Fun Activities to Stay Active with Toddlers (to Benefit Both of You!)
Staying active with toddlers can be a fun and rewarding experience that benefits both you and your little one in multiple ways. Engaging in physical activities together not only helps you maintain your fitness but also promotes your toddler's healthy development. Whether you're playing games, exploring the outdoors, or participating in imaginative play, these moments can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.
Here are some engaging activities to keep you both moving and enjoying your time together!
1.Act Like an Animal
Check out my instagram post for inspiration!
One fun way to get active with your toddler is to act like animals! This activity not only brings laughter but also incorporates primal movements that are beneficial for both parents and toddlers.
Benefits of Primal Movements:
For Parents: Primal movements such as crawling, jumping, and balancing can improve your flexibility, strength, and coordination. These movements can also be a great way to break the monotony of traditional workouts.
For Toddlers: These movements help in developing motor skills, coordination, and muscle strength. Plus, it’s a fun way for them to explore and mimic the world around them!
2. Go on a Bug Hunt in Your Yard
A bug hunt can turn your yard into an exciting adventure zone. Equip your toddler with a magnifying glass and a container, and start exploring!
Learning Activities for Kids:
This activity can spark curiosity and teach kids about different insects and their habitats. It’s a great hands-on learning experience.
Benefits of Being Outside:
Spending time outdoors exposes you and your toddler to fresh air and sunlight, which are essential for health and well-being. It also provides a natural setting for physical activity, reducing stress and boosting mood.
3. Play "I Spy" on Your Morning Walk
Transform your regular morning walk into an engaging game of "I Spy." This simple game can make your walk more interactive and enjoyable.
Helps Kids with Colors:
As you play, your toddler can learn to identify different colors, shapes, and objects, enhancing their observational skills and vocabulary.
Keeps You Present on the Walk:
Playing "I Spy" encourages you to be mindful and engaged with your surroundings, making the walk more enjoyable for both of you.
Check out this related article for more ideas and inspiration: Benefits of outdoor play on children's health
4. Fun Activities with a Water and Sand Table
A water and sand table is an excellent way to engage your children in fun and educational play. Here are some activity ideas to keep your kids entertained and learning with their water and sand table:
Treasure Hunt: Bury the items in the sand and let your kids dig them out. You can even create a pirate-themed adventure, complete with a map and a storyline.
Animal Habitat: Create different habitats in the water and sand sections. For example, the sand can be a desert or beach, and the water can be a pond or ocean. Discuss the animals' habitats and behaviors.
Floating and Sinking: Test which objects float and which sink in the water section. This simple science experiment teaches kids about buoyancy.
Mud Kitchen: Let your kids "cook" with the mud, creating pretend dishes and recipes. This messy play is great for sensory development.
Color Mixing: Add different food colorings to the water section and let your kids mix colors to see the changes. This activity is great for teaching primary and secondary colors.
If you’re looking for a great water and sand table, consider this one on Amazon: Water and Sand Table. It’s perfect for all these activities and more, offering endless fun and learning opportunities for your little ones.
5. Go to the Park and Stay Off Your Phone!
Parks are perfect for engaging in various physical activities that benefit both you and your toddler. I mention to stay off your phone not only to stay engaged with your kiddos, but to keep your kiddos safe!
Playground Fun: Join your child in climbing, sliding, and swinging. Not only is it fun, but it also helps you both stay active.
Nature Walks: Take a stroll around the park, exploring different paths, trees, and plants. Walking is a great way to get some light exercise and teach your toddler about nature.
Games and Sports: Bring a ball or a frisbee and enjoy a game of catch. These activities promote coordination and physical fitness.
Obstacle Courses: Create a simple obstacle course using park equipment. Challenge your toddler to crawl under benches, climb over small walls, and jump between stepping stones.
Check out this related article for more ideas and inspiration: Benefits of Outdoor Play for Kids: Why It Matters
Transform your family time with these fun, active ideas and discover how the BGTV app can help you stay fit while juggling mom life.
As a mom who is passionate about staying healthy and setting a good example for my kids, I’ve found that integrating fitness into our routine benefits us all. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to my own fitness app – BGTV! It’s a fantastic resource for moms who want to stay fit while managing a busy life with toddlers.
The app offers a variety of workouts that are easy to follow and can be done at home, making it perfect for fitting exercise into your day.
If you have any favorite activities or fitness tips, share them with me—I’d love to hear how you’re staying active and healthy with your little ones!