Screen-Free Summer Activities for Babies & Toddlers

We are in the thick of the summer in Georgia and it’s so tempting to reach for screens to help fill the long, hot days at home with the kids! But guess what? We don’t need a screen to keep our baby or toddler engaged, learning, and having fun. With some planning and thought, summer can be a season of fun that doesn't leave us feeling guilty about how our kids are being entertained. 

Here are some easy, screen-free activities for our babies and toddlers to help us all soak up the summer better together.

First - Water Play (& not just in the kiddie pool)

Water is always a hit for my kids. Babies and toddlers love splashing, pouring, and feeling the textures.

• Use bowls, cups, ladles, or silicone muffin tins in a shady spot

• Incorporate fun bath toys into outdoor water play, like these bath tub paints

• For babies: just a shallow container or bucket and a few toys go a long way. Rotate the toys out often for unlimited entertainment.

• Bonus: Water play is a great way to build so many skills - emotional regulation, sensory skills, coordination, strength and more. 

Next: Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts

Take a slow stroll and talk about what you see, hear, smell, or feel. For toddlers, try a simple scavenger hunt:

• “Can you find something green?”

• “Let’s listen for a bird sound”

• “Can you touch something bumpy?”

You can also gather the items found on the walk and create a "framed photo" with popsicle sticks and clear contact paper.

Babies can enjoy stroller walks with frequent stops to touch leaves, grass, or tree bark. Narrating your experience as you go with fun voices and slow, simple speech will lay speech foundations in the baby stage and into early toddlerhood.

Try Picnic Playdates

We LOVE picnics at our house! Even if it’s just in the backyard, a picnic changes the routine and makes things feel special. Bring snacks, a blanket, and a few favorite toys or books.

• For babies: Let them roll and stretch on a mat in the shade. Offering opportunities for tummy time too.

• For toddlers: Invite a friend or bring bubbles and chalk for extra fun. Sing songs, be silly, and just enjoy each others company. 

Maybe Even a Backyard (or Balcony) Obstacle Course

Set up a simple course with cushions, boxes, tunnels, or pool noodles. Encourage crawling, climbing, and jumping.

• For babies: Create a soft, low-to-the-ground exploration zone. Crawling over soft items is a great way to build body strength needed for crawling and walking skills.

• For toddlers: Add simple challenges like stepping over a stick, tossing a bean bag, or the Floor is Lava! They will love these exciting activities.

Offer Moments for Messy Play

Summer is the perfect time for sensory play that may be a little too messy indoors.

• Baby-safe ideas: edible finger paint (yogurt + food coloring), dye-free jello with toys hidden, or sensory play with water.

  Toddler ideas: Offer a car wash with toys. Get the toys dirty and then take them through the car wash to clean them up. Or wash their play cars in a pretend car wash.

Just hose off afterward or jump in the pool and call it bath time!

Chalk Art & Shadow Play is Fun Too

Sidewalk chalk is toddler GOLD, but it’s fun for babies too with your help. Try:

• Drawing around their bodies or shadows. This is so fun and my kids LOVE it.

• Creating shapes and naming them as you draw or drawing your family and naming them

• Letting babies touch and smear the chalk is a great way for them to explore sensory and hand skills (non-toxic only!)

Make Space For Books + Blankets

Bring your favorite books outside and read under a tree or an umbrella. The change of scenery adds a new sensory layer, and even young babies benefit from the rhythm and sound of your voice. My kids have always loved spending the mornings and afternoons outside under the shade tree. Try it sometime with your kids!

Offer Bubble Play

Whether you blow them yourself or use a bubble machine (this one is the best!), bubbles are a simple way to light up a summer afternoon. Encourage toddlers to chase and pop, and let babies watch and reach. Encouraging index finger isolation, clapping, and naming simple actions like "POP" is a great way to foster learning with your baby. Babies also love watching bubbles during tummy time! Try it sometime!

Dig for Ice Treasures

Freeze small toys, fruits, or flowers in ice cubes or bowls. Give your toddler tools to chip and melt the ice, or let babies explore the cold, wet texture. This is a great activity for everyone on a hot day!

Visit Some Local Spots

Put your baby in a wrap or carrier and hit the road to your favorite spots - maybe it's an ice cream shop, coffee shop with a play space, local library, local farm, splash pad, pool, or even your local Chick-Fil-A or Target. Getting out of the house can be a nice change of pace this summer.

But A Screen-Free Summer Doesn’t Mean Go-Go-Go

Sometimes the best summer memories come from just being together. Swinging in the shade, cuddling after a splash in the pool, splashing in puddles, or watching ants march across the sidewalk. The only thing that matters is being together.

A Few Reminders:

• Always supervise water and outdoor play.

• Keep sunscreen, hats, and hydration in mind.

• Look for shade and go out early or late to beat the heat.

• Don’t overcomplicate it. Simple is best for little ones.

It’s okay if every moment isn't magical. But with a few screen-free activities up your sleeve, you can make this summer feel more easy and more fun. 

Want more ideas like this? Shop all of my favorite summer favorites here.