The days are warmer, the birds are chirping, and spring is finally here. And while we love seeing all the blooms, bugs, and muddy puddles popping up all over the place, we’re not quite sure we want to invite all those natural elements into our house (especially that rainy day mud). But not to worry, these spring sensory activities for babies and toddlers focus on all the outdoor elements they love without messing up the place.
If you’ve got flowers, you’ve got everything you need for a spring sensory activity. Get a bin, and fill it with water, flowers, leaves, and whatever else you think will be engaging, give your baby or toddler a spoon and a cup and watch them get to work. Of course, if you’ve got a mouthy babe, be sure to watch them at all times.
2. Muddy Truck Sensory Bin
If you're not up for playing in actual mud, make your own! This spring sensory bin from Mama. Papa. Bubba is safe for kids to sneak a taste of and smells delicious. Why? Because it's made with cocoa powder! Littles can move the trucks around so they make muddy tracks, as well feeling the texture of the mud with their fingers. You can even add small scoopers and measuring cups for new ways to experience the mud. You may want to lay down a towel or plastic tablecloth underneath to help contain the mess.
Pop by any preschool classroom and you’re likely to find kids and parents equally enamored with water beads. Something about their squishy texture just screams “Play with me!” However, because they aren’t edible, sharing them with young children means getting creative. Meri Cherry has the great idea to fill resealable bags with these beads, seal ‘em up with duct tape, and let your little one squish, mush, and roll to their heart’s content (under your supervision, of course).
Nature lovers will be entranced by this eye-catching sensory bag from Hands On As We Grow. Head out to your backyard or local park to gather pretty leaves and flowers, and then craft the suncatcher with your child for a perfect spring sensory activity.
From our friends at Fun at Home with Kids comes this edible (safe for babies and toddlers) spring sensory activity that uses basil seeds instead of the more common water beads. These seeds absorb water, resulting in a squishy, jelly-like consistency, and can be dyed any color you like. From there, your little one can scoop, pour, fill, empty, press, swirl, and more—all without you worrying about a choking hazard. To bring spring alive in this bin, be sure to add fun touches like plastic farm animals, tractor toys, and even fabric flowers to the mix.
If you have plastic Easter eggs, put them to good use with this fun idea from Little Bins for Little Hands Inside each egg, place a balloon filled with items of different textures, such as rice, baking soda, or flour.
We love this cheery sensory bin idea from In the Playroom incorporates straw and little chicks. The littles can practice their counting, hide the chicks in the straw, and feel the different textures.
Little ones who don't mind getting their hands dirty will love searching for insects and bugs in this dirt-filled sensory bin from Learn, Play Imagine. Be sure to use larger plastic bugs (that aren't choking hazards) for your baby.
Does your little one put everything in their mouth? Katie of Happily Ever Mom shows you how to turn regular bread into a rainbow-colored activity for your little one to crunch, smash, and have fun manipulating. Because it's edible, you don't have to worry about baby taking a nibble.
This easy spring sensory activity is best for toddlers since you’ll need dried black beans to create the “soil.” Throw in a few fake plants and flowers and let your kiddo dig to their heart’s content.
Gabby’s Cat Friend Ship is a hot gift for three-year-olds this holiday season
The holidays for three-year-olds are pure magic. For parents, the festive season can also be a whirlwind of commitments and to-dos. So, if you’re looking for help to narrow down your gift list or need some inspiration for presents that encourage the little ones in your life to explore, stretch their imagination, and discover their own way to have fun, keep reading. From indoor forts to Paw Patrol playsets, these gifts for three-year-olds will keep things merry and bright. Wondering what to get the other kiddos in your life? Check out our guides for two-year-olds, preschoolers, and grade school kids!
Barbie Dreamhouse Playset
There's no Mojo Dojo Casa here! The 2023 version of the iconic dollhouse is the perfect mix of iconic and modern.
Kids can watch classic Little Golden Books like The Pokey Little Puppy on this nostalgic projector that’s easy to use, plays music, and can also be used as a night light and white noise machine.
Future veterinarians can put their animal care-taking skills to the test with this barnyard play set from schleich®. Loaded with realistic farm accessories and animal figurines (like a cow, calf, piglet, cat, and dove), toddlers will love feeding the flock and fetching hay with a working winch.
Little ones can chop, dice, and saute with this pretend Dutch oven that makes real cooking noises, and with the help of a little water, steams up their “dinner.”
Speed-loving tots will get thrills behind the wheel of this interactive dashboard that lets them make phone calls, drive around different tracks, listen to traffic reports, and even head to the gas station to count how many gallons are needed to fill up.
Introducing young kids to the world of LEGO is always a good idea, and this new set is filled with pets, kids, grandparents, and lots of accessories for pretend play.
Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.
The newest addition to the Gabby's Dollhouse world is this cute cruise ship that will attach to the original dollhouse. It comes with furniture and two friends!
With 30 mini snacks and activity cards, kids can learn about counting, matching, and other skills with this adorable set that also encourages creative play.
They’re at the age where setting up high tea for their beloved stuffies is always fun. This adorable set has a cake too, and comes daintly arranged on a cheerful tray.
Rubble & Crew Backyard Construction Bark Yard Play Set
Kids will build to their heart’s content with their own version of Rubble’s construction crane tower. It also includes a bulldozer and molding sand to make bricks.
Not only is this game a work of art, but it’s a fun game for young kids. Match up the different trucks including an ice cream truck, a robot supplies truck, and even a school bus.
Portable and lightweight, this doodling board comes with its own stylus, kids can create and erase with the push of a button, and it comes in a wide variety of colors.
From the LEGO Duplo Dream Town Playground to the Gobbler 3-Wheel Scooter, these holiday gifts for 2-year-olds are perfect for busy little ones
Toddlers, specifically 2-year-olds, are developing at a rapid pace and they’re known to bounce from one activity to the next at warp speed. Finding gifts that keep them engaged, nurture their curiosity, and spark excitement is like striking holiday gold. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of unique gifts for 2-year-olds that are up for the task. From games that get kids counting to toys that teach how to communicate emotions to a racetrack that offers hours of fun—here are the best gifts for 2-year-olds this season. Got kids of other ages? Check out our top picks for gifts for 18-24 month-olds, teens and tweens, and babies!
LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven
LeapFrog
This oven does it all. Counting and cooking, serving and sharing; this is preschool prep for little chefs. Complete with 16 fun ingredients and easy take-and-go play—everything fits right inside.
VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Spiral Construction Tower™
VTech
Get ready for some construction fun with this giant construction tower set. Over 4’ wide and over 2’ tall, this set has a giant spiral ramp, a bridge, a crane, a conveyer belt, elevator, and more! Cruise over each Smartoint® on the playset to hear revved up responses that drive learning!
How chic is this play kitchen? A play phone, chalkboard, and towel rack add to the realism (but we do have to warn you—please don't try to put it together the night before).
Create colorful roads anywhere—tables, cardboard boxes, floors, and more. (This is one of those things that definitely requires parental help to set up.)
Your 2 year old can practice sorting and color recognition by organizing each car into their own garage and opening and closing them with their coordinating colored key.
KiwiCo's Sensory Play Lightbox is museum-inspired to light up each shape to let them mix and match, see how each shape fits together, and shows them how different colors blend to create new hues.
A classic baby doll with realistic features, soft-to-the-touch materials, and easy-care cleaning. This one is definitely a doll they'll love for years.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Reverse your bad luck with some seriously sweet ways to spend this superstitious day
On Friday the 13th there’s no reason to get superstitious about bad luck: try doing some seriously fun things in numbers of 13. We can’t promise you good luck, but we can guarantee a baker’s dozen of smiles. Read on for our ideas.
1. Stand on one foot for 13 seconds. Too easy? Transition to the other foot for 13 without falling. Still need a bigger challenge, raise your hands up and down 13 times.
2. Write a poem with only 13 words.
3. Get out the jump rope and hop 13 times in a row without messing up. If you’re out of practice, this can be trickier than it sounds.
4. Make a baker’s dozen! Make a dozen cookies + one for the baker to test.
5. Create a drawing that has all of these 13 different things: a bunny, a superhero, a magical creature, a forest, a tiny house, a castle, a flower bed, a skyscraper, a truck, a river, a kid, a boat, a bridge. (Or pick your own list of 13 things!)
6. Sound out 13 animal sounds (for example, a dog’s bark, a cat’s meow, a lion’s roar, etc.)
7. Get out a deck of cards and sort them into the four suites. Count each stack (hint: there are 13 in each).
8. Tell your kiddo 13 things you love about them (and ask them the same about you or another family member).
9. Name 13 things that start with the letter T.
10. Find a word that has 12 other rhyming words. (Hint: “fry” works!)
11. Do 13 jumping jacks.
12. Make a dish with 13 ingredients (pizza works well for this, and yes you can count the yeast and flour).
13. Give out 13 kisses for Friday the 13th. This should be an easy one.
It’s some-bunny’s first Easter and we’ve got the basket stuffers to make it memorable
Another “first” is around the corner! There’s nothing better than watching your baby experience their first, well, anything. From their first laugh to the first time they pet a dog and everything in between, we moms love firsts. Holidays are definitely some of the most exciting firsts to celebrate, so with Easter coming up next month, it’s time to start planning. Those giggly photo ops don’t just happen, and filling your baby’s first Easter basket with goodies to make them smile big is a must!
Of course, whether you’re Team Candy or not, chocolate bunnies aren’t exactly the best thing for your little-little ones. We put together a list of the best first Easter basket ideas that are candy-free but still oh-so-sweet! There are cuddly stuffies, adorable toys, comfy Easter-pic-ready outfits they can get to hopping in (if they’re ready for that sort of thing, that is). Get ready to pack their baskets with the best baby-friendly Easter surprises, and don’t forget to post those precious moments to your Tinybeans App! Your family and friends are gonna want to Peep these pics!
Loulou Lollipop Silicon Bunny Teether
LouLou Lollipop
With two tasty food-grade-silicone ears to nibble on and a soft handle to grab onto, there's a lot for babies to love about this soothing teether!
These GUND baby booties will look adorable while keeping your newborn's toes warm and cozy. The fluffy lambs (size 0-3 months) attach with hook and loop fasteners and have a gentle rattle inside to entrance your little one! Machine washable.
KiwiCo created this adorable baby piano/xylophone for little hands! Big keys and egg shakers mean they'll learn to love music early and have so much fun doing it, long after Easter!
Copper Pearl is known for luxurious fabrics with darling designs, and this set of 4 bibs is no exception! They're made of 100% cotton on the front to absorb drool and 100% fleece on the back that keeps babies dry and feels soft against the skin.
Little Naturalists: Beatrix Potter Wrote Stories (BabyLit) Board book
Amazon
Best known for her children's book The Tale of Peter Rabbit, English author Beatrix Potter wrote 23 children's stories and was a talented artist. In this sweet rhyming board book, we learn about her love for animals and how she left more than 4,000 acres to the National Trust! Beatrix Potter Wrote Stories is part of Gibbs Smith's Little Naturalists book series, which includes children's books on other famous naturalists, including Jane Goodall, John James Audobon, George Washington Carver, Wangari Maathai and more.
This adorable wide-brim hat provides full sun protection and stays on thanks to a tie chin strap. It has UPF 50+ sun protection and keeps baby cool with lightweight, quick-dry material and a wicking liner that pulls moisture away from baby's head! The adjustable toggle customizes the size for your baby's head and grows with them. Available in 0-6 months, 9-18 months and 2T-4T and in lots of cute colors and patterns.
Jingle, twitter, rattle, and more with these Musical Eggs! Beech wood eggs, brightly-colored, and each filled with a different sound that babies won't be able to get enough of (plus they're great for little hands!).
This plush bunny from GUND's Tinkle Crinkle line is both a soft, snuggly companion and a sensory toy with colors and textures to explore! There's a flower-shaped, nubby teether for chewing and a ring on top to hang this bunny from a car seat or stroller for outings.
Babiators Polarized Flower, Rose Gold Mirrored Lens in Peachy Keen
Maisonette
Get ready for the sunny, summery days ahead with a pair of baby sunglasses, like these from Babiators. With UV400 lenses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, they'll protect baby's eyes from the sun's rays. And the flexible frames and shatter-resistant lenses resist breakage. Available in a variety of colors and styles (even heart shaped!), you can also purchase a silicone strap to keep your child from taking them off!
In Babylit's alphabet primer E Is for Easter, your little will learn the ABCs while enjoying fun, vintage-inspired drawings that celebrate Easter and spring, from Easter egg hunts to the beauty of spring flowers!
These Tomy Hide & Squeak Eggs will stay a favorite long after Easter is over! Younger babies will love to pull off the shells to reveal the colorful eggs underneath (and to give these toys a good chew). Older babies can match the colors of the shells and eggs, push on the egg to hear it squeak, and sort the eggs into the right spot in the egg carton. Each has a unique shape on the bottom and fits only in one spot of the carton.
Soft and sweet, this basket is filled with an age-appropriate plush set of four holiday-themed toys from GUND: a carrot crinkle toy, a squeaky egg, a chick rattle and a bunny that makes sounds!
This minimalist-designed set from Manhattan Toy was created for little ones from newborns to toddlers! It includes a cute bunny, soft book, and unfinished all-natural wood teething ring.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Your energetic birthday kid will bounce, sprint, or skate with joy at the sight of these party spots in Portland
Kids need birthday party spots that let them do what they do best: get busy. Your little wiggle worm will love showing off their true colors as they run, jump, and play on their special day at one of our favorite kids birthday party places. We’re lucky Portland has some great birthday venues that cater to kids who are constantly on the go, so get ready to book your child’s next party at a spot that lets kids be kids.
This fun birthday party spot offers energetic kids the run of its indoor playground, rock climbing walls, and game room for an hour and 45 minutes. And if that's not enough, add on extra celebration activities such as dance parties, obstacle courses, Nintendo Switch Gaming Parties, and more. Private parties start at $300 for 10 children, with more guests allowed for $10 each. 6517 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Portland Online:nestplayground.com
2. SuperPlay
If a combo party is what you're looking for, there's no better spot to find it than SuperPlay in Beaverton. Bowling. Laser Tag. Need we say more? Choose to play one or the other, or book a Deluxe Party Package ($199) and let the kids play both. Either way, they'll get their fill of active time on the lanes or chasing each other around the Laser Tag arena before settling in for pizza and cake. Arcade game cards and a sweet goodie bag are all part of the deal when you book a package here.
9300 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton, OR Online:superplayor.com
Wiggle is in the name! If you are the parent of a young, wiggly child then The Wiggle Room in North East Portland will give your little one plenty of room to run wild while parents can enjoy sitting back and watching. The play cafe offers their entire space for parties after hours on weekends. The space includes a two-story indoor play structure with a slide geared for children ages 2-7. Party rentals are $325 for up to for 15 kids during a two-hour block of time and include the entire 2,000 square foot space. You can also add on more guests at $10 each or include the new Unlimited Train Package for $20. Don't forget to bring socks.
A few laps around the skating rink is sure to make any energetic child smile. The appeal of indoor skating rinks did not die off in the 90s. Skating birthday parties are just as popular (and exciting) as ever. Oaks Park has brought the fun since 1905, so they know how to throw a party. Skating parties begin at $190 and include session admission, conventional skates, 45 minutes at a reserved table, ice cream, cotton candy, soda, a loudspeaker birthday shout out, and a special gift for the birthday child.
7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way Portland Online:oakspark.com
Whey should the big kids have all the fun? This spot is a must-try for tots, and not just because it's geared toward developmental play. When you rent the space for a kid's birthday party, you get everything you need to be the host with the most. When you reserve your spot (three different time slots available on Saturdays), you get full use of the indoor and outdoor playspaces, the indoor kitchen, and the River's Edge Party Room. Best part? You can invite up to 40 guests (anyone else thinking first birthday?). Members save on rental costs.
PlayDate PDX is a fantastic party spot for people looking to let the kiddos loose while the adults in attendance have space to enjoy chatting over a good cup of coffee or glass of wine. Party packages start at $250 for 10 children (extra guests for $20 each) and include an hour and 45 minute private party space, paper goods, and admission to play on the three-story playground.
What could be more exciting and engaging than a high-flying party full of trapeze, acrobatics, and more! Parties at Echo Theater include all of that fun stuff plus a physical theater class. The space offers several set party packages but also allows for flexible options if the guest of honor wants to get creative with their activity choices. Echo Theater Company parties are enjoyed by attendees from ages 3 to 100 (no really!) and create a unique party experience for the young and young-at-heart. Party packages begin at $245 for up to 10 participants.
Try something different with the kids when you book a party at this city climbing studio. For $300 your kiddo and up to 11 friends can try their hand at rock climbing for 90 minutes, with the guidance of an experienced belayer leading the way. A party room is available for cake and presents if that's your kiddo's jam (included in the 90 minute party window), or you can book studio time and head back home to celebrate more when the kids are good and tired. Parties are booked on the weekends only and fill up fast.
Sometimes you just need the party to come to you. Game Truck Portland offers a variety of mobile party entertainment that can head straight over to your location. Whether you want a Video Game Party or your own LaserTag Arena, GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true. In less than an hour they can transform your yard or park into a Laser Tag Field or, for the video game option, they bring the latest consoles including XBox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Party packages begin at $349.
This is it, parents: the 15 outside toys for baby that you’ll need to keep your little one entertained this summer until the weather changes. Water, bubbles, balls and active play will keep kids happy and wipe them out for naptime. We’ve also offered product suggestions to make your shopping easier.
1. Splash Mat
Introduce your child to the old-fashioned fun of playing in the sprinklers with a tot-size splash mat. All the fun of a public splash pad—with none of the big-kid crowds. Splash mats allow babies to stay cool and interact with water without having to be submerged in it. We love the fan favorite SplashEZ 3-in-1 A-Z Splash Mat ($26) for its fun theme and gentle spraying action.
Made for fun in the sun, a water table is an ideal toy for encouraging little ones' imagination, developing early motor skills and introducing water play. The Little Tikes Fish 'N Splash Water Table ($45) features a fishing pole, net, cup and colorful critters to play with.
4. Sand Table
If you can't get to the beach, bring the beach to your baby. Not only do tots have a blast, but they'll be touching, digging, burying and pouring their way into important sensory experiences. Add small tools like shovels, cars and miniature animals to up the fun—and learning—factor. This cute SOWOW Water Table Sand Table by Step2 ($36) will have baby feeling anything but crabby.
5. Toy Ball
When it comes to your babe's outdoor toy lineup, basic can be a good thing. There are few things more fun for a little one than tossing, bouncing or throwing a ball. (No wonder "ball" is a common first word!) The Edushape Sensory See-Me Ball (from $15) fits the bill by being able to do all the things a conventional ball can do, plus it has a nubby texture that makes it easy for tiny hands to grasp.
6. Toy Truck
Giving your child access to simple toys that encourage creativity and imagination is a smart parenting move. Plus, it's a universally known fact that kids love filling up and dumping things out of a toy dump truck over and over (and over). And because you never know what babies might put in their mouth, this Green Toys Dump Truck ($27) is made from recycled plastic that is free of BPA, PVC and phthalates.
7. Bubble Machine
No matter what stage of development your baby is in, we can guarantee one thing: They love bubbles. Blow a few into the air and watch infants become mesmerized by the floating orbs and older tots go into chase mode, complete with giggles and waving arms. Save your breath with a Little Kids® Fubbles™ Bubble Blastin' Machine ($12). Thanks to the placement of the bubble wands, bubbles tend to blow at baby's level rather than high into the air out of reach. Because we all know that popping them is half the fun!
8. Baby Swing
Depending on their mood, your babe will go swinging into high-energy fun or chilled-out bliss with an outdoor swing. Swings give alert infants and older tots a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding world from a safe perch, and they give tired or fussy babes a dose of soothing comfort thanks to their gentle, back-and-forth rocking motion. We like the TP Quadpod Adjustable 4-in-1 Swing Seat ($75) for its cocoon-like shape, safety bar and straps. There are cheaper swings on the market, but this one can be reconfigured to support kids comfortably up to age 8, so it's worth the extra investment.
9. Slide
A slide may seem like a simple toy, but it is actually a powerhouse in the outdoor toy lineup. Besides offering your little one a fun ride, slides help kids develop balance, coordination and visual skills. Choose a slide that's low to the ground to keep things safe for littles. The Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber ($100) is an all-time favorite thanks to its gently sloping slide, rock wall and low-profile design.
10. Ball Pit
Babies don't only have a ball in a ball pit, they also have the chance to work on their coordination and visual skills. The Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play Activity Gym ($54) sets up (and folds up) easily and allows babies to exercise their hand-eye coordination by sliding, dropping and popping balls into the four activity stations.
If you’re like us, taking care of your home is a daily struggle… so taking care of the environment, too, may sound like a huge feat—but it doesn’t have to be. We can do so many little things every day, like toting reusable shopping bags instead of answering “Paper” or “Plastic.” And it’s never too early: Young kids can easily learn what gets reused—helping with recycling items around your home is a great way to get them involved.
Taking care of who is in our environment is just as important. We’ve found a joyful way to help kids grasp these values through an incredibly thoughtful and beautifully illustrated read, The Digger and the Ducklingby Joseph Kuefler, a follow-up to his acclaimed picture book, The Digger and the Flower. When a tiny duckling waddles onto their construction site, Digger and his mighty crew are all annoyed, calling her a nuisance. The duckling isn’t bothered, though, and through understanding, patience and acceptance, Digger and his crew help take care of her and grow to love the duckling. They become an unlikely family and make their lives richer, all through having patience (something any young kid could use more of).
Digger and the other big trucks love to build. But when a lost duckling waddles onto the jobsite, Digger and his friends learn to do more than just scoop and hoist and push... They learn to become a family. Especially for ages 4-8, this beautifully illustrated book is an excellent introduction to taking care of the environment and one another.
This book is hot off the presses, so no reviews just yet—but here’s praise for the first of the series, The Digger and the Flower:
“Kuefler imbues the text with the heart and soul of the best storytime fare… One couldn’t hope for a better tale of rebirth and regeneration”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Kuefler’s simply written and beautifully illustrated tale has a powerful message about the importance of the environment…A wonderful, inspiring tale, perfect for read-alouds.”
—School Library Journal (starred review)
“The image of the clunky piece of construction equipment tenderly caring for the fragile plant gives the story charm, and so do its strong, simple images.”
—Publishers Weekly
Looking for a fun activity as a follow-up to the story? Care for a plant together! From tiny succulents to flowy ferns, your little one can help make sure it gets the light and water it needs—maybe they can even read The Digger and the Duckling to their new plant friend!
Happy reading! (And don’t forget to shut the water off while you brush your teeth… )
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
All the world needs now, is love, sweet love and we have all the ways you can show love this Valentine’s Day right here. These Etsy Valentine’s Day gifts for kids include lots of personalized options that we know won’t get cast away on February 15th. Your little one will definitely feel the love when receiving one of these options!
They’re your go-to for stamps, and but when’s the last time you bought birthday presents for your children from the United States Postal Service? Turns out, not only can you buy shipping supplies and stamps online, the USPS has an extensive online shop full of toy trucks, cool t-shirts, toddler costumes, and more. We scoured through the site to bring you our top favorites here.
Editor’s note: At the time of publication all items were in stock. We’ll try to keep this post updated with items that are still available but they go quick!
USPS Post Office Tent
The USPS partnered with Kid Trax for this awesome play tent. Now your mini mail carriers can act out in real style!