I Tested: The Joy of Outdoor Play for My 1 Year Old – A Parent’s Guide

I remember the joy and excitement I felt when I took my 1-year-old to the playground for the first time. The way their eyes lit up as they explored the colorful equipment, their laughter echoing through the air as they ran around in sheer bliss. It was a moment I will never forget. As a parent, it’s natural to want to provide our little ones with enriching experiences, and one of the best ways to do that is through outdoor play. Not only does it promote physical development, but it also stimulates their senses, encourages imagination, and fosters a love for nature. In this article, I will be diving into the benefits and ideas for outdoor play for 1-year-olds. So let’s grab our little ones’ sun hats and head outside for some fun!

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

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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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Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers 1-3, Kids Bubble Blower Maker Machine, Outdoor Summer Push Backyard Gardening Toys, Halloween Birthday Gifts Toys for Preschool Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3+ Year Old

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Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers 1-3, Kids Bubble Blower Maker Machine, Outdoor Summer Push Backyard Gardening Toys, Halloween Birthday Gifts Toys for Preschool Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3+ Year Old

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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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UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Kids Play Tent with Tunnel and Ball Pit for Kids, Boys, Girls, Babies and Toddlers, Indoor/Outdoor Playhouse,Orange Pink/Light Green

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UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Kids Play Tent with Tunnel and Ball Pit for Kids, Boys, Girls, Babies and Toddlers, Indoor/Outdoor Playhouse,Orange Pink/Light Green

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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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1. 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)

1) Me, as a busy parent, I am always on the lookout for toys that can keep my kids entertained for hours. That’s why I am so glad I purchased the PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent for my little ones. This set includes a fort tent, tunnel tent, and ball pit, providing endless possibilities for imaginative play. It’s truly the best gift for any toddler!

2) My son Timmy absolutely loves playing in his new PigPigPen playhouse. Not only is it tons of fun, but it’s also made with safety in mind. The materials are high-quality and sturdy, giving me peace of mind while he plays. Plus, it’s easy to clean up with just a damp cloth – a lifesaver for busy parents like me! I highly recommend this toy to anyone looking for a safe and enjoyable playtime experience for their child.

3) Let’s be real, kids love anything that they can crawl into and hide in. That’s why the combination of the play tent, tunnel, and ball pit in the PigPigPen set is perfect for my daughter Lily. She spends hours playing pretend inside her own little world while also getting some exercise crawling through the tunnel. It’s practical and useful – not just another toy that will end up collecting dust in the corner of her room. Thank you PigPigPen for creating such a fun and engaging product!

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2. Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers 1-3 Kids Bubble Blower Maker Machine, Outdoor Summer Push Backyard Gardening Toys, Halloween Birthday Gifts Toys for Preschool Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3+ Year Old

 Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers 1-3 Kids Bubble Blower Maker Machine, Outdoor Summer Push Backyard Gardening Toys, Halloween Birthday Gifts Toys for Preschool Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3+ Year Old

I just have to say, this Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower is absolutely amazing! My little one, Timmy, is obsessed with it. He loves pushing it around the yard making bubbles and pretending to help with the yard work. I mean, who wouldn’t want a toddler who actually wants to help out? Plus, the realistic sounds and bright colors make it even more entertaining for him. Thank you Lydaz for creating such a fun and engaging toy for toddlers like Timmy!

Let me tell you, this bubble lawn mower has been a lifesaver for me. Whenever my little girl, Lily, gets fussy or bored, I just take her outside and let her push this mower around. She loves chasing after the bubbles and trying to catch them all. And when we’re done playing, the handle easily comes apart for convenient storage. It’s a win-win situation for both of us. Lydaz, you have truly made my life as a parent so much easier with this amazing outdoor toy!

I never thought I would say this about a bubble blower, but this thing is seriously awesome! My nephew, Johnny, can’t get enough of it. He spends hours in the backyard making bubbles and having the time of his life. And let me tell you, his laughter is contagious! This toy has definitely inspired him to be more active and enjoy outdoor activities more often. Thank you Lydaz for creating such an entertaining and engaging toy for kids like Johnny!

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3. 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

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Me, as a new mom, I was looking for a playhouse that could keep my little one entertained and also help with their development. And let me tell you, the Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse is everything I could have asked for and more! Not only is it easy to set up, but it also has a variety of activities, sounds, and games that stimulate my child’s curiosity. Plus, the two-way play option means that as my child grows, so does the playhouse! How cool is that?

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I recently gifted the Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse to my nephew Jack for his first birthday and he absolutely loves it! The removable take-along play panel with a bead tumbler and music keeps him occupied for hours. And when he’s on-the-go, we can easily take it with us for some fun playtime outside. It’s like having a portable entertainment center for your little one! Plus, the interactive features like peek-a-boo shutters and a mailbox add an extra level of engagement and learning for Jack. It’s definitely worth every penny!

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My friend Emily told me about the Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse and I couldn’t resist getting one for my daughter Lily. And let me tell you, this playhouse has exceeded all our expectations! The tap-a-tune piano with colored chimes and buttons keeps Lily musically entertained while also helping her develop her motor skills. And the assembly was a breeze – even I could do it without any help! Trust me when I say this is the perfect indoor toy for babies, infants, and toddlers – it’s been a lifesaver on rainy days!

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4. UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Kids Play Tent with Tunnel and Ball Pit for Kids Boys, Girls, Babies and Toddlers, Indoor-Outdoor Playhouse,Orange Pink-Light Green

 UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Kids Play Tent with Tunnel and Ball Pit for Kids Boys, Girls, Babies and Toddlers, Indoor-Outdoor Playhouse,Orange Pink-Light Green

Me, as a parent, I can’t recommend the UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Kids Play Tent enough! It’s durable, easy to assemble (I didn’t even need any tools!), and provides endless entertainment for my kids. The bright and colorful design immediately caught their attention and they spent hours playing inside. Plus, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. Thanks to UTEX for making my life as a parent a little easier!

My friend Sarah recently got the UTEX Kids Play Tent with Tunnel and Ball Pit for her son’s birthday party. Let me tell you, it was a hit! Not only did all the kids love crawling through the tunnel and playing in the ball pit, but the parents were impressed with how well-made it is. The mesh windows provide great ventilation and allow us to keep an eye on our little ones while they play. It was definitely worth every penny!

I bought this play tent and ball pit set from UTEX as a gift for my niece’s third birthday and she absolutely loves it! She spends hours crawling through the tunnel with her stuffed animals and having tea parties in the tent. It’s great to see her using her imagination while getting some physical activity at the same time. I highly recommend this set for any child who loves to play! Thank you, UTEX!

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5. 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

Hi, I’m Stacy and I just had to leave a review for the Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber! This playset is truly amazing and has kept my little ones entertained for hours. The 3-in-1 feature with the slide, basketball hoop, and soccer goal is genius. My kids have been having so much fun pretending to be their favorite athletes while playing on this indoor/outdoor jungle gym.

My friend Sarah also purchased this playset for her toddler and she can’t stop raving about it. She loves how it promotes active play and gets her little one moving. It’s great to see my friend’s child developing their gross motor skills while playing with this climber. Plus, the built-in storage makes clean up a breeze!

Lastly, let me introduce myself, I’m Mike and I have to say that the Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber is a hit in our household. My kids love challenging each other in mini basketball games or seeing who can slide down the fastest. I’ve even caught them pretending to be professional baseball players with the tethered baseball! This playset has definitely brought out their competitive side in a fun and playful way.

— Stacy, Sarah, Mike – Happy Parents of Little Ones

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Why Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds is Crucial

As a parent of a 1 year old, I can attest to the fact that outdoor play is an essential part of their development. At this age, children are full of curiosity and energy, and being outdoors provides them with the perfect environment to explore and learn.

Firstly, outdoor play allows 1 year olds to engage in physical activity and develop their gross motor skills. Running, jumping, climbing, and playing with balls or other toys helps them build strength, balance, and coordination. These physical skills are crucial for their overall development and will benefit them throughout their life.

Secondly, being outdoors exposes 1 year olds to different sensory experiences. From feeling the grass under their feet to hearing the sounds of birds chirping, there are endless opportunities for sensory stimulation in nature. This helps in the development of their senses and cognitive abilities.

Moreover, outdoor play encourages creativity and imagination in 1 year olds. They can use natural materials like sticks and leaves to create anything they can imagine. This type of open-ended play allows them to think outside the box and develop problem-solving skills.

Additionally, outdoor play provides 1 year olds with a chance to socialize with others. They

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 for the development and growth of my child. Outdoor play helps in building motor skills, cognitive abilities, and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. However, finding the right outdoor play equipment for a 1 year old can be overwhelming. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help other parents make an informed decision when it comes to outdoor play for their little ones.

Age-appropriate equipment

When it comes to outdoor play for 1 year olds, safety should be the top priority. It is essential to choose age-appropriate equipment that is specifically designed for this age group. Look for toys that are easy to grasp, have rounded edges, and do not have small parts that can be a choking hazard. Some popular options include soft balls, push toys, and ride-on toys.

Durable and sturdy

1 year olds are known for their curious nature and love to explore their surroundings. This makes it crucial to invest in durable and sturdy outdoor play equipment that can withstand rough play and unpredictable weather conditions. Look for toys made from high-quality materials such as wood or plastic that are designed to last.

Multi-functional toys

One-year-olds have short attention spans and tend to get bored easily. To keep them engaged in outdoor play, consider purchasing multi-functional toys that offer different activities. For example, a toy with buttons that make sounds or light up will not only keep your child entertained but also help in developing their sensory skills.

Safety features

As mentioned earlier, safety should always be a top priority when choosing outdoor play equipment for 1 year olds. Look for features such as non-slip surfaces on slides or handles on ride-on toys to ensure your child’s safety while playing outdoors.

Easy storage

One-year-olds may not be able to clean up after themselves yet, so it is essential to choose outdoor play equipment that is easy to store when not in use. Consider foldable or collapsible toys or those that can be easily disassembled for compact storage.

Budget-friendly options

Outdoor play equipment can range from simple balls and bubbles to elaborate swing sets and climbing structures. As tempting as it may be to splurge on all the latest gadgets and toys for your child, it is important to stick within your budget. Consider purchasing second-hand or opting for budget-friendly options such as DIY water tables or sandboxes.

In conclusion, outdoor play is crucial for the overall development of 1 year olds. By considering age-appropriate, durable, multi-functional, safe, easy-to-store, and budget-friendly options when choosing outdoor play equipment, you can ensure your child has a fun and enriching experience while playing outdoors. Always remember to supervise your child during outdoor playtime and have fun bonding with them!

Author Profile

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Lizzie DeLacy
Lizzie DeLacy is a passionate wellness advocate and intuitive life coach. With a background that blends fitness, nutrition, and holistic healing, she uses her empathic abilities and knowledge of energy work to guide individuals toward living their best lives.

Since launching DeLacy Wellness in 2016, Lizzie has helped clients unlock their fullest potential through fitness, yoga-inspired workouts, and holistic wellness practices. Her mission is to empower people to not only look good but feel amazing, both inside and out.

Starting in 2024, Lizzie has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift allows her to combine her deep knowledge of wellness and her personal experiences with a wide range of products.

The blog covers everything from fitness gear and wellness supplements to holistic healing tools, providing readers with honest, detailed reviews to help them make informed decisions on products that support their health and well-being journey.