10 Fun Outdoor Activities For Kids To Enjoy This Summer

Large group of children running in the dandelion spring field

Summertime is the perfect time to get your kids out and active. With all the extra hours of daylight, there are plenty of outdoor activities for kids that are guaranteed to keep them busy and provide them with hours of fun. From classic outdoor games to water activities, here are 10 fun outdoor activities for kids that are perfect for summertime.

 

1. Classic Outdoor Games

 

little children playing football outdoors

 

Getting your kids to engage in classic outdoor games is a great way to get them outside and active. From tag and hopscotch to hide and seek and Capture the Flag, there are plenty of classic games to choose from. Mixing up the games can help keep your kids entertained for hours. Additionally, having them play in teams can help them work on their social skills and learn how to collaborate with one another. Organizing a competition or tournament with friends or family can help make the games even more fun. The tournament can be structured in a variety of ways such as a single-elimination or double-elimination tournament. Depending on the age of the children, you can create a reward system for the winners to incentivize the competition.

 

2. Water Activities

 

To beat the summer heat, nothing can be more refreshing than water activities. Whether youre at the beach, lake, or pool, there are plenty of water-based activities to keep your kids cool while having fun. From swimming and diving to water balloon fights and water park slides, the possibilities are endless. If your kids are just learning how to swim, you can hire a swimming instructor to give them lessons. This is a great way to help them become confident swimmers and gain essential water safety skills. Alternatively, you can also teach them yourself.

 

3. Nature Walks

 

little boy and girl examining tree bark through magnifying glass while exploring forest

 

Exploring nature is an excellent way to teach your kids about the environment and keep them active at the same time. Taking them on a nature walk allows them to see the beauty of their surroundings and discover the world outside. To make the nature walk more exciting, you can think of fun activities to do with your kids. For example, you can have them take pictures of their favorite plants and animals or collect leaves and stones. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even take them on a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.

 

4. Outdoor Art Projects

 

If your kids are looking for a more creative activity, outdoor art projects are the perfect way to get them outside and exercise their creativity. There are a variety of outdoor art projects for kids of all ages. For younger children, you can have them draw and paint on the sidewalk with chalk. For older kids, you can have them create a larger-scale art project such as a mural or a sculpture. Outdoor art projects are also a great way to get the whole family involved. Everyone can come together to brainstorm ideas, gather materials, and work together on the project.

 

5. Gardening

 

Gardening is an excellent way to get your children engaged in growing their own food. Whether youre growing vegetables, herbs, fruits, or flowers, gardening is a great way to teach your kids about the importance of sustainability and the environment. Depending on the age of your kids, you can choose a variety of tasks for them to do. For younger children, you can have them help with the planting and watering of the plants. For older kids, you can have them help with the pruning and harvesting of the plants.

 

6. Camping

 

group of happy kids roasting marshmallows on campfire

 

Camping is a great way to get your kids to experience the outdoors and learn new skills. Whether youre planning a day or overnight trip, its a great way to bond as a family and teach your kids about nature. When camping, there are a variety of activities for your kids to participate in. From fishing and bird-watching to star-gazing and stargazing, there are plenty of activities for your kids to explore. Depending on the location of your campsite, you can also plan hikes, kayaking trips, or canoeing trips.

 

7. Beach Activities

 

Heading to the beach is a classic summer activity that never gets old. There are a variety of activities you can do with your kids at the beach, from building sandcastles and playing beach volleyball to collecting sea shells and swimming in the ocean. You can also have a picnic at the beach and bring some snacks for your kids to enjoy. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even rent a boat and go out for a boat ride. This is a great way to explore the ocean and teach your kids about the local wildlife.

 

8. Bike Rides

 

Group Of Children Riding Bikes

 

Biking is a great way to get your kids outside and active. Whether youre planning a short ride around the neighborhood or a longer ride to a nearby park, getting on a bike is a fun way to explore the outdoors. If your kids are just learning how to ride a bike, you can teach them yourself or hire a bike instructor. This is a great way to help them become confident cyclists and gain essential bike safety skills.

 

9. Outdoor Cooking

 

Cooking outdoors is a fun way to get the whole family involved. From making smores to grilling burgers and hot dogs, there are plenty of outdoor cooking activities for your kids to participate in. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even have a campfire cooking contest. This is a great way to get your kids to be creative in the kitchen and come up with unique recipes. You can also have them help with the preparation of the ingredients, which is a fun way to teach them basic cooking skills.

 

10. Geocaching

 

Geocaching is a great way to explore the outdoors and have an adventure. Its a game of hide and seek, where you use a GPS device to locate hidden items. This is an excellent way to get your kids to be active and explore their surroundings. To make the game more exciting, you can set up a reward system. For example, you can give your kids a prize for every item they find. This is a great way to incentivize the game and help your kids stay motivated.

 

Conclusion

 

Summertime is the perfect time to get your kids outdoors and active. With all the extra hours of daylight, there are plenty of outdoor activities for kids to choose from. From classic outdoor games to nature walks and beach activities, there is something for everyone. These 10 fun outdoor activities for kids are guaranteed to keep them busy and provide them with hours of fun.