15 Best Spring Activities for Toddlers That Get Them Moving & Exploring

Pick #2

Sensory bins are one of the hottest trends in daycare and toddler play right now — and for good reason. Fill this shallow tub with shredded green paper "grass," plastic flowers, springtime figurines, and scooping tools for a hands-on activity that keeps toddlers occupied and learning. Spring themes like chicks, butterflies, and flowers make this extra special from March through May.

• Encourages tactile development and fine motor skills
• Works indoors and on the porch or patio
• BPA-free, durable bin with deep sides to contain mess
• Refill with seasonal fillers year-round

Pick #3

If there's one thing guaranteed to send a toddler into pure joy on a spring afternoon, it's bubbles. An automatic bubble machine produces a constant stream of bubbles at ground level — perfect for toddlers to chase, catch, and pop. Place it on the grass and watch your little one sprint, squat, and reach in all directions, naturally building gross motor skills without even realizing it.

• Hands-free continuous bubble stream
• Encourages running, reaching, and coordination
• Battery or USB-powered for easy outdoor use
• Non-toxic, child-safe bubble solution included

Pick #4

Planting seeds is one of the most developmentally rich spring activities for toddlers — it teaches patience, nurturing, and the science of nature all in one muddy afternoon. This kid-sized kit includes a mini trowel, watering can, seed packets, planting pots, and illustrated instructions. Choose fast-growing sunflowers or radishes so toddlers can see results quickly and stay engaged week after week.

• Kid-sized ergonomic tools for small hands
• Fast-germinating seed varieties for quick payoff
• Builds patience, responsibility, and early science concepts
• Biodegradable pots — plant directly into the garden

Pick #5

Sidewalk chalk is the ultimate spring craft for toddlers and preschoolers. Thick, jumbo-sized pieces are easy for little fists to grip, and a 48-color set means enough variety to draw entire spring gardens, suns, butterflies, and wobbly self-portraits across the driveway. Add chalk art to your daycare activity rotation or use it for simple outdoor games like hopscotch and color-matching.

• Jumbo size perfect for toddler grip development
• 48 vibrant, non-toxic colors
• Easily washes away with rain or water
• Great for color recognition and early art skills

Pick #6

A spring staple in backyards everywhere, sand and water tables offer open-ended sensory play that toddlers can revisit again and again. Fill one side with kinetic sand and the other with water — add plastic cups, funnels, and spring-themed accessories like rubber frogs and ducks. This type of play directly supports sensory processing, mathematical thinking (pouring, measuring), and social play when multiple toddlers play together.

• Dual-compartment design for sand and water simultaneously
• Adjustable legs grow with your child
• Includes cover to keep clean when not in use
• Accessories included: cups, funnels, shovels

Pick #7

Spring is the perfect season to introduce toddlers to nature walks — and this explorer kit turns a simple backyard stroll into a genuine scientific expedition. The set includes a kid-safe magnifying glass, bug viewer, tweezers, a collection jar, and a waterproof nature journal. Whether they're examining a ladybug or collecting spring blossoms, this kit builds curiosity and a lifelong love of the outdoors.

• Shatterproof magnifying glass safe for toddlers
• Ventilated bug viewer for temporary catch-and-release
• Illustrated nature journal with spring prompts
• Fits in a small backpack for nature hikes

Pick #8

When late spring afternoons start warming up, a splash pad mat is an absolute lifesaver. Connect it to your garden hose and let the jets, sprinklers, and splash zones keep your toddler cool and active for hours. Unlike paddling pools, there's no drowning risk — toddlers can freely run, stomp, and slide on the non-slip surface. Pair it with the Lulla Land Head Protection Backpack for active splashing play without the worry of head bumps.

• Non-slip surface safe for running toddlers
• No drowning risk — water sprays upward, not pooling
• Connects to standard garden hose
• Easy fold-and-store after use

Pick #9

Balance bikes are one of the best spring investments for toddlers aged 18 months and up. By learning to steer and balance without pedals first, toddlers develop core strength, coordination, and confidence that makes transitioning to a pedal bike significantly easier. Spring is the ideal season to start — grassy lawns and paved paths offer perfect practice terrain. Look for an ultralight aluminum frame under 4 lbs so toddlers can handle the bike independently.

• No-pedal design builds balance and coordination first
• Ultralight aluminum frame — toddlers can lift it themselves
• Adjustable seat grows with your child from 18 months to 4 years
• Puncture-proof foam tires — zero maintenance

Pick #10

Spring crafts for toddlers and preschoolers hit differently when they happen outside. A double-sided art easel lets toddlers paint, draw, and create in the fresh air — one side is a whiteboard for dry-erase markers, the other is a chalkboard or paper roll holder for paint. Setting up this easel in the garden or on the patio transforms outdoor time into a full spring art session. A great addition to any daycare activity schedule or stay-at-home play routine.

• Double-sided: chalkboard + whiteboard or paper roll
• Adjustable height fits toddlers and preschoolers
• Folds flat for easy storage between sessions
• Includes starter chalk, clips, and paper roll