Outdoor fun for a toddler

There are so many things to do outside.  My almost 2-year-old loves to be outside. Here is a list of things you can do with a toddler that will keep it fun and interesting.

• Go for a walk in the stroller.  Talk about what you are going to see before, what you see during and what you saw after to get back home.  
• Use a toy wagon or stroller and have your toddler take a baby or toy for a walk.  They can carry it, too.  This works on walking next to you.
• Sidewalk chalk is fun to draw on the sidewalk.
• Play with a ball.  Kick, throw, roll, catch, etc.
• Play fetch with the dog.
• Play in a sandbox.
• Play with water in a water table or large rubbermaid bin.
• Go to the park.
• Find an open area at the park and run, run, run,
• Use water to paint the sidewalk or wooden fence with a large paintbrush.
• Ride bikes.
• Go for wagon rides.
• Listen for sounds -- birds, airplanes, squirrels, dogs, the wind, etc.
• Look for the sun, moon and clouds.
• Smell the flowers.
• Talk about different flowers.  Teach the proper names if you know them.  
• Look for bugs.  We often sing the Ants go Marching on our walks when she holds my hand.  Marching usually goes along with this.
• Look at the different colors you see outside.
• When we swing, I ask my daughter open ended questions.  She loves it.
• Take a blanket and read some stories outside.  I haven't tried this with my busy bee, yet.  But I plan to soon!

Just a few ideas!  Have fun!