Easy Outdoor Activities for 18 Month Olds

Toddlers love being outside! Whether right in your own backyard, neighborhood, or farther places to go, there is an activity for you. Let’s dive into several outdoor activities for 18 month olds you and your little one can do.

The weather has been warming up, you’ve been cooped up all season—whatever the reason, you and your toddler are ready to head outdoors.

That said, 18 month olds are notorious for having a short attention span and throwing a fit. They come with necessities to pack, like snacks to eat and diapers to change. But they’re also transitioning to one nap a day, giving you more options for things to do.

I’ve listed the best outdoor activities for kids this age that take those factors into consideration. Whether right in your neighborhood or farther places to take a 1 year old, I hope you find several ideas to do with your little one:

Table of Contents

Outdoor activities at home

Art activities. The outdoors is the perfect place to do art projects, especially messy ones you’d rather not do indoors. You can paint on rocks, pinch off bits of play dough, or glue construction paper outside.
Car wash. Bring out a bucket of water or the kiddie pool and let your toddler wash toy cars (or anything water-safe). Scrub them with a sponge or brush and use a bubble bath to make it extra fun.
Sand or water table. Add sand toys like a shovel and pail or dump trucks to dig with. Dried oats, beans, pasta, and rice work well too, as does combining dirt and water for mud play. Don’t have a sand table or sensory bin? Head to the sandbox at your local park!
Play with balls. Bring out different types of balls to play catch or kick around. Set up the basketball hoop or the golf set for a fun game together.
Gardening. Being in the garden should be included in any 1 year old lesson plan! Bring her with you as you do simple gardening tasks like planting vegetable seeds (larger ones are easier to hold) and watering.
Sidewalk chalk. Bring a box of chalk to scribble outside, whether on the sidewalk or in your driveway.
Paint with water. Take a bowl of water and a large paint brush and have her “paint” the sidewalk or driveway with water.
Chores. Hand her a child-size broom to sweep the patio or organize your backyard together.
Blow bubbles. Whether small bottles or a bubble machine, no toddler can resist chasing and popping bubbles!
Water squirters and balloons. Dress her in swim clothes and squirt water at each other! You can also fill up water balloons and toss them for a wet game of catch.

Free printables: Want more ideas on what to do with your little one? Grab your printable calendar of fun and simple play activities! Check them off as you go along, or use the blank template to add your own ideas. Grab your copy below—at no cost to you. You’ll also get my newsletters, which parents say they LOVE:

“Your emails so often hit home, but this one, wow. I’m going to bear what you’ve said in mind next time and see if I can gradually get better at this. Thank you for all your good advice (this isn’t the first time one of your newsletters has made me cry!).” -Emma Pielen

Outdoor activities in your neighborhood

Park or playground. The park is one of the best activities for 1 year olds! Go on the slides and swings or run on the grass. Gather pine cones and leaves or pack a picnic to eat at the park.
Walk around the block. The simplest things can catch your child’s attention, from the ladybug on a leaf to the colors and shapes she loves to point out. This can even be a daily ritual to wind down at the end of the day or to start your mornings off.
Swimming pool. Once the weather is hot, bring her to the local pool. You might have one right at home or in your community. A local aquatic center or water park is another fun option. Introduce her to the pool now so she gets used to it at an early age.
Hiking. Visit your local hiking trails and explore nature. Rather than trying to complete a whole trail, set your timer and go as far as you’re able to before making your way back.
Walk or ride your bicycle to run errands. If you live near places where you run errands, consider walking or riding your bicycle! Some places might be so nearby that she can walk alongside you, while others you may have to push her on a stroller. Or strap her into your bicycle and go for a ride to run a quick errand or even pick up a snack.

Outdoor activities farther away

Zoo. The zoo is a great excuse to see animals and enjoy the outdoors. Go early to avoid crowds so you can actually see the animals (and make it back in time to nap!).
Botanical garden. Check out your local botanical garden or arboretum and walk through peaceful trees and trails. Many offer plenty of space to explore and surround your child with the beauty of nature.
Farm. Look around for a nearby farm for activities like strawberry picking (perfect for little ones to crouch down and harvest) or animal feeding.
Animal rescue center. Visit an animal rescue center to meet different animals, from sloths to parrots and tortoises.
Beach or lake. Going to the beach is one of my favorite summer activities for 1 year olds! It’s truly a sensory experience, from digging in the sand to hearing the waves crash on the shores. If not a beach, visit a nearby lake and take advantage of its many activities to do.
Children’s museums. Many kids’ museums include an outdoor area to run around, along with an outdoor garden to explore.
Small amusement park. Carnival-type amusement parks are perfect for little toddlers who can go on smaller rides or play booth games.

The bottom line

At 18 months old, your little one is long past the infant stage but perhaps not quite one of the big kids yet. With these outdoor activities, you can still enjoy being outside—especially if you’ve been cooped up all season.

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