Skip to main content

The 4 best outdoor activities for babies

It’s never too early to get your baby in the great outdoors. Nature has so many benefits for everyone in the family, including your youngest members, so ensuring everyone has quality time outside is essential.

Babies can’t just hike alone or play in the park, so you could be at a loss figuring out what to do. Before you give up, here are four safe and rewarding outdoor activities for infants that can get everyone in your household involved.

Toddler on lawn running past sprinkler
MI PHAM/Unsplash.com

Why should I get my baby outdoors?

Getting your baby outdoors is a vital part of development. The outdoors is home to many exciting sensory stimuli for babies, and as they grow older it could become an important reason they continue to love being outside.

Going outside allows your baby to get sunlight and fresh air, two fundamental building blocks of health. Babies also learn a lot just by watching, and the new stimuli from everything happening outdoors — from leaves falling to observing people and animals — encourages baby’s brain development.

It’s also a valuable bonding time for your family. Whether your baby has siblings or is an only child, everyone, including parents, needs outdoor time. When your baby is part of that, it promotes feelings of safety and belonging.

Heading outdoors with your baby: Four fun ideas

If you aren’t sure how to get your child involved in the great outdoors, here are four easy ideas you can implement today to get everyone out and about.

Walking — Yes, the unsung hero of health and well-being, merely taking a walk in the mornings or evenings with your baby is a great way to get outdoors. Babies love walks because there is so much to interact with and observe even from the stroller seat.

If your baby is too young to sit upright, you might consider a carrier that allows your child to see just a bit. If not, pull the shade back from the stroller to allow your baby to get a bit of filtered light while outdoors.

Laughing toddler outside near roses
Alyssa Stevenson/Unsplash.com

If your baby is old enough to sit upright, facing your stroller seat forward is going to transform your child’s day. Bring along snacks if necessary or go when your baby is awake and aware. It could also be an excellent way to handle those witching hour crying sessions right before bedtime.

Picnics — A picnic doesn’t have to be involved. Bring a blanket to a spot in the park where you have some space and allow your baby to have everyday activities outdoors. Tummy time could be a lot more enjoyable with a fun leaf to play with, for example.

Toddler crawls on grass in park with mother watching
If your baby is sitting upright, you can also bring sensory play into the mix. Allow your baby to explore the boundaries of the blanket or bring fun things to your baby. Be careful to watch that your baby doesn’t put something in his or her mouth, but the tactile exploration in other ways can be really beneficial.

Bringing normal activities outdoors is a great way to get your baby’s attention to learn or to make something your baby doesn’t like less challenging. Ensure you have bug spray or sunscreen if you need it and bring your meals, story time, or tummy time outside for a change.

Splash around — Outdoor water experiences are often especially interesting for babies. If you have space, you can bring your baby outside into your backyard for a variety of experiences. Invest in a kiddie pool or even just bringing a small pan of water outside for your baby to play in could bring on big smiles.

Toddler in big plastic bucket splashing water
Lubomirkin/Unsplash.com

You could also explore small creeks with your child, allowing the baby to put his or her toes into the water. If you live near the ocean, you can add dipping toes or fingers into the water as part of your evening walk. Water helps children develop sensory awareness and is a frequent baby-pleaser.

Bring out the bubbles — Bubbles are fun for a variety of ages. Bring them on your park walk or picnic to help entertain your oldest children while allowing the baby to experience them for the first time. Bubbles also work no matter what type of outdoor space you have, from a balcony in the city to a full-sized backyard to a fun hike in an out-of-the-way place.
Bubbles are so adaptable that they can be a staple no matter what you’re doing outside. Ensure your baby doesn’t get bubbles in his or her eyes, but the delight in popping bubbles can entertain your baby and you for a long time.

Toddler outside playing with bubbles
Leo Rivas/Unsplash.com

Getting your baby outside

You don’t have to be a hiking enthusiast or a backcountry camper to experience the outdoors. You can find a little space in the city with some green, bring your bubbles along, and you’ve got a fun, memorable experience.

Incorporating small outdoor activities into your daily life is a great way to help your child develop a love of the outdoors and build critical cognitive skills. A simple evening walk can do wonders for everyone’s well-being, including your smallest family member, so take these ideas and make them your own.

Editors' Recommendations

NewFolks
How to make baby headbands that are adorable
Easy DIY headbands for baby
Cute baby girl in a headband sitting up.

Can't resist those darling headbands in the baby department when shopping for your little cutie? What is it about a headband that makes it a must-have addition to baby's wardrobe? Headbands became an accessory in the 20s for ladies. The fashion statement became practical during World War II when women wore them to protect their hair while working in the factories. Sports headbands were big in the 60s, 70s, and 80s to keep sweat out of the eyes of top athletes. By the 80s, though, headbands became a popular trend for everyone on and off the field. Bruce Springsteen made headbands a staple when his Born in the USA album took over the charts. Headbands eventually made their way to children because they're stylish and functional. A headband keeps hair out of the eyes and away from the face while adding style to an ensemble.

Today, babies have started wearing headbands, too. Now, babies don't need a headband to keep hair out of their eyes. They just look super cute in an adorable headband that tops off an equally darling outfit. Headbands are picture-perfect for those delightfully sweet baby photos, and let's not get started on the holiday baby pics. DIY headbands for baby are a fun project to get the creative juices flowing, whether you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a beginner. So, how do you make baby headbands? Creating a headband for your baby isn't as difficult as you might think, and we have just the inspiration you need to get started.

Read more
When should a baby sleep in their own room? The best time to make the switch
How to tell if your baby is ready to sleep in their own room
Baby sleeping on their back.

Babies grow and develop so much during the first year of their life and with that comes a constantly evolving sleep schedule. Many parents choose to either co-sleep or have a bassinet near their bed to provide as little sleep disruption as possible, especially for newborns. But as the baby gets a little older and begins to sleep longer, many parents find themselves wondering when to move their baby to their own room. From official recommendations to your own gut instinct, we'll take you through how to make these choices.

When to move from a bassinet to a crib
You should move your baby out of their bassinet once they reach its weight limit, which will likely be between 10 and 20 pounds. Additionally, if your baby begins to roll over or sit up, you should move them to a crib. Even if neither of these factors applies, and if you see your baby becoming cramped with its head touching the wall of the bassinet, it's time to move to a crib. You don't have to move from a bassinet to a crib and from your room to their own room at the same time, but it is most convenient for many.

Read more
When can babies have chocolate milk? This is when it’s safe to let your child indulge
How to introduce this beverage to your child
A glass of chocolate milk with a straw

Introducing your baby to new foods is a fun milestone for every parent. Watching your little ones as they experience new tastes and textures is an exciting part of their development. Many parents know when they can begin to introduce milk to their babies, but may wonder if the same rules apply to chocolate milk. Are little babes old enough to try it yet? When can babies have chocolate milk? It can be quite the job to keep up with what babies can have and at what age. So, for this delectable treat, we will help you find out when little ones can indulge in a glass.

Babies shouldn't have sweets or milk if they're not at least a year old. But even if they've celebrated that first birthday, there are other factors to consider.

Read more