Summer Fun for Toddlers
As a pediatric physical therapist, I understand the importance of keeping young toddlers active, engaged, and having fun—especially during the summer months when outdoor play opportunities abound. To support healthy development and promote motor skills, I’ve put together a list of toy recommendations designed to keep little ones happily occupied while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. These toys not only encourage movement, balance, and coordination but also spark imagination and social interaction, making outdoor time both beneficial and enjoyable for toddlers and their families.*
Ages 1-3**
-
Ride one toys: Ride-on toys, especially balance bikes, help toddlers develop balance, coordination, and core strength while building confidence and independence. They also encourage active outdoor play, supporting physical development, sensory exploration, and social interaction.
-
Collapsible Buckets: No sand needed! These are great for travel to the beach, but can also be used for water play over the summer or to take on a hike to collect all their treasures!
-
Side Walk Chalk: Encourages creativity, fine motor development, and early drawing and writing skills. It also gets kids outside, engaging in imaginative play while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Draw circles to jump in or pretend bugs to stomp!
-
Bubble Lawn Mower: These can help toddlers with imaginative play while adding in the excitement of bubbles! It keeps them walking all over the lawn.
-
Melissa & Doug Sprinkler: A sprinkler is a great way for toddlers to cool off without the worry of a big pool to swim in.
-
Little Tikes Basketball Hoop: This is a great toy that can grow with them. I love the ball and coordination skills this toy incorporates.
-
Water Table: This is my number one favorite toy for toddlers from the time they start standing. It allows for lots of fun sensory play, reaching, cruising for kids not yet walking, and can keep them entertained for more than 5 minutes!
-
Sensory Tubes: These can really be used all year but I include them with summer fun because they can get sandy, get wet, or are easy to throw in a bag for travel toys.
-
Bouncing Toys: I love using these in therapy to help introduce jumping. They provide great sensory input while working on leg strength, balance, and coordination.
-
Little Tikes Slide: It is not always feasible to pack up and head to a playground. This slide allows for climbing (also I love climbing up the slide with supervision!) both indoors and outside!
-
No Spill Bubbles: I have never met a kid not entertained by bubbles and these are perfect for toddlers as they are no spill. They are small enough to pack in a bag for car trips too!!
*All links are affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links provide Sandy Toes Pediatric Physical Therapy a small compensation without any added cost to you.
**Always supervise toddlers during water play to ensure their safety at all times. Be sure to check that the water temperature is appropriate and comfortable before allowing them to engage in any water activities.