You don’t need a big budget to make beautiful memories with your little one. Some of the best bonding moments happen outdoors, surrounded by nature, with nothing but time, curiosity and a few snacks. At Bonya, we know that parenting means finding joy in the everyday, and we’re here for it.
Whether you’re parenting on a tight budget or just looking for fresh, free ideas, here are our favourite outdoor activities for babies and toddlers. These are fun, development-boosting and totally cost-free.
1. Go on a sensory nature walk
Grass under tiny toes. Leaves crunching under the buggy. Birds overhead. A nature walk is full of sights, sounds and textures that support your baby’s sensory development.
🍼 Baby tip: Let your baby feel different textures, like smooth stones or soft leaves (supervised, of course).
🚼 Toddler twist: Turn it into a scavenger hunt. “Can you find a stick? A feather? Something yellow?”
2. Visit your local playground
Your toddler’s dream day out might already be down the road. Slides, swings, climbing frames, even if your baby’s not quite climbing yet, they’ll love watching other children play.
🍼 Baby tip: Securely hold them on a baby swing or just sit on the grass and watch the world go by.
🚼 Toddler twist: Challenge them to try something new - “Can you climb the ladder all by yourself?”
3. Feed the ducks (with baby-safe snacks)
A trip to the pond or canal is always a hit. Watch the ducks swim, splash and waddle. Just bring oats, peas or corn, bread isn’t great for ducks!
🍼 Baby tip: Great visual stimulation, even just watching the ducks is exciting.
🚼 Toddler twist: Help them gently toss oats and count the ducks as they come close.
4. Cloud spotting or sky-gazing
Lay down a blanket and look up. Trees swaying, birds flying, clouds drifting, nature’s mobile is on full display.
🍼 Baby tip: This is calming and mesmerising for little ones.
🚼 Toddler twist: Turn it into a game. “Can you see a cloud that looks like an elephant?”
5. Explore your garden (or a friend's!)
Set up a simple sensory patch in your garden. A bowl of water, a few stones, some grass, petals or safe herbs, anything your baby can safely touch and explore.
🍼 Baby tip: Let baby feel and splash, outdoors is easier to clean up!
🚼 Toddler twist: Ask them to “make a potion” or play chef with leaves and mud.
6. Go bug hunting
Under a log, on a tree stump, in the grass, bugs are everywhere. A backyard safari can be a magical experience.
🍼 Baby tip: Point and describe what you see to boost early language skills.
🚼 Toddler twist: Count how many ladybirds or ants you find. Bring a notepad to make a checklist for extra fun.
7. Take a “colour walk”
This one’s great for toddlers. Choose a colour (“Let’s find red today!”) and look for it everywhere, on flowers, signs, clothes, berries, bins…
🚼 Toddler twist: Let them choose the colour and see who can find it first!
8. Make the most of free outdoor events
Local councils, libraries, and parks often run free baby and toddler events, story time in the park, outdoor messy play, nature clubs. Check Facebook, community boards or your local council website.
9. Pavement Picasso
Got some chalk? You’ve got a masterpiece in the making. Let your toddler draw on the pavement, garden slabs or patio walls (it washes off with rain or water).
🍼 Baby tip: Let baby watch you draw shapes or faces, great for visual stimulation.
🚼 Toddler twist: Try drawing a hopscotch or a simple obstacle course they can run, jump or tiptoe through.
10. Garden music jam
Grab some pots, wooden spoons, empty bottles with rice, or anything that makes a safe sound, and take the music outdoors.
🍼 Baby tip: Tap gently to the beat and let baby hold (or bash) soft items.
🚼 Toddler twist: Challenge them to copy your rhythms or make their own “band.”
Checklist: What to pack for outdoor adventures with baby or toddler
✔️ Nappies and wipes
✔️ A change of clothes (for baby *and* you)
✔️ Snacks or formula
✔️ A blanket for impromptu sit-downs
✔️ Sun hat or raincoat (hello, UK weather)
✔️ Small toys or books for down-time
✔️ Water bottle and baby-safe sunscreen
✔️ Baby carrier or pram for longer walks
You don’t need soft play memberships, high-end toys or pricey baby classes to enjoy quality time. Just a patch of grass, a curious mind, and a bit of sunshine.
💚 For more budget-friendly parenting ideas, feeding advice and support, visit the Bonya Formula Fog Hub.
