Their boundless energy, curiosity and zest for life can make it a joy to introduce toddlers to new experiences and activities. With ever-increasing communication and coordination skills, interacting and playing together can feel more enjoyable and less consuming than a few short months ago when they were still babies.
However, at times, keeping your toddler entertained can be challenging. As they begin to assert their newfound independence, boredom or frustration can manifest in many challenging ways such as temper tantrums, rapid mood swings, and unruly behaviour. Finding activities to keep your young one entertained can include taking toddler trips to a local animal park or zoo, or baking cupcakes together in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore something a little closer to home by offering some fun activities your toddler can enjoy in the garden.
Bug-Hunting
While this might sound off-putting to most adults, as children we all loved digging for earthworms and discovering new creatures in the garden. Your garden is host to a whole world of different creatures from slow-moving snails and slugs to spiders weaving their intricate webs and feasting on flies. Whether it’s looking under rocks for bugs, beetles, woodlice and ants or inspecting the trees and shrubs for caterpillars, ladybugs and aphids, accompany your toddler around the garden to see what creepy crawlies you can find that have made it their home.
Playing with Leaves
Autumn is the best time of year to be out in the garden and playing around with the leaves. The more leaves you have the better. Put some wellies on your toddler’s feet and watch them enjoy kicking, jumping and running around in leaf piles. The rustling and crunching sounds they make with their feet and the feel of the leaves disintegrating in their small hands will open them up to new sensory experiences which will form fond memories.
Watching the leaves float down from the trees is a delightful experience for kids of all ages and one which your toddler will relish. You can also ask them to collect their favourite leaves in a variety of different colours, which you can later turn into a colourful wreath together to put on their bedroom door.
Bird Watching
What better way to introduce your young child to the wonders of the natural world than through the birds? Whether they’re flying overhead, chirping in the trees or pecking for worms in the soil, these delightful creatures come in a variety of different colours and sizes and can pique your child’s curiosity for hours on end. From sparrows to starlings, goldfinches to robins, your toddler will learn about different types of birds and can even look out for their favourite ones.
Creating a simple bird feeder with your toddler is another fun activity they will enjoy doing. Repurpose old yoghurt pots or juice cartons, and create your own homemade bird food recipes using ingredients such as breadcrumbs, sunflower hearts, seed mix or cooked rice. Even more enjoyable and entertaining than making this together will be the excitement on your toddler’s face when they see the birds flying in to feast on their creation.
As these ideas show, there are a number of simple and creative ways you can enjoy time in your garden while keeping your toddler entertained.
