This or That: Toddler Summer Activities Edition

Poll-Style Activity Guide Based on Your Toddler’s Preferences

Not all toddlers love the same kind of play,  and that’s what makes summer so fun! Whether your child is high-energy or prefers calm, cozy play, this blog gives you simple, engaging activities based on what your toddler loves most.

Play along! Pick one from each “This or That!”

1. Water Play or Messy Art?

Water Play – For the splash-loving toddler

• Backyard Water Table Ideas – Try sponges, cups, and toy animals!
  
• Ice Cube Rescue – Freeze small toys in ice, then “rescue” them using warm water and tools
  
• DIY Splash Pad – Use a tarp, sprinkler, and dish soap for toddler-safe sliding fun 

Messy Art – For the little creator who loves to get their hands dirty

• Edible Finger Painting – Yogurt + food coloring = safe, sensory art
  
• Nature Paintbrushes – Use leaves, sticks, and flowers to paint
  
• Shaving Cream Art Tray – Add color and swirl with fingers or toys

2. Outdoor Adventure or Indoor Cozy Time?

Outdoor Adventure – For the curious explorer

• Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable – Find a rock, a leaf, a stick, a bug
  
• Backyard Obstacle Course – Crawl under, jump over, and run around
  
• Sidewalk Chalk Roads – Draw paths and drive toy cars on them

Indoor Cozy Time – For the calm, quiet moments

• Build a Blanket Fort – Add pillows, flashlights, and books
  
• Sensory Bins – Try dry rice, pom-poms, or water beads
  
• Storytime Puppet Show – Read a book and act it out with sock puppets
  

3. Active Movement or Calm Focus?

Active Movement – For toddlers who just can’t sit still

• Animal Movement Game – “Hop like a frog!” “Stomp like an elephant!”
  
• Balloon Volleyball – Keep it off the ground with your hands or feet
  
• Toddler Yoga (with visuals) – Try animal-themed stretches

Calm Focus – For toddlers who love to sit and think

• Sorting Colors or Shapes – Use pom-poms, buttons, or cereal
  
• Water Wow Books – Reusable coloring with just water!
  
• Simple Toddler Puzzles – Focused fun with chunky pieces
  

4. Social Play or Solo Time?

Social Play – For toddlers who thrive with others

• Bubble Dance Party – Bubbles + music = instant fun
  
• Pass the Toy Game – Sit in a circle and pass while music plays
  
• Sidewalk Chalk Playdate – Invite a friend and decorate the driveway
  

Solo Time – For toddlers who like their own space

• Pom-Pom Drop Game – Recycle paper towel rolls for a solo fine motor challenge
  
• Independent Play Basket – Rotate a few quiet toys in a bin each day
  
• Toddler Podcast Time – Try “Circle Round” or “Little Stories for Tiny People”
  

Final Tip:

Don’t be surprised if your toddler flips preferences day to day. That’s normal! Use this guide as a flexible toolbox for summer fun — and don’t forget to join in on the play.

Want more ideas? Subscribe to our newsletter here!