100+ Easy Outdoor Activities for Kids

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Before my kids came into the picture, my husband and I were big into the outdoors.

After having my first child, I’m pretty confident I had some postpartum anxiety (but it was in the middle of a pandemic, so I’m sure that played a significant role). I didn’t want to take my son outside.

However, as my son grew, I quickly realized this wasn’t sustainable. He’s been very active from the get-go, so keeping him inside all the time was making me crazy.

Once I pushed through the anxiety and got outside, I discovered the immeasurable value of spending time outside with my little ones.

From backyard games and nature walks to the simple joy of kite flying, these experiences are not just about fun in the sun. They play a pivotal role in nurturing kids’ physical and mental development, fostering a love for nature, encouraging physical activity, and strengthening family ties.

What’s beautiful about these activities, whether a treasure hunt, gardening with kids, or a classic picnic, is how amazingly simple and accessible they are. It doesn’t take much—just a willingness to step outside and explore the wonders that await right in our backyards or the local park.

And you can do (most of) these easy outdoor activities for kids in spring, summer, or fall.

The Classic Backyard Picnic

Packing a picnic basket and stepping into your own backyard, you transform an ordinary day into an adventure. My son loves to have picnics.

You don’t need anything elaborate for food—some simple sandwiches and some other snacky foods like fruit and veggies, cheese sticks, etc. are all you need.

Sometimes, we just have a small snack out there, and my kid is happy. We spend so much time eating inside that the novelty doesn’t seem to wear off.

Some days, though, the weather doesn’t cooperate. It gets cold outside where we live, so we can’t have picnics outside for a good chunk of the year.

I like to have an inside picnic when the weather doesn’t allow for a picnic outside. My son is no less excited for an inside picnic—he’s probably more excited!

DIY Outdoor Crafts

Embracing the joy of being outside brings endless opportunities for creativity and fun. DIY outdoor crafts open a gateway to imaginative play and learning, blending the beauty of nature with the thrill of making something with one’s own hands.

You can use whatever arts and crafts supplies you already have on hand. (If you’d like something to get you started, I have outdoor activity packs in my Etsy shop)

Kids are so creative, and you’ll be surprised by what they come up with.

These activities nurture creativity and encourage kids to observe and appreciate the subtleties of the outdoor environment around them.

Plus, the simplicity of turning a backyard into a haven for treasure hunts and sensory play outdoors fosters an invaluable connection with nature.

Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts

There’s nothing I like more than a walk in nature. My whole family loves them. We’re not always able to find a new trail to walk on, so we often frequent the same trails.

While I’m perfectly content to enjoy the same trail on repeat, kids often crave a little more learning.

A scavenger hunt can be a great way to facilitate more learning. Get a scavenger hunt printable on Etsy, and use them on your walks.

Another type of scavenger hunt you could do is create a list of birds local to your area and see if you can spot them while you’re out.

Getting an app like the Merlin Bird ID app would let you identify birds with a photo or an audio recording. We use this app often, and we love it!

This approach enriches family time and profoundly deepens children’s connection with nature while giving them healthy physical activity.

Gardening Together

Nothing quite matches the joy of seeing a child’s eyes light up with wonder as they watch a seed they planted burst through the soil, transforming into a vibrant flower or a hearty vegetable.

We don’t have time for a garden right now, but my son has been doing this with his grandmum since he was about a year and a half old. “Grandmum tadoes” was something he talked about constantly!

It’s an opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty, quite literally, and learn about the cycle of life, the importance of patience, and the thrill of seeing their efforts come to fruition.

Starting with simple plants like sunflowers, which grow tall and strong, or cherry tomatoes, known for their speedy growth and bountiful harvest, can give kids quick and rewarding results.

Gardening teaches them about nature and instills a sense of responsibility and the joys of nurturing growth.

Through planting, watering, and eventually harvesting, kids engage in a hands-on science lesson, surrounded by the fresh air and the buzzing of life, making every moment a discovery and every day an adventure outdoors.

Outdoor Water Games

Water games have always been a favorite for my oldest. They bring joy and laughter under the sun, turning our backyard into a haven of fun.

From sprinkler dashes to bucket relays, these activities cool them down and boost their physical activity most enjoyably.

One of our go-to games is water balloon toss, which never fails to elicit shrieks of excitement and a bit of competitive spirit.

Another hit is the water race, where kids use cups to transfer water from one bucket to another, racing against time or each other.

It should be noted that supervision of children around water is of the utmost importance. Things happen faster than you can imagine, so ensure children aren’t left alone.

Kite Flying Adventures

Kite flying, an activity as timeless as it is joyful, offers an enthralling outdoor experience for kids and an educational adventure.

There’s something magical about watching a kite dance across the sky, held by a string, yet seemingly touching the clouds. It’s a perfect way to introduce kids to basic physics concepts like aerodynamics and wind pressure in a hands-on, engaging manner.

It also fosters patience, coordination, and the sheer delight of outdoor physical activity.

When choosing the right kite for kids, simplicity is key. Look for lightweight, brightly-colored kites with simple designs that can easily catch the wind.

Due to their stability and easy control, Delta and diamond-shaped kites are often recommended for beginners. Always ensure the kite is suited for the wind conditions in your area, and, most importantly, choose a kite that your kids will be excited to fly.

Simple Sports Activities

Encouraging our little ones to embrace the joy and thrill of simple sports activities can unlock a treasure trove of fun in our backyards.

These moments of family time are a golden opportunity to foster a love for physical activity while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

Kicking a soccer ball across the lawn is one of my son’s favorite things to do outside. He also loves biking, so we do that almost daily.

And engaging in these sports for kids together doesn’t just keep us active—it strengthens our bond, teaching invaluable lessons about teamwork and perseverance.

Bubble Fun

There’s something almost magical about playing with bubbles that captivates children and adults alike. I’ve discovered this timeless joy doesn’t just bring laughter to my backyard—it sparks a sense of wonder and excitement in my kids every time.

From the sheer delight of chasing bubbles across the lawn to the challenge of popping them before they touch the ground, bubble play is a simple outdoor game that encourages physical activity and sensory play outdoors.

To add to the charm of this easy outdoor activity, I’ve experimented with creating our homemade bubble solution, transforming bubble time into both a science experiment and an outdoor adventure.

The recipe is straightforward: Combine 1 cup of water, two tablespoons of glycerin, and four tablespoons of dish soap. Stir gently to avoid creating foam.

The glycerin strengthens the bubbles, making them more resilient and creating endless fun.

Whether it’s part of educational outdoor games or just for the joy of bubble play, watching those iridescent orbs float away never gets old.

Sensory Play in Nature

Sensory play outdoors opens a gateway to a world where every touch, smell, sight, and sound contributes to your child’s development.

Beyond the confines of structured playrooms, nature offers boundless opportunities for sensory exploration, essential for honing cognitive, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.

Imagine the joy and intrigue on your child’s face as they engage in activities like exploring the textures of leaves, listening to the symphony of bird calls, or building miniature worlds with twigs and pebbles.

These simple outdoor games foster a deeper connection with the natural world and enhance sensory awareness and observational skills.

Why not try a nature-based sensory scavenger hunt for a fun twist on traditional treasure hunts? Equip your little explorers with a list of items to find, focusing on different textures and colors they can discover in your backyard or a local park.

This activity encourages physical activity and keen observation, ticking all the boxes for educational outdoor games that captivate and educate.

Encouraging your child to craft outdoors using materials found in nature also supports sensory development. From leaf rubbings to creating mud sculptures, the possibilities are as limitless as nature itself, offering a vast playground for imagination and creativity.

Other Outdoor Activities

These other activities offer an excellent way for kids to engage with nature, stay active, and have fun outdoors!

1. Leaf rubbing art
2. Build a stick fort
3. Go on a bug hunt
4. Paint rocks
5. Have a picnic
6. Plant a garden
7. Make a bird feeder
8. Jump rope
9. Play hopscotch
10. Create a mud kitchen
11. Ride bikes
12. Blow bubbles
13. Play tag
14. Build a sandcastle
15. Collect seashells
16. Play catch
17. Create a sidewalk chalk mural
18. Go bird watching
19. Make a nature collage
20. Build a fairy house
21. Play hide-and-seek
22. Go fishing
23. Play with hula hoops
24. Have a relay race
25. Play frisbee
26. Climb a tree
27. Go on a treasure hunt
28. Play soccer
29. Create a nature journal
30. Build a dam in a stream
31. Have a sack race
32. Explore a local park
33. Do yoga outside
34. Go stargazing
35. Collect pinecones
36. Create shadow art
37. Jump in puddles
38. Make leaf crowns
39. Play freeze dance
40. Build a snowman (in winter)
41. Do a backyard obstacle course
42. Play with water guns
43. Make a nature bracelet
44. Have a field day with various games
45. Play four square
46. Make a wind chime
47. Create a leaf maze
48. Go for a hike
49. Fly paper airplanes
50. Play red light, green light
51. Collect and paint rocks
52. Do a photo nature walk
53. Play with a giant beach ball
54. Build an outdoor fort with blankets
55. Explore a creek
56. Do a bug race with found insects
57. Make sun prints
58. Play Simon says
59. Go camping in the backyard
60. Make mud pies
61. Play tug of war
62. Create an outdoor art gallery
63. Try geocaching
64. Have a potato sack race
65. Make a nature mandala
66. Build a scarecrow
67. Play kickball
68. Have a backyard movie night
69. Try slacklining
70. Plant a tree
71. Create a DIY obstacle course
72. Have a scavenger hunt with colors
73. Try bird calls
74. Explore different textures in nature
75. Play leapfrog
76. Make a flower crown
77. Do cloud watching
78. Set up a lemonade stand
79. Create a mini garden
80. Try rock balancing
81. Explore a new trail
82. Have a paper boat race
83. Play parachute games
84. Do a backyard talent show
85. Make a bug hotel
86. Collect and sort different rocks
87. Have a nature-themed storytime
88. Do a tree bark rubbing
89. Play flashlight tag (in the evening)
90. Build a teepee with branches
91. Play with a giant bubble wand
92. Go on a sensory walk
93. Create a nature scavenger bingo
94. Try outdoor painting with watercolors

Wrapping Up the Day of Play

Our kids are more scheduled than ever, so having more open-ended play can be hugely beneficial. Especially when it’s outside.

It also encourages our children to take an interest in nature and helps keep them physically active.

This will promote a healthy lifestyle and teach them skills to serve them throughout their lifetime.

If you’re looking for some activities specific to fall, check out this post!