Fun local events and activities for 1-year-olds (and beyond!)

Modak
November 3, 2025

Main takeaways

🧸 Engaging activities like music, sensory play, and baby gyms support your child’s early motor and cognitive development.

🌳 Local parks, storytimes, and community events offer fun, budget-friendly ways to help toddlers explore and socialize.

💡 Early routines of play and structure build the foundation for independence, confidence, and lifelong learning.

Searching for "events for 1 year olds near me" or "activities for 1 year olds near me" can quickly become overwhelming. You want experiences that are age-appropriate, educational, and fun, but also nearby, affordable, and easy to access. Whether you're looking for local baby classes, free parent-infant meetups, or structured toddler play sessions, this guide gives you a full rundown of ideas that are perfect for infants and toddlers alike.

Why infant and toddler activities matter

At this age, your child is rapidly developing physically, socially, and emotionally. Activities like baby music classes, parent-and-baby gym sessions, and outdoor sensory play build motor skills, stimulate cognitive growth, and help your baby feel safe while exploring new environments.

Little girl dressed as a mermaid

From baby activities to building lifelong habits

When your little one is just starting out, finding fun activities for infants and toddlers, whether it’s a Gymboree class, a play session at The Little Gym, or a local parent-and-baby meetup, is a big part of helping them explore the world. These experiences build motor skills, social confidence, and happy memories.


But as kids grow, parents also start thinking about the other kind of skills children need: responsibility and financial literacy. That’s where Modak comes in. While your one-year-old is busy learning through play, Modak is a tool you can introduce as they get older.

Parents can assign chores, set up allowances, and give kids access to a free Visa® debit card with no monthly fees(1)(4). With Modak, children can transition from play-based learning in their toddler years to real-world money management as tweens and teens.


So while you’re searching for “activities for 1-year-olds near me” or “summer activities for toddlers,” remember that the routines you build now, play, structure, and responsibility, set the stage for healthy lifelong habits. And when the time comes, Modak is there to make financial responsibility part of the journey.

Top local activities for infants (0–12 months)

  • Sensory baby classes: Gentle lighting, sounds, and textures help stimulate your baby's senses.
  • Mommy and me yoga: Focuses on bonding and calming exercises.
  • Storytime at the library: Short, engaging sessions often include music and movement.
  • Indoor baby gyms: Soft, padded areas for crawling and exploring safely.

Best activities for 1-year-olds (12–18 months)

  • Baby music and movement classes: These promote rhythm, listening, and coordination.
  • Soft play centers: Great for developing gross motor skills in a safe environment.
  • Farm visits or petting zoos: Introduce animal sounds, textures, and nature.
  • Local park playdates: Swings, baby slides, and social interaction.

Fun things to do with an 18-month-old near you

  • Art for toddlers: Messy play with edible paint or finger painting.
  • Dance classes: Some studios offer beginner classes for walkers.
  • Toddler gymnastics: Programs like The Little Gym provide soft tumbling and balance activities.
  • Parent-infant nature walks: Stroller-friendly trails with guided stops.
Little boy runs in the countryside

Summer activities for toddlers (1–2 years)

  • Splash pads and water play: Perfect for hot days and motor development.
  • Outdoor music events: Bring a blanket and enjoy baby-friendly tunes.
  • Backyard obstacle courses: Cushions, tunnels, and mini slides.
  • Farmer’s market trips: Talk about colors, textures, and let your child explore food choices.

Budget-friendly or free options

  • Library baby hours
  • Local church or community center playgroups
  • City-sponsored toddler events
  • Parent-led meetup groups

How Modak supports your child’s growth

💳 As kids grow, Modak helps them transition from play-based learning to money management with a free Visa® debit card.

🎯 Parents can assign chores and teach responsibility through real rewards and MBX points.

📱 Modak builds lifelong habits by connecting everyday effort, like chores or walking, to financial literacy and goal setting.

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Building good habits from day one

The goal isn’t just to entertain your child, it’s to support their growth and independence. When you go to a baby gym or create a home activity, you're often helping your child learn how to interact, follow simple instructions, and feel confident

Just like those early routines help them understand the world, Modak helps older kids and teens understand the value of money. Once they’re ready, you can use Modak to:

  • Assign chores with deadlines
  • Reward them with real money to their Modak debit card
  • Set savings goals (just like their piggy banks!)
  • Let them earn MBX points for walking or completing learning challenges(2)(3)

Whether you’re heading to a baby playdate today or planning for the teen years, it’s all about small steps toward lifelong skills.

Girl

Final thoughts

You don’t need to travel far to give your toddler enriching experiences. Whether you’re googling “things to do with a 15-month-old near me” or mapping out a week of summer activities, your local community is likely full of options.

And when it comes time to teach responsibility, Modak is the natural next step. Your child can start earning rewards, setting goals, and managing their own money, just like they learned to crawl, walk, and play.

With Modak, the habits you start now grow into the confidence they'll carry for life.

FAQs

What are fun activities for infants?

Sensory play, music classes, baby yoga, and parent-infant swim sessions are great for infants under 12 months.

Is Seville good for babies?

Yes! Seville has many baby-friendly parks, open spaces, and walkable historic areas ideal for strollers.

What is there to do in Barcelona with babies?

You can enjoy stroller-friendly sightseeing, beach walks, and visits to interactive museums with baby play zones.

How many days in Seville with a toddler?

3–4 days is ideal. It allows for a relaxed pace to enjoy parks, local food, and family-friendly sites.

Can kids use Modak Visa® debit card1 abroad or in the US for everyday spending?

Yes! Modak Visa® debit cards1 work both in the U.S. and internationally. Kids can use their Modak card to spend on fun, kid-friendly experiences like museum tickets, zoo visits, or even a souvenir while traveling with family. It's a safe and easy way to help them learn the value of money at home and abroad.

  1. Deposit account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Legend Bank, N.A., FDIC-Insured. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC insured financial institution. Funds deposited into a Deposit Account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of march 2025). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2025). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
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