"Now that temperatures have warmed up, parents everywhere are breathing a collective sigh of relief because we can finally escape the walls of our homes and get our kids playing outside.
Whether you have a backyard or a small outdoor space, getting some fresh air can be a major mood booster. In fact, research shows that kids who play outside are happier and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. And for those of us with babies? More outdoor time in the afternoon can equate to better nighttime sleep. Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University in the U.K. found that babies who were better nighttime sleepers were exposed to twice as much daylight between noon and 4 p.m. than the problem sleepers.
Benefits aside, getting outside is just plain fun! And getting the whole family outside for a little fun is just what we all need. That’s why we’ve rounded up 28 fun outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy this summer—scroll down for the list!
1. Make Sidewalk Chalk Art
You’ve probably seen the geometric sidewalk chalk “stained glass” art either on Instagram or around your own neighborhood. Good news: it’s easy! All you need is some painter’s tape and sidewalk chalk. Tape off your driveway or sidewalk area into geometric shapes with your kids and let everyone use whatever colors they want to fill in the gaps. Or, let them make their own abstract art by drawing whatever their hearts desire.
2. Take a Family Bike Ride
Even if your little one hasn’t mastered a bike yet, there are plenty of other options like a balance bike or scooter to include the whole family in the fun.
3. Go on a Picnic
Pack up a cooler and bring a blanket and folding chairs for a change in mealtime scenery. Bring everyone’s favorite snacks, maybe a game, and soak up the sun at a local park or nature preserve.
4. Have a Bean Bag Toss Competition
Depending on what part of the country you’re from, you may call this game Bags, Cornhole, or some other variation of the term. Regardless, the game quickly gets competitive. Make it even more fun by involving neighbors or extended family.
5. Go Mini Golfing
Head to the local Putt-Putt course or get your golf on in your own backyard or at a park. This is one of those outdoor family activities that no one will turn down. Plus, each game is a chance to improve your mini golf skills!
6. Play Bocce Ball
You’ll need to be in a pretty flat, smooth area for this one, but it can easily be played in a backyard or at a park. Pick up a kit and get competitive!
7. Go an a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Triple threat here: outdoor time, exercise, and competition. Before you head outside, make a list of different items in nature and see who can spot them all first.
8. Make DIY Bubble Foam
There’s something about foam that’s fun for kids and adults, and making it yourself is easy and entertaining. In a large bowl, mix together two parts water and one part tear-free bubble bath (e.g. 1 cup water, 1/2 cup tear-free bubble bath, or more or less, depending on how much you want to make). Add food coloring if you want to add some color. Use a hand-mixer to blend it on high until it reaches the consistency you like. Make a few batches, then pour it into a baby pool or water table.
9. Get Out the Kinetic Sand
Like foam, there’s something mesmerizing about kinetic sand for both kids and grown-ups. The beach may be out of reach for many of us, but we can still bring a little bit of it home.
10. Camp Out in Your Yard
A great memory in the making for your kiddos is “camping” in your backyard. Whether you actually sleep outside or just make it a late night of fun with the kids, it’ll be an adventure they’ll remember.
11. Fly Kites
There’s something so satisfying about watching a kite glide through the air, and there’s something even better about teaching your kids how to do it and watching the joy it brings them. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach the, “if at first you don’t succeed…” lesson.
12. Make Giant Bubbles
It’s so simple yet so fun. Add water to a baby pool and mix with 1-2 cups of dish soap. Dip a hula hoop into the mixture to make giant bubbles big enough to fit your kiddo inside.
13. Plant a Container Garden
Kids will love to learn to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables right from the seed. We love that this outdoor family activity is one that your kiddos will come back to all summer to track their progress. They may even learn something along the way!
14. Go Fishing
Just like grandpa used to! Whether it’s a family tradition or something you’ve never done before, grab some fishing poles and bate and head to the nearest lake. If you’re new to the sport, you can likely find some cheap fishing poles at your local thrift store.
15. Paint Rocks
Who said painting was only for inside? Take your little ones on a hunt to find big rocks, then bring them back and let their imagination run free.
16. Have a Water Fight
Nothing like a good old-fashioned water fight to get the whole family involved. Keep this idea in your back pocket for an especially hot day.
17. Play in the Rain
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean the day is a wash. Puddle stomping is a toddler’s favorite activities. The messier and muddier, the better.
18. Play Foursquare
The nostalgia is real with this one. All you need is a ball and some painter’s tape or chalk to make the court. Don’t worry if you forgot the rules—they’ll come rushing back to you.
19. Play Giant Jenga
One of the most fun table games gets even better when you make it supersized and take it outside. If it’s been awhile since you’ve played, don’t underestimate just how fun this option is.
20. Go to a Local Farm or Petting Zoo
It doesn’t get much more exciting than spending time with animals. Find a local farm or petting zoo to spend the afternoon with cute critters.
21. Have Fun with Water
Play with a water table, run through the sprinkler, or take a dip in the pool to beat the heat. With so many fun water tables, sprinkler toys, and mini inflatable pools, who wouldn’t want to get in on the fun?
22. Play Soccer
Girls vs. boys? Kids vs. adults? Grandkids vs. grandparents? The options are endless and all you need is a soccer ball and some makeshift goals.
23. Take a Hike
A quick Google search is sure to provide several options of hiking areas near you that you may not have known about. Pack snacks and water and get out of the house for an afternoon of exercise.
24. Try Geocaching
If this feels totally 2016, that’s OK! Lean into the nostalgia (or try something new if this is new to you). Simply download the Geocaching app and get to treasure hunting. The app will use GPS to lead you to “geocaches,” which are often small containers with trinkets or a list of names of previous searchers. Participants are encouraged to leave their own token or write a note themselves. Trust us, adventurous kiddos will love this idea.
25. Make Bird Feeders
Have a kiddo who loves bird watching? Bring even more winged friends near by crafting a bird feeder together. Either get some wood from your local hardware store, or make an eco-friendly option with an orange peel filled with birdseed that hangs by string.
26. Try Outdoor Yoga
Sometimes all we want as parents is to get a good stretch in. When the kids don’t make this easy to do inside, they may be more apt to join us if we make it a fun outdoor activity. Set up yoga mats or towels and encourage them to do a quick flow with you.
27. Make Paper Airplanes
Have everyone in the family craft the perfect paper airplane before having a contest to see whose can fly the furthest. Just be sure to keep track of where they land and recycle them when you’re done!
28. Go Berry Picking
This time of year, many local farms or gardens will offer berry picking where your family can go and hand pick berries to take home. Once you get them home, try a new recipe with the fruits of your labor.
