What’s in My Toddler's Travel Bag? A Packing Checklist from Real Moms

15 Screen-Free Summer Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Easy Screen-Free Summer Activities If you've ever reached for a screen during a long afternoon with a toddler, you're definitely not alone. As parents, we've all had those moments. It's hot outside, nap time didn't quite go as planned, and you're running out of ideas to keep your little one entertained. While there's certainly a time and place for screens, summer can be a great opportunity to slow down and enjoy some simple, hands-on activities together. The good news? Babies and toddlers don't need elaborate plans to have fun. Some of their favorite activities are often the simplest ones. Here are some of our favorite screen-free summer activities that encourage curiosity, movement, and plenty of smiles along the way. Bubble Chasing Never Gets Old There must be something magical about bubbles because babies and toddlers seem to love them no matter how many times they see them. Whether you're in the backyard, at the park, or visiting family, bubbles are an easy way to encourage movement and play. Watch your toddler run after them, clap as they pop, or simply stare in amazement as they float through the air. It's simple entertainment that can keep little ones engaged longer than you'd expect. And the best part? A bottle of bubbles takes up almost no room in your diaper bag. Just make sure it's sealed off in a separate baggy or the cap is unopened so there's no bubble leakage. Turn Water Play Into an Adventure You don't need a pool or a fancy water table to create summer fun. Some of our favorite water activities include: Filling a small bin with water and cups Letting toddlers "wash" their toys Playing with measuring spoons and containers Splashing feet in a shallow basin For babies, even supervised play with a small amount of water can be a fun sensory experience. Just remember to stay close and supervise at all times around water, no matter how shallow it may be. Go on a Nature Walk Together One thing we've learned as parents is that toddlers are often more interested in the journey than the destination. A short walk around the neighborhood can turn into a full adventure when you slow down and see the world through their eyes. Look for: Birds Flowers Butterflies Interesting rocks Different colors and shapes You can even create a simple scavenger hunt by asking your toddler to help find something green, something round, or something that makes a sound. Bring Story Time Outdoors Sometimes changing the location is all it takes to make an everyday activity feel new. Grab a blanket, a few favorite books, and head outside. Reading under a tree, at a park, or even on the front porch can make story time feel like a special summer event. Babies love hearing familiar voices, and toddlers often enjoy books even more when they're paired with a change of scenery. Create a Simple Sensory Bin Sensory play doesn't have to be complicated. A few easy ideas include: Dry pasta Large pom-poms Kinetic sand Water-safe toys Scoops and containers Sensory bins encourage exploration, creativity, and independent play while helping little ones learn through touch and movement. As always, choose age-appropriate materials and supervise closely. Have a Backyard Dance Party When all else fails, turn on some music. Some of our favorite summer memories have come from spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen, backyard, or living room. Babies love bouncing to music, while toddlers enjoy showing off their best dance moves. It's an easy way to burn energy, share a few laughs, and create moments that feel surprisingly special. Screen-Free Fun During Summer Travel Road trips and family vacations can make screen-free entertainment feel a little more challenging, but we've found that simple activities often work best. A few travel favorites include: Reusable sticker books Board books Busy boards Window spotting games Coloring activities Favorite stuffed animals One game our toddlers always seem to enjoy is looking out the window and pointing out trucks, animals, colors, or interesting landmarks along the way. Sometimes the world outside becomes the best entertainment of all. Enjoy the Little Moments One of the things we've discovered as parents is that children don't usually remember the perfectly planned activities. They remember the bubbles in the backyard. The walk where they found a funny-looking rock. The dance party before dinner. The stories read under a shady tree. These simple moments often become the memories that stick. And if you're looking for places to enjoy some of these activities this summer, be sure to check out our guide to the Best Summer Day Trips for Babies and Toddlers for more family-friendly adventure ideas. Summer doesn't have to be packed with elaborate plans to be meaningful. Sometimes all it takes is a little fresh air, a little imagination, and a willingness to see the world through your child's eyes.

The Best Summer Day Trips for Babies and Toddlers

Fun Filled Day Trips as New Parents One of our favorite things about summer is that you don't have to travel far to create special memories with your little one. As parents, it's easy to feel pressure to plan the perfect vacation or fill every weekend with exciting activities. But we've found that some of the best adventures are often the simplest ones, a morning at the zoo, a walk through the aquarium, or an afternoon spent exploring a local park. The best part? Day trips allow you to get out of the house, enjoy some quality family time, and still be home in time for bedtime. If you're looking for ideas to keep your summer fun and low-stress, here are some of our favorite baby- and toddler-friendly outings. Visit Your Local Aquarium Aquariums are one of our favorite places to take babies and toddlers, especially during the warmer months. They're cool, stroller-friendly, and filled with fascinating sights that capture little ones' attention. Babies often love watching colorful fish glide through the water, while toddlers enjoy pointing out sharks, sea turtles, and other sea creatures. Another bonus? Aquariums tend to move at a slower pace, making them perfect for young children who may need snack breaks, diaper changes, or a little extra time to explore. Plus, they're a great option for those extra-hot summer afternoons when outdoor activities don't sound very appealing. Spend a Day at the Zoo There's something magical about seeing animals through your child's eyes for the first time. Whether they're spotting a giraffe, hearing a lion roar, or laughing at playful monkeys, zoo visits can create memorable family moments. To make the most of your visit: Arrive early before the hottest part of the day. Pack extra water and snacks. Bring a stroller, even for active toddlers. Take advantage of shaded rest areas. Many zoos also offer splash pads, playgrounds, and interactive exhibits that are perfect for younger visitors. Explore a Local Park Sometimes the best adventures are right in your own neighborhood. Parks are a wonderful option because they offer flexibility. You can stay for twenty minutes or spend the entire morning there depending on your child's mood. Some of our favorite park activities include: Playground time Picnics on a blanket Bubble play Nature walks Watching ducks or birds Toddlers especially love having room to run, climb, and explore. And for parents? Parks are often one of the easiest ways to get everyone outside without a lot of planning. Visit a Children's Museum If you have a children's museum nearby, it's worth adding to your summer bucket list. Many museums offer toddler-friendly exhibits designed specifically for hands-on exploration. Water tables, building stations, pretend grocery stores, and sensory play areas can keep little ones engaged for hours. They're also a fantastic backup plan when summer temperatures soar or unexpected weather rolls in. Take a Stroller Walk Somewhere New One thing we've learned as parents is that babies and toddlers don't always need a big attraction to have a great time. Sometimes simply changing your scenery is enough. Consider taking a stroller walk through: A botanical garden A local nature trail A waterfront boardwalk A downtown shopping district A farmers market Everything feels new and exciting when you're seeing it through your child's eyes. Enjoy an Indoor Mall Adventure Shopping malls may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a family outing, but they can be surprisingly toddler-friendly. Many malls offer: Air-conditioned comfort Family restrooms Indoor play spaces Restaurants and snack options Plenty of room for stroller walks On especially hot days, a simple mall outing can feel like a mini adventure while giving everyone a break from the summer heat. Don't Forget the Journey Sometimes getting there is part of the fun. Whether you're driving across town to the aquarium or heading an hour away for a zoo visit, young children often spend a lot of time in the car during summer outings. Many families bring along Tiny Traveler to help make those drives a little less stressful. Being able to safely check on your little one without turning around can provide peace of mind while you're focused on the road ahead. It's one less thing to worry about and one more way to enjoy the journey together. Make the Most of Summer Memories The truth is, your baby probably won't remember their first aquarium visit or zoo adventure. But you will. You'll remember the excitement on their face when they spotted a fish bigger than they were. The giggles during a stroller walk. The way they pointed at every animal as if they had discovered something extraordinary. Those are the moments that make summer special. And before heading out on your next family adventure, don't forget to check out our Summer Travel Checklist for Babies and Toddlers to make sure you're packed and ready for wherever the day takes you. Because when you're prepared, it's easier to focus on what matters most—making memories together.