Outdoor activities are so important for kids! Not only are they a blast, but they also provide opportunity for physical activity. Often, children will jump at the chance to play outside and will come up with their own ideas for super-fun physical activities. Other times, they may need a little encouragement and inspiration to get started. Keep this list of outdoor activities for kids handy and they will always have a new one to try. Even better, these outdoor play ideas are not limited to the summer months or to your backyard. Kids can enjoy many of them all year long!
It is also a great way to keep kids entertained and having fun while learning important lessons about the environment, teamwork, and problem-solving. Here are some fantastic outdoor activities for kids that will get them moving and enjoying the outdoors.
1. Hiking and Walking Games
Photo by: Vitolda Klein/Unsplash
Going on a hike or walk is often a great way to get kids outdoors, away from screens, and active. But we all know it can be hard to keep kids engaged while outside. To make it easier, why not bring a few fun games along? Here are some of our favorite hiking and walking games for kids - the perfect way to get outdoors and have fun!
I Spy With My Little Eye
This classic game is one of the most popular walking games for kids out there. The rules are simple - one person chooses something they can see, like a bird or flower, then everyone else takes turns trying to guess what it is! You can use items around you on your walk, or even things in the distance that you may need to look through binoculars for.
Name That Tune
This game works well if you’re out with a group of kids (or adults) who know their music. One person hums or sings a song, then the others try to guess what it is before the singer gives up! It’s also fun to make up new words to songs or change the tempo - this will help keep your kids guessing!
Getting outdoors with your family should always be an enjoyable experience whether you're going on a long hike or just taking a quick walk around your neighborhood park. And that's why these hiking and walking games are so great - they make being outside more fun for both parents and children alike! So grab your hat, grab your shoes, gather up some friends or family members and head out into nature for an adventure! Who knows what kind of discoveries await?
Read more hiking and walking game ideas here.
2. Sensory Scavenger Hunt
Photo by: Paige Cody/Unsplash
Looking for a fun-filled activity to keep the kids busy? Why not try a sensory scavenger hunt? Collect items you're sure to find around the park, like wood chips, sticks, leaves, and pebbles. Write a list, and have your children look for those items! We also have plenty of free printable scavenger hunts right here on our site! This is a great way to get kids outdoors and exploring. Plus, it's a great way to promote their cognitive development and fine motor skills. So next time you're looking for something fun to do with the kids, consider a sensory scavenger hunt!
Benefits of a Sensory Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Sensory scavenger hunts are great for kids because they offer an opportunity for exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning. When children search for items in nature (or even indoors), they become more aware of their environment. They start to identify different textures, colors, smells, shapes, etc., while also developing problem-solving skills as they work to complete the scavenger hunt. Furthermore, when collecting items with their hands (like pebbles or leaves) young children are engaging in tactile stimulation which builds fine motor skills.
Setting Up Your Own Sensory Scavenger Hunt
The great thing about sensory scavenger hunts is that you don’t need anything special or expensive to set one up. All you need are items that can be found around the park or other outdoor space near your house.
It is an excellent outdoor activity that encourages exploration and discovery while teaching children important problem-solving skills. Plus it’s so easy and inexpensive to set up; all that’s needed are items found around the park like wood chips, dandelions, leaves or pebbles which can easily be affixed onto a piece of paper with tape. So next time you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids consider setting up a sensory scavenger hunt!
3. Unleash Children’s Creativity With Purple Ladybug SunGemmers Flower Garden
Purple Ladybug SunGemmer Flower Garden
The Purple Ladybug SunGemmer Flower Garden comes with everything that you need to create beautiful 5D diamond suncatchers. This kit includes flower, butterfly, and mushroom shaped designs, color guides, double-sided mounting tape, and hundreds of gemstone stickers. All of these materials are designed to spark your child’s imagination as they create their own colorful works of art. Your kid will love designing one-of-a-kind masterpieces that they can proudly hang in their bedroom windows or elsewhere.
In addition to being fun and easy, this craft helps kids learn patience as they carefully stick each gem onto their artwork. By the end of their project, your kids will have created a masterpiece that expresses their individual creativity and style.
This 5D diamond suncatcher craft is perfect for birthday gifts for girls, teenage girls gift ideas, Christmas presents for teen girls, stocking stuffers for kids - you name it! Plus with other fun designs & sizes available from Purple Ladybug there's more ways than ever to unleash your child’s creativity with this amazing window art kit! So grab yours today so you can start having fun creating something special together!
4. Susan Jones Teaching Outdoor Activities Ideas
Many parents and kids are looking for fun activities to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. Luckily, Susan Jones has come up with three free outdoor activities that are perfect for kids who want to stay active and engaged while having a ton of fun! In her video, Susan shares some ideas for obstacle courses, nature scavenger hunts, and nature building activities that are sure to keep your children entertained. Let's take a closer look at each one.
Obstacle Courses
This activity is great for kids who love physical challenges and problem-solving tasks. To create an obstacle course, all you need is a large open area with plenty of space to move around in. Then find items around the house or yard that can be used as obstacles such as hula hoops, cones, or even chairs. You can also use items from nature such as rocks or logs. Next, arrange these obstacles in whatever pattern you like and have your child complete them in order from start to finish! This is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages—and it's great for helping them practice their coordination skills too.
Nature Building Activity
For this activity you'll need some materials from nature such as rocks, sticks, leaves etc., along with some glue or tape if needed. Then encourage your child to create something unique using these materials—maybe it’s an animal sculpture or an abstract art piece! This activity helps promote creativity and teaches kids how they can work with nature instead of against it. Plus it’s a great way to get creative juices flowing!
Sometimes it can be tough to come up with new ideas for outdoor play, so we've put together a list of our favorite things to do outside. From simple games like hopscotch to enjoying a picnic in the park, there's something on this list for every child to enjoy. So get up, get out, and start exploring!
