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Superscript
Seasonal Themes
for babies
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Typical vocabulary associated with each season
Spring Play
Spring Themes
Baby Bins: Spring
Spring may have “officially” started a month ago but it’s not quite spring here in Wisconsin! There may be a snow storm coming this weekend, but we didn’t let that slow us down this week as we learned all about plants, flower, rain and more with our spring themed baby bins.
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Here is a look at our second set of 6 seasonal themed baby bins:
Here are the details for each of our activities:
Spring Theme Read Aloud:
This week’s spring story is from one of my favorite authors Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. The staggered rainbow pages add just enough novelty to hold her interest and make turning the pages fun.
Planting Sensory Bin:
In this bin: black beans, mini pots, shovels, silk flowers, pom pom “seeds”
Flower Color Matching:
In this bin: water, colored pom poms, flower shaped silicone cupcake cups, flower cake pop mold, tongs
Aubrey used the fine motor tools in this bin to scoop up the pom poms, squeeze the water out, then sort them into the cupcake cups. She also experimented with getting the cupcake cups to float in the water bin.
Flower Suncatcher:
Our craft this week was another stained glass craft. First I cut out 2 black flower and circle outlines from black construction paper. Then I stuck one flower and circle on contact paper and Aubrey filled in with tissue paper squares. When she finished I glued the second flower and circle on top. Then we sealed it with another sheet of contact paper and displayed in a sunny window
Rainy Day Sensory Bin:
In this sensory bin: water (tinted blue with food coloring), foam cloud and raindrop shapes, strainers, funnels
Did you know foam shapes stick to windows when wet? Amazing right? So besides just exploring this rain theme bin, I encouraged Aubrey to stick the shapes to the window as well.
Flower Ice Play Bin:
In this sensory bin: frozen flower ice shapes in various colors, fine motor tools, cold water, cups
Aubrey used the fine motor tools in this bin to scoop up the ice, sort, dump and explore while the ice slowly melted
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SPRING
Spring Activities for 1 Year Olds
By finding edible materials or activities with large parts and gross motor practice, we can involve 1 and 2 year olds in play-based activities too! Celebrate Spring with these fun activities for toddlers.
Spring Sensory Play
Water Bead Play: Celebrating Spring
Playdough Flower Planting // Fun with Mama
Flower Garden Sensory Wall // Crafts on Sea
Rainbow Rice in a Jar // KC Adventures
Edible Chocolate Playdough // The Life of Jennifer Dawn
Frozen Flowers Sensory Ice Play // Crafts on Sea
Butterfly Sensory Bag // Messy Little Monster
Rainbow Spaghetti Sensory Play // Messy Little Monster
Ladybug Sensory Play // Little Worlds Big Adventures
Spring Gross and Fine Motor Activities for Babies
5 Outdoor Play Spaces to Create for Kids
Spring-Themed Printable Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Rainbow Suncatchers: A Kid-Made Spring Activity
Bottle Top Toddler Toy // Teach Me Mommy
5 Little Ducks Nursery Rhyme Activity // Schooltime Snippets
Sorting Colors with PomPoms and Duplo Blocks // Teach Me Mommy
Go on a Bug Hunt, with Free Printable // Kiddy Charts
Flower Arranging Montessori Practical Life Activity // Rhythms of Play
Science for Littles: Camouflage // Mama Smiles
Adorable Ladybug Finger Puppet // Artsy Momma
Have so much fun with these Spring activities for 1 year olds! They will love to celebrate Spring through fun and play 🙂
Plentiful PlantsTheme!
With Earth Day occurring in spring, plants was an obvious topic choice, and when little man is older I can add in recycling! Language/Literacy: Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert Plants (My First Bilingual Book) by Milet Publishing The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein The Tiny Seed by…
Creepy, Crawly Critters!
Insects are always a great topic for Spring because all the rain makes the creepy, crawlies come out! Language/Literacy: Little Man’s Recommendations Itsy Bitsy Spider by Sarah Ward The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle Bug Hunt by Salina Yoon Hello Bugs by Smriti Prasadam Halls Mathematics/Cognitive Skills:…
Bugs Language Cards
Hippity, Hoppity, Easter’s on its way!
So when I wrote this post, Easter was a week away. Now – two months later – I am finally posting it! Haha! Oh well! I figured I might as well post it, since it was already written! Language/Literacy: Little Man’s Recommendations: Pat the Bunny books by Golden Books Clifford’s Happy Easter Bridwell…
Baby Bins: Earth Day
This week we learned all about our Earth and ways that we can take care of it with our Earth Day themed baby bins. We had so much fun exploring sensory bins and creating crafts this week as we learned about our special planet.
Here is a look at our second set of 6 seasonal themed baby bins:
Here are the details for each of our activities:
Earth Day Theme Read Aloud:
This week’s book was This is Our World by Emily Sollinger. Besides just being a great simple book about taking car of our Earth, this book also include a fun puzzle for little ones to complete.
Land and Water Sensory Bin:
In this bin: blue water beads, craft foam continents
To create our continents I traced each continent on a piece of craft foam, then cut each one out. **Remember water beads are NOT taste safe, so if your littles are likely to take a bite, try using tapioca pearls instead or making blue jello jigglers in ice cube trays
Earth Play Dough Mats:
In this sensory bin: play dough and laminated Earth outline
Earth Paint in a Bag:
For this baby safe painting activity, I printed an Earth outline and trimmed it to fit inside a ziplock bag. Next, I added a few drops of blue and green paint. Then, I sealed it up for some fun no mess and no stress painting. Aubrey used her fingers to smush the paint around and mix it together to cover the entire Earth.
Recycle Sort Sensory Bin:
In this bin: black beans, recyclable printables, trash and recycling labels, small bowls
Stained Glass Earth:
Our craft this week was another stained glass craft. First I cut out 2 circle outlines from black construction paper. Then I stuck one circle on contact paper and Aubrey filled it in with green and blue tissue paper squares. When she finished I glued the second circle on top. Then we sealed it with another sheet of contact paper and displayed in a sunny window
13 Spring Themed Activities For Babies
Fun Activities to do With Your Baby in the Spring
Once winter is over, I think we all have on thing in common: we are desperate to get out! If you have a baby at home, you may be wondering how to keep both of you occupied once the weather warms up.
My son was born in October, right around the time that it starts to get chilly out and when winter is just around the corner. Now that it is spring time, we have finally been able to get out of the house.
This list contains activities that can be enjoyed outside in the fresh air as well as indoors on a rainy day.
Here are 13 spring activities for babies that they will love and enjoy!
Spring Activities for Babies
1. Go for a Walk
Let’s start with a basic yet engaging activity- going for a walk! A walk can be more than just getting fresh air. For your baby, it’s a great sensory activity for them to see nature around them and hear new sounds.
2. Have a Picnic
If your baby is at the stage of eating solids, have a picnic with them outside. What’s nice about this is that you don’t need to go anywhere fancy.
You can simply lay out a blanket in your backyard and bring out whatever baby foods they enjoy. It’s a way to change up meal time instead of always eating inside in the high chair.
3. Sensory Play
There are SO many sensory play ideas out there! You can create a spring-themed sensory bin, paint with your baby, or use chalk outside.
Sensory play is something you can do indoors on a rainy day or have fun with outside. Your baby will never get bored!
4. Observe Nature
You don’t have to be limited to the stroller when it comes to exploring nature with your baby. You can bring them outside to your front or backyard and look at the flowers, trees, bugs, animals, clouds, etc.
A simple stroll around the yard can be stimulating for your baby. It will be a great way for both of you to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life.
Observing nature is a wonderful mindfulness activity.
5. Play in the Rain
A little drizzle won’t hurt! If your baby is older and walking, it can be fun to get them in rain gear and splash around in the puddles for a little bit. Be sure to get your little walker some rain boots!
Sometimes rain is viewed in a negative context because it can damper plans. But playing in the rain for a little bit is a way to make the best out of a situation!
6. Read Books
Another spring activity for babies that is great for indoors or outdoors. You can bring your books outside and read them on a comfy chair or under a tree.
Reading is a great pastime that can keep your baby engaged and help get them ready for a nap!
7. Gardening
If you’re someone who enjoys gardening, it can be fun to let your little one help out!
Depending on their age, you can have your baby dig or plant a seed. Or maybe just let them play with a little gardening set of their own.
This can be another opportunity for your baby to observe nature.
8. Bring Toys Outside
Keeping your baby entertained can be as simple as changing the scenery. Bring some of your baby’s favorite toys outside and it can change the whole dynamic of how they play. Playing in a different area allows your baby to expand their imagination.
This Balls, Blocks, and Buddies Set is a perfect examples of toys that you can bring outside!
9. Play Ball
A classic outdoor activity to do with your baby is to play ball outside. Depending on their age, you can practice rolling, throwing, or catching. Getting balls in different shapes, sizes, and colors can be fun and engaging for your little one.
A large list of Spring activities for 1 year olds and toddlers. Including sensory activities, arts and crafts, and fine and gross motor fun.
It can feel so overwhelming and difficult to do hands-on activities with 1 year olds! After all, they lack some of the fine motor skills of older preschoolers, and might still explore their surroundings with their mouths. But, they are busy and active and love to engage with the world around them!
10. Scavenger Hunt
If you want to do something creative for your baby, set up a fun scavenger hunt! You can do this outdoors or even inside if it’s rainy.
This can be fun for babies who are older and walking. It can be an Easter egg hunt if it’s close to Easter time or you can come up with your own.
RELATED READ: 8 Awesome Easter Basket Ideas for Babies Under 1
11. Do a Craft
Just like there are tons of sensory activities, there are also endless craft ideas! A craft is another activity for babies that can be done inside or outside.If y ou’re in need of fresh air, you can do a messier craft outdoors. If it’s a rainy day, find something fun to do inside.
12. Have a Movie Day
The ultimate rainy day activity? Watch TV shows or movies! You can cozy up with your little one and watch their favorite movie or show. If your baby is old enough for solid foods, you can enjoy some yummy snacks too!
13. Coloring
Last but not least, coloring is a great activity! Coloring can teach your baby fine motor skills, allows them to be creative, and can be a great sensory activity.
Final Thoughts on Spring Activities for Babies
Sometimes is hard coming up with activities to do with your baby. You may feel that they are too young to do certain things but the reality is, there are a lot of simple ways you can keep your baby engaged and entertained.
I hope this list of spring activities for babies sparked some ideas for you and helped you find fun ways to spend time with your baby!
Other Posts You’ll Love:
Fall Activities
Fall Themes
Baby Bins:
This week we took a quick break from our color themed baby bins to explore leaves with our FALL baby bin theme.
**This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. View our full disclosure policy here.**
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FALL
Here is a look at what we have planned for our first 6 seasonal themed baby bins:
Here are the details for each of our Fall activities:
Fall Read Aloud:
Touch and feel books are always a favorite of my daughter so I found this Fall Bright Baby Touch and Feel book, by Roger Priddy to go along with our fall theme.
Fall Theme Sensory Bin:
Silk Leaves
Blocks
Orange and Yellow Balls
Red, Orange and Yellow Beads
Play ideas for this bin:
1. Sort leaves and objects by color.
2. Build with fall colored blocks.
3. String fall colored beads.
4. Find and roll all of the colored balls.
Fall Leaf Stuffing:
This fall activity was seriously so easy and kept Aubrey busy all afternoon. We worked on building fine motor skills by stuffing silk leaves into a wipe container. That’s it! Baby activities don’t need to be complicated, sometimes the easier the better!
Fall Pom Pom Drop:
Little craft pom poms are fascinating to my girls. They love to scoop, squish, roll and play with big bins full of them. To add a fun invitation to play, I taped empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes to our large oil drip pan. Then I placed a bin full of fall colored pom poms underneath. Aubrey grabbed bunches of pom poms and dropped them in the tubes to watch them fall.
Fall Leaf Painting:
For this activity, I taped down a few leaves on white paper and mixed up a batch of the easiest cornstarch paint ever. To make this taste safe paint, mix cornstarch with water. I don’t actually measure it at all! I just put a scoop of cornstarch in a bowl and add warm water slowly, mixing often until I reach the consistency I’m going for. Not too watery but not so stiff you can’t stir it, then add food coloring. Make sure to stir the paint often while using as it may settle at the bottom of the bowl. I made batches of red, orange, and yellow for Aubrey to paint over her leaves. After she finished I pulled the leaves off of the paper before the paint dried.
Fall Tree Sticky Window:
For this activity I drew a large fall tree outline on contact paper, then taped it to a window sticky side out. Next I gave Aubrey a bin full of foam leaves. The foam shapes are easy to remove and reposition, so we kept our tree up for about a week before deciding to take it down. It made a really great activity for both of my girls to do while I made lunch or cleaned the kitchen.
More Fall Activities for Infants:
Fun and Safe Autumn Ideas
This post is about fall activities for infants
Without a doubt, fall is my favorite season!! I love walking in the woods and looking at the beautifully colored leaves on the trees. It’s always so cozy at home with a blanket and a warm drink on the couch.
Yes, I adore autumn 🙂 Having your little one with you makes it even more enjoyable, and to fully embrace the autumn spirit, there are plenty of fun activities to do with babies during the fall! Even if your baby is too young to jump in leaf piles or carve pumpkins, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the autumn season together.
One of the best ways to enjoy autumn with your baby is through simple yet engaging sensory experiences. The vibrant colors, crunchy leaves, and cooler temperatures create the perfect backdrop for exploration and fun!
Whether gently tossing leaves in the air or letting them feel the textures of various fall elements, these activities foster curiosity and engagement and are great for their sensory development!
Here are some fun and simple activities that you and your little one can enjoy this fall.
Table of Contents
This post is about fall activities for infants
Fall-themed sensory play ideas
Exploring Texture and Smell with Fall Foods
Fall outdoor activities
Conclusion: Fall activities for infants
Fall-themed sensory play ideas
Leaf Sensory Play
A very easy one! But leaves are one of the best parts of fall, and they can be a fantastic sensory experience for your baby. Gather some colorful leaves and let your baby touch, crinkle, and explore them, which is also perfect for their fine motor skills. Always supervise closely to make sure they don’t put any leaves in their mouth. You can also gently shake the leaves above them to watch their eyes light up as they fall.
Fall Sensory Bin
Set up a small sensory bin filled with autumn-themed items like pinecones, acorns (be sure they are too big to swallow), little pumpkins, gourds, and colorful leaves.
The different textures and colors offer a great way for a sensory experience!
When creating fall-themed sensory bins for infants, pick suitable containers, fill them with autumn treasures, and let them explore!
You can also use some artificial fall items like these:
Sensory Jars
Sensory jars are fantastic for babies! Plus, you can use them for a long time.
Here is how you can make one:
Fill a bottle 3/4 with warm water.
Add clear glue or baby oil to slow item movement (optional).
Add a few drops of food coloring (optional) and mix.
Add fall-themed items (glitter, fake leaves, acrylic gems, sequins).
Top off with warm water, leaving a little space at the top.
Seal the cap with super glue or a hot glue gun. Test and adjust as needed. Reseal securely
Things you can use to make the perfect autumn sensory jar:
![6-Pack Bulk Empty Plastic Juice Or Water Bottles with Caps Reusable 400ml Durable Smoothie [Bottle]s with Black Lids Great Calming great for [Sensory] Crafts](/ws/alt-imgs/orig/886cf6d217245562a0d4af664dc05191.webp)
Exploring Texture and Smell with Fall Foods
For the cozy vibes of autumn, you can use fall foods for sensory play! It’s a fun way to introduce them to new textures and smells.
Homemade Play Dough and Edible Sensory Materials
Making homemade play dough is a very fun way to incorporate fall foods into sensory play.
How to make:
Mix flour, vegetable oil, and pumpkin spice or cinnamon to make play dough.
Add some food coloring for an extra fall vibe.
Let your baby squish and mold the dough.
You can also give your baby some herbs and spices like cinnamon sticks and rosemary sticks to play with. Those are great because they are easy for little hands to grasp and have a strong, pleasant scent!
Spice Scent Exploration
Fill small containers with different fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and let your baby smell each one.
Fall outdoor activities
Autumn is a great time for babies to explore the sights, sounds, and textures of the season. Simple sensory activities and nature-based fun can make their experiences exciting and enjoyable.
Fall Nature Walks
It might be a bit obvious, but take advantage of the cooler weather and go for walks. You can take your baby in the baby carrier or a stroller.
The fresh air is great for both of you, and your baby will love looking at the trees and the colorful leaves. If your baby is old enough, you can point out different colors and shapes to help them learn and engage with their surroundings.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Many pumpkin patches have areas specifically designed for young children and infants. Even if your baby is too young to participate in activities like pumpkin picking, they’ll enjoy the new sights and sounds. Plus, it’s a perfect backdrop for some adorable photos!
Fall-Themed Photoshoot
Capture the season with a mini photoshoot. Dress your baby in cute fall outfits and take some pictures surrounded by pumpkins, leaves, or even just the beautiful fall scenery in a nearby park. These photos will be lasting memories for years to come.
Conclusion:
So these are some fun things to do, it sounds all so simple but babies are easily impressed because they see everything for the first time! So, fall is the perfect time of the year to entertain your baby simply by letting them look and feel. This is amazing quality time with your little one 🙂 Happy
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Winter Play
Winter Themes
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Here is a look at what we have planned for our first 6 seasonal themed baby bins:
Here are the details for each of our Winter activities:
Baby Bins: Winter
Happy New Year everyone! We enjoyed our little break for the holidays but are ready to get right back into our school routine. It has been ridiculously cold and we have been hunkering down over here and not leaving the house, so I am glad I had these fun winter themed baby bins all ready for Miss Aubrey to explore.
Winter Read Aloud:
Lois Ehlert is one of my FAVORITE authors of all time (Fun fact: she’s actually from my hometown!) and Snowballs is one of her books that is a must in every child’s library. The collage style of her illustrations make the snowmen in this story so lovable and interesting to look at so the board book version made a great book for this week’s theme.
Snow Themed Sensory Bin:
In this bin: instant snow, clear snowman cups, scoops, snowman cookie cutters, cupcake liners, puzzle “SNOW” word
Ice Paint/Tape Resist Snowflakes:
For this art activity I dyed water with liquid watercolors and froze them into blue & purple ice cubes with popsicle sticks in them. Then I taped snowflakes on cardstock with washi tape. Aubrey used the colored ice to paint over the snowflake shapes. After a bit of painting, I helped to remove the tape and reveal . *Be careful not to let the paper get too soaked or the tape will be hard to pull off without ripping the paper.
Glowing Winter Water Beads:
Aubrey loved this glowing winter water bead sensory bin. Putting our sensory bin on top of our light pad added just enough magic to pique her curiosity.
In this bin: blue and clear water beads, foam snowflakes, scoops and cups
**Remember water beads are NOT taste safe, so if your littles are likely to take a bite, try using tapioca pearls instead.
Stained Glass Mittens:
I love a good stained glass craft so when I found this tutorial from Maria at Kinder Craze I knew it would be perfect for this week! Go grab the free templates and directions here.
Icy Sensory Bin:
In this bin: frozen water beads, cups, scoops, winter Little People
One Year Old Playschool: Winter Week
WINTER
HEART HEADBANDS- NEW
We had so much fun learning about all things winter in our unit last week that we decided to extend the fun into another week.
We continued to read books about winter all week, but G’s favorite by far is Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner (affiliate link).
The concept of the story is what snowmen do at night when every one is asleep. Since she loves it so much and she is starting to memorize the story, I decided to make a snowman she could build and rebuild. We changed it at night, when she was in bed and it was new each morning for her. It was so easy! We just took three various sized boxes and wrapped them in wrapping paper (with white side facing out) and another box and wrapped it in black construction paper.
Once she was downstairs, we put a “ribbon” on the black box to make it into a “hat” and drew a face and buttons on two of the other boxes. Then, we placed a scarf around the snowman’s neck. G loved knocking the blocks down and putting them back together. This resulted in some VERY interesting snowmen.
The next morning it looks like the snowman decided to go to the farm and came back with a new hat. Another morning he was wearing D’s hat and a different scarf. And another morning he had a drink in front of him (another reference to the book).
We also made some brownies in a snowstorm in the kitchen.
But the highlight of our week was our trip up to the snow. We took a field trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and went exploring through the state park up there.
It was such fun! G loved walking in the snow, once she got her balance. We talked about the snow crunching beneath her feet and the slippery ice.
She found pine cones and carried them around with her. But what she did not like was touching the snow!
She had seemingly boundless energy even after she hiked the nearly half mile uphill path that ran between the tram stop and the trails. We have a hiker on our hands!
One of the best parts of the day was when we got up the mountain and I told G we were going to go see the snow and she said, “Treasures!” She was talking about our sensory box from last week, when we buried treasures in the snow and dug them up again. It is so neat to see her make the connections from what we are learning to what was in the real world. When we got down to the snow, she indeed found some treasures: pine cones. It was just so neat!
One Year Old Play: Winter
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The Best Winter Activities for Babies
Not sure what activities you can do with a baby this winter? Find simple, fun, age-appropriate winter crafts and activities your babies will enjoy to do indoors, during the cold months.
With the holidays behind us and winter in full swing, most families find themselves searching for sanity-saving indoor activities to do with the kids. We’ve already enjoyed a few winter activities with our preschooler during several new year’s snow days, but struggle a bit more to find age-appropriate arts and crafts to do with our baby.
In my experience, most of the fun planned activities require a little more experience and coordination. Whether it’s using more refined fine-motor skills like drawing or cutting or simply being able to follow instructions. And while you should definitely include outdoor play anytime you can, babies can only handle so much ice and freezing snow!!
Babies under the age of two, need things to be much more simple and safer. Because we all know what babies tend to do…put things in their mouth, cry, explore and make a big old mess. Which of course, is a learning experience in itself.
So if you’re looking to make things a little easier this winter, just take a look at our top picks for baby winter activities.
Our ideas include handprint and footprint artwork, sensory play and baby-safe ways to play with snow to avoid as many tears as possible.
(NOTE: Of course, winter reading is another easy activity you can do with babies of ALL ages — so we read these every year — but you can find more active activities in this post below!)
Best Winter Activities for Babies
Baby-Safe Snow and Sensory Play
Just because it’s ice cold, doesn't mean playing in the snow has to be off-limits. Grab a few kid tools, like this paint brush set made for little hands, a pail and shovel or your kid’s favorite figurines (my kids love animals like these little ones!) to make exploring in the snow a little less intimidating for baby. Below are some amazingly, simple yet fun ideas.
Winter Art Ideas for Baby
Winter is actually a great time for making beautiful picturesque art works with your kids. All you need is a few of these roller brushes for handprint and footprint art and a creative outlook.
Mitten Handprint Keepsake (download printable below)
Grab the FREE Printable Template Below:
Winter-Themed Indoor Activities
When you’re stuck indoors, and not in the mood to play with snow, think of materials you already have in the house, so you don’t have to go trekking out in the cold. Think: simple obstacle courses using pillows and blanket or putting all those boxes from presents to good use. Love the ideas below!
So many ideas for fun, sensory play indoors baby will look forward to.
Want more baby activities?
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Icicle Craft: Easy Winter Activity for Toddlers
Inside: Make a simple icicle winter craft and activity for kids to keep them entertained indoors. An easy idea for letter of the week “I”. My 3-year-old is always looking for an excuse to dump glitter or salt all over the table. It must be that exciting rush he gets from doing what’s forbidden as […]
Winter Snow Sensory Bin Activity
Inside: Let your toddler explore a winter-themed sensory bin with pretend snow, arctic animals and more. A great indoor activity and alternative to playing outside in the freezing snow. It’s the middle of January with freezing temperatures every day. But the kids don’t mind. They’re still looking for fun ways to play outside with snow […]
Handprint Valentine + Printable: “I Hand You My Heart”
Inside: A cute Valentine card and craft for kids. Tell your kids you love them with this “I hand you my heart” handprint valentine, great for babies and toddlers. *UPDATE: You can download the printable for free without subscribing using the link here.* I love, love making Valentine’s Crafts with my kids. From love bugs […]
Activity Fire Truck for Babies & Toddlers
One of our favorite toys featured in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide is the Busy Fire Truck by ALEX TOYS. The Busy Fire Truck adds a new twist to the classic wooden toy – with 8 fun colorful activities on every side. It provides fun ways to play that stimulate learning and development for both babies and […]
Summer Activities
Summer Themes
It’s finally summer here in Wisconsin, and after the longest winter ever, it feel so good to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! So I guess it’s time to come to terms with the fact that our little baby Aubrey isn’t really a baby anymore now that she’s 2. That means we are wrapping up baby bins this week, and she will be diving in to our
tot school themes this fall!
SUMMER
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Here are the details for each of our activities:
Summer Theme Read Aloud:
Aubrey loves all of the lift the flap books from Karen Katz, so this week’s summer story was Baby Loves Summer by Karen Katz. She loves all of the flaps to lift, and I love all the vocabulary it introduces.
Sun Theme Sensory Bin:
In this bin: yellow rice, penne pasta, yellow pouch lids
Aubrey used the materials in the bin to scoop, play, explore, and build suns.
Ice Cream Scooping:
In this bin: cotton balls, toy ice cream cones, scoops, spoons, and bowls
Cotton Candy Puffy Paint:
Our craft this week was made with this yummy puffy cotton candy paint. Aubrey helped me mix a small batch of puffy paint with equal parts shaving cream and white glue in a bowl. I divided it into 2 bowls and dyed one pink and one blue with food coloring. I also rolled a small piece of white cardstock to form a cone and glued it to the bottom of a sheet of paper for the cotton candy cone. Aubrey used the puffy paint to paint swirls of cotton candy on top of the cone.
Ice Cream Play Dough:
In this sensory bin: Funfetti playdough, buckets, sand toy ice cream set
This ice cream play dough is seriously amazing. It smells delicious and actually scoops like real ice cream! Best of all it is taste safe so even your littlest kiddos can play without any worry.
Here’s the super simple recipe:
-1 cup funfetti frosting (white or colored)
-About 3 cups powdered sugar
1. Mix in a stand mixer, adding powdered sugar gradually.
2. Add a bit more or less sugar until your dough isn’t sticky.
That’s it! I used the pre-colored pink frosting for our “strawberry” so I didn’t have to mess with food coloring. So easy!
Duck Race Sensory Bin:
In this sensory bin: water, cut pool noodle, small rubber ducks, squirt guns
For our last bin, I cut a pool noodle the length of the bin and placed it inside to divide the bin into 2 “lanes.” Then we placed one rubber duck in each lane. We each used a squirt gun to squirt the duck and race to the other side of the bin. Aubrey also had fun just spraying and splashing with the ducks in the bin even without racing.
The Best Summer Activities for Babies
Finding summer activities to do with baby was a predicament I encountered every couple years with a newborn. While summer is one of the best times to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather or pool beach fun with kids, doing so with a brand new baby, brings on it’s own set of challenges.
Babies under 6 months of age need to be careful under the sun’s direct rays, and older babies can’t always participate in all the fun summer activities toddlers pursue.
Each of my three kids were in that newborn phase at about 1-6 months throughout the hot summer days, so I can understand first-hand how frustrating it is to feel like you can’t do anything with baby in the heat.
Venturing out with an infant during 80-90 degree weather, wasn’t something I particularly looked forward to each year. I mean, not only was it difficult to breastfeed under the sweltering heat, but it was also incredibly stressful planning ahead and chugging along all those summer essentials baby would need to be comfortable all day.
But with time, I found a few things that were perfect for keeping baby cool in the heat and helping him partake in those fun summer days.
Related: Genius Tips for Keeping Baby Cool at the Beach
So if you’re looking for things to do with a baby this summer, I thought I’d share some easy play ideas for moms looking to enjoy time with baby right at home.
The ideas below work great when you need activities to do with babies under 1 up to even 2 years old. Some of these can be done outside (water activities!), while others can be done inside during those extra hot days when you need a reprieve from the sun. Enjoy!
Easy Baby Activities for Summer
Baby activities to do outside at home
When you’re looking to keep baby cool right at home, nothing beats an inflatable kiddie Pool.
You can even take the ball pit outside and add some water for even more fun!
Another fun way to keep baby cool while stimulating the senses is a simple homemade water blob!
Let baby explore his or her artistic side safely, with some edible paint outside.
Don’t drive all the way to the zoo just yet — explore your backyard and you’ll see the zoo that exists right before your eyes!
Melt some colorful ice with baby using the heat of the sun!
Or try a taste-safe ice painting activity that works for babies too.
Make music and movement in the backyard.
Set up a little water table and watch how baby pours water and splashes about.
Keep it simple, with one of our favorites — blow bubbles together!
Take baby for a stroll down the block in a shaded stroller ready with a portable fan you can strap right on!
Baby activities to do inside during summer
Grab a baking tray and let baby splash a couple toys around inside during tummy time.
Let baby cool off indoors with some fun Sensory Ice Play.
If ice isn’t your thing, let baby have a “car wash” indoors. Just grab a bin, toy cars, and fill with baby-safe soap and water.
Read with baby in the air conditioned house.
Make use of that kiddie pool and convert it into an indoor ball pit on the days that are just too hot to get out. This one makes a perfect baby ball pit!
Bring the toys to the tub and cool off indoors!
Summer activities for baby to do outside, nearby the home
Visit an aquarium to introduce baby to life under the sea!
Visit your local library for story time.
Go on a nature walk in your neighborhood so baby can explore all the sounds and sights that surround you.
Enroll in a baby yoga class.
Try a baby swim class.
Join a local baby gym.
Find a mommy and me playgroup.
Visit a children’s museum.
Let baby swing and slide on the playground.
Take a trip to the beach and learn how to keep baby cool.
If a beach trip is out of the question, visit a splash pad nearby — perfect for little ones!
Treat yourself (and baby) to a little ice cream after a long hot day to stay cool!
Related posts:
Keeping baby cool in a car seat this summer
How to survive the summer months with a baby
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The Best Summer Activities for Babies
Finding summer activities to do with baby was a predicament I encountered every couple years with a newborn. While summer is one of the best times to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather or pool beach fun with kids, doing so with a brand new baby, brings on it’s own set of challenges.
Babies under 6 months of age need to be careful under the sun’s direct rays, and older babies can’t always participate in all the fun summer activities toddlers pursue.
Each of my three kids were in that newborn phase at about 1-6 months throughout the hot summer days, so I can understand first-hand how frustrating it is to feel like you can’t do anything with baby in the heat.
Venturing out with an infant during 80-90 degree weather, wasn’t something I particularly looked forward to each year. I mean, not only was it difficult to breastfeed under the sweltering heat, but it was also incredibly stressful planning ahead and chugging along all those summer essentials baby would need to be comfortable all day.
Summer Activity Ideas for Babies
Play Video
But with time, I found a few things that were perfect for keeping baby cool in the heat and helping him partake in those fun summer days.
Related: Genius Tips for Keeping Baby Cool at the Beach
So if you’re looking for things to do with a baby this summer, I thought I’d share some easy play ideas for moms looking to enjoy time with baby right at home.
The ideas below work great when you need activities to do with babies under 1 up to even 2 years old. Some of these can be done outside (water activities!), while others can be done inside during those extra hot days when you need a reprieve from the sun. Enjoy!
Easy Baby Activities for Summer
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Baby activities to do outside at home
When you’re looking to keep baby cool right at home, nothing beats an inflatable kiddie Pool.
You can even take the ball pit outside and add some water for even more fun!
Another fun way to keep baby cool while stimulating the senses is a simple homemade water blob!
Let baby explore his or her artistic side safely, with some edible paint outside.
Don’t drive all the way to the zoo just yet — explore your backyard and you’ll see the zoo that exists right before your eyes!
Melt some colorful ice with baby using the heat of the sun!
Or try a taste-safe ice painting activity that works for babies too.
Make music and movement in the backyard.
Set up a little water table and watch how baby pours water and splashes about.
Keep it simple, with one of our favorites — blow bubbles together!
Take baby for a stroll down the block in a shaded stroller ready with a portable fan you can strap right on!
Baby activities to do inside during summer
Grab a baking tray and let baby splash a couple toys around inside during tummy time.
Let baby cool off indoors with some fun Sensory Ice Play.
If ice isn’t your thing, let baby have a “car wash” indoors. Just grab a bin, toy cars, and fill with baby-safe soap and water.
Read with baby in the air conditioned house.
Make use of that kiddie pool and convert it into an indoor ball pit on the days that are just too hot to get out. This one makes a perfect baby ball pit!
Bring the toys to the tub and cool off indoors!
Summer activities for baby to do outside, nearby the home
Visit an aquarium to introduce baby to life under the sea!
Visit your local library for story time.
Go on a nature walk in your neighborhood so baby can explore all the sounds and sights that surround you.
Enroll in a baby yoga class.
Try a baby swim class.
Join a local baby gym.
Find a mommy and me playgroup.
Visit a children’s museum.
Let baby swing and slide on the playground.
Take a trip to the beach and learn how to keep baby cool.
If a beach trip is out of the question, visit a splash pad nearby — perfect for little ones!
Treat yourself (and baby) to a little ice cream after a long hot day to stay cool!
Related posts:
Keeping baby cool in a car seat this summer
How to survive the summer months with a baby
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Inside: Introduce your baby or toddler to the pool with these easy water tips to keep your child safe this summer and all year. As a child, summer was the best time of the year with endless fun to be had. From jumping through the sprinkler, chasing waves on the beach and splashing in the kiddie […]
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Inside: Have a new baby in the summer? Read on to get our best tips to keep your baby safe from the sun and overheating and simply survive your baby’s first summer! The summer months can be a wonderful time to get out and explore with a new baby. But they can also be quite a […]
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It’s a question all parents face in the summer with a baby, heading out to the car for a drive: how do I keep baby cool in a car when it’s hot outside? Because we know how scary the statistics are of being in a hot car during the summer months (and especially tragic stories of […]
10 Beach Essentials for Baby and Toddler
Summer is here! It’s the perfect time to flock to the beach or pool to cool off and get a much-needed reprieve from the heat. But how is a momma supposed to relax completely when she contemplates everything her little one will need to make it through the day at the beach? Get a FREE […]
7 Genius Ways to Keep Baby Cool at the Beach
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Easy Tips to Keep Baby’s Skin Safe in the Sun
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Superscript
Exploring Nature With Your Baby
Flowers, plants, and animals provide your little one with rich learning opportunities.
From the first hour of life, when a baby stares into the eyes of his new parents, he is learning all about this brave new world.
Babies (under 4 years old) try to make sense of what they see, touch, taste, grab, hear, hold, and squeeze. Think of a baby clutching a hunk of ripe banana, slowly squeezing it, and watching in wonder as the yellow, creamy fruit slithers between his fingers.
Babies are born primed to learn how the world of people and objects works. That is why they love exploring their outdoor surroundings. Every bug, animal, or bird that your baby sees is a brand-new experience — especially because babies spend so much time indoors.
When at the park or in your yard, don't be surprised if your baby wants to touch a nice earthworm as she inspects the grass at the edge of her blanket. Many babies love to feel a caterpillar crawling on their arms.
Natural experiences should come in doses that are understandable for your baby and in ways that keep your baby safe, of course. Babies are forever exploring, whether trying to poke a finger into an electrical socket or attempting to tip over a stand so that they can pull at and maybe taste the shiny green leaves of a plant.
Babies are often unaware of dangers, and toddlers can climb with agility and fearlessness into hazardous situations. Be aware of the way your baby or toddler thinks.
You might have a very gentle cat, but many a young toddler has pulled a cat's tail and received a strong scratch from the indignant cat! Social skills, such as decentering (taking the point of view of another) to consider the feelings of a peer or a kitty, are in short supply in infancy.
You might be surprised at how encounters in nature bring out a toddler's gentleness. Some will cry if you squash a Japanese beetle underfoot after you've seen the damage that beetle did to your rosebush leaves. Others will cry and protest if you clip the driveway bushes that are overhanging and scratching your car. Little children believe that moving things are alive. The bushes move and dance with the wind; your toddler thinks that maybe they are alive just as he is alive. Little children need a long time to learn about living and about death.
“Opportunities to experience nature up close stimulate infant senses, provide loveliness for him to appreciate, and encourage you to label objects — flowers, plants, and animals — and to explain their characteristics. The following suggestions provide great ways for you and your child to safely experience the outdoors and will lead to rich learning experiences.”
Observe animals in their natural habitat. As you walk with your baby in a pack on your back, point out sounds she can listen to, such as a bird chirping or crow cawing at the top of a tree. Point out the insects crawling, the doggies running around sniffing, and the squirrels climbing up trees. As your baby begins to use some language, she may call your attention to a bird flying up and settling on a tree branch. Rejoice with her excitement. The world of animals and birds is a new kind of discovery for her.
Encourage touching. In the park, you can introduce your baby to a great variety of nature's textures. Invite him to feel the grass and pinecones; to touch smooth, bumpy, and grainy textures.
Talk about the weather. Lure your little one to a window to notice light raindrops, driving rain, and the way thunder rolls and booms after you see a jagged lightning streak. Encourage her to listen to the wind make its howling noises as it rushes by. If there is a rainbow, take your toddler outside to see this awesome arc in the sky. As your child spends time outdoors, she will become a better observer of nature, including of weather patterns.
Your child might whine if she can't go out to play due to bad weather, but if you point out different patterns — of rain, lightning, hail, or hot sun — to your little one and explain that sometimes playing outside is not safe, then your child will be aware of the weather rather than think you are making up an arbitrary excuse about why she cannot go out.
Visit the zoo. Wheel your stroller close to an exhibit and point out what your baby is looking at, whether it's a seal splashing in the water or a monkey swinging from a branch. You have been reading animal stories to your little one from early on. Now, at the zoo, he gets to see all those creatures that were in the storybooks. Let your toddler tell you that he is watching Horton the elephant lift up his trunk!
Stroll through a garden. Flowers and plants offer your baby sensory and aesthetic pleasures. She will be sensitive to, and admiring of, the colors, sights, and sounds. Trees, flowers, and plants provide opportunities for talking about rough bark, delicate blossoms, and perfume smells. Some flowers are lovely to look at but don't have a smell when you sniff them. You can also pick up your baby to show her a butterfly nosing about to get nectar. (A butterfly bush in your garden will attract more of these beautiful "flying flowers!")
Grow plants. Planting is a wonderful way to generate toddler enthusiasm. When you serve orange or grapefruit slices for a snack, remove the seeds for planting. Citrus fruits, including lemons, make small, lovely plants with shiny, dark green leaves. Your toddler can spoon some dirt into a disposable drinking cup and drop the seeds into the mix. Water the plant every few days and soon two little leaves will sprout. These plants grow slowly, but they are precious to watch.
Your child will learn that not only can he enjoy eating the fruit, he can make a plant grow from the fruit's seeds. How empowering for him! (Note: Flowers are lovely to adorn a home, but some plants have poisonous leaves. Be sure to keep only plants that are safe for children.)
Introducing your child to all aspects of nature will help her with language development, and will give her an appreciation for the needs of other creatures and a sense of pride at helping wildlife flourish. Enjoy these experiences together!
Getting Outside With a Baby in Summer
You might remember when I detailed what it’s like getting outside with a baby in winter several months ago. Now, my son is older, heavier, more awake, and his needs are growing. Thanks to balmy forecasts, we’re getting out more often and for longer periods.
I still pack his fleece bunting (which he still fits, yay for ordering multiple sizes too big). Kiddo’s mitts and knit booties jostled for prominent space with the sunhat and sunscreen in my pack for a long time this year.
Even though spring officially beat Old Man Winter at his chilly games, we still pack a toque. Plus, we’ve added a rain suit to the mix. It works well in cutting those whipping winds and shedding the abundance of cold precipitation Alberta enjoyed this spring and early summer. At the end of June, after a hiking through hot sun and rain showers the day before, we woke up to slushy snow outside the tent.
Despite the late spring, the highways into nearby Kananaskis Country are open, and the trails are finally clear of snow. The adventure potential is boundless, even when weighed down by a squirmy 20-plus pounds.
My son is still a good sport on the trail. He alternates between practicing stringing vowels and consonants together, snoozing as we stride through waving wildflowers and grinning up at my nostrils (sans drip thanks to the warm air).
As I tote him up the mountain, my heavy breathing gives him the giggles, and I get a good view of his fresh upper teeth as he tips his head back. I’d laugh, too, if I wasn’t fighting for the air his little body pressed up against my chest is squeezing out.
The Ergobaby carrier we use has worked well so far. It’s comfortable for him and he sleeps like, well, a baby in it. However, when hiking solo, I always wear a pack for snacks, first aid, bear spray and extra layers. With the carrier hip belt and shoulder straps sitting underneath my pack straps and belt, the weight is not properly distributed and ends up riding on my shoulders.
Attempting to avoid shelling out for a backpack carrier right now, we recently purchased a carrier called the Trail Magik. Light, packable and durable, it clips to my pack itself, which, once attached and baby is in, can be adjusted for proper and more comfortable load distribution. It will be perfect for when my son learns to walk and can toddle parts of the trails himself between carry breaks.
That’s on the next visible ridge, because he is growing and growing up fast. He weaned himself in the spring, so a cup he can sip from must be always accessible and full. I pack Cheerios, raisins or bits of fruit, and puree pouches or cereal, no matter how short the hike is. He’s convinced he’s always hungry and loves food. Wild strawberries are no exception.
The warm weather is ideal for getting out with a little human. At the lake, summit or during breaks he can crawl unimpeded. The world is a big, interesting place for an 11-month-old to explore, and he’s doing his fair share of experiencing it. He chews on leaves, makes mud in his mouth, nibbles rocks and uses anything he can find to stand up. Birds, butterflies, squirrels and bees get his attention, and he now looks where I point.
It’s less stressful knowing diaper changes won’t turn into hypothermia. He’s more comfortable in the carrier with less layers, and his hands are free for thumb access when he gets sleepy.
Concerns about heat and sunburn replace those about frostbite, but if I had to choose one, the warmer weather lets us get out on bigger adventures more often, so I’d take sweat over chilly ears.
So far, his little North Face sunhat, a cap with an ear and neck cover, has been invaluable. We slather him in sunscreen before heading off if skin will be exposed and frequently offer him his water cup. There are SPF/UPF base layers for kids available (such as those from Iksplor or First Peak) that would help keep his fair skin safe from the sun, but we have yet to purchase those.
Mosquitoes and horseflies accompany warm weather, but between keeping a good eye on any exposed skin and helpful breezes typical of the Rockies, they haven’t been an issue yet.
Our backpacking and camping adventures are more frequent that the backcountry is warm and accessible as well. Even though we try to only take what’s necessary on these trips, backpacking with a baby is not a minimalistic venture. Our packs end up loaded down. His meals, snacks, sleeping arrangement, diapers, wipes and extra layers add weight and bulk little by little.
A luxury item I do sneak along is a small, light toy or two, hidden in my hip belt pocket. Usually there are enough rocks and twigs to keep him occupied and happy on the trek, but once inside the tent, a toy helps distract him from crawling over our hound dog while he works out his wiggles. Poor Blue will risk those little gripping hands to not have to spend the night out in the company of a thousand mosquitoes, but his mournful stares as he presses himself against the side of the tent ask, “why are we still bringing this kid with us?”
Why indeed?
Well, the baby seems to love hanging out (literally) with us for hours, cuddling and chatting as we hike, absorbing all the new sights and sounds.
We love the quality and quantity time gulping fresh air as a family.
And just because its hotter, heavier and a little harder, we can’t (and won’t) quit now.
30 Exciting Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer
What can I do with my newborn in the summer?
You’ve spent all winter cooped up inside growing that bump, and now that your little one has arrived, you want out of the house.
I was right there with you. My maternity leave was smack in the middle of summer, and I wanted to get out with my little guy. Most days, that meant sitting on our front porch watching the world go by.
But you can’t just sit every day. So here’s the ultimate list of fun things to do with a newborn in summer that you’ll both enjoy.
Just remember to keep your little one safe while enjoying the outdoors in the summer heat. Check out the top tips for taking a newborn out in summer below all the fun summer activities.
What are fun things to do in summer with a newborn?
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Water Activities
1. Set up a mini water play area
Beat the heat by setting up a shallow water play area in your backyard. Then, grab some mold-free water toys for your baby to enjoy.
While a water table may be too big for your little one, something as simple as a shallow dish pan or a splash pad would be easy to set up and enjoy in the shade.
2. Find a baby-friendly splash pad
On days you want to spend some time away from home, head to a local splash pad or water park.
Splash pads are areas where water sprays out of the ground or from fountains, but the water does not collect in a pool. It’s a fun way to introduce your baby to water play while you cool off.
Just a precaution when visiting splash pads, older kids can be rambunctious. Some splash pads have special areas for small children, so take advantage of those spaces.
3. Take baby for a swim
Use a baby pool in your backyard or visit your local pool to cool off.
While a newborn is too little to hold up his own head, you can enjoy the water right along with him. The easiest way is to sit in the baby pool and let your little one rest his back against your chest while splashing about.
You could also head to the shallow end of your local pool if you’d rather have more space. Some pools even have a babies-only section, so you don’t have to worry about older children playing too rough.
Two things to consider when taking a newborn swimming:
Use swim diapers. A regular diaper will absorb too much water and become heavy and uncomfortable. Swim diapers also help delay the spread of bacteria, whereas a regular diaper will not.
Don’t go swimming if you are still experiencing postpartum bleeding. Rather than sit in the baby pool with your child, sit behind it and allow your baby to rest against you while he enjoys the water.
4. Visit the beach
Experience the soothing sound of waves crashing and show your little one all there is to enjoy at the beach. As a new mom with a young baby, you want to look for a beach with fewer people.
You also need to be aware that babies under 6 months of age should not wear sunscreen, so you’ll want to take extra precautions to avoid the sun’s harmful rays on your baby’s skin.
You’ll want to invest in a baby beach tent or hang out under an umbrella while relaxing in the sand.
5. Take your baby for a boat ride
Choose a calm lake or river for a relaxing experience with your newborn.
If you don’t know anyone with a boat, look for local river cruises or tours in your area that will allow you to enjoy some fresh air.
Make sure you have an infant life vest, a rash guard swimsuit, and a sun hat to keep your baby safe.
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Nature Activities
6. Take a stroll in the park or a garden
Explore the beauty of nature while enjoying some fresh air with a low-impact stroll through your favorite park or garden.
Going on a walk with baby through your favorite park can be a great pick-me-up for you and your newborn. You can choose to baby-wear or take a stroller if it’s an especially hot day.
7. Visit a local farmer’s market
Introduce your baby to a range of fruits and veggies, while supporting local farmers.
While your newborn is still too young to experience the flavors of anything but breast milk or formula, they can enjoy the colors and textures of different produce.
And all too soon, your little one will be starting to eat purees, and the farmer’s market is the best place to find fresh produce you can puree yourself.
8. Visit a local community garden
If you have a local garden, it is a great place to sit and enjoy nature without the noise of a playground. You can teach your baby about plants and enjoy the serenity of a green oasis.
Pack a lunch for you and baby. Take a book to read. Even let your newborn enjoy a nap outdoors while you get some fresh air and vitamin D.
9. Visit a local fruit orchard and pick your own fruits
Engage your baby’s senses by picking fresh fruits and enjoying the flavors of the season.
Visiting a fruit orchard is not only a fun experience for your newborn, but you can also pick up some fruits and make fresh purees for older babies.
10. Explore local botanical gardens
Immerse yourselves in vibrant colors and intriguing scents while surrounding yourself in nature.
Your newborn will enjoy the atmosphere and bright colors while you enjoy your time strolling through the gardens. Whether indoors or outside, you’re sure to find many beautiful displays and some great newborn photo opportunities.
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Playtime
11. Set up a baby sensory play area outdoors
Stimulate your baby’s senses with soft toys, textures, and nature-inspired materials.
One of my favorite things to do in the fall with my newborn was to place a blanket on the ground with the fallen leaves underneath, so he could crunch them and practice tummy time.
It also works great as a summertime activity. Grab a blanket and your kiddo’s favorite lovey, some textured blocks, and even some beach toys and work on tummy time, colors, shapes, and textures.
12. Set up a shaded outdoor play area with a baby swing and toys
Create a safe and enjoyable space for your newborn to explore and play.
Whether it’s on a covered porch or a tent in the yard, having an area outside where your baby can spend some time out of your arms is a good idea on hot summer days.
Use a swing, bouncer, or even their highchair so your little one has the support he needs.
13. Set up an outdoor painting session
Let your baby explore their creativity in an outdoor setting.
Newborns don’t do much, so you’ll be the one leading the charge on this summer activity. Start by using non-toxic paints (preferably ones that are easy to wash). And dress your baby in something you don’t mind getting a little messy or even just a diaper.
Let them explore the paints, by putting their fingers and toes in the paints. Use outdoor objects such as leaves and sticks to create your artwork.
You could also try making handprint or footprint crafts for summer while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Learning Opportunities
14. Visit your local library for storytime sessions
Enjoy interactive storytelling activities with your newborn and meet other families.
Storytime sessions at our local library only run during the school year, but they do have outdoor activities in the summer for kids of all ages.
Connect with your local library and see what all they have to offer. (You may even find a great place for your baby’s birthday party.)
15. Attend baby-friendly outdoor music concerts or festivals
No, I’m not talking about taking your baby to a rock concert. But there are a lot of festivals going on in the summer months that usually have local musicians that would be suitable for little ears.
Our area has an outdoor stage that hosts local artists in the summer and nearby restaurants provide food. Find something fun in your area to give your little one his first introduction to different sounds and rhythms.
16. Attend mommy and me music classes
An outdoor music or movement class is another great way to introduce your baby to music, which is truly beneficial for their developing brains. Music helps children regulate emotions, build relationships, and strengthen language skills (source).
Singing the ABC song is what helped my son start talking.
17. Visit a petting zoo or farm
Allow your baby to learn about gentle animals and different species by visiting a petting zoo or farm.
This is the best way to see animals close up and get young babies interested in the outside world. After visiting the farm, you can teach your little one more about animals by reading books.
18. Take a trip to the zoo or wildlife sanctuary
Explore fascinating animals and teach your baby about the wonders of nature. Some zoos even offer special up-close encounters with the animals.
Use a stroller with a shade to keep baby out of direct sunlight and allow for naps on your trip through the zoo.
19. Visit a baby-friendly museum
Introduce your baby to art and culture in a child-friendly environment.
Children’s museums are great places for young children and older kids alike. Everything in a children’s museum is hands-on, so no need to worry about knocking over an expensive dinosaur skeleton.
They offer a lot of sensory experiences with indoor and even outdoor activities. It’s a great place to offer your baby a new experience with the exhibits while also watching other children play.
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Get Moving
20. Go on short hikes or nature walks with baby
Use a carrier or stroller to explore nearby trails and connect with nature.
Walk with other moms with newborns to get some socialization. Pick rocks or leaves from your walks to create an outdoor sensory bin at home or for fun outdoor activities.
Be sure to carry plenty of water with you, so you don’t become dehydrated.
21. Attend mommy and me exercise classes held outdoors
Stay active and bond with your baby through outdoor exercise classes with other new parents and newborns.
Try using a baby carrier if the classes are not too intense. This way you can be close to your little one. Just remember to use breathable fabrics for yourself and your baby.
If the classes are more intense and your newborn baby will be jostled too much, lay out a blanket so they can practice tummy time while you exercise.
Don’t forget to mingle with other new moms while you’re there. It’s a good time to make some new mom friends and set up some future playdates.
22. Organize baby-friendly outdoor yoga classes
If you can’t find any local exercise classes, why not start your own? Focus on relaxation and connect with your baby through gentle yoga movements.
You could always practice yoga with your baby right in your own backyard. But if you’re looking to get others involved, put out flyers around your town that you will be meeting in the park once a week for mom and baby yoga classes. Of course, double-check with your local community if you need any special permits.
23. Go on a gentle bicycle ride with your newborn
Let me start this by saying that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children should not ride a bike until 12 months of age.
However, if you are an avid bicyclist and can’t wait to get back out there, or biking is your main mode of transportation, you do have some options.
I personally have problems keeping myself balanced on a bike, so I am not the expert here. But you can learn how to bike safely with baby if this is one of your favorite things to do in summer. Please remember to check any bike laws in your state before heading out.
If you want to wait until after your little one turns one, check out these bike trailers for added protection for your little cyclist. Or you can choose to push a stroller alongside the bikers in your family.
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Socialize
24. Have a picnic in the backyard or nearby park
Pack a blanket, some snacks, and a few toys, and spend some quality time together in nature.
What’s so great about a picnic is that it can be just you and your new baby in your backyard, so you don’t have to do much planning and can run in your house if you need anything. You could also make it a backyard playdate and include dad or other family members.
For a change of scenery, grab that picnic basket and head to your local park. You can enjoy your time together while meeting other families (and set up some playdates).
25. Have a family barbeque
Enjoy a delicious meal outdoors while bonding with your baby.
Whether you choose to have the barbecue at your home or just attend one, it’s a great way to introduce your newborn to family and friends.
And if you don’t want your new baby passed around, you can simply tell people you don’t want your baby to get overheated and head inside to enjoy some air conditioning.
26. Arrange playdates with other parents and newborns at the park
Socialize with other families while your little ones interact with each other. Although it may be time spent on mom’s lap, this is the easiest way to get your little one to engage with others.
Don’t know any new parents to ask to the park? Don’t worry, just start spending time at the park. You’ll start seeing familiar faces each time and can strike up a conversation.
27. Have a family photo session
Find a scenic outdoor location and create lasting family memories with a professional photographer.
The newborn phase goes by so quickly, and you really should get those newborn photos done within the first two weeks while your little one still easily folds into the fetal position.
But if you weren’t feeling up to being in photos after just having a baby, now is the time to take advantage of some precious family moments. And if you can’t book a professional photographer, you could always have a friend take a few snapshots for you in your favorite outdoor location.
Things to Do with a Newborn in Summer:
Relax
28. Read under a shade tree
Engage your newborn with captivating stories in a tranquil outdoor setting.
You could read to your baby anywhere you like, but why not head outside for some fresh air in the hot summer months?
A personal favorite of mine when my son was a newborn was to sit on our covered porch at different times during the day watching the neighbors. I talked about the trees, the animals we heard, the cars on the street, and all our neighbors’ names and where they lived.
It was the easiest way to spend time outside without worrying about sun exposure or if my little guy was overheating.
29. Go for a scenic drive
Take a leisurely drive to enjoy the beauty of nature and explore new places.
When you can’t do anything else, but you NEED to get out of the house, pack up your baby and take a drive. I always find that going someplace green or near water helps me relax.
30. Go to a drive-in movie or outdoor movie screening
Watch family-friendly movies under the stars with your little one.
Although your newborn is too little to enjoy a movie, this is a great summer date night idea for new parents, who aren’t ready to leave their little one with a babysitter.
Pack your baby in his car seat and enjoy the movie together. And if your little one gets fussy, go for a quick walk in the night air and show him the night sky.
How do you take a newborn out in the summer?
Now that you have a list of all the best things to do with your newborn in summer, let’s talk about how to keep baby safe in the warmer months.
Sun Safety Tips for Newborns
Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Use an umbrella or baby tent at the beach. Use a stroller canopy to create shade and keep baby cool when out for walks.
Dress your baby appropriately. Opt for a light layer of clothing that covers as much of their arms and legs as possible. Wear colors that reflect the sun and watch out for signs of overheating.
Use a wide-brimmed hat. Keep the sun off your newborn’s head, back of their neck, and ears with a hat.
Use baby sunglasses. Keep the sun’s harmful rays out of baby’s eyes with a pair of newborn sunglasses.
Limit sun exposure during the day. Take your baby out in the early morning before it starts to get hot. The best times to be outside with your newborn are before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Keep your baby well hydrated. Stick to your usual milk feeds while you are out and watch for signs of dehydration, knowing you may need to offer milk or formula more often.
Keep an eye out for reflected sunlight. Surfaces such as water and sand reflect the sunlight and can unknowingly cause a sunburn.
Apply sunscreen on exposed skin for babies older than 6 months of age. The best way to keep the sun off baby’s skin is to avoid direct sunlight and keep baby covered in breathable fabrics.
As always, speak with your pediatrician if you have any questions about how to safely enjoy those hot summer months.
Conclusion
There you have it: all the fun things to do with a newborn in summer. With fun ideas for water and nature activities, playtime and learning opportunities, and ways to get moving, be sociable, and even relax, this summer with your new baby is sure to be one you won’t forget. Please just be cautious in very hot weather and keep your little one safe.
