Our Favourite Budget-Friendly Summer Garden Games for Toddlers
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, I find myself spending more and more time in our Kent garden with my two-year-old daughter and Steve. After moving from our London flat to a house with outdoor space, we’ve discovered countless ways to keep our little one entertained without breaking the bank. Today, I’m sharing our tried-and-tested garden activities that have brought endless giggles and memorable moments to our summer days.
Water Play Wonders
One of our daughter’s absolute favourite activities (and a lifesaver during those warmer days) is water play. We’ve created a simple water wall using recycled plastic bottles, old kitchen funnels, and some wooden planks. Steve mounted everything at toddler height on our fence, and now we spend hours watching her pour water through the various containers, learning about cause and effect while staying cool.
Top tip: Place a large tub at the bottom to catch the water – you can reuse it for your plants later, making it both eco-friendly and budget-conscious!
Natural Sensory Stations
Living in the countryside has taught us that nature provides the best (and free!) sensory experiences. We’ve set up different stations in our garden using:
- A mud kitchen (literally just old pots and pans from a car boot sale)
- A sand pit (we used an old wooden fruit crate)
- A grass and flower investigation area
- A pebble and stone collection spot
Our daughter particularly loves the mud kitchen, though I’ve learned to dress her in old clothes first! It’s amazing watching her pretend to cook just like we do, mixing leaves and petals to make ‘soup’ for our three Labradors (who are always eager taste-testers!).
Movement and Music
You don’t need expensive equipment to get toddlers moving. We’ve created a simple obstacle course using:
- Cardboard boxes as tunnels
- Hula hoops (£1 each from our local pound shop)
- Chalk-drawn hopscotch on the patio
- Old cushions as stepping stones
Steve often brings out his phone to play music, turning our obstacle course into a dance party. Our daughter’s face lights up every time we have these impromptu garden discos, and it’s become our favourite way to burn off energy before naptime.
Growing Together
One of the most rewarding activities we’ve introduced is gardening. We’ve given our daughter her own small patch where she can:
- Plant sunflower seeds
- Water the plants (expect some splash back!)
- Dig for worms
- Pick flowers (from designated areas only!)
The joy on her face when she spots a new sunflower sprouting is absolutely priceless. Plus, it’s teaching her patience and responsibility in the most natural way possible.
Bubble Bonanza
Never underestimate the entertainment value of bubbles! Rather than constantly buying bubble solution, we make our own using:
- Washing-up liquid
- Water
- A splash of glycerin (optional, but makes stronger bubbles)
We’ve created giant bubble wands using string and two sticks, and even repurposed kitchen sieves for multiple bubble streams. Steve recently made a bubble snake maker using an old plastic bottle and a sock – it’s now a daily requested activity!
Den Building
Using old sheets, pegs, and garden furniture, we regularly transform our garden into magical spaces. Our daughter loves helping to create these special hideaways, and they become:
- Reading nooks
- Picnic spots
- Pretend shops
- Cosy observation points for watching our cats explore
Messy Play Paradise
While this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, we’ve embraced messy play in the garden. Some of our go-to activities include:
- Painting with water on the fence
- Chalk drawing on the patio
- Making mud pies
- Creating leaf and flower collages
The beauty of doing these activities outside is that clean-up is minimal – a quick hosing down usually does the trick!
Nature Treasure Hunts
We regularly organise simple treasure hunts, asking our daughter to find:
- Different coloured flowers
- Specific shapes in nature
- Smooth and rough textures
- Various sized leaves
It’s amazing how this simple activity has helped develop her vocabulary and observation skills. Plus, it’s teaching her about the natural world right in our own garden.
Rainy Day Alternatives
Being in the UK, we’ve had to adapt some of these activities for less sunny days. We’ve found that:
- Puddle jumping in wellies is just as fun as water play
- Den building becomes even more exciting when it’s shelter from the rain
- Our mud kitchen takes on a whole new life in wet weather
Safety First
While all these activities are fantastic fun, we always ensure:
- Proper sun protection on sunny days
- Adult supervision at all times
- Regular water breaks
- Safe boundaries are established and maintained
Budget-Friendly Tips
To keep costs down, we:
- Repurpose household items
- Check charity shops for outdoor toys
- Join local parenting groups to swap equipment
- Use natural materials wherever possible
Looking back at our move from London, I’m grateful for this garden space that has become our family’s outdoor classroom. These simple activities have not only provided endless entertainment but have also contributed to our daughter’s development in ways we never expected.
Remember, you don’t need expensive equipment or elaborate setups to create magical moments with your little ones. Sometimes the simplest activities bring the most joy – something I’m reminded of every time I see my daughter’s face light up as she discovers something new in our garden.
