How to Encourage Independent Outdoor Play in Babies and Toddlers
When we think about independent play, we usually imagine preschoolers running around the yard or elementary-aged kids building forts and climbing trees. But what if I told you that independent outdoor play can start much earlier? In fact, even babies and toddlers are capable of playing independently outside—with a little guidance from us, of course!
Here’s the thing: outdoor independence doesn’t have to mean letting your child roam unsupervised. Read that again. Just so we’re clear — I’m NOT telling you to put your baby or toddler outside and leave them without so much as checking on them. Although, I have read that parents in Scandinavian countries let their babies nap in their pram outside of restaurants sooo…
What I’m talking about is giving your child space to explore at their own pace, without constantly directing their play. Let me paint you a picture of what independent play can look like for both babies and toddlers:
Independent Outdoor Play for Babies (6-18 months)
You might be wondering, "How on earth can a baby play independently outside?" While they obviously need close supervision, babies are natural explorers—the outdoors provides a rich sensory experience for them!
Here are some ways babies can engage in outdoor independent play:
Tummy Time on a Blanket: Spread out a soft blanket in a shady spot and let your baby enjoy tummy time while looking at leaves overhead. As they reach for grass, flowers, or nearby toys, they’re already practicing independent movement and exploration.
Sensory Play: Place your baby in a safe outdoor space with natural materials—think smooth stones, pinecones, or leaves. While supervised, allow them to feel the textures with their hands and feet. As they experiment with touching and holding, they’re gaining early independence in interacting with their environment.
Water Exploration: On warm days, set up a shallow tub of water and let your baby splash and pat the surface. Babies love water play, and even the simplest splashes provide sensory stimulation. While you watch nearby, they can explore the feel and sound of water at their own pace. A water table or even a few bowls of water with cups or scoops was always a huge hit with my early toddlers!
What does independent play look like at this age?
It’s less about being physically distant and more about allowing your baby to engage with the world without constant intervention. Babies are naturally curious, and being given the freedom to explore early on will help to build the foundation for self-guided play in the future.
Independent Outdoor Play for Toddlers (18-36 months)
As your child reaches toddlerhood, their desire for independence skyrockets. You’ve probably already noticed your little one trying to do everything fo themselves! This is the perfect time to introduce longer stretches of independent outdoor play while still keeping a close watch.
Here’s how independent outdoor play might look for toddlers:
Digging and Exploring: Give your toddler a small trowel or shovel and let them dig in the dirt or sand. Toddlers love repetitive actions like scooping, and it’s the perfect way for them to practice focus and autonomy. Plus, digging can turn into a full-on excavation project in their eyes! 🔍
Collecting “Nature Treasures”: Provide a small basket or bucket and encourage your toddler to gather “treasures” from the yard—like pinecones, rocks, or flowers. This activity promotes decision-making and allows them to explore their surroundings independently. Bonus: they’ll be so proud to show off their collection afterward!
Water Play with Buckets and Cups: Toddlers are often OBSESSED with water. Mine were…still are! Set them up with a few cups, a bucket of water, and watch as they pour, splash, and scoop for ages. It’s a simple, engaging way for them to explore cause and effect while staying absorbed in solo play.
Imaginary Play with Natural Objects: Toddlers are also just starting to dive into imaginative play. Give them some smooth rocks or sticks and let their creativity take over. You might see them pretending a stick is a spoon or making rock “families.” This unstructured, open-ended play is a great way for them to entertain themselves and build storytelling skills.
What does independent play look like at this age?
For toddlers, independent play means short bursts of solo exploration. They’ll likely come check in with you periodically — which is totally normal and age appropriate so don’t expect to make a significant dent in that book you wanted to read — but you’ll notice they’ll happily return to their activity without much prompting. Over time, these bursts will get longer and more independent.
Why Start So Early?
Starting independent outdoor play at a young age helps build confidence, creativity, and a sense of autonomy that grows with your child. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and capable, so giving them opportunities to explore the world at their own pace sets the stage for a childhood full of independent play.
Suggestions for Starting Independent Play Outdoors
Create a Safe Play Area: For both babies and toddlers, make sure your outdoor space is safe and free from hazards. Use a playpen or fenced-in area if needed, so your little one can explore without you hovering.
Stay Nearby, But Not Overly Involved: It’s important to be present but not always interacting. Let your child engage with the space while you observe from a slight distance. This gives them the freedom to explore while knowing you’re still close if needed.
Start Small: For babies, just 5-10 minutes of outdoor time is plenty. For toddlers, you can start with 15 minutes and gradually increase the time as they get used to playing on their own. Over time, they’ll grow more confident and independent in their play!
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re interested in fostering independent outdoor play for your little one—even as early as 6 months—I’ve created a guide to help you do just that! My Clingy to Confident: 14-Day Guide to Independent Outdoor Play is packed with tips and strategies to help your baby or toddler start playing on their own while developing important skills along the way.
Want to get on the waitlist? Click here and you’ll be the first to know when the guide goes live AND receive an exclusive discount!
