There is just something about spring that feels like a reset. The longer days, the fresh air, the tiny blooms starting to peek through… it makes me want to open every window, declutter everything, and get outside as much as possible. Lately, I’ve been soaking up early morning stroller runs again (finally), and it feels like getting a piece of myself back after a long winter.
This year feels extra special because my toddler is old enough to actually join in on what I’m doing. We’re starting small with gardening, letting him dig (aka make a mess), water plants, and explore. With two little boys and a lot of energy in this house, I know we’re going to be spending so much time at home—so creating an outdoor space that feels calm, fun, and easy is a top priority. Here’s what we’re loving so far, some rainy day ideas, plus a few simple ideas to make your own backyard feel like a spring oasis.
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1. Running Stroller (Game-Changer)
If you’ve been thinking about getting back into running or long walks—this is your sign. I’m a bit of a stroller snob where I have tried so many trying to find what works best for me, both with one baby and now two. My favorite by a long shot is the Thule Urban Glide 3 Jogging Stroller. I was skeptical if it could actually be worth the price…and I’m here to tell you it is. It glides so smoothly, handles uneven sidewalks like nothing, and makes getting out the door feel easy instead of overwhelming. The BOB Gear Revolution Flex is slightly cheaper and also a solid option, but in my experience the Thule was overwhelming smoother while running.
As a pro tip, you can score a pre-loved running stroller in great condition from Amazon or from Facebook marketplace. While we bought our Thule Urban Glide 3 brand new, our Thule double stroller was a $300 marketplace find and my first Bob was just $75. Ultimately, these strollers hold pretty good value should you want to resell down the road.
2. Snack Tray Stroller Attachment
Keeping snacks contained and accessible = fewer meltdowns, longer outside time. This universal tray has worked great across all our strollers and attaches to the belly bar. What I love about it is that it has a lid, which is perfect for commuting to a park, and the bottle holder has a cutout for handles – truly designed for toddler cups. On the other hand, this option is specifically for the Thule Urban Glide if you are looking for the absolute most secure snack tray option for your stroller.
3. Toddler Water Table
This is hands-down the MVP of spring and summer. Keeps them busy forever. Add cups, spoons, and you’ve bought yourself 30+ minutes. I find that this Step2 water table goes on sale fairly often, and having two levels with a “rain” feature is mesmerizing to my kids.
4. Kids Gardening Tool Set
If you’ve followed along on some of my Instagram stories, you know I’ve been on a mission to update my garden and landscaping now that we have redone our deck. I’ve found that my two-year-old LOVES to copy me. He has been trying to grab my shovel and gardening gloves constantly, saying, “Mama, I help!” I caved and got him his own gardening set—it’s exactly his size and I love that this set is durable and good enough quality to actually be used gardening while also have rounded edges on the various tools to keep my little guy safe. This has been such a fun playset to have while we are prepping and planning our garden.
5. Seed Starter Setup
Starting our seeds indoors has unexpectedly become one of our favorite little spring rituals. My 2-year-old has absolutely loved getting his hands in the dirt, helping fill the trays, and carefully dropping each tiny seed into place like it’s the most important job in the world. Now that the seedlings are sprouting, his daily “big kid responsibility” is using the spray bottle to mist them each morning…and he takes that role very seriously. It’s been such a simple, sweet way to introduce him to gardening while giving us both something to look forward to every day. You can get supplies at Walmart, your local dollar store or even Target, but I recommend a seed starter tray, some seeds, and a misting bottle.
6. Toddler Swing
There is something incredibly special about watching your little one experience a swing for the very first time. Ours happened during a simple trip to our local park, nothing planned or fancy, but the moment I started pushing my one-year-old and saw his whole face light up, it stopped me in my tracks. It instantly brought me back to when I first saw that same joy with my oldest, and I realized how quickly these tiny “firsts” become core memories.
Of course, what started as a sweet park moment quickly turned into the classic toddler negotiation of “my turn, your turn,” with each of them wanting just one more push. Before I even realized it, I was buying this swing for our backyard because I knew we needed that same magic at home. It turned out to be such an inexpensive addition, but it has completely changed our outdoor time. Now it’s part of our daily rhythm: the squeals, the giggles, the “higher!” chants echoing through the yard. Honestly, those endless laughs have become the soundtrack of our spring.
7. Bubble Machine
Minimal effort, maximum joy. No explanation needed.
We were gifted this Bluey wand for Easter and it’s been a big hit, though we have had this one since last year and it’s held up for us too.
8. Toddler Slide
Okay, hear me out: I always swore I would never have one of those plastic toddler slides in my backyard. In my mind, they felt bulky, bright, and exactly the kind of thing that would ruin the look of the little outdoor oasis I was trying to create. But the second I saw how much joy it brought my boys to have their very own slide just steps from the patio, every hesitation disappeared.
There is something so sweet about watching them race outside each morning and make a beeline for it like it’s the greatest attraction in the world. I especially love that this version feels a little more neutral and blends in so much better with the backyard. It’s not screaming for attention next to my limelight hydrangeas or taking over the whole space visually. It gives them a fun way to burn off energy, encourages independent play, and somehow makes our backyard feel even more like a place built for family memories. Honestly, it has become one of those purchases I never expected to love as much as I do.
9. Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is one of our most versatile play staples because it can be reinvented again and again. Right now, ours is set up as a dinosaur rock bed, and my boys are completely absorbed in it. I love that it works just as well for rainy indoor days as it does for themed educational play, and the separate compartments in this one make it easy to create multiple fun setups at once.
10. High Quality Mud Kitchen
Mud kitchens are everywhere right now, and honestly, I understand why. Once I realized how much my boys loved their indoor play kitchen, I decided to build them an outdoor version—and it has been one of our best backyard additions. They’ve spent hours collecting rocks, pouring water, and “baking” more mud pies than I can count. My biggest takeaway? Quality matters here. Since these live outdoors year-round, it’s worth investing in a well-made wood option (like this acacia mud kitchen) that can truly stand up to the elements. Spending a little more upfront is absolutely worth it when it lasts for years instead of just one season.
In no way do you need all of these items, but these are some of the things I’ve acquired or made over the last two years that have helped brighten up our spring and maximize our fun. If you are looking for the list, you can find it here. For me, it’s never really about filling the backyard with “stuff”—it’s about creating simple little spaces that invite imagination, movement, and memory-making for my boys. Some of our sweetest moments happen in the smallest ways: muddy hands in the garden bed, giggles on the swing, or watching them proudly show me their latest mud pie creation. If even one of these ideas helps make your outdoor time feel easier, calmer, or more joyful this season, then it’s absolutely worth it.
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