As parents of toddlers, we have enough mess in our lives as it is, so the thought of actually encouraging our kids to go outside and get even dirtier can feel, well… crazy.

 

toddler in mud, with bucket on grass
 
 

As parents of toddlers, we have enough mess in our lives as it is, so the thought of actually encouraging our kids to go outside and get even dirtier can feel, well… crazy.

 

But did you know that letting your kids play in the dirt helps support their development? Here’s a quick reminder of why we love to EMBRACE the dirt (PLUS, keep scrolling because we’ve partnered with Tonka Trucks to get 15% off on the steel classic trucks we all love by using code TINYHOOD15!).

 

But first, why do we love dirt?

 

Beyond the “obvious” benefits (breathing in fresh-air and soaking up the Vitamin D),  playing in dirt can be mentally and physically stimulating, which is good for development.

 

The ‘hard work’ required to dig, lift, and carry can help stimulate muscle growth and development. It can even help improve coordination — allowing children to learn more about their bodies and the world around them. Playing in dirt engages all of a child’s senses, giving them a full-body sensory experience.

 

Dirt is the ultimate open-ended toy – mud pies, planting a garden (either real or imaginary!), mini construction sites - the possibilities are endless. Letting kids play and experiment with dirt can foster greater imagination, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

 

How to make dirty play inviting  

Here are some simple, enriching ways to help your toddler get dirty this summer.
 
 

Break out the pots & pans.
young boy playing with metal bowls, kettles, and containers in an outdoor mud kitchen

You know that one pot you never actually use or the extra pan you keep around “just in case”? Bring them outdoors and let your toddler go to town. The outdoors offers endless “ingredients” your toddler can use for the ultimate creative play opportunity. 
 
 

Build a mini construction site or town. 
little girl playing with trucks in a field of mud

Use materials like small stones, twigs, and dirt to create roads, buildings, and construction zones. Having tools like small shovels, buckets, and toy trucks will help enhance the experience and encourage imaginative play. BONUS — having trucks that actually scoop, move dirt, and dump help those gross motor skills!
 

Start a garden. 
toddler helping parent with planting baby plants in planter pots

Even the youngest toddler can help to dig holes, plant plants, and use a watering can, and watching plants grow provides incredible real-world learning opportunities. Don’t have a yard to garden in? No problem. Your child can still reap all the benefits of gardening with a window garden.
 
 

Hose it down. 
two brothers playing in a puddle of mud

Want to take things up a notch? Turn on the hose and transform your dirt pit into a mud pit. Sure, mud is, well, muddy. But it also heightens the overall sensory experience, as your child feels the mud on their skin, smells it in the air, and even hears it squishing under their feet or between their fingers.

SOME THINGS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE...

Toys and trucks that ACTUALLY dig​

​Tonka trucks are made to look and work like real trucks, meaning they can dump, scoop, and roll just like the real thing, igniting your child’s imagination while also engaging them physically and encouraging fine and gross motor play.

 

Your child can make their own construction sites, roads, even a whole town! And the best part is that no matter how your child plays, you can trust these trucks will last. All Tonka trucks are made of steel, with no sharp corners, small parts, or toxic materials. 
two boys playing with Tonka trucks carrying large rocks

If spending more time outdoors is a priority for you and your family, Tonka can help. And for Tinyhood readers, Tonka is offering 20% off Tonka Trucks on Amazon. Just use the code TINYHOOD20 at check-out!
Shop Tonka on Amazon  

Terms: Offer valid September 6-10, 2024.

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 brands we genuinely love.

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