Friends enjoy this fun partnered post from Shopkoย and Southern Made Simple, where you will find my awesome little sister, Laura!ย
When my baby girl decided to take her first steps back in March, she made it very loud and clear that she was tired of being cooped up in our house all winter long. She loves playing and exploring outside more than anything, and she was definitely ready to start enjoying the warm spring and summer air. After all, she had a new found freedom in her ability to walk, and there was so much she was ready to discover outside the four walls of our home! Her interest and curiosity about the outdoors came as somewhat of a surprise to me, because I have always preferred indoor playtime over being outdoors. Once summer is in full swing here in south Alabama, the heat alone is enough to make you never want to leave your beloved air conditioner!
However, I knew that it would be important for me to nourish my toddler’s curious side and get her acquainted with mother nature. I also knew that it would be important for my own sake to find a healthy balance in enjoying our outdoor summer time activities by incorporating things that would be both fun and interesting for both toddler AND mommy.
So far this summer we’ve found several fun ways for us to get outdoors, get active and enjoy the sweet sunshine and summertime. If you’re looking for ways to get outdoors with your little one this summer, here are a few great idea starters to help you enjoy your time to the fullest!
Plan a Picnic/ Play at the Park
- Even though we live in a very rural area, we still are fortunate enough to have a few local parks that children and adults can enjoy. Planning a picnic at the park is a great way to get out of the house, get some fresh air and let the kiddos get some play time in without spending any money. Depending on how hot it gets in your area, you may want to plan the trips to the park during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid being out in the heat of the day. Make sure to stay hydrated and find a shady spot to enjoy! My daughter and I have loved our play dates at our local park and have been enjoying the simple things that bring out the fun in our day, like playing on the swings and running through the grass!
Make a Splash
- If it seems too hard to escape the heat, make a splash in the pool! We like to join our cousins for a swim in their own backyard pool. If a backyard swimming pool isn’t readily available to you, take a look around town and see if there are any public water parks or pools that are either free or charge a small admission fee. There’s sure to be a park or splash pad near you that you and your little ones can cool down in while playing and having fun with others. If you’re feeling up to it, pack your bags and plan a beach or water park vacation! Enjoying the water is a great way to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors during the summer, so put on that sunscreen and start making some waves!
Bring Story Time to Life
- Sometimes going outdoors just isn’t feasible every day during the summer. The summer months here are notorious for having random pop up showers that can last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. When the weather just isn’t cooperating, we break out our favorite books that help bring the outdoors inside! Currently, my daughter is ALL about the animals. She loves learning new noises that certain animals make, and she’s started learning how to point out which animal is which. One AWESOME way to help bring story time to life is to visit the zoo and see all of those animals in real life! My daughter has been busy learning about farm animals, so we thought a visit to see her Grandaddy’s cows would be a fun treat for her!
- If story time is something your kids might enjoy, check your local libraries to see if they offer any summer reading camps or programs that help kids explore their imagination and exercise their minds! You can even sign up for a library card and stock up on books to help keep your kids occupied when outdoor play time isn’t an option.
Take a Stroll
- My favorite way for my daughter and I to enjoy the outdoors together is go for a stroll/jog down our road or on the walking trails at the park. We usually do this once a week or so in the late evening when it starts to cool down. It gives me the exercise my body craves and needs while allowing my daughter to relax and and catch a breeze while we move. She’s definitely been enjoying the view from her sweet new ride, the J is for Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging Stroller. It’s been SO influential in steering my sails to get outside with my daughter and get moving. Before this jogging stroller, trying to walk my daughter up and down our road was a nightmare! We live on a dirt road and the terrain is really tough, but this particular stroller seems to glide over it with ease and makes for a much smoother trip. I don’t know how we ever functioned without it, honestly!
When we’re out on the walking trails or jogging down the dirt road, we simply lock the front wheel to help keep the stroller in place and not wobbling back and forth. Before this stroller, the plastic swivel wheels on our previous stroller would get hung up every few feet traveled. It was enough to drive you bonkers, especially if you were trying to exercise! It also comes with a safety harness to wear around your wrist to prevent the stroller from getting away from you. I really appreciate the peace of mind that gives, because it can be really easy to have a stroller roll away from you when you’re going down a hill or if you’re near a ditch.
And can I brag for just a minute about how spacious the undercarriage is?! I mean, I feel like I can pack almost anything under there! It easily fits a large diaper bag and a small cooler. I can pack several drinks and snacks and take them along on our adventures with us! I also appreciate the space up top for holding keys, drinks, iPods, etc. Those are things I typically need quick access to, and I don’t want to have to fumble through my bags to try to find them. In the J is for Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging Stroller, they’re right at my fingertips the entire time!
All features of the stroller are easy to adjust and it’s incredibly easy to fold. In just two simple and quick motionss, the stroller is folded and ready to put away! I will say that this particular stroller does not fold down compact at all in comparison to other traditional strollers. It takes up almost the entire space of our trunk in our mid-sized SUV, so that’s something to consider if you’re in the market for a stroller.
My daughter and I have been enjoying our outdoor adventures this summer and have had a blast keeping ourselves entertained through play, picnics, water fun and especially our mid-afternoon strolls. If you’re looking for ways to beat summer boredom and get outside with your little ones, I highly encourage you to look for ways to incorporate the suggestions listed above into your summer schedule. And if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the outdoor time as much as your little one does, definitely check out the J is for Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging Stroller! It’s got everything you need to make your outdoor summer days the very best!
Win It!ย
One very lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging Stroller, courtesy of Shopko!
Shopko Jeep Stroller Giveaway
Landing Page (Automatic)
LITTLE PEOPLE ZOO TRAIN ๐
I like the Graco On-The-Go Pack N Play Green Playard In Zuba
I love the stuffed unicorn
Backyard Discovery Atlantis Wooden Swingset
UniFlame 45″ High Black Outdoor Firehouse with Chimney
I like the Summer Infant Duo mat.
I like the Huffy 20″ BMX bike for my son.
the Summer Infant Pop N Play Green & Black Portable Playard would be perfect for having outdoors.
I’d love to get the Huffy So Sweet 20″ Bike for my girl!
Munchkin Corner Bath Organizer
I’d like to get the Kid-o-Bunk for camping fun.
My son would love the cat front loader!!
I like the Inginuity trio three in one high chair in ridgedale. Thanks so much for the chances to win.
The wood washer toss would be a fun addition to our outdoor games.
I would like to get my daughter the Barbie Glam Getaway House. She would love it.
I would love to have the Backyard Discovery Atlantis Wooden Swingset for my kids this summer!
The Croquet Set 6 Player would be great to have for outdoor summer fun.
My son would love the CAT front loader with backhoe!
I like the South Shore Moonlight 4-Drawer Chest.
KidKraft Outdoor Chaise Lounger โ Pink And White Stripes
I would also like the Summer Infant Pop N Play Green & Black Portable Playard to take with me wherever we go.
toy sprinkler limbo
Little People Zoo Train would be nice.
For the summer, I also really love the KidKraft Outdoor Chaise Lounger – Pink And White Stripes
This stroller is awesome! My son would also love the Fisher Price Drillin Action Tool Set from the website ๐
Id get some bumkins cloth wipes and diapers
I like the Sterling Silver 5MM Heart White Topaz Birthstone Bracelet
The Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter would be really cool to get!
The Infantino Explore & Store-Jungle Buddy Gym looks super fun and functional! Love the all the different colors!
the toy sprinkler limbo!
This would be great– http://www.shopko.com/product/Baby/Baby-Gear/Playards/entity/pc/5/pc1/0/pc2/0/c/38/sc/248/79406.uts ๐
Would like to get the Intex Lazy Fish Baby Shade Pool!
I love the Intex Lazy Fish Baby Shade Pool. It’s the best of all worlds: water play, shade so it doesn’t get too hot, and it’s super cute. ๐
I love the pure fun swivel seesaw. My kids would have a blast.
I really like the flower sprinkler! It’s totally adorable!
I found the Pacific Play Under The Sea Beach Cabana and think my kids (and possibly me too) would love it! I might have to order one now. Seriously.
I really like the tub chair looks great for an accent chair in the kids room!
One more item that I’d love to get for summertime fun with my kiddo is the
Huffy 16″ Spiderman Bike.
This looks like something that would be fun! http://www.shopko.com/product/entity/126869.uts
My daughter would love the Marshall and Chase Paw Patrol backback and lunchbox
The flower sprinkler is so cute, the kids would love that!
I have a 4 month old baby girl who’d love this! I also like the Evenflo Chase LX Harnessed Booster Seat in Jasmine.
We would also love the Fisher Price Rock
I would love the Backyard Discovery Prairie Ridge Wooden Swingset
The Dronium One is cool. My kids (and husband) would have a lot of fun with it.
I would love to get her the KidKraft Outdoor Playhouse! Our friend has a playhouse and she loves it!
I’d love to get my son the KidKraft Modern Outdoor Playhouse.
The melissa and doug flower sprinkler!
I like the Sylvania 10lt Vintage Bulb Set for family BBQ events. We love spending time together in the backyard during summer nights.
i would love to have the Child’s Chalkboard Desk
I like the Backyard Discovery Capitol peak wooden swingset
I would love the Intex 15’x42″ Easy Set Pool Set to spend with my kiddos.
I would love the KidKraft Outdoor Sandbox With Canopy for the little one.
I would love to get the Summer Infant Pop N Play Green & Black Portable Play yard for our backyard in the summer.
I would get the Playskool Poppin Park Kickin Giraffe.
My middle kid is going to college in a few weeks so I’d buy Body Solutions 4″ Gel Big Bump Memory Foam Topper.
I would get the Playskool Poppin Park Kickin Giraffe for my son!
The Intex Fantasy Castle Play Center would be great to have
I would love Gymnic GYFFY the Giraffe for my son!!
My daughter would love the Intex Fantasy Castle Play Center
I would like to get my daughter the Kiddi-oยฎ Uber-Zoomer to get around the patio/driveway and practice balance!
My kids would love Banzai Aqua Drench 3 in 1 Splash Park!
I love the CAT Metal Digger. He would never want to come inside if we had that to play with in the sandbox.
I would love to have the KidKraft Modern Outdoor Espresso Playhouse!
My kids would have a Blast with Banzai Aqua Drench 3 in 1 Splash Park. They love playing in the water so this would be the perfect product.
The sandbox with canopy for sure. My kids love to play in the sand but I struggle to keep them out of the sun
The LEGOs would always come in handy, especially on those rainy summer days!
The KidKraft Cabana Sandbox – Pink & White Stripes looks like fun
i also love the Sun Joe Mow Joe 13-Amp 17-Inch Electric Lawn Mower!
She would love the Whitmor Kids Primary Colors 12 Bin Organizer.
I would also like to get LEGO Friends Birthday Party for summertime fun with the kids.
The obstacle course outdoor water toy…my 5 year old would love it!
I would like the Combi Go & Grow Walker 3-in-1 Playset.
Love the crochet set.
I would love to get the kiddos the Intex Dinoland Play Center!!
The Intex Rainbow Ring Play Center Pool would be a great way to end the summer!
My preschooler would love the Splash Float Caterpillar for our pool!
Son needs this for his room Neu Home 9 Section Bench With Seat
My daughter would love the Kidcraft sandbox with canopy! She is a huge fan of sand play!
I’d love to get the Croquet Set 6 Player
Item #10281
We’d love the Intex 15′ X 36″ Easy Set Pool Set.
Both of my boys are obsessed with anything to do with the water, so another fun summer item I would choose would be the banzai obstacle swimming pool. Talk about hours of fun!! Awesome giveaway, thanks for the chance!
The kid craft art table would be awesome to have.
The kid craft art table with stools would be awesome to have!
I’d love the KidKraft Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love the KidKraft Art Table with Drying Rack and Storage.
How cute is the Banzai Aqua Drench 3 in 1 Splash Park !
The KidCo Go-Pod Activity Seat looks neat!
I would love the sand n surf activity table!
I like the Graco Pack n Play Totblock Playard Bugs playpen. Nice and roomy.
I would love the Banzai Aqua Drench 3 in 1 Splash Park for my little guy. He would love it!
I like Gymnic GYFFY the Giraffe
My kids would get a kick out of the ring toss lawn game.
Like the whale spray pool.
I like the Evenflo ExerSaucer Doorway Jumper, Pink Bumbly.
Kidcraft activity table
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
I like the Ring Toss Lawn Game.
I’d also like the Boys Faux Leather Shark Fashion Flip Flops
I think the kids would love their Razor E300 Electric Scooter Grey
My niece want the 22 Kitty Glasses Girls Backpack. She starts school this year.
I’d love the kidkraft toddler activity station for my daughter
I like the Kettlerยฎ Classic Flyer All-Terrain Air Tire Wagon.
I would love the KidKraft Toddler Activity Station for my daughter.
We love doing art and crafts so the Study Desk with Drawers in white looks like something practical and very useful for the summer. Thank you for the opportunity to win this awesome prize.
The whale spray pool looks very fun for my kids.
Intex Rainbow Ring Play Center Pool would be amazing for my littles!
I like the Kettler® Classic Flyer All-Terrain Air Tire Wagon. Perfect for summer!
I love the 3 hole bean bag toss game looks fun
My kids would like the big float for the pool, where we’ve been spending most of our time this summer
We have been doing a lot of swimming with my 7yr old this summer and I think he would love the pizza float. So fun!
Another item I would love to have is the Soltice Fiji Stand-Up Paddleboard for summer fun!
I’d choose the Pure Fun 6′ Wavy Slide for my 4 kids ๐
Puma Kids Meridian Backpack
I really like the American Plastics Kids Picnic Table and it’s on clearance! My daughter would love it!
I really like the activity table. Thank you for the giveaway.
My daughter is getting ready to have twins, so the tandem or the side by side stroller would be awesome
Combi All In One Mobile Entertainer is adorable
I would love to get the KidKraft Metropolis Honey Table & Train Set for my son, he would love this so much! ๐
I think the Bright Starts Zippy Zoo Activity Gym would be fun for baby to play with outside while mommy enjoys some fresh air (and does crunches and pushups beside baby :))
Wood Washer Toss for more outdoor family fun.
The toy sprinkler limbo would be amazing to have as well.
I’d like to get the Whale Spray Pool
Love the backpacks! So many options that would make summer trips a breeze!
We love portable swings. They are great for taking outdoors! ๐
My son would love the CAT front loader with backhoe. I’d never get him to come inside again if we got that lol
I also like the Summer Infant Pop N Play Green & Black Portable Playard
I think my kids would love the toy sprinkler limbo! ๐
i want to get the KidKraft Pin Board Desk with Hutch & Chair
My daughter would love the kiddi-o uber zoomer, she loves riding on toys
This looks fun! http://www.shopko.com/product/entity/132603.uts
I also love the Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat, Gotham for my little one
Thank You for the chance
I’d love to get the activity table
The ride-on John Deere Farm tractor looks awesome! But they have tons of cool stuff on here. I also like their selection of Learning Toys.
The Infantino Pat and Play Water Mat Whale looks like something my youngest grandson would love
I would also love to have their Endless Summer 22″ High Wood Burning Square Firepit. This would be great for summer evenings and roasting marshmallows!
I would love for my kids to have a motorized car.
I would love to get the Infantino Explore & Store-Jungle Buddy Gym for summertime fun.
I like the Study Desk with Drawers – White.
My grandsons would love the Sand n Surf Activity Table.
Accessories 22 Beautiful Dreamer Girls Backpack
Item #166082
My kids would love the Backyard Discovery Atlantis Wooden Swingset
I like that they have 50% off kids clothes right now. The NorthCrest Womens Slub V-Neck Tee would be perfect for me.
Their Little Tikes Lil Wagon would be greta to have for summer walks and trips to the park.
I would also love to get the John Deere Farm Trac
Item #181813 to play outdoors with the kids!
My daughters would also love the Gazillion Bubble Vortex.
Another item I’d love to get for my grandsons for summertime fun is their 20pc Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk.
The 3 hole bean bag toss looks fun. My kids like lawn games
I like the Whale Spray Pool! That would be perfect for my little ones!
I really like the Avia Kids Avi-Tango Running Shoes