10 Outdoor Activities to Do with a Tricycle

Looking for outdoor activities with a tricycle that go beyond a lap around the block? These ten ideas need almost no preparation, work for toddlers who pedal and for those you still push, and turn an ordinary ride into a game.

Before you start: outdoor activities with a tricycle need a safe spot

Choose a flat, protected place away from traffic. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride away from cars, driveways and swimming pools, wear a helmet and wear closed-toe shoes. Stay within reach, especially with younger toddlers.

1. Draw a chalk road

Draw a road on the pavement with a start line, a few curves and a parking space at the end. Add a crosswalk where your child has to stop and look both ways.

2. Red light, green light

Call out “green light” to go and “red light” to stop. It is a fun way to practice stopping when you ask, which is the most useful tricycle skill there is.

3. Special delivery

Put a few small toys in the basket and set up delivery stops: a tree, a bench, the front step. Your child delivers one package to each stop.

4. Nature treasure ride

Ride along a park path and stop to collect leaves, pinecones or smooth stones. Sort them by color or size when you get home.

5. Follow the leader

Walk ahead in zigzags, circles and straight lines while your child follows on the tricycle. Then swap, and let them lead.

6. Cone slalom

Line up plastic cups or cones with plenty of space between them and weave through slowly. Move them closer together as steering improves.

7. Neighborhood scavenger hunt

Before you leave, agree on five things to find: a red door, a dog, a mailbox, a bird, a yellow flower. Stop the tricycle each time you spot one.

8. Picnic ride

Pack a snack and a water bottle and ride to a spot in the park. Having somewhere to go keeps little riders moving.

9. Tricycle parade

Decorate the tricycle with ribbons or paper flags and hold a family parade. Keep decorations short and well away from the wheels and pedals.

10. Tricycle wash

End a dusty ride with a bucket, a sponge and a towel. Toddlers love washing their own wheels, and the tricycle goes away clean.

More ideas for riding together

For habits that keep your child riding week after week, read our tips on active play with a toddler tricycle. If you are choosing a first tricycle, start with our guide on how to choose a toddler tricycle, or see the Newtronx foldable toddler tricycles. The Adventure Pro comes with a basket for all those deliveries.