Fun outdoor games to play with your toddler
Outdoor play is vital for toddler development as it aids both their gross and fine motor skills, as well as improving overall cardiovascular health.
“Being outdoors means your child is exposed to sunlight and fresh air, both of which have great health benefits,” explains Meg Faure, leading author, speaker, and occupational therapist.
Whether your child is standing, walking, running, leaping, or climbing, spending time outdoors contributes to both physical and mental health, and will feel more like play than exercise.
“Add a ball, bike, or trampoline to help develop gross motor skills, or encourage digging in the soil and picking up stones, leaves, or worms to hone those fine motor skills.” A few other ideas to try with your tot include:
Create an obstacle course
Mastering gross motor skills, like running, kicking, jumping, and throwing a ball, are an essential component of toddler development.
Gather a few simple items – like a ball and a hula hoop – then encourage your toddler to try a few obstacles: get them to jump inside a hula hoop laid flat on the ground, throw a ball against the wall, and jump up onto a step.
Blow bubbles
This tried, tested, and loved activity remains a favourite with good reason; what child doesn’t love blowing bubbles after all? Let your toddler take turns blowing bubbles, and then chasing after them and popping them.
Go for a nature walk and collect treasures
If you’re able to, head to your nearest local park and encourage your little one to explore the area while collecting a selection of ‘nature treasures’ – think pinecones, rocks, sticks, and more.
Set up a pretend ‘car’ wash
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water, add a bit of dishwashing liquid or bubble bath, toss in a handful of clean sponges, cloths, and empty containers, then let your little one give their bike a wash. Keep a dry dish cloth on hand for them to dry their ride afterwards! The varying textures of the sponges and cloths are great for sensory play, while scooping and pouring water helps develop fine motor skills.
Good ol’ hop scotch
Using chalk, draw a few, large shapes onto the pavement or your driveway. Encourage your toddler to jump, skip, or bunny hop from one shape to the next, or turn it into a learning game by using different colours and prompting your tot to jump from blue to red to yellow, for example.
IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com
