Summer is the perfect time to get little hands messy, curious minds engaged, and tiny bodies moving—and what better way to do that than with a fun, hands-on outdoor activity that toddlers love? Say hello to this DIYCar Wash: a sensory-rich, imagination-sparking, giggle-inducing activity that turns your backyard into the coolest car spa on the block. If your toddler is anywhere near as car obsessed as mine, this activity will keep them occupied for an incredible amount of time. Not only is the mud bin fun to play in, It’s a dirt race track, construction site, sinking dirt pit, etc. This activity truly ignites the imagination and engages the senses. As a plus – they do their own clean up with the car wash sensory bins!
I am not kidding you when I say this is the EASIEST activity. Just some mud, some water, and you’re set. No mixing ingredients, no elaborate set up, it’s just as simple as it seems. Mud, water, and kids being kids.
What You’ll Need:
- A sensory table, plastic bins, or shallow containers (at least two)
- A selection of Hot Wheels or small toy cars
- Dirt or potting soil
- Water
- A few squirt bottles, sponges, or paintbrushes
- Optional: bubbles or mild soap (baby-safe), toy traffic signs, washcloths
Step 1: Get Messy with “Mud Madness”
Start by filling the first bin with a mixture of dirt and water to make some glorious, squishy mud. Let your toddlers dive in—encouraging them to push, roll, and drive their cars through the muddy terrain. This is a blast for the senses, giving kids the chance to explore texture, cause and effect, and pretend play all at once.
Don’t worry about the mess—getting dirty is actually great for them! Playing in dirt has been shown to help build stronger immune systems and boost happiness. The tactile experience also supports sensory integration and fine motor development. Plus, there’s just something joyful about muddy fingers and squeals of laughter under the summer sun.
Step 2: Time to Scrub-A-Dub!
Next, move to the second bin filled with clean water. Add some bubbles if you’d like a more “authentic” car wash experience. Give your toddler tools to help scrub off the dirt—squirt bottles, sponges, or even old toothbrushes work great!
This part not only extends the play but also introduces elements of care, responsibility, and sequencing (“First the rinse, then the scrub!”). Watching the mud disappear brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment, and the water play is refreshing and calming in the heat.
Know that the mud is well, muddy. And is going to get your nice clean car wash bin dirty very quickly, so make sure you’re ready with a hose or bucket of water to swap out that dirty water for clean a few times if you want those cars to actually get cleaned off.
Why This Activity Rocks:
- Outdoor play gets kids moving, breathing fresh air, and connecting with the natural world.
- Sensory play enhances brain development by strengthening neural pathways related to touch, sight, sound, and movement.
- Pretend play nurtures creativity, social skills, and language development.
- Messy play (yes, the mud!) teaches kids it’s okay to get dirty—it’s part of learning, exploring, and being human.
Tips for Parents:
- Lay out a towel or picnic blanket nearby for drying off.
- Have a change of clothes ready—things will get wonderfully messy.
- Encourage storytelling: “Why is this car so muddy? Did it just win a race?”
- Play alongside your child—your participation adds extra joy and connection.
So next sunny day, grab some cars and head outside. With a little dirt, some water, and a few toy cars, you’ll be creating memories—and maybe even a few future mechanics.