Best Nature Toys for Toddlers According to a Mom of Two Little Outdoorsmen

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Spending time in nature is something my husband and I have always enjoyed. When we had kids, it was very important to introduce them to the great outdoors early on so they would feel comfortable and happy to explore with us. Through some trial and error, we found that these are the best nature toys for toddlers:

1. Water table

A super simple way to introduce your little one to being outdoors and the joy that comes from playing with water is the water table. Your toddler may be slightly cautious at first, but once they get used to how water feels, they will gleefully scoop, splash and pour water down the wheels. These activities will prepare them for playing in larger bodies of water like creeks or even the ocean once they are a little bit bigger.

2. Bucket and shovel

Introducing your kids to nature doesn’t have to require anything fancy. A simple bucket and shovel are all you need to get your toddler interested in exploring dirt or streams. You can find a bucket and shovel set at the Dollar Tree and give your kids a source of endless fun without spending a bunch of money.

3. Binoculars

On a trip to Sequoia National Park, my then 4-year-old son begged for a pair of children’s binoculars from the gift shop. He spent the rest of our trip with those binoculars pressed up against his little face, looking up at the trees. And I am happy to say that those binoculars are still one of his favorite toys three years later! If you want a pair of binoculars for your toddler, look for a pair that is kid-friendly, durable, and waterproof so your little one can explore without worrying about them breaking.

4. Mini digger

One of the more surprising toys that has been a favorite in our backyard for years is the mini digger. My kids have spent hours digging dirt and snow with their mini diggers. This toy is also great for improving coordination and muscle coordination since it sits on wheels and has a chair that rotates.

5. Bug exploration kits

Kids are naturally curious about the creepy crawlies they find in the backyard, so instead of screaming and running and passing on an irrational fear of bugs (like I have), encourage their curiosity with a bug exploration kit. This bug exploration kit by National Geographic includes a net and tweezers so your kids can safely catch bugs and also a habitat container and magnifying glass so they can observe them. With the help of this kit, your kids will learn about different insects and how to treat them. 

6. Gardening tools

My kids love helping me in the garden. They take great pride in having their own jobs to do, making gardening a fun way for us to spend time together. That’s why I highly recommend getting your toddler their own set of gardening tools. A tool set with a small shovel, watering can, rake and gloves will generate interest in the garden, and they will be excited to see how their hard work allows plants to grow.

7. Nature scavenger hunt

If you’d like a fun activity for the whole family, pick up a nature scavenger hunt game. This is a great activity to do on a walk through the neighborhood or even on a long car ride. Each card has a list of items to look for – like acorns, sticks and worms that will encourage your little one to pay attention to their surroundings. Checking each item off the list will be so much fun!

Let’s get outside!

Now that the weather is finally warming up, pick up some of these toys and head outside! Encouraging simple activities like digging in the dirt, splashing in the water and helping around the garden will hopefully spark curiosity and appreciation for nature that lasts for years to come.

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