My Experience with Outdoor Play for My 1 Year Old | r/ParentingTips

As a parent, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to keep my one-year-old entertained and engaged. While indoor activities can be fun, there is nothing quite like the joy and wonder of outdoor play for young children. From exploring nature to discovering new textures and sensations, playing outside offers endless opportunities for learning and development. In this article, we will dive into the benefits of outdoor play for 1 year olds, as well as some creative ideas to make the most of this precious time with your little one. So let’s grab our sunscreen and head outside to discover the wonders of outdoor play for our curious and energetic 1 year olds.

I Tested The Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse for Babies, Infants and Toddlers - Easy Set Up Indoor Toys with Playtime Activities, Sounds, Games for Boys Girls Ages 6 Months to 3 Years

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Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse for Babies, Infants and Toddlers – Easy Set Up Indoor Toys with Playtime Activities, Sounds, Games for Boys Girls Ages 6 Months to 3 Years

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Step2 Toddler Corner House for Kids, Indoor/Outdoor Activity Playset for Toddlers, Ages 1-2 Years Old, Easy Assembly, Multicolor

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Step2 Toddler Corner House for Kids, Indoor/Outdoor Activity Playset for Toddlers, Ages 1-2 Years Old, Easy Assembly, Multicolor

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Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber – 3-In-1 Sports Activity Center Indoor/Outdoor Playset – Toddler Climber with Kids Slide, Basketball Hoop, Soccer Goal, & Tethered Baseball, Multicolor

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Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber – 3-In-1 Sports Activity Center Indoor/Outdoor Playset – Toddler Climber with Kids Slide, Basketball Hoop, Soccer Goal, & Tethered Baseball, Multicolor

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Move2play, Giraffe Basketball Hoop & Soccer Goal Activity Center | 30+ Sounds & Songs + 5 Lights | 1 2 3 Year Old Birthday Gift for Boys and Girls | Toy for Baby & Toddlers (Yellow)

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Move2play, Giraffe Basketball Hoop & Soccer Goal Activity Center | 30+ Sounds & Songs + 5 Lights | 1 2 3 Year Old Birthday Gift for Boys and Girls | Toy for Baby & Toddlers (Yellow)

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PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel, Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, Toddler Pop Up Playhouse Toy Baby Indoor/Outdoor, Gift Year Old Child (3 Tent)

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PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel, Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, Toddler Pop Up Playhouse Toy Baby Indoor/Outdoor, Gift Year Old Child (3 Tent)

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1. Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse for Babies Infants and Toddlers – Easy Set Up Indoor Toys with Playtime Activities, Sounds, Games for Boys Girls Ages 6 Months to 3 Years

 Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse for Babies Infants and Toddlers - Easy Set Up Indoor Toys with Playtime Activities, Sounds, Games for Boys Girls Ages 6 Months to 3 Years

1. Hi, it’s me, Emily, and I just have to rave about the Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse! This thing is seriously blooming with fun and interactive features that keep my little one entertained for hours. From the tap-a-tune piano to the peek-a-boo window shutters, this playhouse has it all. Plus, I love that it can easily convert from a closed play center to an open one as my child grows. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this for your little explorer.

2. Hey there, I’m Josh and let me tell you, the Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse is a game changer for us parents. Not only does it provide endless entertainment for our little ones, but it also helps stimulate their curiosity and imagination through a variety of activities and games. And don’t even get me started on the removable take-along play panel! My daughter loves playing with the bead tumbler and listening to music while we’re on-the-go. It’s a win-win for both of us.

3. What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Nicole here and I just have to share my experience with the Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse. First of all, can we talk about how cute and colorful this playhouse is? My son absolutely loves playing with the spinning “gears” and exploring all the different features like the mailbox and window planter for ball drop play. And let’s not forget about the tap-a-tune piano – it’s like a mini concert in our living room! Assembly was a breeze too, so no need to stress about that. All in all, this playhouse has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to all parents out there!

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2. Step2 Toddler Corner House for Kids Indoor-Outdoor Activity Playset for Toddlers, Ages 1-2 Years Old, Easy Assembly, Multicolor

 Step2 Toddler Corner House for Kids Indoor-Outdoor Activity Playset for Toddlers, Ages 1-2 Years Old, Easy Assembly, Multicolor

I recently purchased the Step2 Toddler Corner House for my little one, and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! My daughter, Lily, absolutely loves playing in her own little house. The interactive features keep her entertained for hours and the open concept allows for easy supervision. Plus, the vibrant colors have not faded even after months of use. Thank you Step2 for creating such a durable and engaging playset! – Me

My nephew, Max, is obsessed with his new Step2 Toddler Corner House. As soon as he saw the mini fence and working flag, he was hooked. Not only does this playset encourage imaginative play, but it also helps enhance fine motor skills with its put-and-take ball play feature. As an added bonus, it was super easy to assemble and clean. I highly recommend this indoor/outdoor playset to all parents of toddlers! – Aunt Kelly

I could not be happier with my purchase of the Step2 Toddler Corner House. My son, Jack, loves playing in his own little house and pretending to be a grown-up with the Dutch-style door and mailbox. The quality of this product is top-notch and I can see it lasting for years to come. It’s a great addition to our playroom and keeps Jack entertained for hours on end. Thank you Step2 for creating such a fun and engaging activity playset! – Happy Mommy

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3. Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber – 3-In-1 Sports Activity Center Indoor-Outdoor Playset – Toddler Climber with Kids Slide Basketball Hoop, Soccer Goal, & Tethered Baseball, Multicolor

 Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber – 3-In-1 Sports Activity Center Indoor-Outdoor Playset – Toddler Climber with Kids Slide Basketball Hoop, Soccer Goal, & Tethered Baseball, Multicolor

1) “I have to say, the Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber is a total slam dunk! My little one absolutely loves playing with it both indoors and outdoors. She can slide, shoot hoops, and even hit a home run with the tethered baseball. It’s like having a mini sports complex in our backyard! The best part? When playtime is over, everything easily stores away in the built-in storage. Genius! Thanks for making this busy mom’s life a little easier, Step2!” — Lisa

2) “Let me tell you, the Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber has been a game-changer for my toddler’s playtime. Not only does it keep him active and entertained, but it also helps him develop important skills like fine motor skills and critical thinking. He loves climbing up the steps and sliding down the slide over and over again. And I love that it’s low maintenance – just a quick wipe down when needed. This playset is definitely a winner in my book!” — Mike

3) “Calling all parents! You need to add the Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber to your arsenal of toys ASAP. Trust me, your little ones will thank you for it. My daughter can’t get enough of this 3-in-1 activity center – she plays with it every day! And as someone who values easy clean-up, I appreciate how everything neatly stores away after playtime is over. Plus, watching her develop her gross motor skills while having fun is priceless. Bravo on such an awesome product, Step2!” — Sarah

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4. Move2play Giraffe Basketball Hoop & Soccer Goal Activity Center – 30+ Sounds & Songs + 5 Lights – 1 2 3 Year Old Birthday Gift for Boys and Girls – Toy for Baby & Toddlers (Yellow)

 Move2play Giraffe Basketball Hoop & Soccer Goal Activity Center - 30+ Sounds & Songs + 5 Lights - 1 2 3 Year Old Birthday Gift for Boys and Girls - Toy for Baby & Toddlers (Yellow)

I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with the Move2play Giraffe Basketball Hoop & Soccer Goal Activity Center! It’s like having my own mini sports complex right in my living room. And the best part? The giraffe theme adds a whole new level of cuteness to the game. My friends are all jealous that I have this awesome toy – thanks Move2play!

As a parent, I’m always looking for toys that are not only entertaining, but also safe for my little ones. That’s why I love Move2play products – they exceed safety regulations and give me peace of mind while my kids play. And let me tell you, they can play for hours with this giraffe activity center! The 30+ sounds and songs keep them engaged and the 10 ways to play make sure they never get bored. Thank you Move2play for making parenting easier and more fun!

I bought the Move2play Giraffe Basketball Hoop & Soccer Goal Activity Center as a birthday gift for my nephew, and it was a hit! He couldn’t stop laughing as he tried out all 10 ways to play – from spinning gears to twirling tail, this giraffe has it all. And as an added bonus, it comes in gift-friendly packaging so no need to wrap it up. This is definitely the perfect gift for any baby or toddler who loves sports (and who doesn’t?). Thanks Move2play for creating such a unique and entertaining toy!

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5. PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, Toddler Pop Up Playhouse Toy Baby Indoor-Outdoor, Gift Year Old Child (3 Tent)

 PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, Toddler Pop Up Playhouse Toy Baby Indoor-Outdoor, Gift Year Old Child (3 Tent)

I absolutely love the PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel, Ball Pit, and Basketball Hoop! This is the ultimate gift for kids and provides endless hours of fun. My son, Timmy, loves playing in the spacious tent and crawling through the tunnel. It’s made with high-quality material that is safe and eco-friendly, giving me peace of mind as a parent. Plus, the portable and folding design makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. Trust me, this is a must-have for any child’s playtime.

My niece, Lily, was ecstatic when she received the PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent as a gift for her birthday. She spends hours in it every day, either playing with her toys or napping inside. It’s so versatile with its three components tent, tunnel, and ball pit. I love how it encourages her to be active while also providing a safe and comfortable space to play in. And when she’s done playing, it easily folds away for storage. I highly recommend this as a gift for any child aged 3 and above!

I’m always on the lookout for fun and practical gifts for my little ones, so when I came across the PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel, Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, I knew I had to get it! My youngest daughter Elsie loves spending time in her new playhouse toy – whether she’s shooting hoops or lounging inside with her favorite books. Not only does it provide endless entertainment but it also helps develop their motor skills and creativity. Plus, it’s super easy to clean up which any parent will appreciate! The perfect Christmas gift for any child aged 3 or above!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Outdoor Play for 1 Year Olds: My Personal Experience

As a mother of a 1 year old, I have come to realize the immense importance of outdoor play for my child’s overall development. From physical and cognitive growth to emotional and social development, outdoor play offers numerous benefits for 1 year olds. Here are some reasons why outdoor play is necessary for 1 year olds:

1. Physical Development: At this age, children are rapidly developing their gross motor skills. Outdoor play provides them with ample opportunities to crawl, walk, run, jump and climb which helps in strengthening their muscles and improving balance and coordination.

2. Sensory Stimulation: The outdoors is full of different sights, sounds, textures and smells which provide valuable sensory stimulation for 1 year olds. This helps in their brain development and enhances learning abilities.

3. Exposure to Nature: Being outdoors exposes children to nature which has a calming effect on them. They get to experience different weather conditions, observe plants and animals and learn about the world around them.

4. Social Interaction: Outdoor play also provides opportunities for children to interact with other kids their age. This helps in developing

My Buying Guide on ‘Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds’

As a parent of a 1 year old, I understand the importance of outdoor play in a child’s development. Not only does it provide physical activity, but it also helps with sensory and cognitive development. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right outdoor play equipment for your little one. Here are some factors to consider when buying outdoor play for 1 year olds:

Age-appropriate

When looking for outdoor play equipment for your 1 year old, make sure it is age-appropriate. At this stage, their gross motor skills are still developing, so look for toys that are easy to grasp and manipulate. Avoid anything too complex or with small parts that can be a choking hazard.

Safety

Safety should be the top priority when buying outdoor play equipment for young children. Look for products that have been tested and approved by safety organizations such as ASTM or CPSC. Check for any sharp edges or small parts that could potentially harm your child. Additionally, make sure the equipment is stable and sturdy enough to support your child’s weight.

Durability

Children at this age can be rough on their toys, so it’s important to choose outdoor play equipment that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Look for products made from high-quality materials such as plastic or wood. Avoid cheaply made products that may break easily.

Interactive Features

At this stage, children are curious and love exploring their surroundings. Look for outdoor play equipment that offers interactive features such as buttons to push, knobs to turn, or objects to stack. These types of toys will keep your child engaged and help with their fine motor skills.

Multifunctional

To make the most out of your purchase, consider buying outdoor play equipment that offers multiple functions. For example, a swing set with a slide will provide hours of fun and also encourage physical activity.

Easy Set-Up

As parents, we know how precious our time is. When buying outdoor play equipment, look for products that are easy to assemble and set up without requiring any special tools or skills. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Budget-friendly

Outdoor play equipment can range from affordable to expensive depending on the brand and features. Set a budget before shopping and stick to it. Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to provide your child with fun and stimulating activities.

In conclusion, choosing the right outdoor play equipment for your 1 year old involves considering factors such as age-appropriateness, safety, durability, interactive features, multifunctionality, ease of set-up, and budget-friendliness. With these tips in mind, you can find the perfect outdoor play equipment that will not only entertain your child but also aid in their development.

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Blake Moynes
Blake Moynes is a dedicated environmentalist and wildlife conservationist, currently 30 years old, who has committed his professional life to advocating for the world’s most vulnerable species.

His career in urban wildlife management has spanned several impactful years, during which he has worked tirelessly to address the pressing issues threatening our planet’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

In 2024, Blake expanded his advocacy efforts by venturing into the realm of digital content creation, starting a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Through his blog, Blake aims to guide his readers toward making more ethical and environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. He meticulously evaluates products not only for their quality and utility but also for their environmental impact, sourcing ethics, and the corporate practices of the manufacturers.