5 Easy Ways To Get Toddlers Outside
It can be tough to get toddlers outside. For one thing, as a stay-at-home mom, it can feel like yet another thing to do! A year ago, our family was struggling to get outside. It seemed like I’d get everyone ready to go out only to hear, “Can we go inside?” after mere minutes of outdoor time. Over time, though, our kiddos have developed a love of the outdoors. Here are some things that helped get us to that point!
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1. Invest In Fun Outside Gear To Get Toddlers Outside
Sometimes the reasons getting toddlers outside is so difficult is that…there’s nothing to do! Inside is where the fun toys are. When I decided to get outside more as a mom, it felt impossible. It seemed like my kids would ask to go back inside after only 5 minutes! Going outside regularly really helped with this. Another thing that made a big difference for us was investing in some good outdoor gear! We don’t have a huge yard, so this trampoline was a big win for our family!
Our family has loved this trampoline so much! Not only does it have an awesome ladder that even toddlers can climb, but it comes in a variety of sizes. We chose a size big enough that we can jump on it with our kids which has been a super fun family activity. The kids get so excited when mommy or daddy jumps with them!
This balance bike is recommended for 2-5 year olds and is so perfect for getting kids outside! We bought one for our oldest son when he was 2, and loved it so much that we bought it for our second kiddo when he was only one! They boy are 4 and 2 now and ride them all the time! They pretend they are police cars and fire engines and zoom around our yard. It’s also been perfect for family walks since it allows them to keep up with us!
2. Start A Garden
This was definitely on my bucket list but I was so intimidated! However, I knew if I had a garden, it would teach the kids where the food came from and that was super important to me! I also wanted something to work on while I was outside with the kids. One of the reasons I struggled so much to get them outside was that I wanted something productive to do outside.
3. Go On Walks
This is perfect if you have multiple kids of different ages. Older kids can ride a balance bike, walk, or roller blade while younger kids can ride in the stroller. Not only do walks get kids outside, but they get you fresh air as well! When my oldest was a toddler we went on walks daily…sometimes multiple times a day! It was as much for my sanity as it was for his. Now it’s one of the ways we get out of the house if my husband has the car that day! Here’s a few products that have made it easier to go on regular family walks!
I didn’t have this baby carrier my third baby, and it was a huge game changer! I love that It is perfect for the newborn stage. Before, that was a hindrance to going on a walk since my jogging stroller wasn’t for newborns. Now, I can pop my sweet baby girl in this carrier and she is so incredibly cozy. Not only is it good for walks, but it’s great for getting her down for a nap if she is struggling. I love it!
One of my favorite things about this jogging stroller is how smoothly it rides. We had another double stroller but it was so difficult to push! This one can go over a variety of terrains and is sooo much less bulky that non-jogging options. Definitely recommend investing in a jogging stroller if you’re looking to be outdoors more, particularly if gravel roads are anywhere around!
4. Explore Your Neighborhood
Sometimes your neighborhood can be an awesome place to explore. Take advantage of the area around you! Perhaps you live in a suburban neighborhood and are close to a park. We live next to a college campus and regularly go on walks on campus. Our kids will even play hide-and-seek near one of the courtyards of the dorms. Maybe for you there is a coffee shop nearby or the library. Maybe you live out in the country and live near a creek or meadow. Instead of driving, consider walking to nearby attractions and enjoying the great outdoors on the way!
5. Eat Outside
Whether this is eating an apple outside on the front steps, eating lunch in the backyard, or going on a full-blown hike and picnic, eating outside is so exciting for kids! My kids have asked multiple times if they can go outside to eat. There’s something that feels so exciting about it! As a mom I’m happy they’re getting time in the sunshine, and oftentimes it elevates a simple lunch into feeling exciting! Such a wonderful way to get toddlers outside.
