Hello Summer!
Summer is approaching quickly, and that means it’s time for a switch up on activities you’re doing at home with your toddlers. While getting outside is always great, depending on where you live, some days call for staying in and keeping cool. Personally, summer is my favorite season, and getting to experience it through my toddler’s eyes has made it even more special.
That said, a little structure goes a long way when it comes to keeping toddlers (and moms) regulated and happy. Too much unstructured time can lead to frustration for them, and overwhelm for us. However, this is where creativity steps in. There are so many simple, meaningful ways to engage and connect with your toddler right at home this summer. And the truth is, you don’t need full perfection to create these beautiful memories. Just your presence, patience, and openness to explore new things together with your little one is more than enough.
“Summer doesn’t have to be loud or overbooked- sometimes the magic happens right at home”
Sensory Play that Grounds
Calming sensory activities that will help to regulate toddler energy.
Sensory play is one of the most powerful and calming ways to support your toddler’s development, especially during those long summer days at home. These activities don’t just keep them busy, they help regulate big feelings, improve focus, and provide a soothing rhythm to the day. And the best part? You don’t need fancy materials, just everyday items and a willingness to get a little messy of course.
- DIY water table
If you don’t have a water table, no worries, grab a shallow plastic bin, fill it with water, and toss in measuring cups, plastic bowls, and spoons. Add a few drops of food coloring or bubbles for extra fun. Perfect for outdoor play or even a kitchen floor setup.
- Lavender play dough
Make or buy lavender-scented play dough and use it during the slower parts of the day (like after lunch or before nap). Let your toddler squish, roll, and shape the dough. It’s calming for the nervous system and great for fine motor skills.
- Create nature collages
Go on a quick “backyard treasure hunt” and gather leaves, petals, twigs, or stones. Set them out on a tray and let your toddler explore textures and colors.
Creative Expression Activities
Fun, low-stress art that helps toddler build confidence and autonomy.
Art time doesn’t have to mean glitter explosions or picture-perfect results. For toddlers, the magic of creativity is in the process, not the final product. At this age, creative play builds confidence, encourages problem-solving, and gives them a way to express feelings they can’t always put into words.
- Sidewalk chalk
Draw shapes, arrows, and simple instructions like “Hop,” “Spin,” or “Roar like a dinosaur” with chalk on your driveway or sidewalk. It’s an active art project and a way to burn energy creatively.
- Ice cube painting
Freeze water mixed with a few drops of food coloring in an ice tray (use popsicle sticks for handles if you want). Once frozen, let your toddler “paint” with the cubes on paper or cardboard.
- Finger painting on canvas boards
Use an empty egg cart to fill with different colors of paint, and allow their little hands to do the magic on the canvas. If your toddler is skeptical of using their fingers, provide them with some cotton balls instead.
- Make animal masks
Pull out some paper plates and have shape cutouts for your toddler ready. Encourage your toddler to place the shapes in different areas of the plate to get their favorite animal to come to life.
Mindfulness & Movement Moments
Helpful moments to allow your toddler to reset for the day. This is also a good time for you to take a pause and engage in 5 deep belly breaths with your child.
Toddlers aren’t meant to sit still all day, but too much movement can lead to restlessness and big emotions. That’s where intentional movement and mindfulness come in. Think of these activities as little resets throughout the day.
- Nature scavenger hunt in the backyard
Create a simple list of things to “find” like a leaf, a rock, something red, something soft, etc.
- Toddler yoga
Try simple poses like butterfly, downward dog, and reaching to the sky. Use a short YouTube video or story-based yoga prompts (“let’s stretch like a cat!”).
- Create a toddler playlist for dance breaks
Play music with a gentle rhythm (instrumental, reggae, lo-fi beats, or nature sounds remixed) and have a dance freeze session. Toddlers love the stop-and-go challenge, and it helps burn energy in a playful way
- Stretch & story time (good to do before naptime)
Before nap or bedtime, do a few big body stretches with your toddler (reach, bend, twist), then snuggle up for story time. This combo gently eases the transition from high energy to rest mode.
Quiet Time Activities that Actually Work
Quiet time doesn’t mean complete silence, it can also mean low-stimulation play, that also gives you a moment to breathe.
Let’s be honest, toddlers aren’t always great at slowing down. But with the right setup, quiet time can become a beloved part of your summer routine.
- Busy baskets
Create a rotating basket of soft puzzles, board books, blocks, and sensory-friendly toys. Set it up in a cozy corner and switch out items weekly to keep it fresh and interesting.
- Audio stories in comforting area
Create a comforting space using blankets or build a mini-fort, and press play as your toddler listens to different stories. Include some snacks and their favorite stuffed animals as well!
- Sticker collages
Pull out any stickers you have around the house and provide your toddler with paper to place the stickers wherever they want.
- Matching games
Velcro shapes, fabric color sorters, or even muffin tins and pom-poms, simple matching tasks help build focus and calm. You can DIY these or find Montessori-inspired versions online.
Normalize the Mess + Encourage the Moments
Remember, some days won’t go as planned, and that is more than okay. Toddlers are unpredictable, and motherhood is full of curveballs. But these are moments we won’t get back. The laughter, the mess, and the cuddles between activities, is what makes summer truly memorable.
So give yourself permission to release the pressure of perfection. Instead, focus on being present, open, and connected. Your little one doesn’t need a flawless itinerary, just you, showing up with love. That’s more than enough.
Make sure to save this post and subscribe to the blog for more refreshing summer mom tips coming soon. And let me know in the comments, which of these activities you’re excited to try first. I’d love to hear what works in your home!
Looking for additional support for yourself this summer? Learn more about my wellness services at The Wellness Social and I would love to connect.
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