Outdoor Activities for 1 Year Olds

Looking for engaging outdoor activities designed specifically for 1 year olds? At this age (12-24 months), children are developing walking and balance and simple cause and effect, making it the perfect time to introduce outdoor activities that match their abilities.

Outdoor Activities Ideas for 1 Year Olds

Here are our top picks, adapted for the very simple with large areas level appropriate for this age group:

Sidewalk Chalk Art

Draw pictures, hopscotch grids, and messages on the sidewalk. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Kite Flying

Build or fly a kite on a breezy day at the park. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Water Balloon Games

Toss, catch, and splash with water balloons on warm days. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Bug Hunt

Explore the garden to find and observe insects with a magnifying glass. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Search for items on a nature checklist in the backyard or park. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Bird Watching

Spot and identify local birds using a simple field guide. For 1 year olds, keep the complexity very simple with large areas and expect about 5-10 minutes of focused engagement.

Tips for Parents of 1 Year Olds

• Praise effort over results to build confidence and a growth mindset.
• Rotate activities regularly to prevent boredom and stimulate new skills.
• Take photos of finished work to create a portfolio of their progress.
• Make it social by doing the activity alongside your child.
• Keep sessions to about 5-10 minutes to match their natural attention span.

How to Get Started

1. Choose an activity from the ideas above that matches your child’s interests.
2. Gather materials listed in the activity description.
3. Set up a workspace that’s comfortable and easy to clean.
4. Guide your child through the activity, offering help when needed.
5. Display or save their work to encourage pride in their accomplishments.