7 Easy Ways To Amuse A Toddler in The Garden - #kidsinthegarden

Looking for something to entertain your toddler? Here's 7 easy ways to amuse a toddler in the garden. They can be done even when the weather isn't perfect.

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."
                                                          Old Saying

Toddlers love to be outdoors and when it's sunny and warm it's a doddle but what can you do regardless of the weather? Here's a few tips that will enthral your toddler and may even give you a few minutes break.

7 Easy Ways To Amuse A Toddler in The Garden

1. Water

Anything with water in it. On a hot sunny day then of course the paddling pool but most days aren't hot and sunny. Just pop on the waterproofs and some wellies and give them an inch in a plant tray, or a paint tray or just a plastic pot. The only requirement is that it must be big enough for at least one foot to get in and splash, preferably big enough for both feet.

A plant tray, some water and wellies

Having fun splashing

Watering his feet!

As long as one foot is in water Bear is happy

2. Chalk

Pavement chalk is a fabulous thing. It's chunky so easy for small hands to hold and washes away in the rain. If you are handy with a bit of DIY then make a chalk board using blackboard paint. I first saw this on Family Days Tried and Tested facebook page. You can fix your board to a wall, we had a wooden barrier at the top of the steps which we painted with blackboard paint and is great. Keep the chalks in a plastic food tub near the board and then they are always where you need them.

Pavement chalk and a blackboard

Keep them handy and dry in a plastic pot 

3. Sand/Rocks

It really doesn't need to be much. A great big sand pit may be necessary for bigger children but toddlers are happy with a potful. We've got a sand and water table but all that is needed is a pile in the corner with a flowerpot to cover when it's not in use (stops the cats using it!).

Bear with his sand and water table

OK this rock is much too big!

4. Bug Hunting

Even little ones can enjoy searching for bugs. Bear is 19 months old and recognises lots of things in the garden.
Worms, ladybirds, woodlice, butterflies, slugs (ugh!), ants and so on. It's good to have a printed sheet with pictures on and there are lots of free printables.

Find the bugs.

Look closely

5. Gardening

Toddlers just love to help and especially like doing grown up things. Sow some seeds, pick up leaves, sort the gravel or stones into pots, sift the compost. Feeling adventurous? Then let them water the plants.

Moving potting compost from one bag to another

Or into the watering can

Helping Grandad sow sunflowers

6. Picnic

Have a picnic, as long as it is dry then just put some blankets down and enjoy

First lunch Al Fresco this year

Freezing cold but Bear still likes a picnic

7. Bubbles

Everyone loves bubbles! Put some baby shampoo in the water and let them play with the bubbles. We use Burts Bee's as it has no nasties in it and doesn't sting their eyes.

Blow bubbles too.

Bubbles!

Blow hard.

Don't forget its not the weather its the clothes!

Bear enjoying the winter rain. Wellies, muddy suit and coat. Snug as a bug in a rug.

There are lots more things that you can do, make a tent, put the ball pit outside, I'm sure you can think of loads too.


Have a lovely time outside and any suggestions please let me know in the comments.