Fun and Cheap: Summer Activities for Toddlers

This post is really just a brainstorming list for my own purposes, but I thought I might as well do it here so that others can benefit!  What I’m hoping is that I get some comments sharing other good ideas…. (hint, hint).  For the record, my son is 1 and a half, so if these activities seem basic, that’s because we have a limited attention-span and skill set we’re working with here.  I will probably add more to this list as I think of new things.

1) Red Light, Green Light.  We just discovered that Grant LOVES this game.  Say “Green Light” and run around until someone says “Red Light” and then freeze.  Repeat until exhausted or bored.

2) Play Dough.  I need to go buy a set of play dough.  Note to self – must supervise carefully to prevent eating.  Here is the play dough website with a bunch of cool ideas, including recipes for new colors.  If you’re really crafty, you can make your own play dough.

3) Playing in the sprinkler. Nuf said.

4) Exploring parks in San Jose. Here is a list of San Jose parks that have play grounds – http://www.sjparks.org/Features/playgrounds.asp 

5) Sponge painting.  Take a new kitchen sponge, cut it into pieces, and have him dip it in non-toxic Crayola paints in a tupperware bowl and dab it on paper.  Swirl a couple colors together for more interesting pictures.

6) Go on a Choo Choo Train in the Santa Cruz Mountains: Here is the website for Roaring Camp Railway.  So much fun!!!

7) Buy some wooden clothspins and play Clothespins in the Basket outside.  Kind of like a toddler version of Horseshoes.  Here is a How To article.

Ok, that’s enough ideas for today…. Will perhaps add more later!