Summer with a baby is a little bit magical – there’s something about the warm breeze, ice cream dribbles and dappled light through trees that brings out our own inner child. But when you’re in the thick of it with a little one—between the nappy changes and the snacks (so many snacks)—it helps to have a few ready-to-go ideas to make the most of the season. These 20 gentle, joy-filled activities are perfect to try with your baby this summer—stress-free, sometimes mess-free and designed with your sanity in mind!
Bonus: Twinkl Parents have a wealth of free baby-friendly resources, so pop the kettle on and have a little scroll when you’ve got a minute.
1. Have a Picnic
Lay out a blanket in the garden or the park, grab a banana and voila—summer magic. Need more inspiration? Try the Baby Bakers’ My First Summer Picnic Recipes for baby-safe, sunshine-ready snacks.
2. Do Some Summer Baking
Even the smallest of babies can enjoy the sights and smells of the kitchen. Twinkl’s My First Summer Recipes are lovely and simple. It’s not Bake Off, it’s just a bit of floury fun.
3. Make a Handprint or Footprint Keepsake
Because nothing says ‘summer baby’ like painted toes and proud parental tears! Check out this My First Handprints and Footprints Summer Pack for ideas.
4. Get Snappy
Capture those gummy grins, sandy toes and ice lolly faces this summer. Twinkl’s Baby’s First Summer Memories printable helps you keep track of the tiny, magical moments that melt into the bigger ones.
5. Start a Summer Scrapbook
Stick in photos, feathers, leaves, scribbles—whatever you can collect without them eating it. It’s a lovely way to reflect on just how much your little one has grown in a single season.
6. Make Your Own Ice Cream Parlour
A brilliant bit of pretend play for tiny toddlers (and excellent for big siblings too). Twinkl’s Imaginative Play Ice Cream Parlour Pack has everything you need to get scooping.
7. Create a Summer Busy Tray
Fill a tray with safe bits and bobs to explore—flowers, citrus slices, water play… and let the chaos commence. Need help setting one up? Try Twinkl’s Summer Tuff Tray Ideas.
8. Have a Rainy Day Plan
Because summer in the UK loves a surprise downpour! Twinkl’s Rainy Day Survival Pack for Babies is bursting with baby-safe, boredom-busting ideas.
9. Go for a Walk with a Twist
Take the buggy or the sling and your best walking shoes and head out for a nature hunt. These My First Out and About Flashcards are brilliant for pointing and babbling at birds, buses and bees.
10. Build a Sensory Garden Box
Think lavender, mint, feathers and soft grass. A shallow tray or even a washing-up bowl can become an outdoor adventure for curious fingers.
11. Try Summer Weaning Recipes
If you’re in the weaning stage, summer is a great excuse to explore fresh new flavours. Twinkl’s Summer Weaning Recipes are free to access and full of fun.
12. Paint Outdoors
Water and brushes on a fence, edible paint on paper or even yoghurt finger painting on a tray—embrace the mess!
13. Colour and Chill
For slightly older tots, a bit of quiet scribbling time gives you a moment to sip something cool. The My First A-Z of Summer Colouring Pack is a winner for this.
14. Paddle (Puddles Optional)
Whether it’s a paddling pool, a beach trip, or a very cheeky kitchen sink moment, let them splash to their heart’s content.
15. Have a Bubbles Bonanza
All you need is a bottle of bubbles and an open space. There’s something about bubbles that makes babies go wide-eyed with glee.
16. Play Peekaboo Under a Parasol
Instant shade, instant giggles. Plus, you’ll feel like the world’s most glamorous baby entertainer.
17. Dance in the Garden
Stick on your favourite playlist and have a boogie in the sunshine. Baby wearing optional – but highly recommended.
18. Plan Your Summer Childcare
If you’re working through the holidays, planning ahead is key. This Childcare Planner from Twinkl is a great way to get everything sorted (and keep your stress levels in check).
19. Freeze Some Fun
Ice cubes with blueberries, frozen yoghurt dots or just a cool flannel on hot feet – these frozen adventures are sensory, soothing and surprisingly entertaining.
20. Do Absolutely Nothing!
Sometimes, the loveliest days are the ones where you just lie on a picnic blanket, listen to the birds and let your baby play with a wooden spoon. No agenda. No rush. Just being.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and remember, if summer with a baby feels like a juggle between naps and snacks and suncream and sanity, you’re not alone. The beauty is in the small things: a giggle, a nap in the pram or a sandwich in the sunshine. And with Twinkl’s growing library of free baby resources, you can enjoy a summer of activity inspiration, tiny adventures, gentle joy and all the watermelon your baby can mush into the carpet.
If you found the information in this blog useful, we would love to hear from you! Why not join the conversation over in our Facebook Parents Group or Instagram?
- Check out Twinkl Kids TV or Twinkl Parents for many educational videos on various aspects of the school curriculum.
- Twinkl Go’s the place for lots of fun interactive educational games.
- The Homework Help has a wealth of information waiting for your child.
- Twinkl Yum is another go-to place for delicious recipes.
- Your child will love the inspirational books on offer at Twinkl Originals.
- Twinkl Crafts is the place to go for crafts for kids.
You can find more detailed information about the Twinkl Ultimate subscription service here or read more about how superior the Ultimate Subscription is here. You can enjoy reading the When to Start Reading to Your Baby blog to start you off or the Supporting Reading at Home and Twinkl’s reading at home Top Tips! to provide you with everything you need to know to feel as confident in supporting your child as possible. Most importantly, this How to Make Reading Fun blog will guide you in how to enjoy reading at home with your child to lay the foundations for a future love of reading.
Disclaimers –
This blog post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. As this blog post refers to outdoor activities, small items/loose parts which may present a choking risk, sharp equipment, sensory activities, hot appliances, food items/ingredients, bicarbonate of soda, physical activity, and outdoor learning, you must ensure that an adequate risk assessment is carried out before using this blog post. Whilst it is a safe food ingredient, bicarbonate of soda may cause illness if ingested in large amounts. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the allergies and health conditions of anyone making or consuming these products. Sensory activities can engage children in their play and learning, but supervising adults should check for allergens and assess any potential risks before the activity and only proceed if it is safe to do so. It is your responsibility to decide whether to carry out the activity at all and, if you do, to ensure that the activity is safe for those participating. You may wish to take guidance as to whether and how participants should warm up before taking part in any activity, and carefully assess any environmental risks to be sure participants have a safe space in which to take part. Outdoor areas provide great opportunities for playing and learning, but you should always check any environmental risks before taking part in outdoor activities, and only proceed if it is safe to do so. You should ensure that children wash their hands after being outside, and are respectful of nature, taking care of animals and plants. Twinkl is not responsible for the health and safety of your group or environment. It is your responsibility to ensure the blog post and the information/activity it contains are safe and appropriate to use in your situation.
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