Summer time is the perfect season for messy play with toddlers!
You kids will have so much fun with these outdoor toddler activities and clean up will be so much easier outside!
This list is full of arts and crafts for toddlers and sensory play to keep them entertained!
They love to explore new things and textures. This gives them an opportunity to play with things they normally wouldn’t be allowed to in a safe space.
Use these for a fun play date in your backyard or just to provide your toddler with learning experiences.
Dress them in play clothes that can get dirty (or just a diaper or undies). When you’re done, just spray them down and spray off the area you were playing in! Easy as that!
It does get hot though, so do make sure that you’re prepped for the sun and everything you’ll need out there!
Related Post: The Best Outdoor Summer Activities for Toddlers
Outdoor Messy Play Ideas for Toddlers
Squirt Bottle Painting
Fill some condiment bottles with paint and let them go crazy! You can grab a big poster board for them to use, or just let them paint on the sidewalk or grass.
*I would definitely use washable paint if you’re letting them go wild, or they have a hard time keeping it on a paper.
Paper Pulp
Start by tearing up some scrap paper, which your toddler will love helping with! Then, soak it in a bowl of water for an hour.
Once it’s soaked, blend it with a little bit more water until it’s a firm consistency. Then, let them play with the paper pulp outside!
Shaving Cream Search
Throw some fun toys into a bin and then cover them with shaving cream or whip cream! Let your toddler dig through it to find all of the toys.
Finger Painting
With you get toddlers and babies who may eat it, you can use purées or yogurt with food coloring. There are plenty of natural ways to color food to avoid regular dye.
For older toddlers and kids, you can use washable paint!
Toy Float
Fill a tupperware, bin or small pool of water up with an inch or so of water. Give your toddler some toys and boats that will float on top and let them play.
Sponge Play
Similar to the idea above, fill up a bucket or bin with water to start. Hand them a few sponges to play how they choose.
Show them how to squeeze the sponges out. Give them an empty bucket to transfer water back and forth.
Jello Dig
Make up some jello, but add some fun toys in before it sets. Let it set completely in the fridge and then let your toddler go to town, digging their toys out!
It’s a fun sensory activity for babies and toddlers, and safe if they eat some in the process!
Sand Box
You can buy a small sandbox online, or you can just use a storage bin! Add some toys, like cars, shovels, or garden tools, and let them use their imagination!
If you’re worried about your toddler eating the sand, you can also make your own edible sand with crushed graham crackers or oyster crackers.
Chalk Art
Buy some inexpensive sidewalk chalk at the store and make some art with your toddler! You can even draw some fun games like hopscotch and teach them how to play.
Fizzing Sensory Bin
Check out these instructions on how to make your own colorful, fizzing sensory bin using vinegar and baking soda! Your toddler will definitely love this affordable science experiment!
Ice Melting
Freeze several of their favorite toys into an ice block overnight. Take it outside, and let your kids chip away at the block and melt it as quickly as they can.
Rock Decorating
This is definitely an old classic. Go on a rock hunt in your backyard or nearby park to find some big enough rocks.
Use paint, stickers or glue and other crafting materials to decorate your rocks together.
Mostly, just enjoy your time out in the sunshine with your littles and try not to stress over the mess! If you’re in need of other easy, outdoor activities to keep them busy, I’ve got plenty of ideas on a budget.
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