Outdoor games for children: photos

Looking for great outdoor play ideas for your toddler? Help your little one get out and about with our brilliantly simple garden games for toddlers.

These lovely ideas have been put together by Heather Flett and Whitney Moss, authors of US publication The Rookie Mom's Handbook and the bloggers behind Rookie Moms.

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Take it outside

Bring on the barefoot weather! Make the most of a perfect summer day with these five outdoor activities for you and your toddler.
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Water world

Using household items as toys is a thrill for toddlers and eco-friendly (or budget-conscious) parents.

Fill a large plastic pool or bucket with water, measuring cups, plastic bowls, cups, and spoons. Show your little explorer how to scoop up water and pour it back into the pool. If your container is large enough, your child can sit inside it. But keep an eye on him, as shallow water be hazardous.

Tip: Store your water-play supplies near the back door during warm weather so that you can access them easily.
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Push it out

There are many groups across the country that offer pushchair exercise classes for new mums. These classes are a great way for you to get fit and have fun, and your child will enjoy the ride.

Tip: For walks over rough ground, babies younger than six months will need to ride in a travel system car seat or an all-terrain pushchair. This will keep his head supported.
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Garden obstacle course

If your child is crawling or walking, this is a treat.

Set up a series of objects for him to interact with, like boxes, hoops, tunnels, balls, and stuffed animals. If your child is old enough, you could challenge him to follow two or three directions, such as "Crawl through the tunnel and bring the teddy to me." To make your course more professional, you could buy a set of cones and add them into your course.

Tip: Any cardboard box that arrives at your home can be a great addition to the course.
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Sand exploration

Pouring and scooping sand teaches your child about cause and effect. And burying an object and then revealing it again (and again!) teaches her that objects are still there, even though she can't see them.

Head to a beach or a playground with a sand area and bring toys like spades, buckets, plastic animals, and toy trucks and diggers. Or you could buy a box and sand cheaply at many DIY shops.

Tip: To avoid losing toys at the playground, write your child's name on them with permanent marker.
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Swing time

Toddlers and babies with head control can have great fun on the baby swings in the park. Push your child gently to introduce the idea of swinging, and watch him laugh.

Tip: Two same-size babies can have fun together by riding back-to-back in the baby swings.