Fun Summer activities for parents and children Aged 0-5

Summer in Queensland is the perfect time to bond with your little ones while exploring fun, creative, and unique activities at home. With the sunshine, warm weather, and plenty of opportunities to explore indoors and outdoors, summer provides endless possibilities for keeping little minds and bodies active. We know that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers have different needs and abilities, so it’s essential to tailor activities to their age group. This guide breaks down summer ideas that focus on enhancing development, imagination, and connection, all while ensuring the activities are simple and enjoyable for parents too.

For Babies (0-12 Months)

1. Sensory play with ice and water

Sensory play is a fantastic way for babies to experience new textures and temperatures while keeping cool. Start by freezing baby-safe toys or natural objects like leaves, petals, or small fruit pieces in ice cubes. Place these in a shallow tub or tray and allow your baby to explore with their hands. Babies will love feeling the cold surface of the ice while attempting to grasp or bat it around. It’s a perfect way to introduce them to cause-and-effect learning as they watch the ice melt into water. To make it even more fun, you can gently move the tray around so the cubes slide, sparking excitement and curiosity in your little one.

2. Bubble gazing party

Bubbles are an endless source of fascination for babies, providing visual stimulation and opportunities for hand-eye coordination. Use a gentle bubble solution and blow bubbles slowly around your baby as they sit or lay on a soft blanket. Encourage your baby to reach out to pop the bubbles, which supports their motor development. You can even play soft music or nursery rhymes to create a calming and engaging environment. Bubbles are lightweight and move unpredictably, making them perfect for holding a baby’s attention and sparking giggles. For babies learning to crawl, this is a great way to motivate them to move and reach forward.

3. Tummy time with nature

Tummy time is crucial for developing a baby’s neck, shoulder, and core muscles, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Take tummy time outside and spread a blanket in the shade for a natural and sensory-rich experience. Let your baby feel the grass, sand, or soft petals under their fingers and toes, all while supervised. You can add small, baby-safe items nearby for them to explore, like leaves or smooth stones. This activity introduces nature and helps strengthen their muscles while offering a change of scenery. Pair it with some tummy time toys like rattles or textured balls to encourage movement and reaching.

For Toddlers (1-3 Years)

1. DIY Water Painting on Pavement

Water painting is an easy, mess-free activity that allows toddlers to get creative while staying cool. Fill a small bucket with water and give your toddler a large paintbrush, sponge, or roller. They can paint shapes, lines, or patterns on the pavement, deck, or a wooden fence. As the water dries, the designs disappear, encouraging them to keep creating. This activity enhances fine motor skills and pre-writing abilities while also sparking their imagination. For added fun, use different tools like sponges or rollers to create textures. It’s also a great way to sneak in a quick clean-up game when the session is over.

2. Frozen dinosaur dig

Turn an ice excavation into an exciting and cooling adventure! Freeze small toys like dinosaurs, cars, or animals into large ice blocks or trays overnight. Provide your toddler with child-safe tools, such as spray bottles of warm water, small spoons, or blunt utensils, to chip away at the ice. They will have a blast trying to free the toys while also learning about patience, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect relationships. You can turn this into a mini-science lesson by talking about ice melting and how warm water helps speed up the process. It’s the perfect combination of play and learning for hot days!

3. Nature treasure hunt

Create a simple backyard treasure hunt using a list of nature-based items your toddler can find. Items could include leaves, sticks, flowers, or small rocks. Give your child a small basket or bag to collect their treasures, and encourage them to notice textures, colors, and shapes. Once they’ve completed their hunt, you can use the treasures to create a nature collage or artwork. This activity helps toddlers build observation skills, motor control, and creativity while encouraging exploration of their environment.

4. Indoor obstacle course

An obstacle course is a great way to use up your toddler’s boundless energy, especially on rainy or extremely hot days. Use pillows, cushions, chairs, or tunnels to create a simple course where your child can crawl, climb, jump, or balance. Add challenges like crawl under the chair or jump over the pillow for variety. Obstacle courses support gross motor development and problem-solving as toddlers figure out how to navigate each challenge. To add excitement, set up a timer and cheer them on as they complete the course!

For Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

1. Outdoor art studio

Set up a mini art station in the backyard with washable paints, brushes, and paper. Add creative twists by using items like leaves, sticks, or sponges as tools for painting. You can also introduce potato stamping or splatter painting for a fun and messy experience. Encourage your preschooler to explore colors, shapes, and textures while making their artwork. This activity supports fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. To keep the mess under control, use a plastic tablecloth or an old sheet as the workspace.

2. Backyard science experiments

Preschoolers love experimenting, and backyard science is a fun way to introduce basic STEM concepts. Create a mini volcano using baking soda and vinegar, or make rain clouds with shaving cream and food coloring in a jar of water. Let your child help measure, pour, and mix the ingredients, encouraging curiosity and exploration. Science experiments like these teach cause-and-effect while offering hands-on learning that feels like play. For an extra challenge, ask your preschooler to predict what might happen before the experiment begins.

3. DIY Summer picnic

Plan a mini picnic with your preschooler, encouraging them to help prepare simple snacks. Let them cut soft fruit (with supervision), make sandwiches, or mix fruit salads. Once the food is ready, set up a picnic blanket in your yard or a shaded balcony and enjoy the meal together. This activity teaches life skills like teamwork, preparation, and patience, all while offering quality family bonding time. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging way.

4. Gardening for little hands

Start a small garden with your preschooler using easy-to-grow plants like cherry tomatoes, herbs, or sunflowers. Let them help dig the soil, plant the seeds, and water the garden daily. Gardening teaches responsibility and patience as preschoolers watch their plants grow. You can also talk about the importance of plants and how they need sunlight, water, and care. For added excitement, track the plants’ progress by measuring their height together each week.

Additional tips for a successful summer

• Stay cool and sun-safe: Queensland summers can be hot! Play in the early mornings or late afternoons, ensure everyone wears hats and sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
• Be flexible: Each child develops differently. Adapt activities to match their abilities and interests.
• Embrace the mess: Whether it’s water, paint, or dirt—messy play is fun and educational!

Summer activities for children aged 0-5 don’t need to be complicated. With a bit of creativity and a focus on age-appropriate fun, you’ll create lasting memories while keeping your little ones happy and engaged. Whether it’s exploring water play, crafting with nature, or learning through science, these activities will keep your summer full of smiles and excitement.

Since you’re here, do you want to learn more about Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure? We have childcare centres in Ashmore, Maudsland and Southport on the Gold Coast, Buderim on the Sunshine Coast and Redlynch in Cairns.