As parents, we are always looking for new ways to engage our young ones in fun and educational activities. When it comes to outdoor activities for toddlers, there are countless options to choose from.
But finding age-appropriate and safe activities can be challenging, especially for 16 to 18-month-olds who are just beginning to explore their surroundings.
This age group is incredibly curious and always on the move, making outdoor activities a great way to help them burn off energy while learning about the world around them.
In this blog post, we will explore different outdoor activities that are perfect for 16 to 18-month-olds. These activities can help improve their motor skills, encourage exploration and sensory development, and provide a much-needed break from indoor playtime.
From simple nature walks to backyard obstacle courses, we’ve got you covered with a variety of ideas for your little ones to enjoy.
Whether you are looking for activities to do with your child at home or ideas for fun outdoor playdates, these activities are
1. Introduction to the benefits of outdoor activities for toddlers.
Different Outdoor Activities for 16 to 18-Month-Olds: Introduction to the benefits of outdoor activities for toddlers
Outdoor activities have a multitude of benefits for toddlers, both physically and mentally.
Spending time outdoors promotes physical activity, which is crucial for healthy development, and allows toddlers to explore their natural environment and develop their senses.
Outdoor activities can also enhance toddlers’ cognitive and social-emotional development.
For instance, playing outside can help toddlers develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, increase their attention span and provide opportunities to interact with other children and adults.
Being outside can also help toddlers relax and reduce stress.
In this guide, we will explore different outdoor activities that are suitable and enjoyable for toddlers between 16 to 18 months old, providing tips and ideas for parents and caregivers to engage their little ones in healthy and stimulating outdoor play.
2. Walking and exploring nature in a safe environment.
Walking and exploring nature in a safe environment is an excellent outdoor activity option for 16 to 18-month-olds.
Not only is it a great way to get them moving and exercising, but it also provides a lot of opportunities for sensory exploration, learning, and bonding with caregivers.
When taking children on walks or hikes, it is essential to choose a safe environment with little to no traffic, accessible pathways, and no dangerous wildlife.
Furthermore, caregivers should ensure they have the necessary supplies for a successful trip, such as water, sunscreen, and first aid kits.
Finally, it is essential to keep children close and under supervision at all times to ensure they stay safe and have fun.
In conclusion, walking and exploring nature with 16 to 18-month-olds is a fun and safe activity when done correctly, providing numerous benefits to both children and caregivers.
3. Playing with balls and other lightweight toys to develop gross motor skills.
Playing with balls and other lightweight toys is an excellent activity for developing gross motor skills in 16 to 18-month-old toddlers.
During this stage of development, toddlers are learning basic movements like throwing, catching, and kicking, which helps improve their coordination and balance.
Playing with balls also encourages toddlers to engage in physical activities, which can be beneficial for their overall health and well-being.
Additionally, lightweight toys, like softballs or foam blocks, can help toddlers practice their grasping and gripping skills, which can improve their fine motor skills as well.
Overall, incorporating activities involving balls and lightweight toys can provide a fun and engaging way for toddlers to develop their gross motor skills.
4. Water play, including splashing in a pool or playing in a sprinkler.
Water play can be a fun and exciting activity for 16 to 18-month-olds. Splashing in a pool or playing in a sprinkler can provide a great opportunity for children to cool off during hot summer months while developing gross motor skills.
Children can improve their motor skills, balance, coordination and strength while playing with water. It can also be a sensory experience as they feel and hear the water moving around them.
As with any water activity, safety precautions should be taken, such as always holding onto the child, providing life vests or other floatation devices, and ensuring that the water is clean and free from any harmful chemicals or bacteria.
Encouraging children to play and explore safely in the water will provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for them.
5. Sand play, using buckets and shovels to develop fine motor skills.
Sand play, using buckets and shovels, is an excellent outdoor activity for 16 to 18-month-old children.
The activity provides toddlers with an opportunity to develop their fine motor skills, including their hand-eye coordination, as they fill their buckets with sand and use their shovels to build castles or other structures.
Sand play is also a sensory experience that allows children to explore different textures, shapes, and colours while engaging in imaginative play.
The activity requires minimal preparation, making it easy to set up and supervise, and parents or caregivers can enhance the experience by providing accessories such as moulds or sifters to help children experiment with the sand.
Overall, sand play is an enjoyable and beneficial outdoor activity for toddlers that promotes their physical and mental development.
6. Bubble play, introducing toddlers to cause-and-effect and hand-eye coordination.
Bubble play is an engaging and educational outdoor activity that is ideal for introducing toddlers to cause-and-effect and hand-eye coordination.
With so much to learn in the first few years of life, outdoor activities like bubble play help encourage toddlers to explore and discover things on their own.
As they chase and pop bubbles, children learn about cause-and-effect relationships and develop important hand-eye coordination skills.
In addition, bubble play provides a fun and playful way for young children to develop their visual tracking skills, which are essential for reading and writing later in life.
Overall, bubble play is an excellent outdoor activity for 16 to 18-month-olds that can boost their early learning and development.
7. Simple obstacle courses using items like cones, tunnels, and low-balance beams.
Looking for fun outdoor activities to engage and entertain your 16 to 18-month-old?
Simple obstacle courses using items like cones, tunnels, and low-balance beams could be just the ticket!
These activities challenge children to navigate obstacles while also improving balance and coordination.
They also encourage problem-solving and cognitive development as children figure out ways to get through the course.
Using everyday items like household objects, you can set up a course that is engaging and stimulating for your toddler.
Just make sure to supervise your child closely and guide them through the course to ensure their safety.
Try setting up different courses with varying levels of difficulty to keep things exciting and fresh!
8. Music and movement, such as dancing or marching to different rhythms and songs.
Music and movement activities, such as dancing or marching to different rhythms and songs can provide many benefits for 16 to 18-month-olds.
Not only do music and movement activities help develop a toddler’s gross motor skills, they also provide opportunities to enhance language development and social skills.
Dancing and marching to different rhythms and songs can also boost a child’s confidence and self-expression.
Integrating music and movement into outdoor activities can be a fun and engaging way to promote physical activity and cognitive development for toddlers.
Parents or caregivers can create a fun and interactive music and movement activity by playing different types of music and encouraging their little ones to move and dance along to the beat.
Also read: 5 Fun Outdoor Activities To Enjoy With The Kids During The Weekends
