.

Photo Credit: simistef