Summer Activities for Babies Who Aren’t Walking Yet

There are so many posts about outdoor toys for toddlers.

There are also plenty of posts about what to do with tiny infants in the summer.

But what about that awkward in-between stage?

The stage where your baby is not a newborn anymore, but also is not running through the sprinkler in the backyard yet. The stage where they want to be independent so badly, but they are not quite there yet.

That is exactly where we currently are.

My baby is at the age where he wants to move, explore, grab everything, splash in water, be outside, and feel like he is part of the action. But he is not walking yet, which makes summer activities a little tricky.

We plan to spend a lot of time outside this summer, so I have been thinking a lot about toys and activities that actually make sense for a baby who can sit, crawl, pull up, and wants to go, go, go — but still needs a safe place to play.

When I am choosing bigger baby toys, I really like finding things that work for the stage we are in now but can still be used as he gets older. Babies change so fast, so anything that grows with them feels like a better investment than something that only works for one tiny window.

These are some of my favorite summer activities and outdoor toys for babies who are not walking yet.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, love, or would genuinely recommend to a friend.

Outdoor Baby Swing

A baby swing is one of my favorite outdoor activities for this age.

It gives them that fun feeling of movement without needing to actually walk or climb. They can be outside, feel the breeze, watch what is going on, and burn a little energy in the safest way possible.

This is also one of those things that can buy you a few happy minutes outside while you drink your coffee, sit in the shade, or just exist for a second.

At this age, even simple movement can be so exciting. A baby swing is perfect for that “I want to be doing something” stage.

👉 Find it here.

Push Tricycle

A push tricycle is another great option because it is something your baby can enjoy now and grow into later.

Right now, it works more like a stroller alternative. Your baby can sit up, look around, and feel like they are moving independently, even though you are still the one pushing and controlling where they go.

I like the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 trike because it is designed to change as your child gets older. At this stage, the push handle, canopy, tray, and seatbelt make it feel more baby-friendly. Later, it can become more of a true tricycle as they grow and become more independent.

For me, if I am going to buy a bigger outdoor toy, I want it to last through more than one tiny stage. This is one of those items that makes sense now, but should still be fun later.

👉 Find it here.

Remote Control Ride-On Car

This one is definitely more of a “fun” item, but I think it fits this stage better than I originally realized.

A remote control ride-on car gives babies that feeling of going somewhere and being part of the action, but you still have control. They get to sit, look around, ride, and feel like a big kid without needing to actually drive or walk.

What I like about this one is that it can grow with them. Right now, you can use the remote control and treat it like a fun outdoor ride. As they get older, they can eventually drive it themselves, which makes it feel less like a toy for one short baby phase.

I also specifically like that this one has three speed options. That feels helpful because you can keep it slower and more controlled when they are younger, but still have the option to adjust as they get older and more comfortable.

For a baby who wants independence but is not quite ready for it, this is such a cute middle ground.

👉 Find it here.

Play Sink

A play sink is such a good summer activity for a sitting baby.

Water play is always a hit, but a full water table can be a little awkward if your baby is not standing confidently yet. A play sink can be used while they sit, which makes it much more baby-friendly for this in-between stage.

They can splash, grab the floating pieces, play with cups, and get all the fun of water play without needing to stand at a toddler water table.

I also like that this can be used outside on warm days, but it does not require filling up a whole pool or making a huge production out of it.

Sometimes you just need an activity that feels fun but does not require packing like you are leaving for a week.

👉 Find it here.

Baby Pool

A small baby pool is a summer classic for a reason.

For a baby who can sit, a baby pool with just a little bit of water can be so much fun. Add a few bath toys, stacking cups, or plastic spoons and suddenly you have an entire afternoon activity.

Okay, maybe not an entire afternoon.

But at least a decent chunk of time, which is basically the same thing when you have a baby.

I like baby pools for this age because they get to splash and cool off without needing to walk around. You can sit right next to them and let them explore water in a safe, simple way.

Of course, babies need constant, hands-on supervision around any amount of water.

👉 Find it here.

Splash Pad

A splash pad can also be a fun option, especially for babies who like water but may not love sitting in a pool.

For a baby who is crawling or sitting, it gives them something to touch, splash, and watch. Some babies love smacking the water or crawling around the edge.

This is one of those activities that can be hit or miss depending on the baby, but when they like it, they really like it.

I would probably set it up in the shade or use it for shorter stretches so they are not sitting directly in the sun for too long.

👉 Find it here.

Baby Beach Tent with Mini Pool

A baby beach tent is one of those summer items that just makes sense if you plan to spend time at the beach, lake, or even in the backyard.

What I like about this one is that it is not just a regular shade tent, it also has a little water area, so it works almost like a portable shade pool. That is perfect for babies who are not walking yet because they can sit, splash, play with the little toys, and still be protected from direct sun.

A full beach day with a baby can be a lot, especially when they are too little to run around but too busy to just sit calmly on a towel. Having a little shaded baby zone gives them their own space and makes the whole outing feel less chaotic.

This feels perfect for the in-between stage because they are old enough to enjoy water and toys, but not quite old enough to safely wander around the beach or lake.

Of course, even with a small amount of water, babies need constant hands-on supervision.

👉 Find it here.

Swimming With a Baby

Swimming is a summer activity that feels obvious, but it can be a little tricky at this stage.

They may love the water, but they still need a lot of support. That is why I like having a baby swim float that gives a few different options depending on the day.

The Mambobaby swim float is nice because it can be used with the shade or without the shade, and baby can be positioned on their belly or on their back depending on what they tolerate best. I like that it gives you some flexibility instead of being stuck with one setup.

This is not something I would ever use as a replacement for holding or watching your baby, but it can make pool days or lake days more fun when used safely.

As always, babies need constant, hands-on supervision around water. No float replaces an adult being right there.

👉 Find it here.

Stroller Wagon

A stroller wagon is one of those things that makes summer outings feel a little less chaotic.

It is great for babies who want to sit up, look around, and feel included, but still need a safe place to ride. It is also nice because you can usually fit more than just the baby — snacks, towels, toys, a diaper bag, water bottles, and all the random things that somehow come with leaving the house for 45 minutes.

For this age, I love that a stroller wagon feels a little more open and exciting than a regular stroller. They can see more, interact more, and still be contained.

This is especially helpful for farmers markets, beach days, parks, campgrounds, or just walking around outside when you need something more than a stroller but less than carrying your baby and the entire house.

Added bonus: Its a perfect place for on the go naps

👉 Find it here.

Baby Bike Seat

We love our baby bike seat.

This has been one of the most fun ways to get outside because it lets the baby be part of the adventure, even before they can walk. They get the movement, the fresh air, and the excitement of looking around while you still do all the actual work.

The Thule Yepp bike seat is the one I like because the mounting is versatile, and it can work with an electric bike setup depending on your bike and mount. That was important to us because I wanted something that felt practical and not overly limited to one exact bike situation.

For babies who are curious and want to be involved, a bike seat can be such a fun summer activity. It turns a simple bike ride into something the whole family can enjoy.

I also like that it feels different from the usual stroller walk. Sometimes you just need a new way to get out of the house, and a baby bike seat makes it feel a little more exciting for everyone.

Just make sure your baby is old enough, has strong head and trunk control, and always use a properly fitted baby helmet.

👉 Find it here.

Hiking Baby Backpack

A hiking baby backpack is such a good option for summer if your baby likes being up high and looking around.

This is perfect for the stage where they want to be involved in everything, but obviously cannot walk a trail yet. They get to see the trees, animals, water, people, and everything happening around them while you do the actual hiking.

I love this idea for family walks, easy hikes, camping trips, vacations, or anywhere a stroller is not very practical.

It is also one of those baby items that can make you feel like you are getting a little bit of your old life back. You can still get outside and do things you enjoy, just with a tiny passenger along for the ride.

Just make sure your baby meets the age, weight, and developmental guidelines for the carrier, especially good head and trunk control.

👉 Find it here.

Pop-Up Play Yard

This stage is tricky because they want to crawl and explore, but they also want to eat grass, rocks, dog toys, leaves, and whatever mystery object they find in 0.4 seconds.

A play yard gives them a safe little space to move around while still being outside with everyone. It is great for the backyard, camping, visiting family, beach days, or anywhere you need a contained baby zone.

I love this idea for babies who are too busy to sit still but not quite old enough to safely roam around.

👉 Find it here.

Outdoor Activity Center

An outdoor activity center is perfect for the days when you want your baby outside but you also need them contained for a minute.

This is especially helpful for babies who want to be upright and involved, but still need a safe place to play. They can reach for toys, look around, practice standing with support, and feel like they are part of what everyone else is doing.

I like this 6-in-1 style activity center because it is not just a one-stage baby item. It can start as a supported activity center and then grow into other uses as your baby gets older, like a standing activity table or toddler play table.

That is exactly the kind of baby gear I like. If I am going to choose a bigger toy, I want it to make sense now but also keep working as he grows.

Sometimes you just need a safe spot for your baby while you sit on the porch, drink coffee, fold towels, or breathe for 30 seconds.

👉 Find it here.

Bubble Machine

A bubble machine is such an easy win for summer.

Babies love watching bubbles float around, trying to grab them, crawling after them, and acting absolutely shocked when they pop.

This is one of those simple activities that does not require a lot of effort from you, which automatically makes it one of my favorites.

You can use it during blanket time, in the play yard, near the baby pool, or while sitting outside in the shade.

It is simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly entertaining.

👉 Find it here.

Outdoor Blanket Play + Picnic Time

An outdoor blanket makes summer activities with a crawling baby so much easier.

At this age, he wants to be down, moving, playing, reaching, and exploring — but not every outdoor space is exactly baby-friendly. If we are at the beach, lake, a cookout, family’s house, or even just sitting in the yard, I like having a blanket I can throw down and instantly make a little baby play area.

The waterproof part is what makes it especially helpful for summer. I do not have to stress as much about damp grass, wet bathing suits, spilled drinks, sand, or snack messes. It gives him a spot to sit, crawl, snack, play with toys, and be part of what we are doing without being directly on grass, sand, wet ground, or whatever mystery outdoor surface we are dealing with that day.

This is also perfect for simple summer activities like backyard snack time, bubbles, water toys, reading books outside, or just letting your baby play in the shade for a bit.

I bring ours pretty much anywhere I think I might want to put him on the ground. It is not fancy, but it is one of those practical things that makes getting outside with a baby feel a little less chaotic.

👉 Find it here.

Crawling Tunnel

If your baby is crawling or starting to crawl, a little tunnel can be a great way to encourage movement.

This is perfect for the baby who wants to explore but is not walking yet. They can crawl through, peek at you from the other side, and practice moving their body in a fun way.

You can use it inside or outside, which makes it a nice toy to have for different weather.

It also makes your backyard feel like an adventure without actually needing to leave your backyard.

👉 Find it here.

Sit-to-Stand or Push Toy

If your baby is pulling up, a sit-to-stand toy or push toy can be a great option because it grows with them through a few different stages.

I like this kind because it can be used as an activity table first, which is great for babies who are sitting, reaching, and playing on the floor. Then it can turn into a push walker once they are ready to practice standing and taking steps.

That is exactly the type of toy I look for at this stage. Babies change so fast, so I would much rather choose something that can be used in more than one way instead of something they outgrow immediately.

For babies who are not walking yet but are clearly interested in being upright, this kind of toy can be really engaging.

I would just make sure to use it on a safe, flat area and stay close by because this is also the stage where babies think they are much more stable than they actually are.

👉 Find it here.

All-Terrain Stroller Walks

Stroller walks are still one of the easiest summer activities, especially when your baby likes being out and about.

At this age, I like walks that have something interesting to look at. A walk through town, a farmers market, a park, a walking path, or even just a loop where there are dogs, cars, trees, and people can be exciting for a baby.

A good stroller makes a huge difference, especially if you are walking on gravel, grass, dirt roads, bumpy sidewalks, or anything that is not perfectly smooth.

The BOB stroller is definitely an investment, but it is a fantastic all-terrain stroller. If you spend a lot of time outside, walk on uneven ground, or want something that feels sturdy and smooth, this is one of those baby items that can actually be worth the money.

They may not be walking yet, but they are still taking everything in.

And honestly, sometimes the walk is just as much for me as it is for the baby.

👉 Find it here.

Final Thoughts

Summer with a baby who is not walking yet is such a funny stage.

They want to be busy. They want to be included. They want to move, splash, crawl, climb, and explore. But they still need so much help and supervision.

That is why I love finding activities that give them a little bit of independence while still keeping them safe.

A baby swing, play sink, push tricycle, stroller wagon, bike seat, hiking backpack, swim float, bubble machine, or even just a blanket in the shade can make summer feel fun without needing your baby to be fully toddler-ready.

You absolutely do not need every single thing on this list. These are just ideas for the stage where your baby is too busy to sit still, but not quite ready to run around the yard yet.

This stage can be awkward, but it can also be really sweet.

They are old enough to enjoy more of the world, but still little enough that a cup of water, a swing, or a ride around the yard can feel like the best thing ever.

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