This summer has been glorious. Summer in this mountain town at 9,000 feet is short so we often come to summer with intention and an attitude to live it up.
Planning Summer Activities with Toddlers
A typical summer week will look something like this for us:
- Live music at our outdoor concert series
- Evenings by the river, where we bring our camp stove and make mac and cheese
- Weekly patio happy hours at the sushi restaurant
- Lots and lots of biking-West is hitting his stride on the Strider
- Pizza nights with the outdoor pizza oven
- Weekends where we hike, camp, or do nearby road trips
It really feels like we haven’t missed a beat.
I have exclaimed multiple times, “This summer! This summer is a really good one!” Finding a balance between going all out and summer relaxation can be tricky. All the more so with a toddler. We are often on the move and while West digs all the activities we do, he, like any toddler, can be hard to move from one thing to the next. He also would live on the bike if given a choice. We would just go round and round the neighborhood.
So this summer we have emphasized something for everyone and have enjoyed a good amount of success using these tactics to get out with a two year old.
Tips for a Successful Summer with Toddlers
Come up with a plan, repeat it early and often.
We give West lots of notice for what the plans are for the day. That usually starts in the morning. We talk up whatever is coming. Then come the evening, he is usually excited to get to the daily adventure. We also talk about camp trips days in advance. He likes camping, but it never hurts to get him enthused.
Incentivize it.
I have never been above bribery, if it means we all get to have some fun. The concerts happen near the park so we start at the park before the music. West loves the park, I don’t, but we all get something lovely from these outings. Sushi happy hour also includes fries and a local musician playing the guitar. We get sushi, West gets fries. Win.
Give your toddler a say in picking the adventure.
We try to give choices when possible. He can pick the camp snacks. He can decide where we take in the view at the end of a hike. We all know toddlers strive for independence and independence is easy to come by on outdoor adventures.
Always build in time for bikes…. Bugs… or an interesting truck.
… Or whatever it may be that your kid loves. West loves taking a lap around the neighborhood on his bike before bedtime. It benefits us if we build that time in. No rushing. We all deserve a little time for the things we love.
