Spring is such a fun time, especially with little ones. The air is fresh and warming up, and it just makes everyone feel better after winter. And, every year, we always end up pulling out our favorite toddler must haves for spring.
In the spring, we try to get out as much as we can. Even if it’s a bit chilly, it’s worth getting outside for some sun. Of course, not every day is like that. Some days turn rainy and we spend the time playing games and activities inside.
Either way, spring always feels like a fresh start after a long, cold winter. And no matter what we do, these are the essentials we keep coming back for every spring.
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Enjoying Spring With Toddlers
Before we get into the essential must haves any toddler needs for spring, let’s talk about making the most of your time together.
Spring is kind of a weird time when it comes to activities and play time. Both toddlers and moms want to get outside and into the fresh air. The winter has left you both feeling stir crazy and ready to get out.
But more likely than not, you also frequently have that plan thwarted by rain showers and yucky weather. And there are few things more frustrating that needing to get out and expend energy, only to be stuck inside for another day.
As you get ready to enjoy spring with your little one, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.
Tips For Toddlers In The Spring
Spring is a welcome breathe of fresh air after being mostly inside all winter. But it’s also the perfect circumstances for frustration to build if the weather isn’t cooperating. Here’s some tips to keep you and your toddler calm on rainy days.
1. Don’t let the mud stop you!
Alright, I know mud is not a mom’s best friend. But girl, don’t let the mud stop you.
Dress appropriately, take a deep breathe of fresh air, and allow your toddler to enjoy it. You might even find yourself having fun too.
Worse case, you both go straight to the shower to get cleaned up when you’re done. And if it’s truly bad, use a hose to rinse off outside before coming in.
Just be sure to give your child a warm bath or shower to warm up again. You don’t want to have anyone end up sick from getting chilled.
2. Use activity packs for rainy days
Even if you’re up for mud, there will inevitably be days where getting outside just isn’t feasible. But that doesn’t mean you both have to go crazy.
Rainy days are perfect for breaking out activity packs for some inside fun. Activities are a great way to have controlled fun, without anyone acting crazy. Bonus points if the activities are spring themed!
Toddler Must Haves For Spring
Alright, let’s talk about our family’s toddler must haves for spring. These are some of our most used and favorite items during spring time.
No matter what fun things we do and plan, we always come back around to these to make our time the best it can be.
Rain boots
First thing’s first, your toddler needs some good rain boots! No matter where you live, having a good pair of rain boots is a definite spring must have, both for toddlers and you.
For your toddler, I highly recommend getting a pair with handles. The handles make it so much easer for your toddler to get the boots on themselves. So when your toddler insists on doing it himself, it won’t take forever to get them on. It’s really a win for both of you.
Windbreaker
Along with rain boots, be sure to also grab a good windbreaker for your toddler. While it’s beginning to warm up, spring can also be a bit chilly. But you don’t want a jacket so warm that your toddler insists on taking it off.
Ideally, you want a windbreaker with a light lining in it—just enough to keep them warm without overheating. I also recommend one that has a waterproof exterior. You know, so when they inevitably jump in every single puddle, they aren’t soaking wet.
A good windbreaker will allow your toddler to explore and enjoy the spring. And without you having to worry about them getting cold and wet!
Bucket And Shovel
While this may sound more like a summer must have, it’s an important part of any toddler spring must haves list. I don’t think I’ve met a toddler yet that didn’t like to dig in the dirt. And don’t even get me started on collecting things in the bucket!
Truth is, a shovel and bucket have nearly unlimited uses for toddlers. It doesn’t even have to be expensive. An inexpensive sand bucket and shovel work just fine.
Activity Pack (indoor & outdoor activities)
While we all want to get outside in the spring, the reality is that some days that’s just not possible. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your rainy days inside going crazy. Bad weather days are perfect days to break out an activity pack for some indoor fun.
Let’s be real, coming up with activities that your toddler thinks are fun is hard work. And if you want them to learn something during activity time, it’s even more challenging. But it doesn’t have to be.
I created Busy Bee Learning, an activity pack for toddlers, to help you enjoy activity time with your toddler. Packed with 50 different activities, your toddler will learn important skills while also having fun. It’s truly a must have for restless days inside!
Radio Flyer Wagon
Every toddler needs a good wagon. We’ve personally loved the Radio Flyer wagon we were given by some friends.
Wagons are good for so many things. They’re another great versatile item to have in your arenol of activities. Use the wagon to give wagon rides, or let your toddler fill it up with sticks and other “treasures” they find.
Bike
Whether it’s a bike with training wheels or a tricycle, every toddler needs a bike to ride in the spring. While it might not be a critical life skill, riding a bike is a skill every kid should learn at some point. And bike riding is a fun activity for toddlers to start learning.
I couldn’t find the exact one we found for Elijah, but we found him a Paw patrol bike (similar to the one linked) with training wheels last summer. He’s still working on learning to petal consistently, but it’s now one of his favorite things to do outside.
Sidewalk Chalk
No matter what we do or have planned, it’s pretty much a guarantee that at some point Elijah will ask for his sidewalk chalk. Honestly, it’s probably the one must have item we couldn’t do without.
Drawing with chalk is a great motor skill activity for toddlers. And it works their imaginations! If you want to turn it into a learning activity, you can easily do so by asking your child to name the colors they are using. It’s also an easy way to set up other activities.
While any chalk will do, we like to use Play Day sidewalk chalk. It’s pretty inexpensive, works well, and lasts forever.
Tonka Dump Truck
This spring must haves will probably appeal more to a boy toddler than a girl—although you may be surprised. But I have to say, our son does love his Tonka dump truck. I’m pretty sure kids love just about anything that they can pile all their sticks and rocks into.
No matter how your toddler uses it, a Tonka truck is a solid pick for outside toys. Just be sure to get the steel truck! It’s a bit more money, but it’s 100% worth it. The steel trucks last forever—my family literally had one my entire childhood and it always held up great.
Bubbles
I feel like a lot of people associate bubbles with summer, but the truth is they also make a great spring activity. As long as it’s not too windy, it’s a good day to blow some bubbles.
If your toddler isn’t able to blow the bubbles themselves, and you’re not into blowing countless bubbles, I highly recommend getting a bubble gun. Bubble guns allow your toddler to blow all they bubbles they could want with a touch of a button.
We got Elijah a bubble gun last summer and he absolutely loved it. Just be aware that bubble guns do go through a lot of bubble making liquid, so stock up on bubbles if you’re going to go this route.
Bug Catcher
Spring time is full of bugs, and catching them makes for a great learning activity. I can’t even tell you how many times we’ve used our son’s bug catcher already this year.
Ideally you want a bug catcher with a magnifying glass attached. That way, your toddler can see the bugs up close. I couldn’t find the exact one we have, but the set we have includes this bug viewer. Honestly, we use the bug viewer the most out of everything in the set.
Catching bugs is a great way for little ones to learn about nature!
What are your Spring must haves for toddlers?
That’s it for our spring must haves for out toddler! While they may seem simple, these ten items are the things we come back for over and over again in the spring.
What are your child’s must haves for spring? Are any of my top ten among the things you and your toddler keep coming back to?
Abby, we still have the same steel Tonka truck, in our shed, waiting for all of our grandchildren to play with.
Love, Dad(Papa, to Elijah)
That’s awesome! Don’t ever get rid of that thing! lol