Best Places to Bring Toddlers. A List Every Parent Should Have

Whenever we get the chance, we want to give our little ones a new experience for them to enjoy at fun places. Whether on a weekend nearby home or when your family is on vacation or traveling.

Let’s bring them to the zoo! Let’s bring them to the beach! Okay, now what? What other places to take toddlers to?  Go and search for things to do for kids near me? Yea, we have been in that situation. Always running out of impromptu places to bring the kids.

We get it, finding a kid friendly and convenient place is not the easiest of things to do. Finding out lists of places to bring toddlers during travel or vacation is a challenge too.

No worries, we’ve got you covered. We have listed down places your toddler can run, jump and play their hearts out.  

A. Criteria for toddler friendly places

B. List of places to take toddlers

1. Zoo and animal experiences

Why they are great for kids :

Your toddler gets to see a wide variety of animals up close, with interactive exhibits. Lions, tigers, and bears—oh my! Aquariums are a mesmerizing underwater experience—who doesn’t love watching fish swim by or seeing a jellyfish float? Plus, there’s usually lots of room to run around.

You can even drop by a pet store. These fun places are like a mini zoo that’s free to enter—so many animals to see, from fish to hamsters to puppies.

Why they are great for parents :

It is a wholesome fun way for us to teach the kids about animals and watch them happily interact with them. Loads of photo opportunities to remember.

Best for :

Animal lovers. Teaching young toddlers about animals.

Places to go :

• Zoo – San Diego Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, Brookfield zoo
• Petting Zoo and Farms
• Horseback Riding
• Pet stores – Petco, Petsmart
• Aquarium
• Bird park / aviary
• Butterfly park
• Local Farms

2. Outdoor places to take toddlers

Why they are great for kids :

A walk in the woods is like a big adventure with trees, birds, maybe even a squirrel or two. Rivers are full of wonders – rocks to throw, fish to spot, and maybe even a chance to dip their toes in the water.

Going to the beach is fun for the sandcastles, waves, and all the space to run. You should also organize a picnic because eating outside is always more fun, especially when there’s a big blanket, lots of snacks, and room to run around afterward.

Nature centers are like a hands-on classroom where kids can learn about animals, plants, and the environment in a fun, interactive way.

Why they are great for parents :

It’s a peaceful, screen-free activity that gets everyone moving and appreciating nature, that feels like a mini escape from the everyday.

Best for :

Nature lovers. Screen free activity. Calm and peaceful environment.

Places to go :

• Nature Trail
• Nature Centers
• River
• Beach
• Lakesides
• Picnic

3. Museums

Why they are great for kids :

Children’s museums are kid friendly spots designed for curious little minds. Hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and plenty of space to explore.

Bring them to a science museum too. They are all about discovery with lots of buttons to push, experiments to try, and cool stuff to see. Definitely, one of the coolest places to take toddlers to.

At art museums, toddlers can explore different forms of art and maybe even get inspired to create their own.

Why they are great for parents :

It’s an educational outing that’s also a lot of fun, plus you might get a bit of peace while they’re busy learning and playing.

Best for :

Educational visit. Learning new cool experiences with hands on activities. Great indoor activity if it’s rainy and gloomy outside.

Places to go :

• Museum / Children’s Museum
• Science Museum
• Art Museum
• Transportation Museum

4. Theme parks , Amusement parks, Water parks

Why they are great for kids :

Theme parks like Disneyland offer a magical experience filled with rides, characters, and attractions specifically designed for toddlers. It’s the happiest place on earth, after all with the rides and characters.

Waterparks are great spots for toddlers without the risk of deep water. Splash parks are the ultimate summer fun spot for toddlers.

Why they are great for parents :

Theme parks are fun places with magical experience that’s worth every penny. Waterpark is a great way to cool off and let your kid have fun.

Best for :

Special occasions and full-day family outings. Summer outings where water play is the main attraction.

Places to go :

• Disneyland
• Legoland
• Splash Parks

5. Indoor play places for toddlers

Why they are great for kids :

Toddlers love high energy activity. They can burn off energy in a trampoline park or bounce house. It’s like a mini adventure park where they can jump, slide, and play to their heart’s content.

Toddler gyms are ultimate places for toddlers to play.  It’s designed for little ones to explore, climb, and play in a safe environment.

Why they are great for parents :

It’s a high-energy activity that’s sure to tire them out, plus it’s all indoors, so no worrying about the weather. They provide a safe environment for your toddler to play, learn, and interact with other kids.

Best for :

Active play on rainy days or when you need a fun indoor option. Parties, special events, or just a fun, active outing.

Places to go :

• Trampoline Park
• Bounce house
• Toddler Gym
• Pretend City Children’s Museum
• Kidspace Children’s Museum
• Peppa Pig World of Play

6. Parks and playground

Why they are great for kids :

Endless space to run, climb, and get all that energy out. Plus, there’s usually a playground involved, which is a toddler’s dream. Swings, slides and climbing structures for them to spend time on.

One of the best kid friendly and cost free places for toddlers to play.

Why they are great for parents :

Easy place to bring your toddler to. They’re almost everywhere. Let them have all the fun and burn off that energy.

Best for :

Daily outings or playdates where your toddler can get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Places to go :

• Park
• Playground
• Adventure playground

7. Flower picking, berry picking

Why they are great for kids :

Imagine toddlers running through fields of flowers and picking their own bouquet. Flower picking is a fun, colorful activity that allows toddlers to explore nature. It is one of the beautiful places to take toddlers along.

Toddlers love the idea of picking and eating their own food, and berry picking is an amazing interactive, hands-on activity for their little hands.

Why they are great for parents :

It’s a peaceful, picturesque outing that that ends with colorful bouquet or fresh berries to take home, perfect for a family snack or dessert.

Best for :

Fond of nature, flowers and gardens and berries for acres.

8. Events or activities

Why they are great for kids :

Festivals and fairs offer a lively atmosphere with games, rides, and activities that are perfect for toddlers. Not forgetting the cotton candy!

Local events, such as parades, community fairs, or holiday celebrations, offer fun, often free activities that are perfect for toddlers.

There are kid friendly activities like face painting, crafts, and small rides, making them a fun outing. Put this in your top fun places to take toddlers.

Why they are great for parents :

Fun environment that provides entertainment for the whole family, often with a variety of food and activities.

Best for :

Enjoy something for the whole family. Brings in a sense of community.

Places to go :

• Festivals
• Fairs
• Parades
• Local community events
• Local play dates
• Play groups

9. Public transportation

Why they are great for kids :

Airports offer opportunities to watch planes take off and land which is thrilling for toddlers. It’s like real-life magic. Train rides are exciting for toddlers where they get to sit and watch the world go by with a scenic journey.

Why they are great for parents :

Stress-free spots to enjoy a day out, with the added bonus of keeping your child entertained by the journey itself.

Best for :

A day trip with family.

Places to go :

• Airport visit
• Train station and train ride
• Boat ride, Ferry ride

10. Library

Why they are great for kids :

Libraries are full of books to explore, story times to enjoy, and quiet corners to curl up in with a new favorite story. Even though it may seem quiet, but it is definitely one of the fun places.

Why they are great for parents :

Calm environment for both parent and child.

Best for :

Quiet days.

11. Book stores

Why they are great for kids :

Dedicated children’s sections with books, toys, and sometimes story time sessions that is fun for toddlers.

Why they are great for parents :

You can relax and browse for yourself while your child explores books or attends a story time session.

Best for :

Quiet days and indoor activity.

Places to go :

• Barnes and Noble

12. Malls and shopping centers

Why they are great for kids :

Malls offer a variety of spots, stores, play areas, and sometimes even indoor entertainment options like small rides or arcades, making them a fun outing for toddlers. You can definitely find some places for toddlers to play.

Why they are great for parents :

One-stop shop for errands, shopping, and entertainment.

Best for :

Shopping trips combined with indoor play.

13. Ikea

Why they are great for kids :

Ikea is a giant maze with a lot of furniture displays. How to entertain a 2 year old here? Your toddler will have the time of the day going in and around multiple displays. The kids section will be an instant hit.

Why they are great for parents :

You can shop for home essentials while your toddler is entertained.

Best for :

Shopping trips that can double as a fun outing for your toddler.

14. Plant stores, Nurseries

Why they are great for kids :

All the colors, smells, and textures will be adventurous for them. Looking at new plants, big or small will make them curious and excited.

Why they are great for parents :

You may pick up a favorite plants while you’re at it.

Best for :

A quick nature themed outing.

15. Toy stores

Why they are great for kids :

This kid friendly place is a wonderland for toddlers. Endless toys to explore. Just be prepared for them to come at you with a handful of ‘I want this!’

Why they are great for parents :

Easy to choose an age-appropriate toys on the spot for your little one.

Best for :

When you want to treat your toddler a new toy, this is the best place to be.

16. Stores

Why they are great for kids :

Aisle of products, displays and endless area for your toddler to get entertained and run about in those chains stores. Toddlers love the ride on the shopping cart too.

Home depot or hardware store are fun places for toddlers to explore as well. Kids can spend hours on just a simple lawnmower ride trial.

If you’re headed to a dollar store, they’ll be happy with the inexpensive toys or crafts you get them.

Why they are great for parents :

Two in one. You can run your errands while giving your toddler an entertaining time.

Best for :

Spending time together with your kid while getting household items.

Places to go :

• Walmart
• Target
• Home Depot / Hardware Store
• Costco
• Dollar Store

17. Farmer’s market

Why they are great for kids :

Lively, colorful environment with fresh produce for toddlers to learn about local produce. They’ll be excited to see that fruit they saw in that story book in their hands.

Why they are great for parents :

You can shop for fresh, local produce while your toddler enjoys the sights, sounds, and sometimes free samples.

Best for :

Weekend outings.

C. Tips for successful outing with toddlers

When you are finding for places to take toddlers, don’t forget these too.

1. Packing essentials

You want to make sure you have your diaper bag stocked up just enough with the important items.

2. Time of visit

Whichever place you are going to, look out for peak visit times if you want to avoid crowd and a lot of queuing up.

3. Planning for your toddler

Plan your outings around their nap time. Look out for kid friendly places.

4. Bring snacks

Always have their favorite snack handy. Might be difficult to look for toddler friendly snack option everywhere.

5. Dress comfortably

Yes, OOTD is amazing but make sure your toddler is comfortable during the entire time.

6. Use of stroller

If you’re going to be spending loads of time walking or traveling, a stroller is a friend.

7. Have back up activities

A small toy or an interactive book can come to your rescue. You guys might be stuck in a delay or in between a rain.