Because the best summer memories are made outside – barefoot, sticky-fingered and full of giggles.

Summer is the season of discovery for little ones… sand between toes, picnics in the park, and puddles that just have to be jumped in. Whether you’re heading to your local green space or just opening the back door, outdoor play is a fantastic way to support your toddler’s development while creating beautiful family memories.

Here are some of our favourite outdoor adventures – simple, joyful, and toddler-approved.

1. Back Garden Obstacle Course

You don’t need a big garden – just a bit of imagination! Use cones, laundry baskets, a tunnel, or even chalk to create a wobbly-walking, teddy-tossing mini obstacle course. Great for gross motor skills and burning off that post-snack energy.

2. Nature Treasure Hunt

Take a basket and hunt for summer treasures: pinecones, daisies, feathers, smooth stones. Make it more engaging with a printed list of things to find (or draw your own with the kids!).

Back home, use your finds to make a nature collage or pop them into a “discovery basket” for sensory play.

3. Splash Time

Paddling pool, sprinkler, or just a big tub of water and some cups – water play is always a hit. Let your toddler splash, pour and explore. Add toy boats, spoons, and even flower petals for extra sensory fun.

And don’t forget your bath toys – our stacking cups double as pourers, and the soft silicone squirters bring giggles whether you’re in the garden or the tub!

4. Picnic & Story Time

Pack a blanket, a few favourite snacks and a book or two, and set up a mini picnic in the park or garden. It’s a lovely way to wind down after active play, and you’re also building language and attention skills with every story.

5. Bug Hotel Building

Turn a corner of your garden into a hotel for insects. Stack sticks, stones, pinecones and cardboard tubes to make cosy nooks for ladybirds, beetles and other garden friends. Toddlers love checking in on their new bug guests each day!

6. Chalk Drawing & Shadow Tracing

Big chunky pavement chalk is perfect for little hands. Try tracing shadows from toys or leaves, drawing giant smiley faces, or just doodling the day away.

7. Cloud Watching & Nature Listening

Sometimes the best moments are the still ones. Lie back together, watch the clouds, and listen: can you hear a bird? A breeze? Someone mowing the lawn? It’s a gentle way to help toddlers tune into the world around them.

Summer doesn’t have to be filled with grand plans or expensive outings. The simplest outdoor adventures are often the ones that stick – the giggles, the muddy knees, the sunshine-kissed cheeks.

So grab your sunhat (and maybe a snack for you too), and enjoy a summer of wonder, right outside your door.