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Fun Summer Projects to Keep Toddlers Entertained

Keeping kids occupied in the summer is easy with the right tools and a little imagination. If you’re having trouble coming up with new projects and activities for young kids, here are some suggestions that can be fun for both your little ones and you.

• Scavenger hunts: At home or out in the park, this can be a fun way to keep kids active and engaged with the world around them. Give them a simple list of things to find and go with them as they collect rocks, dandelions or other things found in nature.

• Chalk drawing. What kid doesn’t love to draw with chalk? A big bucket of it won’t set you back much and can keep kids busy for hours. Draw with them and create roads and cities they can use their other toys to play with as well.

• Mini-Olympics. Embrace the athleticism in your child by holding a mini-Olympics with a few toddler-appropriate events. Obstacle courses, races, jumping competitions and even water balloon tosses can be fun ways to get kids outside and moving around. Make rewards for the kids out of construction paper or pick up some inexpensive things at the dollar store.

• Nature walks. Since the weather is generally nicer in the summer, why not get out and enjoy it? Take your child on a walk in a forest or open prairie and see how many birds and animals they can point out. If you know a little bit about nature you can have fun teaching them about all the natural things they’ll encounter.

• Small garden. Even the tiniest garden of one plant can be a source of pride and accomplishment for a small child. Whether you plant a bean you sprouted indoors during colder weather or start from seed, this is a great way to build your child’s confidence and let them learn more about how plants grow. Some easy plants to start with are green beans, sunflowers and carrots.

No matter what you choose to do, remember to keep kids hydrated and out of the hottest parts of the day so they won’t get sunburned. These activities and whatever other ones you cook up will make your summer fun and keep your toddler or young child learning and creative.

This post was contributed by Meredith Walker, who writes about the online associate degree. She welcomes your feedback at MeredithWalker1983 at gmail.com.  Thank you Meredith for this great guest post!