Keeping your toddler busy outdoors isn’t always easy. Most of the time, we are chasing them around while they explore and play. Although there is nothing wrong with this – having outdoor toys for your 18-month-old will help to keep them entertained so you can enjoy some fresh air too!
I don’t want to admit this, but I struggle sometimes to play with my daughter. The baby stage came so naturally for me and toddlerhood can feel like a challenge. BUT, I’ve found that having toys (that interest me too) helps me to interact with her… which makes me a better mama.
The MOST Entertaining Outdoor Toys for 18 Month Olds
Getting your toddler outside is super important not only to get their energy out, but it allows them to learn and explore. These outdoor toys for 18-month-olds will keep your child busy and will help them to grow, learn, and explore.
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1. Wagon Beach + Water Play-set
My daughter received this for Christmas and it’s by far her favorite toy! It allows for her to explore and use her imagination. This wagon beach set is great for sand, water, rocks, or mud; its options are endless!
I love that it’s not too big and that it comes with so many tools for her to try out some new skills.
2. Sand + Water Table
My best friend has one of these and our kids have spent HOURS playing with it. There are so many different sand/water tables out there. I’ve seen combos and then separate tables.
This will help your toddler to use their imagination and practice pouring!
3. Different Kinds of Balls
My daughter loves to play with balls. Over the last several months we’ve built up quite the collection. It’s amazing how many different sizes and textures there are. We just got her a large bouncy ball to kick around outside and she’s obsessed with it!!
4. SideWalk Chalk
If you have a driveway or live near a sidewalk, chalk is a great activity for toddlers. Some brands even offer washable, which is a huge bonus. (I feel like all I do is remove stains from clothes haha).
Most 18 month olds start to take an interest in drawing, so this is a fun way for them to use those skills outside!
5. Gardening Tools
If you have a garden or even potted flowers, get your toddler involved with gardening tools. There are cute sets out there that include kid-friendly tools, but I usually just give my daughter some of my safe gardening tools.
One of my daughter’s favorite things to do in the garden is to fill her watering can and then water my plants. It keeps her occupied and it helps me out!
6. Bubbles
What kid isn’t amazed by bubbles? Whether you decided to try a DIY recipe or pick up a cheap bottle from the store, this is a fun activity that you both can join in the fun.
I will admit I almost didn’t put bubbles on the list because it’s going to require a parent’s help. But my daughter loves them and we enjoy this so much together!
7. Buckets
If you didn’t love the wagon set, you may want to try buckets. I’ve found these fairly cheap with different sizes and shapes. This will help your 18 month old to practice things like pouring for their hand-eye coordination.
8. Small Slide
Most 18-month-olds are starting to explore their independence, so that’s why they will love a small slide. These are made for toddlers to practice climbing which makes them fairly safe.
I don’t stray too far, but I like to give my daughter enough space to try on her own and gain some inner confidence.
9. Kiddie Pool
Even if you have a permanent pool, you will be grateful to have a kiddie pool. This will allow for your toddler to practice getting in and out, splashing around on their own, and maybe even playing with their buckets in the water.
Again, this will give them a safe space to explore and try out some new skills they are learning!
10. SandBox
If water makes you worry, then you need a sandbox!! Fill it with buckets, dump trucks, shoves, and random kitchen gadgets to keep your toddler entertained for hours!
11. Water Sprinkler
Another fun way to keep your toddler cool in the summer is to run through the sprinkler. You truly don’t need anything fancy, but some water sprinklers are made for younger kids. They typically just control the force of the water, to make it a little gentler.
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12. Dump Trucks
I mentioned putting these in your sandbox, but dump trucks are another fun way for 18 Month Olds to explore. These can be used in the sand, with water, rocks, or any mixture of these things! They roll around too much make them a little more interesting than pails.
13. Coordination Obstacle Course
Over the past few weeks, my daughter has become obsessed with balancing on things. Maybe it’s a random book on the floor or her rolled-up nap mat, but she could do this for hours. That’s how I discovered this coordination obstacle course. The stumps and beams will allow you to set them up in different and fun ways!
14. Swing
This is another activity that will require a parent, but it creates some of the most beautiful memories. My daughter’s favorite thing at the park was the swings, so my parents ended up buying her one for their house. She could do this for hours. It was definitely worth every penny!
15. Small Trampoline
I hesitated to put this one on the list simply because an 18 month old needs to be supervised, but my daughter loves the trampoline. Although it makes me a bit nervous, I know that it’s helping her motor skills.
16. Tunnel
Tunnels are another (safe) way for your toddler to practice their motor skills. There are so many different kinds out there, you will definitely find one that fits your child’s personality.
17. Rider Trike
Last but certainly not least, the rider trike is a toddler favorite! If you love to take walks but your toddler doesn’t want to sit still, this will give them a feeling of independence all while keeping them contained.
My Thoughts….
No matter what your child is interested in, these 17 outdoor toys for 18 month olds will keep them happy and entertained. Whether you are looking for some new activities or maybe a gift idea, these toys are the perfect way to help your kiddo to learn and practice new skills!
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