The world outside our doors holds endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. It’s a place where imaginations soar, and bonds are strengthened.
In a time when screens dominate our lives, it’s more important than ever to inspire our children to explore the wonders of nature and embrace the joy of being outside. We we’ve created this list of outdoor activities for backyard fun. From art and crafts and gardening to building forts and doing scavenger hunts, there are fun things here for both younger kids and older kids to fuel their curious minds and adventurous spirits.
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In this article, we’ll share a collection of exciting ideas and outdoor games that will inspire outdoor fun with your kids. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and embark on a journey of exploration, creativity, and unforgettable moments right in your backyard. Let’s make memories, ignite their imaginations, and create a love for the world right outside our door.
Fun Art and Crafts
Engaging in art and crafts in the great outdoors is not only a wonderful way to unleash your child’s creativity but also an opportunity to foster their appreciation for the natural world. The combination of artistic expression and the beauty of nature can be truly magical. Here are some exciting art and craft ideas to try with your kids:
Leaf Rubbing
Take a nature walk and collect different types of leaves. Press a sheet of plain paper on top of each leaf and rub the paper with a crayon or chalk to make a leaf rubbing. See what patterns you can create by layering different leaves on top of each other. Experiment with colors and patterns!
Rock Painting
Find smooth rocks and let your child’s imagination run wild. Encourage them to paint pictures, create designs, or even turn the rocks into friendly creatures.
Create a Bird Feeder
Help your kids make bird feeders using materials you have around the house. See these ideas using stale bagels or pinecones, styrofoam egg cartons, or plastic coffee containers. Once completed, fill with bird seeds and hang them in your yard or a nearby park to attract colorful birds. This activity is an easy way to teach kids of all ages about the importance of caring for wildlife.
Nature-Inspired Collages
Collect natural materials like leaves, flowers, twigs, and feathers. Use glue and construction paper to create stunning collages that showcase the beauty of the outdoors.
Encourage your kids to use found materials and experiment with different art techniques. Display their artwork proudly, and watch as their sense of accomplishment and connection with nature grows.
DIY Garden Project
Gardening is not only a fun and rewarding outdoor activity but also an excellent way to teach children about responsibility, patience, and the wonders of nature. Get your kids involved in a DIY garden project and watch as their curiosity blossoms along with the plants.
For a start, consider planting a vegetable or herb garden together. Let your children choose their favorite vegetables or herbs to grow, and guide them through preparing the soil, planting the seeds or seedlings, and watering and caring for the plants. Here’s a tutorial on growing a pizza garden with tomatoes, herbs, and other things perfect to top a pizza with.
Encourage your children to observe and document the growth process, from tiny sprouts to fully matured plants, and let them taste the fruits of their labor when it’s harvest time.
Another exciting idea is to create a bee-friendly or butterfly garden. Help your kids select colorful flowers that attract butterflies or plants that provide nectar for bees. Explain the importance of these pollinators and their role in our ecosystem.
With some creativity and dirt on their hands (make mud pies too while you’re here), your children will experience the joy of nurturing life and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.
Related: Find 30 More Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids Here
Water Balloon Fights
With the sun shining and the temperature rising, there’s no better way to beat the heat of a hot summer day than having a splashing good time with a water balloon fight! Water balloon fights are a classic outdoor activity that brings laughter and excitement to both younger kids and older children. Heck, even adults like to get in on this outdoor play activity.
In order to prepare for a water balloon fight, gather a bunch of colorful water balloons and fill them with water. You can set up a filling station with a hose or even use a water balloon filling tool for added convenience. Once the balloons are ready, find an open outdoor space, such as your backyard or a local park, where kids can run around freely.
Before the battle begins, set up a few simple rules like no throwing above the shoulder or hitting someone with full force. Also, make sure that safety gear such as goggles are available for kids who want them.
Divide into teams or engage in a friendly free-for-all, and let the water balloon madness begin! Aim, throw, dodge, and soak each other with cool, refreshing splashes. The anticipation, the shrieks of laughter, and the joy of getting soaked create unforgettable memories for everyone involved.
Water balloon fights and water play promote active play, improve hand-eye coordination and offer a refreshing way to cool down during hot summer weather. Just be sure to clean up any balloon remnants afterward to keep the environment tidy and safe.
Build Your Own Backyard Obstacle Course
Building an obstacle course is not only a fun way to spend time outdoors with your kids, but it also offers numerous benefits. Physical activity is essential for children’s development, promoting fitness, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
To create your obstacle course, you don’t need fancy equipment. Use materials you have at home, such as hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, old tires, sturdy rope, or even homemade tunnels. Get creative with the layout and design to make it exciting and challenging. If you have a swing set or monkey bars in the backyard, you can also incorporate that into the curse.
Include various challenges and stations to keep things interesting. Set up balance beams for kids to test their agility, create tunnels or low obstacles with pool noodles for crawling under, and use hula hoops as targets for kids to jump through. You can also use a soccer ball to challenge players to kick the ball through a goal, a set of cones, or an area masked off with duct tape.
To increase the difficulty, you can add timed elements such as running or skipping between obstacles. You can also mix up the order of exercises at each station so kids have to think and problem-solve their way around the course instead of memorizing it.
Make it more engaging by introducing friendly competitions or timed challenges. Inspire healthy competition and teamwork among siblings or friends as they navigate the course, cheering each other on and celebrating their accomplishments.
Building an obstacle course not only gets kids moving but also allows them to use their imagination and problem-solving skills. So, unleash your creativity and enjoy the adventure of building and conquering your outdoor obstacle course!
Outdoor Music Jam Session
Do you want to ignite your child’s creativity and bring joyous melodies to the outdoors? An outdoor music jam session is the perfect way to inspire self-expression and enhance your child’s sensory experiences. With just a few simple or homemade instruments, you can create a magical musical experience right in your backyard.
Encourage your child to bring their favorite instruments or get creative by making homemade ones. Pots and pans can become drums, while DIY shakers can be crafted from recycled materials. Explore rhythms, sing along, and even compose a family song together to sing around the fire pit. The possibilities are endless!
Remember, the beauty of an outdoor music jam session lies in spontaneity and fun. Let your little ones experiment with sounds, rhythms, and movements. Encourage them to dance and let the music take them on a journey of self-expression. It’s all about embracing the joy of making music together and creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
So, grab your instruments, find a cozy spot in nature, and let the melodies soar. Your outdoor music jam session is sure to be a delightful and harmonious experience for the whole family.
Nature Yoga or Tai Chi
Nature yoga or Tai Chi is a fun backyard activity. It is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the benefits of movement and mindfulness while connecting with the natural world.
Find a peaceful outdoor spot, near flower beds, a tranquil garden, or even under the shade of a backyard tree. Begin by teaching your children simple yoga poses like the tree or butterfly pose. Encourage gentle stretching exercises that help them feel grounded and connected to the earth.
If you prefer Tai Chi, guide them through slow and graceful movements, fostering a sense of tranquility and balance. The gentle flow of these ancient practices promotes relaxation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
As you practice nature yoga or Tai Chi together, encourage your children to immerse themselves in the serenity of their surroundings. Observe the rustling leaves, listen to the chirping birds, and feel the gentle breeze. It’s an opportunity to find peace and harmony while nurturing a deeper connection with nature.
So, step onto your outdoor mat, take a deep breath, and let the natural world be your guide. Nature yoga or Tai Chi with your little ones will bring both of you a sense of calm and well-being, creating cherished moments in the embrace of the great outdoors.
Build a Fort or Treehouse
Imagination takes flight when children embark on the exciting adventure of building a simple treehouse or fort in the great outdoors. This hands-on activity not only inspires imaginative play but also develops outdoor construction skills, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment.
Go to your backyard and begin by selecting a sturdy tree with suitable branches for support. Plan the design together, considering safety and functionality. Use responsibly sourced materials like reclaimed wood or environmentally friendly alternatives. With basic carpentry skills, construct a platform and walls, ensuring stability and durability.
Personalize the treehouse with a ladder, a pulley system, or a slide for added fun. Encourage your child’s imagination by involving them in decorating—painting the walls, hanging fairy lights, or adding cushions for cozy comfort. Remember, safety is paramount. Regularly inspect the structure, reinforce weak points, and establish guidelines for its use.
Building a treehouse creates cherished memories and fosters a love for nature. It’s an opportunity for families to bond, explore the outdoors, and embark on countless imaginative adventures. So, grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and let the treehouse magic begin!
Related: If indoor play is the order of the day, learn how to make this fun Indoor Camping Playhouse
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Embark on a thrilling adventure of exploration and discovery with a nature scavenger hunt. This outdoor activity is perfect for engaging your child’s curiosity and deepening their connection with the natural world.
In order to organize a nature scavenger hunt, start by creating a list of items for your children to find. Tailor the list to your specific environment, including both common and unique items found in nature.
For example, you could include items like a pinecone, a smooth rock, a feather, a four-leaf clover, or a certain type of leaf. For finding very small things like an ant, you may want to hand out each person a magnifying glass. You can also add a few bonus items or challenges to make it more exciting.
Find some of our scavenger hunt printables here:
Distribute the lists to each participant or team and provide them with a bag or basket to collect their treasures. Set a time limit, if desired, and let the scavenger hunt begin! Encourage your children to explore their surroundings, observe different plants and animals, and search for the items on their list. As they find each item, they can check them off or collect pieces of nature in their bag.
After the scavenger hunt, gather together and share the exciting finds. Take a moment to discuss each discovered item, its unique characteristics, and any interesting facts about them. Celebrate the participants’ efforts and the wonders they encountered during their exploration.
Backyard Games
Once everyone discovers the amazing things that nature has to offer, it’s time for some playful outdoor activities. Backyard games like tag, hide-and-seek, and badminton provide hours of entertainment while kids get active and enjoy the sunshine. Get my tutorial on how to create lawn twister and other outdoor games for teens. All these activities will help them stay fit and healthy while having a blast with family, friends, or neighbors.
Final Thoughts
As parents, we hold the key to unlocking a world of outdoor adventures for our children. By stepping outside with them, we provide opportunities for exploration, creativity, and connection with nature. The possibilities are boundless, from fun art and crafts to DIY garden projects, science experiments, obstacle courses, music jam sessions, nature yoga or Tai Chi, fort or treehouse building, and family photography sessions.
Engaging in these outdoor activities not only promotes physical and mental well-being but also creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds. So, let’s embrace the beauty of the natural world right outside our doors and embark on thrilling adventures with our children. Let’s foster their love for nature, inspire their creativity, and watch as their spirits soar in the great outdoors. Together, we can create a world of wonder, imagination, and unforgettable experiences for our little ones.
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Author Bio
Andrea Gibbs
Currently the head of content management at SpringHive Web Design Company, a digital agency that provides creative web design, social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also a blog contributor at Baby Steps Preschool where she writes storytime themes, parenting tips, and seasonal activities to entertain children.
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Love these outdoor activity ideas! Leaf rubbing sounds super fun – I remember doing that as a kid and being amazed by the patterns. Building forts was always a blast too. Do you think older kids would enjoy these as much as younger ones? Any other unique art projects you’d recommend?