NewNestly Logo
Tell us your stage for picks that fitYour stage:Trying to conceiveYour stage:PregnancyYour stage:NewbornYour stage:InfantYour stage:Toddler
Choose stageChange
Your stages

Pick all that apply (Trying and Pregnancy are one or the other). The newest is shown; switch any time.

Remembered in this browser only. Links you open stay exactly as they are.

Personalization settings

Outdoor activities for 6–12 months

5 simple play ideas for little ones aged 6–12 months.

Always supervise play. These are play ideas, not developmental or medical advice.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure

Bubble chase

  • 6–36 months
  • 10 min
  • Outdoors
  • Indoors
  • Low mess

Blow bubbles for your little one to watch, reach and pop.

  • Moving
  • Senses

You’ll need

  • Bubbles
How to play
  1. Blow a few bubbles above your baby.
  2. Let them reach, clap or chase.
  3. Count the pops together.

Play safely: Keep the bubble mix out of reach.

Grass and blanket time

  • 3–12 months
  • 10 min
  • Outdoors
  • Low mess

Feeling grass and watching leaves move overhead.

  • Senses

You’ll need

  • Blanket
How to play
  1. Spread a blanket in a shady spot.
  2. Let your baby lie or sit near the edge to touch the grass.
  3. Look up together at leaves and clouds.

Play safely: Choose shade and check the grass for anything small first.

Picnic tummy time

  • 0–9 months
  • 15 min
  • Outdoors
  • Low mess

Tummy time in the fresh air on a picnic blanket.

  • Moving
  • Senses

You’ll need

  • Blanket
How to play
  1. Spread a blanket in the shade.
  2. Place your baby on their tummy for short stretches.
  3. Lie down facing them and chat.

Play safely: Stay with your baby, keep them shaded and out of direct sun.

Splashy water play

  • 6–36 months
  • 15 min
  • Indoors
  • Outdoors
  • Messy

Pouring and splashing with a few cups in shallow water.

  • Senses
  • Hands

You’ll need

  • Tub or bowl of water
  • Plastic cups
How to play
  1. Put a few centimetres of water in a tub or bowl.
  2. Add cups for pouring and scooping.
  3. Show how to fill and pour, then let them explore.

Play safely: Stay within arm’s reach around any water, and empty the tub straight after.

Narrated walk

  • 0–36 months
  • 30 min
  • Outdoors
  • Low mess

Talk through everything you see on a walk around the block.

  • Words & sounds
  • Senses

You’ll need

Nothing but you

How to play
  1. Head out with the stroller or carrier.
  2. Name what you see: trees, dogs, cars, clouds.
  3. Pause to let them look, touch a leaf or listen to a bird.
Get 3 ideas for your baby

More activity ideas