Sitting couped up in a house all summer with a very active, very social, very into-everything-toddler does not sound like my idea of summer fun.  I decided to do some fun things with my toddler to keep me (and her) from going crazy!

Here’s my list of some fun to do with your toddler this summer. Hopefully you’ll find something new you can do with your little one. If you have any of your own ideas, please leave them in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Here are my top 5 things to do with your toddler this summer:

1. Join A Community Center

Our daughter loves the pool!  We don’t have one at our house, so we joined a community center so that we can take her to one.  She absolutely loves it!  I bought one of those floats that she rest in and has a shade over top—my daughter likes it okay, BUT she would rather swim, jump, and be free. I need some advice…puddle jumpers and life jackets all seem to be for 2 and up.  She is teeny tiny and is still wearing 12 months clothes.  If any of my readers have found a good alternative that will let your 16 month old play and have fun in the pool, I would love to hear from you!

If you can’t join a community center, you should totally invest in a 5$ plastic swim pool to put in your backyard. I think she has just as much fun in that as anything else!

2. Take Kindermusic or Music Together Classes

We joined a Kindermusic class for the summer. It’s a mommy + me type music class, and It is SO MUCH FUN, plus it’s educational.  Your toddler will gain awareness of sounds, hand-eye coordination, practice motor skills, hear patterns and sequencing, and so much more.  These classes are typically very laid back and care free, so just enjoy music and your toddler!

3. Visit Your Local Zoo

We took a day trip to the zoo recently. My parents come along and we had a great time! Although I think my daughter was more interested in the rocks and sticks than the monkeys and snakes. Oh well.  One tip is to not visit the zoo in the late afternoon–that is when all the animals are sleeping!

4. Check out your Public Library Summer Calendar

Our library is having a sensory  play day in a few weeks. I plan to take her to that as well. I think she will love it–plus it’s FREE!

5. Join a Gym—with a Daycare!

Okay so I feel major mom-guilt for even mentioning this, but let’s just be real. Mommas need a break. Physically and mentally.  I am a teacher and I have been home only a few weeks with my toddler and whew, it’s hard!  When I first had her, I never thought I would leave her in a gym-daycare-center, but here I am, doing it.

I leave her an hour a few times a week so I can do a workout class. And when I pick her up, I know I am a better mom for taking care of myself, so that I can take care of her.

What fun summer activities do you have planned for your little one?

-Leah