There’s something magical about a baby’s first summer. The light is longer, the world feels warmer, and suddenly, every day offers something new—new sights, new sounds, new smells. For your little one, it’s not just a change in weather—it’s a full-on sensory adventure. And for you? It’s the perfect moment to start building memories and nurturing development through baby summer activities. Whether you’re reading in the shade, splashing in water, or just watching clouds drift by, every moment can support your baby’s growth.

So how do you make the most of this sunny season? Here’s our gentle guide to summer reading, sensory play, and what developmental wonders to expect.


What to Play: Baby Summer Activities That Support Development

Babies explore the world through their senses—touching, tasting (everything!), watching, listening, and moving. And summer? It’s a playground for safe and stimulating fun.

Here are a few baby summer activities we love for development:

  • Water play: A shallow tray or bowl of water with floating toys, sponges, or even slices of citrus fruit to swish around. Great for fine motor skills and learning about cause and effect.

  • Nature baskets: Fill a basket (or a colander!) with safe natural objects—smooth stones, lavender sprigs, large leaves—for supervised sensory exploration.

  • Outdoor tummy time: A soft blanket on grass or under a tree gives your baby a new surface, new smells, and interesting things to look at. Tummy time is brilliant for developing strength and coordination.

You don’t need fancy equipment—just a bit of creativity, close supervision, and a willingness to get a little messy.

Baby Summer Activities


What to Read: Summer Stories to Spark Baby’s Curiosity

Your baby might not be reading just yet, but that doesn’t mean they’re not learning the rhythm and magic of language. Books with bright colours, simple patterns, and soothing repetition are perfect for this stage. And in the summer? Lean into seasonal reads that mirror what your baby is experiencing outdoors.

Our favourite summer-themed baby books:

  • Betsy Bee Our own Adventure Babies Book!

  • Your My Little Sunshine by Nicola Edwards

  • Hello, Summer! by Shelley Rotner – for slightly older babies, this is a beautiful photo-book celebrating all things seasonal

Top tip: Take storytime outside! A shady patch of grass and a gentle breeze add a whole new sensory layer to reading. Your baby will associate books with comfort, connection, and curiosity.


What to Expect: Milestones and Magic Moments

Whether your baby is just discovering their hands or starting to sit, summer offers the perfect conditions for gentle development.

  • 0–4 months: They’ll be captivated by light and shade, breeze on their skin, and the sound of birdsong. Try lying back under a tree together and watching the leaves dance.

  • 4–8 months: You might see more movement—rolling, reaching, babbling. Take advantage of longer days to play on the floor (or grass!) and bring stories to life with movement and sound.

  • 8–12 months: Crawling, clapping, peekabooing. Your baby may start showing preferences for certain books, turning pages (sort of), or mimicking sounds.

Whatever your baby is doing, they’re doing just right. Every giggle, every wiggle, every look of wonder is a sign that they’re learning—and you’re doing brilliantly.

Baby Summer Activities


Make Storytime the Heart of Summer

At Adventure Babies, we believe stories don’t just happen on the page. They happen in the rustle of leaves, the splash of water, the shared giggle during a storybook cuddle. This summer, wrap your baby’s world in story-rich experiences, from books to play to just watching clouds float by.

If you’re looking for baby summer activities that are expertly designed, deeply joyful, and rooted in early development—our sensory storytelling classes are the perfect fit. Book your summer class today and make this your baby’s first season of storytelling magic.


Ready to turn the page on your baby’s summer adventure?
Join an Adventure Babies class near you—where stories come alive and so do little imaginations.