Places to Take a 1 Year Old

Looking for fun places to take your 1 year old? Check out our list of family-friendly locations, from playgrounds and parks to museums and zoos, that are perfect for little ones.

Telling your 1 year old to stop touching things or chasing him through a crowded restaurant isn’t exactly a fun way to spend your day. He’s also still taking a nap or two, so an all-day outing just won’t cut it. And spending a ton on memberships may not be within your budget.

That’s why I wanted to share these places that are perfect for kids this age. Many can be done throughout the year, while others are seasonal or suitable for the outdoors. And as you’ll see, a simple outing to you could be the most fascinating adventure for your child.

Take a look at my favorites of family-friendly fun to take your 1 year old:

Table of Contents

Toddler parks

One of my favorite outdoor activities to take 1 year olds is going to a park. But sometimes, not just any park will do. Sure, many might boast large stretches of grass and plenty of walking trails. But see if you can spot a park that seems to have been built with young toddlers in mind.

Some tell-tale characteristics of a toddler park and playground include:

Low playground structures (not those that are 12′ high!)
Short slides
Fully enclosed to encourage safe exploring (no need to worry that your toddler might run into the street)
Plenty of opportunities for open-ended play

Don’t forget to return to the park and explore even more of what it has to offer. Play in the sandbox, climb the structures, chase him across the grass—parks offer a variety of things to do.

Go early in the morning during hot weather, in the afternoon when it’s cool, and during school hours to avoid crowds.

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Swimming and water play

One of the best sensory activities to do with your 1 year old is playing in the water. This is the perfect age to take him with you to the pool, whether your own in the backyard or to your city or community pool.

Another option is your local aquatic center or splash pad. Many offer a shallow wading area that’s off-limits to older kids (or catered to the younger ones). Many recreation classes also offer mommy-and-me classes where an instructor can guide you on how to help your little one feel comfortable in the water.

Remember: even if he’s in a floating device, you should always stay within arm’s length of him.

Hiking and conservation parks

Just about anything is sure to delight 1 year olds, including hiking outdoors. We’re not talking miles-long trails, either. Find a nearby trail and go at a slow pace, leaving not when you’ve reached the top but when you and your toddler are ready to go home.

I’d often take mine to a local wetland, where we’d walk along a trail doing nothing more than taking in the nature around us. Water conservation parks and lagoons offer an upfront look at plenty of ducks and ponds. Many trails offer shorter hikes or indoor exhibits for kids to explore.

Neighborhood walk

Take a neighborhood walk and let your 1 year old lead the way. He might pick up a few leaves, crouch down to inspect the cracks on a sidewalk, and pick a flower along the way.

You might even think of a “destination,” whether it’s a nearby park or a corner bakery. In our old neighborhood, we’d walk to a waterfall in front of one of the condos. After spending some time at your destination, you can then turn around and head home.

Your backyard or patio

We spend most of our time indoors that it’s easy to overlook our very own backyards and patios. Sure, you’re still at home, but sometimes this works to your advantage, especially if you’re short on time or feeling under the weather.

Don’t overlook the many things your outdoor space offers, from playing in the grass to blowing bubbles. You might collect acorns and rocks, crawl on the grass, sit in a baby pool, or inspect the plants.

Even if your patio—like ours—has no grass at all, you can still sit and eat your snacks outdoors or kick a ball back and forth.

Children’s museums

Nothing beats a children’s museum that encourages hands-on exploring. Other museums might discourage touching or running for obvious reasons. But children’s museums feature interactive exhibits that allow your 1 year old to feel, climb, build, and otherwise enjoy his time.

Many even include a “toddler area” to allow really young kids to play without the bigger ones trampling them. They’re also often quieter, should your child feel overwhelmed by the crowds of the larger museum.

Another option is to take him to regular museums and visit the child-friendly exhibits and programs. For instance, one might have a “painting program,” a “kids room,” or a garden for him to roam.

Library events

Libraries offer plenty of resources for kids this age. Many programs segment events specifically for toddlers, from story time to arts and crafts, puppet shows to themed parties.

Even without events, visiting the library is already an activity in itself. Read books in a comfortable chair, play with the toys, and borrow books and music to take home.

And check out many libraries, not just the one nearest to you. One library might not have the resources to offer programs, while another not too far away could provide plenty. Perhaps you want to fill up your week with multiple library events, in which case, visiting several is your best bet.

Playgroups

My kids had a nanny while I was at work, so I wanted them to meet other kids regularly to practice their social skills. Playgroups can give you something to do with your 1 year old, as many are catered to specific age groups and locations. Many playgroups meet at local parks, mall play areas, or indoor playgrounds.

Indoor playgrounds

Indoor playgrounds are a great alternative to being outdoors, especially during harsh weather. Explore trampoline parks, gymnasiums, and bounce houses.

While most require payment to play, you can reserve these for special occasions or once-in-a-while treats. Many also offer a free trial. And try to go during a school day to avoid the big kids running around.

Bookstore

Check out nearby bookstores to see if they include a children’s section. Many feature little nooks to sit and read as well as coffee shops for a small snack. Some even display toys—a tabletop train set, for instance—within their children’s areas.

Take a look at their author lineup. They just might invite a children’s book author to visit, read a story, and sign books. And ask about reading programs. For instance, they might have a summer reading program where your child is rewarded with a free book for having read a certain number of books.

Community classes

Does your city feature classes for kids? They might include those for young toddlers like dance, art, and music, among other options. The aquatics center might host mommy-and-me swim classes while your local YMCA might offer tumbling, yoga, or gymnastics.

While these are paid classes, they’re more affordable than private group or individual lessons, with perks and discounts for residents.

Zoos, farms, and aquariums

There’s nothing as awe-inspiring as seeing animals in real life. Zoos, farms, and aquariums can make for the perfect place to go with your 1 year old, as he’s likely getting curious about these animals and sea creatures. You might even borrow books from the library about these animals before or after your trip.

Some farms allow you to pick your own fruits and vegetables, like strawberries and carrots. This is a fantastic way for kids this age to learn about and delight in harvesting food.

These places can get expensive, so save these for special treats. Or if someone asks what your little one would like for his birthday or the holidays, suggest a trip to these places.

Visit family and friends

Are you home with your 1 year old all day? Plan a visit with family and friends! Spend the day with his grandparents, plan a playdate with a friend and her kids, or have lunch with your spouse in the middle of the work day.

Not only will you have something to do with your toddler, but you’ll also get to socialize and spend time with other adults.

Beach

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If you happen to live within easy access to the beach, take advantage of the proximity and take your little one with you! Bring a sand-safe wagon to pull him and sand toys, or simply travel light so you can carry him in your arms.

No need to make the trip overwhelming, either. A simple one-hour stay sitting on the sand can be all it takes. I hardly took my kids into the water, other than the occasional dip of the feet, when I went alone with them. Instead, we’d eat snacks and play near our beach towel or tent.

Malls

Nearly every mall features a children’s play area, making it a fun way to spend time with your 1 year old. Try to go first thing in the morning—even before most shops in the store open—to avoid the crowds.

Remember to bring socks in case the children’s area has a no-shoes policy (grip socks like these are even better).

You can also walk around the mall to pass the time. Go right when the mall opens so you can let him walk by himself instead of sitting in a stroller.

The bottom line

What do you do with a 1 year old all day? Now you have several ideas, both indoors and out, to take your toddler! Many of these are free or inexpensive, and allow him to play and explore. No more being stuck at home doing the same activities—much less chasing him through a crowded restaurant.

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