See springtime through your child’s eyes: Flowers are popping, birds are chirping, funny shaped clouds are floating by, there’s rain falling from the sky occasionally, and the sun is shining.

It’s absolutely magical!

Spring is a season of renewal and fresh beginnings, offering the perfect opportunity to step outside and embrace the warmer weather with your little one. There's a world of exciting activities waiting to be discovered. This season, create memorable experiences with your toddler, rain or shine.

Sunny Day Outdoor Activities for Your Toddler

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take a walk in a nearby park for a fun-filled scavenger hunt! Create a list of spring-themed items for your toddler to find. This activity encourages exploration, observation skills, and can be easily adapted to different weather conditions. Some examples include:

1. Birds
2. Ladybugs
3. Flowers
4. Green leaves
5. Rocks
6. A feather
7. Moss
8. A worm
9. Squirrel
10. Bird nest

Seed Planting

Celebrate spring's arrival by planting seeds together! Whether you choose to plant vegetables, herbs, or flowers in a pot or a small garden patch in your backyard, your toddler will enjoy the process of digging, getting their hands dirty, watering, and nurturing their little plants. You’re helping them foster a sense of responsibility and allowing them to witness the miracle of growth firsthand.

Bubbles in the Park

Blow bubbles in the open air and watch your toddler squeal with delight as they chase and pop them. Bubbles are not only fun for little ones but also encourage them to practice their gross motor skills like running and jumping. 

Remember: Always supervise your toddler during any activity, especially when outdoors and around water.

Rainy Day Indoor Activities for Little Ones

Sensory Play with Water

Even on rainy days, you can create a water wonderland indoors! Fill a container with water, add some colorful bath toys, and let your toddler splash and explore. You can also add different household items like plastic cups, spoons, or sponges to enhance the sensory experience. Always supervise your child closely when they’re playing in water.

Get the Wiggles Out

It’s time for a dance party! Turn up the tunes and get ready to groove with your kiddo. Try incorporating action songs, like having your child freeze when you turn the music off, marching and clapping to the beat, or mimicking animal movements. Toddlers also love to freestyle! By creating time and space for a family dance party, you’ll get everyone moving, burning off energy, boosting creativity, and having fun together. 

Indoor Gardening

While outdoor planting might be limited during rainy spells, you can bring the joy of gardening indoors! Plant seeds in small dixie cups or repurposed containers and place them on a sunny windowsill. If you decide to grow herbs, your family can share in the joy of gardening during dinner time as you use them to season your food, making the journey from farm to table just that much shorter.

Wind Down and Relax Together

Have you ever heard someone say that dreary weather makes them want to curl up with a good book? Toddlers are no different. Rainy days are a perfect time to relax together. Gather a blanket, pillow, and a few books, and have some rainy day reading time together.

Make a Spring Mobile

Bring spring indoors with some seasonal decorations. Have your child paint or draw on white paper. Cut out different shapes, like butterflies, clouds, and flowers. Use a hanger and string to secure the shapes together. Hang your child’s beautiful mobile in their play space for a touch of spring cheer.

Sensory Bin Fun

Fill a container with rice, beans, or shredded paper and add spring ideas you already have around the house – like colorful plastic insects, silk flowers, leaves, and other spring-themed objects. This sensory bin provides tactile exploration and encourages pretend play, keeping your toddler engaged for hours. (Remember: Do not add small items that could pose a choking hazard.)

Homemade Instruments

Use recycled materials like cardboard tubes, plastic bottles, and spoons to create homemade instruments. Shake, rattle, and tap your way to creating a spring symphony together! You’re introducing your child to music, creativity, rhythm exploration, and fine motor skills.

Rain or shine, you can create a memorable and enriching spring experience for your toddler, fostering their curiosity, imagination, and love for the world around them. So, get out there, explore, and make the most of this beautiful season of renewal!