Not all of us have a backyard, and that’s totally okay. You can still find summer activities for toddlers that work in your space!
Whether you’re in an apartment, renting, or just trying to survive toddlerhood without a built-in outdoor play space, summer can still be fun.
These simple, budget-friendly summer activities for toddlers are designed for moms who want to keep their little ones entertained, without needing a giant outdoor setup.
Summer Activities for Toddlers (No Backyard Needed!)
1. Ice or Jello Sensory Bin
Fill a clear plastic bin with ice cubes, spoons, cups, and small toys for a simple sensory setup.
Want to level it up? Freeze cars, pom poms, or items lying around the house inside the ice ahead of time!
Or, you can even create one big Jello block and let your toddler break through the Jello to get to the surprises inside.
Instead of miscellaneous items, take it up a notch by planning a themed adventure. Use farm animals, jungle creatures, or use blue Jello for an aquatic ocean theme!
2. Sink or Tub Water Play
Let’s be honest, bath time isn’t always a magical experience.
Sometimes it’s simply a few minutes of splashing, a quick hair wash (cue the protest), and then wrapping them up like a little burrito to smooth things over.
But in the summer, you can turn it into a fun water activity without needing to head outside. Just plug the sink or tub, grab some kitchen tools or water toys, and let them scoop, pour, and splash to their heart’s content.
Add in a bath bomb or bubbles for a little extra fun.
3. Painter’s Tape Roads
One of my favorite activities is creating a racetrack for my little man!
You can create a whole city on your floor using painter’s tape to make roads for cars, hopscotch, or even a mini obstacle course. Despite the work it takes putting it down, the tape peels right off when you’re done!
4. Library Days + Book Picnics
Another fun activity you can do even with your older kiddos is head to your local library for story time.
After, walk to a nearby park and lay out a blanket for a picnic with their new books and some toddler snacks.
5. Dollar Store Toy Rotation
Grab a few $1 puzzles, playdough sets, or plastic bugs and rotate them throughout the week. Even a new sticker sheet feels magical when you’re two years old!
6. Indoor “Beach” Day
As much as I love a beach day, it can get a little chaotic.
By using a small inflatable pool, swimsuits, bath toys, maybe even a little beach music, you can set up the perfect beach scene! Blow up that pool and fill it with white and blue blankets.
It’s like a beach day… minus the wet swimsuits and sand in their diaper! (Also, it’s perfect for rainy days!)
7. Baking Buddy Time
Let them pour, stir, or rinse the fruit while you cook. Muffins, smoothie popsicles, and trail mix are all toddler-friendly and summer-approved.
8. Local Free Adventures
Think pet stores, splash pads, mall play areas, or big stores like Scheels or Menards that have built-in entertainment for littles.
For example, my son loves to walk around Menards and point out all the animals and gnomes in the garden section!
For more ideas, check out 30 Free Things to Do in Fargo this Summer.
9. Indoor Campouts
Blanket forts, battery candles, and also s’mores in the microwave = the coziest summer night ever.
Also, you could add some extra camp-themed toys. We have an indoor tent, and little felt fire setup we love to bring out!
10. Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt and Bingo Card
At last, a walk around the block can become an adventure when you’re on the hunt. Look for flowers, bugs, trucks, or birds. For older toddlers, you can make this into a fun bingo card on the way to the park!
With this in mind remember, you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup to make summer magical. Just use a little imagination, a VERY stocked snack basket, and your toddler will take you far!
