While social media may make you think your child’s summer needs to be full of activities, curated sensory bins, daily trips to the playground, and dreamy family vacations, the truth is that perhaps the best summer memories are the classic, simple moments that (great news!) take little-to-no-effort from you.

Why keeping play simple has huge developmental benefits  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
shirtless toddler squatting on dirt path outdoors playing

While social media may make you think your child’s summer needs to be full of activities, curated sensory bins, daily trips to the playground, and dreamy family vacations, the truth is that perhaps the best summer memories are the classic, simple moments that (great news!) take little-to-no-effort from you.

 

Now that we’re halfway through summer, we wanted to remind you of our favorite super easy, sensory-oriented outdoor play ideas that all kids love… plus give you a Tinyhood exclusive deal on one of our all-time favorite outdoor toys that will bring your own summer nostalgia to the next level. 

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But first, what is sensory play?

 

Sensory play is play that engages the senses, not just the 5 we tend to talk about (sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste) but also balance and overall body awareness.

 

Sensory play is beneficial, especially to toddlers, because you are providing a greater opportunity for them to engage with their body and the world around them. This can encourage creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and even language development!

5 Sensory Activities to Try This Summer
Activity #1

Play in the Rain​
toddler boy in full rain gear playing with rubber duckies outside in the rain
Why it’s beneficial: Rainy days don’t have to mean you are trapped indoors. Rain can be a full-body sensory experience as your child feels it on their skin, hears the splash of their boots in the puddles, smells the rain on the grass, and even catches it on their tongue!
Activity #2

Make Mud Pies
toddler girl playing in a makeshift mud kitchen with cups and saucers outdoors

Why it’s beneficial: Mud play is definitely worth the mess! It offers your child new textures, smells, and even sounds as they squish it through their hands. Find a muddy spot or make one using a hose and some dirt and offer your child some pots and pans to play with — and maybe even enjoy a few minutes of independent play!
Activity #3

Go Barefoot
toddler boy putting his feet in sand at the beach, looking out at the water
Why it’s beneficial: Going barefoot may be the easiest, cheapest form of sensory play there is! Going barefoot on dirt, grass, or sand stimulates your child’s entire nervous system. It can also challenge your child’s balance and coordination and improve their body awareness.
Activity #4

Run through the Sprinkler
girl toddler running through sprinklers in a grass lawn with a dog in the background
Why it’s beneficial: Water play can be particularly good for a child’s mood and emotional regulation, and running through a sprinkler provides a bonus energy release. You can also encourage your toddler to jump over the sprinkler or spin under the water for added sensory input.
Activity #5

Play in the Dirt
young girl playing with multiple Tonka trucks in a rocky sandbox
Why it’s beneficial: Whether it’s in your backyard or a nearby park,  simply playing in the dirt — the original sensory bin — can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN'

The Outdoor Toy We ❤️

 

While we really believe simple play can offer the most benefits, having some durable, versatile outdoor toys can make a huge difference in getting your kids outside and keeping them entertained. And the most tried and true outdoor toy of all time, Tonka trucks, are our absolute favorite.

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Here's why: They lift. They scoop. Whether it's mud, rocks, water, or sand, Tonka trucks are a sensory play essential and they last forever. And while they are still made of the steel Tonka is known for, they're now also built with smooth edges, non-toxic materials, and no small parts.
a collection of Tonka trucks in a sandbox

Of course, Tonka offers all kinds of construction vehicles, but they also have firetrucks, garbage trucks, and police cars to match whatever your child is interested in. And for Tinyhood readers, they are also offering 20% off Tonka Trucks on Amazon. Just use the code TINYHOOD20!
Shop Tonka on Amazon

Terms: Offer valid until September 6-10, 2024.

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Disclaimer: Tonka Steel Classic trucks are recommended for children ages 3 and up. This post is sponsored in partnership with Tonka. We only recommend products and services we genuinely love. 

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