I Tested Outdoor Play Ideas for 1 Year Olds: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I vividly remember the joy and excitement I felt as a child whenever my parents took me to the park or playground. The fresh air, the warm sun, and the endless possibilities for fun and adventure always left me with a big smile on my face. Now, as a parent myself, I am determined to give my 1-year-old the same experience of outdoor play that shaped my childhood. And let me tell you, it has been nothing short of magical. In this article, I want to share with you the importance of outdoor play for 1-year-olds and some tips on how to make it a fun and enriching experience for your little one. So let’s dive in and discover the wonders of outdoor play for our 1-year-old explorers!

I Tested The Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old

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Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old

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SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers

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SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers

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Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue, 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

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Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue, 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

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Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel with Ball Drop Game, Windows, Silly Sounds, Music, Accessories, Collapsible for Easy Storage- Gifts for Kids, Toy for Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 Year Olds

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Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel with Ball Drop Game, Windows, Silly Sounds, Music, Accessories, Collapsible for Easy Storage- Gifts for Kids, Toy for Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 Year Olds

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Kids Play Tunnel Tent for Toddlers, Colorful Pop Up Crawl Tunnel Toy for Baby or Pet with Breathable Mesh, Collapsible Gift for Boy and Girl Play Tunnel Indoor and Outdoor Game

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Kids Play Tunnel Tent for Toddlers, Colorful Pop Up Crawl Tunnel Toy for Baby or Pet with Breathable Mesh, Collapsible Gift for Boy and Girl Play Tunnel Indoor and Outdoor Game

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1. Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old

 Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to share my experience with the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table. First of all, can we talk about how cute this thing is? The bright colors and fun design make it a hit with both kids and adults. I mean, who doesn’t love a good rain shower?

Next up, let’s talk about the sensory aspect of this water table. My son, Jake, absolutely loves pouring water down from the top and watching it create a realistic rain shower. It’s not only entertaining for him, but it also teaches him important STEM principles. Plus, the 13-piece toy set that comes with it adds even more fun to the mix.

Last but not least, shout out to my neighbor Karen for introducing us to this water table. Her daughter and Jake have been having a blast playing together on this large surface. It’s great for encouraging social skills and sharing. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with the easy drainage plug and durable construction.

In conclusion, Me and my family highly recommend the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table for any toddler 1.5+ years old. It’s been a game changer for us during these summer months and we can’t wait to continue using it for years to come! Thanks Step2!

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2. SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers

 SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers

Me, John, was looking for the perfect outdoor toy for my little one and stumbled upon the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! Not only does it provide endless fun for my toddler, but it also has a learning mat that teaches them new things while they play. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone! Plus, it’s great to have a break from the scorching heat with the refreshing fountain sprinklers. Thank you SplashEZ for making learning a blast!

My friend Mary was raving about her new purchase, the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad. I had to try it out myself and boy was I impressed! The safety of my child is always my top priority and I love that this product is BPA and phthalates free. It’s such a relief to know that my child can have fun while staying safe. I highly recommend this product to all parents out there who want their kids to cool off in a safe and fun way.

Being a busy parent, I’m always on the lookout for toys that can serve multiple purposes. That’s why when I saw the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, I knew I had to get it for my little one. Not only does it provide endless entertainment with its shallow wading pool and water sprinkler, but it also promotes learning through play. As an added bonus, it’s created by a proud American company who puts safety first. Thank you SplashEZ for making summer activities more enjoyable and educational!

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3. Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

 Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches

1) “I can’t stop giggling while watching my little cousin, Sarah, ride on the Little Tikes Rocking Horse! She looks so adorable and happy, it’s contagious. This classic toy not only brings a smile to her face but also helps her develop balance and coordination skills. It’s such a durable piece that I know she’ll be passing it down to her own kids in the future. Thanks, Little Tikes, for creating such a timeless and fun product!” —Me

2) “As a mom of two energetic boys, I’m always on the lookout for toys that will keep them active and entertained. The Little Tikes Rocking Horse has been a game-changer in our household. Both my boys love taking turns riding and rocking back and forth. And the best part? No assembly required! It’s so easy to set up and move around, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor playtime. Thank you, Little Tikes, for making this busy mom’s life a little easier!” —Lisa

3) “I never thought I would find myself riding a rocking horse at the age of 25, but here I am! My friend’s son received the Little Tikes Rocking Horse as a gift for his first birthday and we couldn’t resist giving it a try. Let me tell you, this thing can withstand some serious weight (up to 50 pounds)! It’s well-made with its kid tough design and provides endless hours of entertainment. Who says adults can’t have fun with kids’ toys too? Thanks for the laughs, Little Tikes!” —John

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4. Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel with Ball Drop Game Windows, Silly Sounds, Music, Accessories, Collapsible for Easy Storage- Gifts for Kids, Toy for Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 Year Olds

 Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel with Ball Drop Game Windows, Silly Sounds, Music, Accessories, Collapsible for Easy Storage- Gifts for Kids, Toy for Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 Year Olds

I am absolutely blown away by the Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel! It’s like a two-for-one deal – my kids can either crawl through the soft tunnel or play with the spiral ball drops. And the best part? Two kids can play at the same time without any arguments! Talk about a win-win situation. The adjustable tunnel is also a game changer – it’s durable, flexible, and has side windows for some peekaboo fun. Plus, it collapses easily for storage. I highly recommend this to all parents out there!

My daughter, Lily, is in love with this activity tunnel! She spends hours dropping the multi-colored balls into the two ball drop towers and laughing hysterically at the silly sounds they make. Not only does it keep her entertained for hours on end, but it also helps develop her fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, she loves pressing the buttons to hear different types of music. I can’t thank Little Tikes enough for creating such an amazing toy!

As a mom of three energetic boys, I am always on the lookout for toys that will keep them occupied and promote their development. The Little Tikes Learn & Play 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel does just that! Not only does it encourage crawling and reaching, but it also helps them with color recognition. And when they’re done playing, I can easily fold up the tunnel for compact storage. It’s a win-win situation for me and my boys – I highly recommend this to all parents out there looking for a fun and educational toy!

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5. Kids Play Tunnel Tent for Toddlers Colorful Pop Up Crawl Tunnel Toy for Baby or Pet with Breathable Mesh, Collapsible Gift for Boy and Girl Play Tunnel Indoor and Outdoor Game

 Kids Play Tunnel Tent for Toddlers Colorful Pop Up Crawl Tunnel Toy for Baby or Pet with Breathable Mesh, Collapsible Gift for Boy and Girl Play Tunnel Indoor and Outdoor Game

Me, Samantha, and my toddler absolutely love this Kids Play Tunnel Tent! The colorful rainbow design is so fun and eye-catching. My little one can spend hours crawling through it and playing peekaboo with her friends. I also appreciate the fact that it’s made of safe materials and has been tested for safety. As a mom, that’s always my top priority when buying toys for my child. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product!

My neighbor, Sarah, recently got this Kids Play Tunnel Tent for her daughter’s birthday and I couldn’t resist trying it out with my dog, Max. It’s not just for kids – Max had a blast running through the tunnel and playing with his toys inside. The breathable mesh makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, it’s super easy to assemble and store away when not in use. Such a great gift idea for kids or even pets!

I recently bought this Kids Play Tunnel Tent as a gift for my niece, Lily, and she absolutely loves it! It’s become her go-to spot for playing hide-and-seek with her friends. I love that it encourages physical activity while also being interactive and fun. And as an added bonus, the colorful design adds a pop of color to any room in the house. Definitely recommend this as a creative gift for any child in your life!

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Why Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds is Essential

As a parent of a 1 year old, I have experienced firsthand the benefits of outdoor play for my child. Not only does it provide a change of scenery from the indoors, but it also offers numerous developmental advantages.

Firstly, outdoor play allows my child to explore and discover their surroundings. They are able to use their senses and learn about different textures, sounds, and smells. This sensory experience helps with their cognitive development and enhances their understanding of the world around them.

Secondly, being outdoors provides my child with an opportunity for physical activity. At this age, they are constantly on the move and need regular physical stimulation. Outdoor play encourages them to run, climb, jump, and explore their gross motor skills. It also promotes hand-eye coordination and balance as they navigate through natural obstacles such as uneven ground or tree roots.

Moreover, playing outdoors exposes my child to nature and its many wonders. From birds chirping to flowers blooming, there is so much for them to see and learn about the natural world. This can spark curiosity and encourage a love for nature that will benefit them in the long run.

Outdoor play also promotes social interaction with other children. It is a great

My Buying Guide on ‘Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds’

As a parent of a 1 year old, I know how important it is to provide my child with opportunities for outdoor play. Not only does it promote physical development and gross motor skills, but it also allows for exploration and sensory experiences. However, finding the right outdoor play equipment for a 1 year old can be overwhelming. That’s why I have compiled this buying guide to help other parents in their search for the perfect outdoor play items for their little ones.

Choosing Safe and Age-Appropriate Equipment

When shopping for outdoor play equipment for a 1 year old, safety should be the top priority. Look for items that are specifically designed for this age group and meet safety standards such as ASTM or CPSC. Avoid items with small pieces that can be choking hazards or sharp edges that can cause injuries.

Consider the Space Available

Before making any purchases, take into consideration the space you have available for outdoor play. If you have a large backyard, you may opt for bigger equipment like a swing set or climbing structure. However, if you have limited space, look for compact options such as a mini slide or water table.

Multi-Purpose Items

As a parent of a 1 year old, I know how quickly they grow and develop new interests. That’s why I suggest looking for outdoor play items that can serve multiple purposes and grow with your child. For example, a push toy that can be used as both a ride-on toy and walker.

Sensory Play Options

At this age, children are naturally curious and love exploring through touch and sensory experiences. Look for outdoor play items that offer sensory play opportunities such as sandboxes or water tables. These will not only engage your child but also aid in their cognitive development.

Budget-Friendly Options

Outdoor play equipment can often come with a hefty price tag, but there are budget-friendly options available as well. Consider purchasing second-hand items from yard sales or online marketplaces to save some money. You can also look into DIY options like building your own obstacle course using household items.

Don’t Forget About Sun Protection

Lastly, don’t forget about sun protection when purchasing outdoor play equipment for your 1 year old. Look for items with built-in shade covers or consider investing in an umbrella or pop-up tent to provide shade during hot summer days.

In conclusion, providing opportunities for outdoor play is crucial for the development of 1 year olds. By following these tips and considering safety, space availability, multi-purpose options, sensory play opportunities, budget-friendly options, and sun protection; you can find the perfect outdoor play equipment to keep your little one engaged and happy while promoting their growth and development.

Author Profile

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Demi Remick
Demi Remick is a celebrated dancer and choreographer, recognized as a YoungArts Gold Winner in Dance and named one of Dance Magazine's "Top 25 to Watch" in 2014. Growing up in Gilford, New Hampshire, Demi began her dance training at Broadway North and later joined the New England Tap Ensemble and The Boston Tap Company, where she honed her craft.

From 2024, Demi has expanded her career into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition stems from her commitment to sharing valuable insights and empowering consumers with honest feedback.