Summer is such a fun time to start making memories with your baby—even if they’re still little and not doing much more than rolling, crawling, or grabbing your sunglasses. Whether you’re soaking up sunshine in the backyard or looking for ways to keep your baby busy indoors, there are so many easy and low-key ways to enjoy the season together.
This list is full of simple summer activities that are baby-friendly, mom-approved, and don’t require a ton of prep. From water play to stroller walks to easy sensory fun, these ideas are meant to help you enjoy the warmer days without adding stress to your routine.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If purchases are made through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site.
The Best Summer Activities for Babies
Water and Outdoorplay
1. Plan A Pool Day with Your Baby
Look into community centers or local pools that offer baby-friendly swim times or shallow splash areas designed for little ones. These spots are usually quieter, have gentler water features, and are made to be safe for babies to play and explore.
Even if there isn’t a dedicated baby area, you can still enjoy time in the water together. I used this baby pool float with a sunshade all summer long and my son had the best time. There are so many great float options that include toys or a little shade to help keep your baby comfortable.
Just make sure to pack plenty of swim diapers, sunscreen, and any safety gear you might need for a relaxing day in the water.
2. Cool Off at the Splash Pad
Check your local parks to see if any have splash pads you may have overlooked during the colder months. These usually have small water features that spray up from the ground—perfect for babies to explore with your help.
There will probably be other kids around, and things can get a little busy, so plan to bring your swimsuit and be ready to join in the splashing. It’s a fun, low-key way to cool off and sneak in some sensory play on a warm day.
3. Try a Mommy-and-Me Swim Class
If your local pool offers a mommy-and-me swim class or baby safety swim lessons, I definitely recommend signing up. It’s a great way to spend time together, and you’ll both learn helpful water safety skills. Even if you don’t have a pool at home, learning how to float or respond if your baby falls in the water can make a big difference.
These classes are often low-pressure, with lots of songs, splashing, and simple movements to get babies used to being in the water. And while your baby might not be swimming laps anytime soon, it’s a fun and important way to build water confidence early on.
4. Cool Off with a Water Table
Babies love water tables, especially once they start pulling up to stand and exploring everything around them. It’s an easy way to stay cool and keep them entertained. Just pop your baby in a swimsuit, hook up the hose, and let them splash and play.
If your baby isn’t quite ready to stand but can sit independently, try a mini splash pad with a backrest. It’s a great alternative that still lets them enjoy water play safely.
5.Try a Kiddie Pool for Easy Summer Fun
If your baby loves bath time, chances are they’ll enjoy splashing around in a kiddie pool too. You don’t need anything fancy. A small blow-up pool works perfectly, and I personally prefer those over the hard plastic ones. We used a small inflatable pool like this one, and it held up great all summer. You might even have one tucked away from your summer pregnancy days.
Just fill it with a few inches of water and toss in some baby-safe bath toys or anything waterproof you have on hand. It’s a simple setup that offers great water play for babies. We spent so many afternoons in our front yard pool, splashing around and watching the cars go by. It’s a fun way to stay cool while encouraging sensory play and motor skill development.
You can even sit in the pool with your little one to cool off yourself. Just make sure the water is at a safe temperature and that you stay close by at all times. And don’t forget to apply a good baby-safe sunscreen before heading outside.
6. Let Baby Play with Bubbles Outside
Bubbles and babies are just a perfect match. Even if your little one isn’t walking yet, they’ll love watching the bubbles float through the air and trying to pop them with their hands.
Instead of blowing bubbles nonstop, set up a bubble machine and let it do the work for you. Just fill it with solution and let the bubbles fly. It’s such an easy way to enjoy a summer afternoon outside, and honestly, it’s just as fun for you to watch as it is for them.
Outings & Adventures
7. Enjoy a Walk Together
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!
Talk to your baby as you walk—point out colors, animals, or anything you see. Even if they don’t understand yet, hearing your voice helps build early language skills.
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
8. Plan a Baby-Friendly Beach Day
If you live near a beach or are planning a trip, a beach day with your baby can be such a fun summer memory. Choose a shady spot and set up a beach tent or umbrella to keep your little one protected from the sun. A good sunshade gives them space to play while staying cool and safe.
Let your baby splash at the edge of the water while you hold them close, or just enjoy feeling the sand between their fingers and toes. Don’t forget the essentials—baby-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a comfy swimsuit.
9. Take Baby to the Zoo or Aquarium
A trip to the zoo or aquarium is a great summer outing with a baby. They’ll love watching the animals move around and hearing all the new sounds. It’s a fun way to introduce them to different sights and experiences, even if they’re still little.
This can also be a great option on hot days, since many places offer both indoor and outdoor exhibits with plenty of shaded areas to cool off.
10. Check Out Summer Activities at Your Local Library
Many libraries offer free summer events for kids of all ages—even babies. Depending on your area, you might find things like petting zoos, concerts in the park, reptile shows, or story-based play activities. These are great for babies who enjoy watching and listening, and they’re a lifesaver if you have older kids to keep entertained too.
Check your local library or community center to see what’s on their summer schedule. You might be surprised how many family-friendly events they offer, all for free.
11. Visit a Local Farmer's Market with Your Baby
Support local farmers and enjoy a change of scenery by taking your baby to a nearby farmers market. It’s a great way to get outside while giving your little one something new to explore. As you stroll through the stalls, point out the bright fruits, vegetables, and fresh flowers. The colors, smells, and sounds all offer simple sensory experiences that your baby will love.
Let them gently touch different fruits or vegetables and take in all the new colors, shapes, and smells around them. Even if they’re mostly just excited to try and chew on everything, it’s still a fun sensory experience. You can even grab some ingredients to make a new baby-friendly meal once you get home.
Learning & Sensory Fun
12. Attend an Outdoor Storytime
Check with your local library to see if they offer storytime during the summer. Ours hosted storytime on the lawn, and it quickly became one of our favorite weekly outings. My son loved sitting in the grass, watching the other kids, and soaking it all in. Some libraries even include songs or little activities along with the books, which makes it even more engaging for babies.
I started taking my baby around 6 months old. He definitely didn’t care much about the stories, but he loved being around other kids and exploring somewhere new. It was a great way to get out of the house, especially in those long snowy months, and I really believe it helped build his love for books early on.
You can also make your own version at home. Grab a few favorite board books, spread out a cozy blanket in the yard or at a park, and enjoy a quiet little storytime just for the two of you.
13. Make a Frozen Treat for Baby to Try
Hot summer days are the perfect time to try frozen treats that are safe for your baby. One of the easiest options is frozen fruit in a mesh feeder—cool, soothing, and great for teething. Watermelon, mango, or berries all work well. You can also try making simple fruit puree popsicles in a baby-safe mold if your little one is ready for more solids.
Even if your baby doesn’t eat much, they’ll love the cold sensation and getting to explore something new. Just be sure to keep a bib nearby and expect a little mess.
14. Let Baby Explore with Outdoor Sensory Play
Summer is a great time to take sensory play outside. Set up a mini water station in the backyard using a shallow plastic container—clear bins work great, but whatever you have on hand is fine. Fill it with a bit of water and toss in a few colorful toys or anything baby-safe that floats. If the bin is big enough, you can even sit your baby right in it to explore.
Let your little one splash, kick, and grab. Add some ice cubes for extra sensory fun, or try different textures like sponges or silicone toys. It’s a great way to stay cool while supporting early development through touch and sight.
Even something as simple as laying your baby on the grass and letting them explore can be great sensory play. Just keep an eye on crawlers and curious mouths—grass, leaves, and rocks are all exciting… and snack-worthy in their opinion.
Read Next: Best Toys for Baby’s First Six Months
15. Set Up a Play Date Group
Sometimes the best summer activity is just spending time with other moms who get it. Setting up a casual play date group gives your baby a chance to interact with other little ones and gives you a chance to recharge a bit, too.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Pick a day each week to meet up at a park or rotate backyards with a few other moms. Even short hangouts where the babies roll around on blankets while you chat can feel like a breath of fresh air. The routine and connection can make a big difference when the days start to feel long.
If you’re home most days, a few small shifts in your routine can go a long way. This list of ways to stay sane as a stay-at-home mom has a few more ideas that might help.
16. Have a Picnic in the Park with Your Baby
Pack up some snacks and head to your favorite local park for a picnic with your baby. Spread out a blanket in the shade, bring along baby-friendly foods like cut-up fruit or soft sandwiches, and enjoy a little outdoor time together. If your baby is big enough, take them over to the swings or the slide for a little bonus fun.
Final Thoughts on Summer Activities with Babies
And there you have it—plenty of simple, fun ways to enjoy summer with your baby. Whether you’re taking a walk, splashing in the kiddie pool, or trying something new like a baby swim class, these little moments really do add up.
You don’t need big plans or packed schedules. Just a bit of sunshine, some fresh air, and time spent together is more than enough. So grab your camera, take it slow, and soak up this sweet stage of life with your little one.
If you’re prepping for more summer adventures, you might also want to check out these Baby Summer Essentials from Amazon. They’re all about keeping things easy, cool, and baby-friendly for the warmer months ahead.
Here’s to a summer full fun and happy memories!
![What to Write in a Baby Shower Book [+50 Example Inscriptions]](https://currentlyjess.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/baby-shower-book-message-cover.png)
