Outdoor play: two to three years Clare Walters Children of this age are very energetic. Getting outside can help relieve any stress of being confined indoors for too long.

The great outdoors

Water paint - give your toddler a paintbrush and a pot of water and let him paint 'pictures' on your patio or on a sheet on the grass. Perhaps let him step in a bowl of water and make a trail of wet footprints for you to follow.

Animal magic - pretend to be different animals and make the actions and sounds to go with them. Creep like a cat, jump like a bunny, sway your head like a cow and waddle like a duck.

Stand with the sun behind him and make shadow patterns on the ground

Shadow play - on a sunny day, show your toddler how to stand with the sun behind him and make shadow patterns on the ground with his arms.

Wind fun - on a windy day, give your child a length of ribbon and let him run around to make it blow behind him. Or make flags by sticking squares of kitchen paper on lolly sticks and watch them flap in the wind.

Foot power - let your toddler take his ride-on toy to the park.

While your toddler plays these games, make sure you or a responsible adult are supervising or nearby at all times.

Disclaimer: The BBC Parenting site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. The BBC is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.