The minute Elyse and her son, Yoni, leave the house, her whiney, irritable toddler gets a big smile on his face, and his mood changes instantaneously. "It doesn't matter where we go or what we do, Yoni just needs a change of scenery. He becomes an absolute pleasure – the perfect child."

Here are some suggestions for fun-filled activities for you and your toddler!

The Playground
This might seem like an obvious choice, but many moms fear their toddlers will be bored frequenting the same playground again and again. Not so! It is actually one of the best activities for your toddler (and a great way for you to meet new people!). All you have to do is bring different things for him to play with, and you'll be considered Supermom! Some favorites are bubbles, a ball and sidewalk chalk.

And, the best part about going to the playground is that your child can get out her extra energy outdoors where nobody will be disturbed.

Bicycle Riding
This is a welcome change from the stroller. If you have a proper tot seat, you can take your toddler on the back of your bicycle, or you can get her a tricycle or similar riding toy and just go around the block. Note: Always make sure your child is wearing proper protective gear, such as a helmet, elbow pads and knee guards.

A Picnic
A simple meal can turn into an activity for the whole day. You can explain the activity to your toddler the afternoon before. In the morning, he can decide what he wants to eat and be given special jobs to help prepare it. Pick out a special basket (or bag), and pack it up together. You can even let your toddler help pick a spot to spread your blanket. Bon appetit!

The Zoo
This classic activity is still a favorite. It's the perfect fun learning experience. Practice animal sounds, and check out the petting zoo, too! This is great to do with friends or just the immediate family. The bonus is that your toddler will learn more about animals. Later, go to the library to check out books about one or two of your child's favorite species.

Outdoor Fairs
These can be a lot of fun – just make sure there are rides for toddlers and that they pass safety regulations.

"Keep it simple" should be your motto when planning an outing. Don't prepare too much, and don't bring too much. Remember that toddlers can be fascinated by just about anything they see. If preparation becomes a burden to you, you'll choose to stay home. This will be bad for you and your toddler. You should be able to just pick up and go at the drop of a hat. One great way to motivate yourself to get out is to arrange outings with a friend a couple of times a week.

Safety Issues
Dr. David Fay, a family physician, father of two and iParenting expert, suggests a few rules to follow when dealing with outdoor safety for toddlers:

• Observation. "Toddlers were not intended to explore the world alone," Dr. Fay says. "Try to anticipate unsafe situations, rather than reacting to them. The only real way to give toddlers the freedom to explore without danger is to stay close, especially near hazards like water or heights."
• Dress for the weather. Make sure that your toddler is adequately protected from the sun with clothing, sunscreen and a hat. Clothing will also serve as protection against allergic reaction to plants. Finally, and most importantly, make sure your little one is wearing good shoes with non-slip soles.
• Watch for animals. Both wild and domestic animals can be dangerous. Most wild animals will bite if pursued by humans. Domestic animals, such as dogs, will "play" with a toddler the only way they know how – with their mouths. This can lead to a severe bite.

It's also a good idea to have a first-aid kit handy. Here are some suggested items:

• Sterile gauze
• Tape
• Scissors
• Band-Aids
• Antibiotic ointment
• Aspirin and/or Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
• Money for a pay phone (or a charged battery for your cell phone)
• Emergency phone numbers
• Extra car key (in case you're locked out)

Always keep your first-aid kit stocked. The best way to be worry-free is to make sure you restock right after you use something.

The bottom line? Get out of the house! Your toddler will thank you for it with a changed mood and those sweet smiles that make you melt. You'll be refreshed and able to deal with the rest of the day with a lot more energy and positive thinking.

Want to see more?

• It's Raining, It's Pouring: That Doesn't Mean It's Boring!
• Jordan's Walk
• Toddler Transitions
• Petting Zoos and Your Child's Health
• Talk about it!