Vacations with toddlers can be magical, chaotic, and exhausting all at once. But when you’re away from home, one of the best ways to keep little ones happy (and tire them out in the best way) is to spend plenty of time outside.
Whether you’re heading to the mountains, beach, city, or countryside, these outdoor activity ideas are perfect for toddlers. They’re simple, screen-free, and travel-tested. They’re ideal for those moments when your kid needs to burn some energy or you just want to make the most of your surroundings.
Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities for toddlers on vacation that don’t require tons of prep or gear and that they’ll actually love.
Nature-Based Activities
Scavenger Hunts
Turn any outdoor space into an adventure with a simple scavenger hunt. Create a short list based on your location, like “point out a sign with the letter M,” “spot a bird,” or “find a purple flower.” You can even make it up on the spot. This works great at parks, beaches, or walking around a new city. Our kids are currently really into “finding clues,” so this is an activity that usually gets them pretty excited.
Throwing Rocks in Water
It sounds silly, but this is a toddler classic. Find a safe lake, creek, or even a puddle, and let them toss in stones, sticks, or leaves. It’s calming, repetitive, and oddly satisfying for them. Bonus: Have them spot any wildlife to be mindful of, like turtles, fish, ducks, etc.
Exploring Trails
Even short nature walks can feel like big adventures. Look for trails that are stroller-friendly or short loops where toddlers can walk at their own pace. Let them lead the way and take breaks to look at bugs, pick up sticks, or stomp in the mud.
Cloud Watching or Bug Spotting
When you need a break, slow things down with quiet nature observation. Lie on a blanket and watch the clouds or see how many ants you can find marching across a rock. It’s simple, but it encourages curiosity and calm.
Water Fun
Beach Play
No beach toys? No problem. Toddlers are pros at improvising. They’ll happily dig with their hands, fill cups, collect shells, or chase waves. If you have a bucket and shovel, great, but even without, the beach is a built-in sensory playground.
Splash Pads
These are a toddler paradise. They’re usually free or inexpensive, don’t require swimming skills, and give your kid a chance to run wild in a safe space. Bonus: You can usually choose to sit on the sidelines while they have fun, or play with them if you could also use a cooldown!
Hotel Pool Time
Even a short swim can reset a toddler’s mood and burn off energy. A shallow baby pool or playtime on the pool steps can do the trick. Just be sure to be prepared with sunscreen and floaties or swim diapers if needed.
Movement and Gross Motor Play
Playgrounds
It’s funny to me now how often we plan our day around available playgrounds. Thankfully, they’re everywhere, and a total sanity-saver. New playgrounds mean new slides, new games, and new friends. Even better if you can find ones with toddler sections or shaded areas on really sunny days.
*We recently learned about an app called PlayScout. I think it’s pretty new, but it definitely has the potential to become an amazing resource for toddler parents!
Open Spaces for Open Play
Sometimes all you need is a grassy patch and a bottle of bubbles. Let them run, roll, or kick a lightweight ball. Parks, plazas, or even a resort lawn are great for this kind of unstructured play.
Mini Golf
This quickly became a family favorite. Mini golf courses are colorful, quirky, and toddler-accessible. Even if they don’t follow the rules (we have yet to use a scorecard since going with our kids), they’ll love carrying the club, chasing the ball, and exploring the course. And if the course has a hole where the water stream carries the ball to the green, you might be there for another hour!
Local Adventures
Farms or Petting Zoos
If you’re traveling in a rural area or near a family-friendly attraction, look for small farms or petting zoos. Toddlers love getting up close with goats, sheep, or chickens, and you’ll likely find a playground or picnic area nearby, too.
Boat or Train Rides
From short ferry rides to scenic trains, these activities combine sightseeing with just the right amount of novelty and motion. They’re also great options when you’re trying to rest your legs but still explore. Our kids have yet to turn down a train ride.
Street Performers or Local Festivals
When you’re in a city or town, look for outdoor events or public performances. You may find musicians, balloon artists, or street dancers. There’s plenty to fascinate your toddlers and the energy can be contagious!
Final Thoughts on Outdoor Activities for Toddlers on Vacation
You don’t need fancy excursions or over-the-top plans to make a vacation memorable for your toddler. Often, the simplest outdoor activities end up being their favorite part of the trip.
The key is to stay flexible, follow their lead, and remember that a successful vacation day doesn’t have to be jam-packed. Just getting outside, moving their bodies, and seeing something new can go a long way toward making travel with toddlers joyful for everyone.
Looking for more ways to keep your little one happy on vacation? Check out these related posts:
Got a go-to outdoor activity when you’re traveling with your toddler? Share it in the comments. I’d love to add more ideas to our family’s list!