If you’re anything like me, I’m constantly looking for things for my only child daughter to do on her own. I really like giving her independent play options as a way to help with problem solving skills, confidence, and imagination. Below are 8 summer, outdoor items that really help with these goals.

1. BUBBLES

My goodness y’all, if you haven’t unlocked full bubble potential, you are missing out! Adah will walk around for hours playing with, and just staring at bubbles if we have them going. It is her favorite morning activity. We live in South Texas, so it gets really warm this time of year, and fast. Bubbles make for an easy morning activity for me to set up and get some work done with her safely occupied.

Here’s a cute bubble machine we have. One of her only words is “pup,” so I know exactly what she wants when she says it and points to the door.

My mom also just got Adah a Bluey themed bubble wand that she can walk around with. I like this one because the bubble container seems to be small, but actually lasts a really long time, leading to longer stretches she can go without needing me to refill the bubbles.

2. SWING

Okay, before you say anything, I realize this one isn’t completely passive. But let me tell you how easy it is to prop up a chair in front of the swing (being careful you’re not going to get hit) and just letting your kiddo have the time of their life. Adah LOVES swinging. Always has, and I’m almost certain always will. We have this swing hanging in our front yard tree, and it has become part of our daily routine this summer. Usually, we spend close to an hour just swinging and saying hi to neighbors walking by.

3. Pikler Triangle

Adah LOVES to climb. It’s been a known fact for awhile now, so we purchased this Pikler Triangle a a climbing tool for her. It didn’t take long for her to figure out how to safely play on it, and now it is one of her favorite toys. We can be sitting doing something else, and not hear from her for awhile, and out of nowhere hear a grunt (she likes to grunt when she climbs) and instantly know where she is. On the pikler triangle in her play room.

We went with the colorful one. There are tons of studies out there that link bright colors to brain development and curiosity in the first few years of life, and I made it my mission to make sure there was a ton of color in Adah’s spaces before she was born. Thankfully, my husband doesn’t mind color, too. This would also make for a really great outside toy.

4. Sidewalk chalk

What kid doesn’t love sidewalk chalk? It gives kiddos the ability to be creative, without the permanent effects that can cause parental grief. So easy to clean, and a guilt-free activity for your child to adhere to. It’s also an easy one for us parents to get involved in, too, if you’re looking for an easy thing to do with your baby. The only thing I don’t like about chalk is the ugly mess it leaves on hands and clothes. These covers mitigate that result, and make clean up a ton easier for us. They also help prevent chalk breaking when they’re dropped by little hands.

One of Adah and my favorite things to do with chalk is draw funny shapes and lines along the front sidewalk of our house. We have so many neighbors that take morning and evening walks with their families, so it creates a fun obstacle course for them, too! It’s also fun to have those funny moments pop up on our doorbell camera.

5. Worm Sprinkler

Or any sprinkler for that matter, I just like this one because it is so cute!

Water is always a go to at our house. South Texas gets so warm in the summer, and adding water to any activity is a good way to help prevent over heating. It also adds the extra magic that water can for littles. This sprinkler in particular is perfect because the worms make the water go in every direction, which is always just a bit more fun when kids don’t see it coming.

6. Sensory Bin

The possibilities are honestly endless with a sensory bin. We had been looking for a LONG time for a good one that was easy to clean, affordable, and that would provide a good space for Adah to creatively play without a mess. This sensory bin encompasses all of those goals!

Sensory bins are always Adah’s go to when we get to go to Mommy and Me groups. They seem to be a hit with all the kiddos. You can search a ton of sensory bin idea and themes on Pinterest, and can usually get items to fill bins for very inexpensive. Walmart and Dollar Tree always have exactly what I’m looking for for these sorts of activities. I can usually even just find little trinkets in my craft bucket that always seem to work in the sensory bin.

7. Gardening Wagon

If you’re like me, and have no where close to a green thumb, this one may not be the one for you. But I know that my mom gets a ton of use out of it when Adah is over at her house and wants to get some things done out in the garden. Adah has her own set up, and mom lets her help with her own tools, promoting independence, gross and fine motor skills, and honestly just life skills. Gardening is a lost art, and I’m so grateful Adah is learning that through my mom.

8. Picnic Blanket

Last, but certainly not least, one thing I am so pleased I was gifted at a baby shower was this picnic blanket.

I never realized that this is a must in a littles household. There is so much magic in their eyes when you say “Let’s go have a picnic!” Adah LOVES being outside, so anything to the extent of getting an extra 10 minutes of unexpected outside time makes for a great day in her book. I love watching her set her little area up, and help me fold it up when we’re done. She is learning so much when we get to do this, and it has grown to be one of my favorite activities as well.

Well, there you have it! 8 things that I am convinced my life would be harder without. I just know they are going to enrich your family’s life just as they have mine. I hope you find as much joy and peace in them as I have.

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