Summer is finally here, and with it comes the opportunity to spend time with your family, enjoying the warm weather, and making memories that will last a lifetime. While many parents might be thinking about ways to keep their active teens busy, it’s important not to forget about the little ones too. Toddlers can be a handful, but with a little bit of planning and creativity, you can keep them entertained, engaged, and healthy all summer long.

As psychologist Jordan Peterson once said, “You’ll miss the times when your kids were young because they’re the golden years.” So take advantage of this time and make the most of it. Here are five summer activities to keep your toddler busy, happy, and healthy.

Visit a Local Park

One of the simplest ways to keep your toddler entertained this summer is by visiting a local park. Parks offer a variety of activities that are perfect for toddlers, such as swings, slides, and climbing structures. You can also bring along a ball or frisbee for some outdoor playtime. Visiting the park is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, while also encouraging your child’s physical and social development. Plus, it’s free and easily accessible for most families.

If you want to add an educational component to your park visit, consider bringing along a book about nature or animals. Take a walk around the park and point out different plants and animals you see along the way. You can also play a game of “I Spy” to help your child learn about colors and shapes.

Have a Water Play Day

Toddlers love playing with water, and there are so many ways to incorporate it into your summer activities. You can set up a small kiddie pool in your backyard or take a trip to a nearby lake or beach. Don’t forget to bring along some water toys like buckets, cups, and watering cans for added fun.

Water play is not only entertaining for toddlers, but it also helps to develop their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s also a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. Just make sure to supervise your child at all times, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Get Creative with Crafts

Crafts are a great way to keep your toddler busy and engaged indoors on a hot summer day. You can create your own DIY crafts at home, such as finger painting, making homemade play dough, or creating collages with old magazines and newspapers. You can also attend a local craft workshop or visit a children’s museum for some structured craft time.

If you’re looking for a more educational component to your craft time, consider incorporating letters, numbers, or shapes into the activity. For example, you could have your child make a collage using only items that start with the letter “A.” And while we’re on the topic of education, don’t forget to dress your little one up in a cute toddler button-down shirt to make them feel like a true artist.

Take a Trip to the Zoo

Visiting the zoo is another fun and educational summer activity for toddlers. Most zoos have a designated children’s area where toddlers can interact with small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs. They can also see larger animals like elephants, giraffes, and monkeys up close.

Going to the zoo is a great way to teach your toddler about different animals and their habitats. You can also use this opportunity to practice counting and identifying colors. Make sure to bring along some snacks and water bottles for the little ones, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures to remember the day.

Go on a Nature Walk

Last but not least, going on a nature walk is a simple and easy way to get some fresh air and exercise with your toddler. You can visit a local nature preserve, a nearby hiking trail, or even just take a walk around your neighborhood. Encourage your child to point out different plants and animals they see along the way, and ask them questions about what they’re observing.

Going on a nature walk is a great way to teach your toddler about the world around them and develop their curiosity and sense of wonder. You can also use this opportunity to talk about topics like recycling, conservation, and taking care of the environment.

Summer is a special time of year, and it’s important to make the most of it with your family, especially when it comes to spending quality time with your toddler. These precious years go by so quickly, and before you know it, your child will be a teenager with their own interests and priorities. So take advantage of the opportunity to create lasting memories and bond with your child.

Whether you’re visiting a park, having a water play day, getting creative with crafts, taking a trip to the zoo, or going on a nature walk, there are plenty of ways to keep your toddler busy, happy, and healthy this summer. Incorporate educational activities into your summer plans whenever possible, and don’t forget to make time for rest and relaxation as well.

As you enjoy these summer activities with your toddler, remember that every moment counts. Take the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and cherish these precious moments with your little one. And who knows, maybe one day when they’re all grown up, they’ll look back on these summer days with fondness and nostalgia.