Age and Developmentally Appropriate Activities

Outdoor Learning for Infants and Toddlers

Outdoor play is essential for early childhood development. It encourages physical activity, improves motor skills, and boosts overall health. In fact, children who spend time outdoors show an increased immune system and better sleep patterns. Additionally, outdoor play supports social development, helping young children learn to interact with others and engage in cooperative activities. Even infants and toddlers benefit from exploration outdoors.

How do you plan safe and engaging outdoor activities for infants and toddlers?

A baby reaches for a dandelion held by his teacher.

Select each tab to learn specific tips for engaging the youngest children in meaningful outdoor play.

Infants

An infant lies on his belly on a blanket outside.

Place the infant on a blanket and provide things for them to explore. Hold grass or other items in your hand and let them feel them. Remember, children this age like to put things in their mouths!
Blow bubbles.
Play music or hang wind chimes.
Take a walk with babies and talk about what you are seeing outside.
For mobile infants, set up a safe, enclosed area for babies to crawl.
Provide places for them to pull themselves up.

Toddlers

Provide push toys to practice walking, balance, and coordination.
Ask them to collect items from outdoors (e.g., rocks, leaves).
Look for specific items you would find outside (e.g., clouds, animals, flowers, icicles).
Create an obstacle course for these active little ones to practice gross motor skills like jumping, crawling, and balancing.
Give them large pieces of chalk to draw on hard outdoor surfaces like sidewalks or walls.

Questions for Action and Reflection

What age group do you work with most often, and what types of activities do you use?
How can you take children’s current development and milestones into account when planning activities and materials for them?