Are you looking for fun and affordable ways to keep your kids active and entertained? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 25 exciting outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by children of all ages, and won’t break the bank. From bike rides to treasure hunts, these activities will keep your little ones engaged, while also encouraging them to explore the great outdoors.
1. Bike Rides
Grab your bikes and helmets, and hit the road! Bike rides are a fantastic way to get some exercise and explore the neighborhood. Choose a safe route and enjoy the fresh air together.
This is something we quite often do and and a personal favourite. Living in the countryside make this easy for us as there are plenty of local green route and byeways that we can explore/
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items for your kids to find in nature, such as leaves, rocks, or flowers. Head to a local park or forest, and let the scavenger hunt begin!
This is always great find and encourages the children to get closer to nature.
3. Picnic in the Park
Pack a delicious lunch, grab a blanket, and head to your nearest park. Enjoy a picnic while your kids run around and play on the playground.
4. Outdoor Art Gallery
Encourage your children’s creativity by setting up an outdoor art gallery. Hang up their artwork on a clothesline or fence, and let them proudly display their masterpieces.
5. Camping in the Backyard
Turn your backyard into a camping adventure! Set up a tent, roast marshmallows over a fire pit, and tell spooky stories under the stars.
We always used to do this as kids, we had a large back garden so it was no problem. Tents come in many shapes and sizes so you should be able to find one to suit your need.
You can even make your own tents, we used to used some old blankets and tarpaulin.
6. Water Balloon Fight
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a water balloon fight. Fill up some balloons, divide into teams, and let the laughter and splashing begin!
7. Nature Walks
Take a leisurely stroll through a local nature reserve or botanical garden. Encourage your kids to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature.
8. DIY Obstacle Course
Create a fun and challenging obstacle course in your backyard using household items. From crawling under chairs to jumping over hula hoops, the possibilities are endless.
9. Geocaching
Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game that involves using GPS-enabled devices such as smartphones or dedicated GPS units to navigate to specific coordinates and find hidden containers called geocaches. The activity is enjoyed by people of all ages and can be done virtually anywhere in the world, from urban areas to remote wilderness locations.
There are millions of geocaches hidden around the world—there are probably some near you right now.
10. Fruit Picking
Visit a local orchard or berry farm and let your kids pick their own fruits. Not only is it a fun activity, but you’ll also get to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.
11. DIY Bird Feeders
Get crafty and make your own bird feeders using recycled materials. Hang them in your backyard and watch as colorful birds flock to enjoy the treats.
12. Beach Day
If you live near a beach or lake, spend a day building sandcastles, swimming, and collecting seashells. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
If you are heading to the beach you could take a picnic with you. Just be careful, nobody likes sand in there sandwiches, and be sure to take your rubbish with you.
Don’t forget the bucket and spade!
Check out our list of the top 10 beaches in the UK
13. Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a projector and a white sheet in your backyard, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn and cozy blankets!
14. Nature Photography
Give your kids disposable cameras or smartphones and let them capture the beauty of nature through their own lenses. Encourage their creativity and see the world from their perspective.
Our kids love a photo opportunity so why not let them take some great pictures too.
15. DIY Water Park
Turn your backyard into a mini water park! Set up sprinklers, water slides, and water balloons for hours of refreshing fun.
16. Roller Skating
Dust off those old roller skates and head to a local park or skate rink. Roller skating is a classic activity that never goes out of style.
17. DIY Kite Flying
Get crafty and make your own kites using newspaper, string, and sticks. Head to an open field and watch as your colorful creations soar through the sky.
18. Nature Journaling
Encourage your kids to observe and document their nature discoveries in a journal. They can draw pictures, write descriptions, or press flowers to create a beautiful keepsake.
Outdoor Toys
Explore the newest outdoor toys available on Amazon for a glimpse into the latest trends and innovations in playtime fun.
19. Outdoor Yoga
Introduce your kids to the benefits of yoga in a natural setting. Find a peaceful spot in your backyard or a nearby park and practice gentle yoga poses together.
20. DIY Science Experiments
Explore the wonders of science with fun and easy outdoor experiments. From making volcanoes to creating homemade slime, your kids will be amazed by the magic of science.
21. Neighborhood Olympics
Organize a mini Olympics in your neighborhood. Set up various games like sack races, relay races, and hula hoop contests. Don’t forget to award medals for the winners!
22. Nature Crafts
Gather natural materials like leaves, pinecones, and rocks, and let your kids create beautiful crafts. From leaf rubbings to rock painting, the possibilities are endless.
23. DIY Water Rockets
Build your own water rockets using plastic bottles and a bicycle pump. Launch them into the sky and watch as they soar high above.
24. Outdoor Concert
Check your local community events for free outdoor concerts. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy live music with your kids.
25. Stargazing
On a clear night, head to a quiet spot away from city lights and gaze at the stars. Teach your kids about constellations and let their imaginations run wild.
There you have it – 25 exciting outdoor activities that will keep your kids entertained without breaking the bank. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your adventure hats, and enjoy quality time with your little ones in the great outdoors!
