10 Fun & Stress-Free Things to Do With A Toddler On an Outing

Venturing out of the house with a toddler can feel like preparing for a military operation. Diaper bags, snacks, strollers, and navigating the unpredictable emotional forecast of a two-year-old can be daunting, but getting out is good for us all.

The trick to a happy toddler outing is focusing on things that keep them engaged, active, and learning. Here are 10 awesome things to do on your next toddler outing that will keep tantrums at bay and create happy memories.

1. Do A Nature Scavenger Hunt In The Local Park

Make any walk in your neighbourhood park an adventure by having your toddler collect different picture items. Draw or print out a picture of a smooth rock, a yellow leaf, a pinecone, a feather, and a clover on one page. Get them to go as a nature detective and complete the scavenger hunt, an easy outdoor activity may enjoy. A great way to keep them busy and burning up energy!

2. Head To The Local Library For A Storytime

Libraries are goldmines! Apart from borrowing toddler books, most libraries also run a free weekly toddler storytime program that is pure gold. Letting your toddler experience different storybooks and socialize with other tots is a great outing. Plus, a post-storybook visit to the local library bookshop to hunt for new favorite books. Who doesn’t love stories?

3. Head To A Splash Pad On A Hot Day

Rather than heading to the pool on a hot day, try visiting a public splash pad. Toddlers of all ages just love them, and they are much safer than deep water. Bring along a towel, water shoes, and a spare outfit, as toddlers will be splashing and getting soaked by the jets of water.

4. Go Ducks Feeding At The Local Park

A classic toddler outing is going duck feeding at the local park or reserve. Rather than bringing white bread (which is unhealthy for the ducks), bring some chopped grapes, frozen peas, and oats for the ducks to munch on. Your toddler will love watching the ducks swim up to them and be a part of this eco-friendly activity.

5. Take Public Transport

If you are in the city, you don’t always need an activity. Taking public transport just for the sake of it can be a really cool experience for your toddler. Toddlers just love looking out the window of a bus or the train, and being able to see the world go by is a new adventure for them every time.

6. Go To A Local Farmers Market

Local farmers markets are the perfect outing for a toddler. They get to explore new things and smells, and you get to find new favorite fruits and veggies. For spending time with toddlers, asking them to pick out one piece of fruit or one vegetable for you to buy while you are there can make the outing more engaging. Toddlers always love music, so going to a farmers market when there is a street performer is the perfect activity!

7. Go To An Indoor Play Café

When the weather is nasty, an indoor play café is the perfect outing. But make sure to find a toddler-specific play café that offers hot beverages for parents. You can kick back and relax while your toddler has the time of their life exploring and playing in their own age group.

8. Go To A Pet Store (The Cheap Date Zoo!)

Rather than paying through the nose to go to a big zoo, take your toddler to a local pet store on a whim. Your toddler will love watching the different fish in the big tanks and the colorful birds. Toddlers also love watching the hamsters run around in their wheels, so this is a great alternative to going to the zoo.

9. Do Some Masterpiece Building At A Sandy Playground

Never underestimate the power of a good sandy playground. Armed with a bucket, 2 plastic cups, and a small scoop, your toddler will have hours of fun digging and pouring sand and water. For looking for engaging toddler activities, this simple playground setup can provide plenty of entertainment. Toddlers love sensory activities, so make sure to include lots of water if you can!

10. End The Day With A Special Treat Picnic

Pack a lunch or some favorite snacks and head out to a park for a picnic. Include a special toddler treat (fruit water) in the treat box for a special outing. Eating outside always feels like a celebration, so your toddler is sure to have a great time!

Pro Tip To Avoid Toddler Outing Disasters:

Remember, toddler outings are rarely perfect. Keep your expectations low, pack more snacks than you think you will need, and head home as soon as the tantrum meter hits the red zone. Enjoy your toddler outing and have fun exploring the local neighborhood with your toddler!