Summer Bucket List For Toddlers // #LiveLifeOutside

05This post was sponsored by TruGreen as part of Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

Ahh, summertime. I love being able to wear shorts and a tank top and enjoy the longer days, grass on my feet, and of course, the warm temps! Last summer, Bryce was only a few months old but now that he is an active 15 month toddler, we are soaking up every moment of times outdoors that we can.

We are big believers in outside play. Research shows that children who play outside are more physically active, more creative in their play, less aggressive and show better concentration. But children aren’t getting the time outside these days, sadly. A generation ago 75% of American kids played outside daily; nowadays, only 25% do. And unfortunately, instead of outdoor play children ages 8 to 18 devote an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes using entertainment media in a typical day. Pretty sad, right?

This summer, TruGreen wants us to spend more time outside creating memories with loved ones and experiencing the joys of nature and the outdoors, so they launched the #LiveLifeOutside 2016 Summer Sweepstakes where you can share photos and videos for the chance to win weekly prizes. Check it out!

I’ve seen a number of “bucket list” activities on Pinterest for kiddos, so I figured I’d make my own summer bucket list for toddlers that focuses on things outdoors (and share some photos from good ‘ol Instagram where we’ve been documenting our adventures). We’ve certainly had our share of fun summer activities, and we aren’t done yet!

Here’s our summer bucket list thus far:

-Enjoy popsicles on hot summer days. Check!
-Roast marshmallows and feel how sticky they are (and eat them, of course.)
-Do a summer race in the jogging stroller. Check!
-Head to the swimming pool! Check!
-Enjoy a kiddie pool in the backyard. Check!
-Go down (and in Bryce’s case, up) slides.
-Enjoy a band or concert outdoors. Check!
-Go to a drive-in movie (if they have enough patience for it!)
-Catch fireflies.
-Draw pictures, letters and numbers with chalk on the sidewalk. Check!
-Check out your local zoo! Check x 2!
-Have a picnic outside.
-Head to the local farmer’s market and work on naming the produce, colors, etc.
-Go to a local parade or touch-a-truck event. Check!
-Hit up a local orchard, farm, etc. and pick fruit that is in season.
-Beach day! Check! (and check out these genius beach hacks)
-Go to a fair or festival…we are thinking the Wisconsin State Fair or Renaissance Faire.
-Check out garage sales in your neighborhood—great way to meet people and score some nice deals on kids toys, clothes, etc.
-Visit the splash pad. Endless entertainment. Check!
-Play with those outdoor toys- lawn mower, Cozy coupe, water table…you name it! Check!
-Bubbles! (I highly recommend getting a bubble gun.) Check!
-Go to a baseball game. Check!
-Get a treat from the ice cream truck.
-Go on a nature walk and check out the plants/animals.
-Host a BBQ for family & friends or some other outdoor playdate.
-Hit up the playgrounds or visit a park you’ve never been to. Check!
-Run through the sprinkler.
-Go on a boat ride.
-Light sparklers.
-Grow a garden or plant flowers.
-Visit a local lake or pond and feed the ducks.

Don’t forget to share your photos in TruGreen’s #LiveLifeOutside sweepstakes for your chance to win weekly prizes! Put down the tablet, turn off the TV and be sure to spend more time outside creating memories with loved ones and experiencing the joys of the outdoors!