10 INDOOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS TO BEAT THE HEAT
As the warmth of summer arrives, it is super easy to start imagining picnics in the park, splashing in the pool, and enjoying a host of outdoor adventures. But, let’s face it, sometimes the heat of summer can be downright unbearable. This makes outdoor activities much less appealing, especially for our little ones!
However, retreating indoors doesn’t mean the fun has to end. In fact, it opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities where toddlers can unleash their boundless energy and imagination without breaking a sweat! And, you can still do it in the spirit of summer!
I have compiled a delightful roundup of indoor summer day activities catered to toddlers (but your older kids will love them, too.) All my children absolutely love these fun summer activities because they keep them engaged, they keep them entertained, and they even teach them a thing or two along the way!
Most of these activities below come directly from my Mothercould In Your Pocket resource that’s full of intentional sensory play ideas, specially curated to foster your child’s development! There are so many activities in the resource, perfect for a summer day, rainy day, and anything in between all for a one-time fee of only $44!
If you want dozens of beneficial activities ready for any season, make sure you sign up for this must-have parent resource! Now, gather your supplies, clear some space, and beat the heat with these fun indoor activities for kids this summer!
10 Indoor Summer Activities for Toddlers
Homemade Ice Cream
Seriously, who DOESN’T love ice cream in summer? I know my kids love it any day of the year, but I’m just not the biggest fan of how much sugar and additives are packed into store-bought ice cream. But, I do know how to make ice cream in a bag that is yummy, healthier than the packaged stuff, and engaging for little bakers!
This activity is perfect for a slow summer afternoon, because the ice-cream making process takes a while and then it rolls right into a snack session. That means you get at least a couple hours of entertainment with one activity! Plus, it's a great opportunity to learn about math, science, cause and effect, and more!
DIY Paper Fan
Beat the heat with a DIY paper fan! Found in my Mothercould In Your Pocket resource, this activity is just what you need to keep your children engaged and cool as the temperature rises. (Plus, they’ll feel cool sporting their own personalized fan.) Simply print the resource page out on a piece of paper, grab some colored pencils, markers, and crayons, and get coloring. Then, cut it out, fold it up, and you have the perfect tool to stay cool and enjoy a break inside!
Fizzy Blocks Science Experiment
I LOVE science experiments, and so do my little ones! In fact, one of my favorite indoor summer activities for toddlers has to be this fizzy blocks science experiment. It is so fun, and suitable for a range of ages. Even I love getting involved!
You just need baking soda, gelatin, water, food coloring, an ice cube tray, and vinegar. Just follow the instructions, and you’re left with a fizzy, fun, and colorful activity that will keep your children engaged!
Sensory Calming Bottles
Being inside can make kids a little stir crazy sometimes, and that’s when they get wild and the house starts to shake. That is why it can be helpful to have activities ready that’ll help them calm down. These sensory calming bottles filled with clear glue, food coloring, fine glitter, and hot water are super great for helping children regulate their nervous systems and relax.
They are especially good for children who are still learning how to regulate emotions, which is pretty much all toddlers, right? Plus, once you make these bottles, you can take them anywhere! They’re permanent, portable, inexpensive, and pretty much mess-free!
Sunshine Numbers Sensory Bag
I love this summer activity for kids prepping for preschool! It is super engaging, lets your little one develop their fine motor skills, and also works on their numeracy skills! This thoughtful activity is found in the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource, and is easy to set up in only a few minutes.
All you need is a printer, some paper, hair gel, scissors, a gallon zip lock bag, and even some pom poms if you’d like to add some color! All the ingredients go into a bag and creates a sensory-friendly search-and-find game. It’s a hit with toddlers!
DIY Edible Beach Sand
If you can’t be at the beach, bring the beach to your kids! This activity for toddlers is definitely in the spirit of summer, and it provides the perfect opportunity for your child to engage in sensory play, hone their creative skills, and experiment with pretend play! You’ll also love that this activity is taste-safe, so you can have peace of mind while your toddlers are playing, even if they get a little curious about the way the bright, beautiful sand tastes. Grab some cups, shovels, and molding tools and let’s have an indoor beach day!
Summer Bucket List
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy summer is to make a list! When the first few hot days of summer hit, I like to take the chance to sit down with my kids and talk about all the fun things they want to do this summer. This way, we can chill inside and dream of cooler days where we’ll be able to do more outside! My kids loved creating their bucket lists last year, and I can't wait to do it again! That is why I have included this awesome activity in my Mothercould In Your Pocket resource.
M&M Color Experiment
Here’s another use for leftover Easter candy that doesn’t involve a sugar high! As I said, I love science experiments, and with this activity, your toddler can learn about color transfer! In a sensory bin or plate, water and M&Ms turn into a beautiful watercolor display for your kids to enjoy! The best part is, your kids can do one design after another for hours of fun!
Coloring Pages
As a child, I loved nothing more than to simply spend a hot summer day inside coloring! My Mothercould In Your Pocket resource has a whole activity pack full of coloring pages for your little one to enjoy! All you need to do is grab your printer, some paper, and your favorite coloring items! To make it more engaging, try color supplies that are new to your toddlers like paint sticks, brushable pens, or Twistable colored pencils! (All washable, of course.)
Color Ice Mixing
Ice play is a cool way (pun intended) to explore the senses and enhance learning through play. Start with a simple activity to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to ice play with this color ice mixing activity from my Mothercould In Your Pocket resource.
You will just need some water, food coloring, ice cube trays, and some cups or bowls. From there, you add colored ice with warm water and watch the cups or bowls light up with color! You can also save the colored water for other arts and crafts activities!
Beat the heat with these indoor summer activities for toddlers!
Now, you can keep your little ones entertained indoors this summer without having to worry about meltdowns, boredom, or destruction. These activities are great for keeping your children busy when it’s too hot to play outside.
If you liked these activities and want instant access to more, head on over to the Mothercould blog or sign up for the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource! I have something for every kid and every season!