Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 02:24 pm
Summertime is here, and it’s the perfect season to create beautiful memories with your little bundle of joy! As the sun shines brightly and gentle breezes beckon, it’s time to dive into a world of exciting adventures and summer activities for your baby.
Whether they’re a tiny tot or a curious crawler, there are countless ways to celebrate summer with your little one. In this blog post, I put together a list of cute and fun summer activities tailored specifically for your baby. From water play to outdoor explorations, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas to make this summer unforgettable.
So, get ready to soak up the sun, embrace the giggles, and embark on a summer filled with joy and wonder as we explore the top summer activities for your baby!
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The Best Summer Activities for Babies
1. Playing in the Kiddie Pool
Does your baby love the bathtub? Then they are sure to love playing in a kiddie pool out in the yard. You don’t need a big pool to enjoy the water, just a small blow-up version works just fine. (I much prefer the blow-up version to the hard plastic, but the choice is yours) You may even have yours already laying around from surviving your summer pregnancy last year! Then add a few bath toys or really anything that is waterproof and your baby with be in water heaven!
I can’t tell you how many hours we spent in that pool in our front yard just splashing around and watching all the cars go by. It really is a fantastic summer activity to help beat the heat while promoting sensory exploration and practicing motor skills. You can even sit in there with your little babe to cool off yourself. Just remember if you aren’t right in the pool, keep an eye on them at all times and make sure the water is at a safe temperature.
And don’t forget to lather on your baby safe sunscreen!
2. Take a Stroll Outside
One of the easiest summer activities for your baby is to get outside and go on a walk. Now that it is warm, combat that cabin fever and get outside! Trust me, your little babe is just as tired of being cooped up in the house all winter as you are!
You can strap them into a stroller or wearable baby carrier before you head outside. You’ll want to have your stroller all decked out with the proper stroller accessories to ensure a comfortable adventure for both of you!
Along your walk, engage with your baby. Point out things as you walk like colors, plants, and even different types of pets. Talk to them about their surrounds, the noises they can hear, and the other activities they can do when they are older. Talking with your baby, even if they may be too little to understand, is so great for their language development.
A summer walk is not only great for your baby, but it is a great way for you to get outside as well! Spending some time soaking up the Vitamin D and getting some exercise can help shake off those winter blue and kick off a great summer.
Related Article: Summer Inspired Baby Names
3. Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic basket filled with tasty treats and head to your favorite local park. Spread out a cozy blanket, sit under the shade of a tree, and enjoy a cute picnic with your baby. Bring along some baby-friendly finger foods, such as cut-up fruits, soft sandwiches, and other snacks. You can even take your baby over to the playground for some fun on the slides or swings.
4. Water Table
Now I don’t know a single baby who doesn’t love a water table! This is a great option for babies who are starting to pull themselves up on furniture and love to play in the water. All you have to do is put your baby in a swimsuit, hook up a hose, and you are all set! If your baby is not quite ready for a water table but is sitting up independently, this mini splash pad with a backrestis a great alternative.
5. Sensory Play Outdoors
Summertime is the perfect season to introduce your little one to the wonders of sensory play outdoors. Set up a mini water play station in your backyard using a small plastic container. I like clear, short containers but you can use really anything you have. Fill it with shallow water and toss in some colorful floating toys or safe water-friendly objects. If it’s a big enough bucket you can even put your baby in with all the objects.
Let your baby splash, kick, and explore the refreshing water, stimulating their senses of touch and sight. You can even add some ice cubes to make it extra exciting! This engaging activity not only keeps your baby cool and entertained but also fosters their sensory development and provides endless opportunities for bonding and laughter.
Even just placing your baby on the grass and letting them explore is so good for their development. Different textures, sights, and sounds are all important to help your baby learn about the world around them. Keep a close eye on your crawlers and what they find to put in their mouth!
Read Next: Best Toys for Baby’s First Six Months
6. Head to the Beach
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach or have one within traveling distance, a beach day with your baby is a must-do summer activity! Choose a shady spot and set up a beach tent or umbrella to protect your little one from the sun. Bring a good sunshade for them to play under and let them splash in the gentle waves while you hold them securely. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a cute swimsuit for your baby.
Related Article: 5 of the best Non-Toxic Sunburn Gels that are safe for kids and babies
7. Visit the Zoo
Another great summer activity for babies is a trip to the local zoo or even an aquarium depending on your location. Your baby will love watching all the different animals and hearing all the new noises. This is especially great on a hot day because many zoos offer both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
8. Set Up a Play Date Group
Set up a playdate group with other moms in your area! Plan to meet at a local park for a picnic or take turns visiting each other’s houses. This gives your baby a chance to interact with other babies their own age and learn from them (especially if your baby is an only child). Watching other children can help your baby reach milestones and start developing basic social skills. Plus, it is a chance for you to get some much needed adult interaction!
9. Visit a Local Farmer's Market
Support local farmers and expose your baby to a new change of scenery by visiting your nearby farmers’ market. Take a leisurely stroll through the colorful stalls, pointing out fresh fruits, vegetables, and fragrant flowers. At this summer activity there are so many different sights and sounds for your baby to enjoy. Let them experience new scents and textures by introducing them to different types of produce. You can even pick up some farm-fresh ingredients to create a fun new meal for your baby to try.
10. Outdoor Storytime
If you have a local library near you, you can take part in their children’s story time during the summer months (or really anytime during the year). Our library hosted story time out on the front lawn several times during the summer and it was the best! My son loved to play in the grass and watch all the kids listening to the stories being read. They even may sing songs or do other activities for your baby to enjoy.
I started taking my baby to story time when he was 6 months old (yes, I know it’s weird but we both needed to get out of the house and that’s really the only option we had in snowy Utah!) While he wasn’t super interested in the stories themselves, the interaction with other kids was so great for him! He loved interacting with new people and developed a love of reading and playing with books that he still has today.
You can also have your own outdoor story time in your own backyard! Find a shady spot in your yard or a nearby park, grab and cozy blanket, and read all sorts of cute, colorful books with your baby.
11. Summer Activities at the Library
This may also be unique to some areas, but many libraries will host free children’s summer activities you can take your baby to. This may include petting zoos, reptile shows, concerts in the park and more. These are also great options if you have older children you are trying to entertain during the summer months. Check out your local library or community center to see what options they will have for you.
12. Mommy-and-Me Swim Classes
I highly recommend taking a baby safety swim class at your local pool if offered. This is a great summer activity for the two of you to enjoy together as well as for you to learn valuable safety tips. Even if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, it is important for your baby to learn how to float if they fall in the water. It really could save their life!
Related: Summer Safety Tips for Kids
13. Bubble Machine
Bubbles and babies are just the perfect combo. Even if your little one is not up and walking yet, they will love trying to chase the bubbles with their hand and pop them. Instead of having to blow the bubbles yourself, invest in a bubble machine. All you have to do is fill it up with bubble solution and your yard will fill up with bubbles! Such a fun way to enjoy a summer afternoon outside.
14. Baby Friendly Pools
Check out local community centers or public pools that offer designated baby-friendly swim times or fun activities for your baby. These areas are designed with little ones in mind, with shallow pools or water features that are safe and enjoyable for babies. Remember to stock your bag with plenty of swim diapers and any required safety gear.
Even if there isn’t any designation for babies, you both can have lots of fun playing together in the water. There are lots of pool floaties that work great for babies and even have some toys attached to them. I bought this one with a sun shade all summer long and my son had a blast!
15. Splash Pad
Check out your local parks to see if any have small splash pads that you didn’t notice during the winter months. These will likely be small water features that come out of the ground that kids and adults alike can play in. There will likely be other kids around, so keep that in mind if you choose this summer activity. Plan to always stay right with your baby so you’ll want to make sure to have your swimsuit too!
So, my friend, there you have it – there are so many fun summer activities to do with your baby! From sunny strolls in the park to exciting water play, these moments are all about creating memories and cherishing those precious summer days. Don’t forget to snap lots of pictures and videos!
It’s not about extravagant plans or fancy outings; it’s about the love, connection, and pure bliss that come with being together. So, go ahead and soak up the sun, dip those tiny toes in the water, and bask in the joy of summer with your adorable bundle of joy. Cheers to making unforgettable memories that will warm your heart for years to come. Enjoy this summer, my friend, and embrace the magic of these precious moments with your little one.
Happy summer adventures!
