If you have ever spent the weekend locked inside with a toddler, you know how tough it can be. Everyone goes stir crazy from time to time. But toddlers tend to express this in a different way than adults. The morning might be fun, but after a few hours, you might experience a tantrum or a meltdown.
Getting outside to burn off some extra energy can be a great way to make sure everyone has a good day. But, just what to do? A few suggestions are below.
Visit A Pond
Kids have a natural appreciation for nature’s beauty. So, taking them to a scenic pond can be a really fun activity. If you’re lucky, you might even find a pond with a few ducks or other birds. Bring along a slice or two of bread, so that you have something to feed to the wildlife. Your toddler will have a blast tossing little pieces of bread into the water, and watching the ducks swim over to have a snack.
Take A Hike
If you visit a large pond, you might be able to take a walk around it. Or, you might plan an entirely different hike. This is a great way for toddlers to get some exercise. It can also be stimulating and educational. Toddlers are innately curious about the world, and so much of what they see seems new to them. Walking past a new kind of tree, a pine cone, or a squirrel can absolutely make their day. It also gives you a great opportunity to talk to them and teach them about all of the different things that they are seeing.
One pro tip, be sure to bring a stroller, carrier or some other mode of transportation with you on your hike. While your toddler may have a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the beginning, those little legs do tend to get tired after a while. So, having a good way for them to take a break will keep everyone happy.
Kick A Ball
While most sports might be a little too complicated for toddlers, kicking a ball around will be within reach for a lot of them. Practice kicking back and forth for a little while, and have fun running around and playing. If they have the coordination for it, you might even try throwing a ball back and forth from a close distance.
Fly A Kite
While your toddler won’t be able to fly a kite on their own, they will absolutely marvel at the sight of a kite flying up high in the air. Once the kite gets a little altitude, you can let them help you hold onto the handle. They might even be able to hold it themselves depending on the wind and conditions. Just be sure to go somewhere with a lot of wide open space so your kite doesn’t wind up getting stuck in a tree somewhere.
A Picnic In The Park
Picnics are a lot of fun, and relatively easy to pull off well. Toss a few sandwiches and perhaps some fruit and other snacks into a bag with a blanket, and you’re pretty much good to go. Ok, you might want to bring a few beverages and some toys along too, but that’s really just about it. If you go to a nice park, your toddler will be able to run around on the grass. Some parks even have playgrounds, which can provide hours of entertainment. By the time you go home, your little one will probably be all tuckered out and ready for a nap.
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