Getting outdoors and playing with your kids isn’t only about encouraging physical activity. It has been found that children who spend minimal time in green spaces are up to 55% more likely to develop mental and psychiatric issues, including mood disorders and anxiety.
While it can be challenging to find activities that kids of varying ages will enjoy, it’s not impossible. If you are searching for the best outdoor activities for kids, you are in the right place.
The list below will give you several great ideas that you and your kids (of all ages) will enjoy.
Try Rockhounding
Do you have a potential geologist in your midst? Or do your kids just enjoy digging in the dirt?
If so, rockhounding or amateur geology is a great way to spend more time outdoors.
This activity involves finding and collecting invertebrate fossils, petrified wood, semi-precious gems, rocks, and mineral specimens. It doesn’t matter if you make a special trip for this activity or just look for specimens while on vacation; it can be rewarding and fun for everyone.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a great way for kids to learn respect for animals and to enjoy some time outdoors. You can find plenty of services that offer guided tours, such as Southern Trail Rides horseback riding, or just get together with friends who have horses.
No matter what option you choose, you will find that this is a great way to spend time with your kids and enjoy the outside world.
Play with Sidewalk Chalk
You have likely seen the sidewalk chalk “stained glass” on Instagram or Pinterest. You may have even seen some in your own neighborhood.
What you may not realize is that this is much easier than it may seem. All you really need is sidewalk chalk and painter’s tape.
Tape off the area you plan to color by making geometric shapes. Once this is done, everyone can begin coloring in the shapes and then remove the tape. You will likely have a social-media-worthy design that everyone enjoyed making.
Go Biking
Taking your bicycles out for a ride is a great activity for children of and adults. It is a fun way to get outdoors and be active. You can also enjoy this activity even if your child is not ready to ride on their own.
You can find rear- and front-mounted child seats and bike tows to take smaller children biking. If you have a child who is more independent and ready to ride on their own, make sure you find a bike that is the right size.
Take Your Toy Cars Off-Road
Do you remember how fun it was when you were a kid to ride your remote-controlled vehicle over dirt mounts and through piles of leaves? Why not introduce your children to this fun activity.
You can spend time outdoors, and everyone will enjoy themselves, even your picky teens who may think family time is “lame.”
Go Hiking
There’s nothing better than going on an adventure with your family. Hiking is a great way to bond, and there are tons of things you can do to make hiking more fun and interesting for your children.
For example, you can stop along the way to teach them about plants and insects. Adding some games on the trail can also be fun, such as bingo or scavenger hunts. This is fun and helps ensure they stay aware of their surroundings.
Also, the fun doesn’t have to stop once you get back home. You can participate in after-hike activities, such as making a scrapbook. This is going to help you remember the fun you had.
Go Camping
Being in nature provides you the perfect opportunity to unplug from day-to-day life and spend some extra time with your family, distraction-free. After all, what better way to enjoy nature than to go camping with your family.
While camping with children may seem intimidating at first, planning your trip carefully will help you all enjoy a fun-filled weekend. Just make sure you have all the camping necessities to keep everyone happy and comfortable.
Create an Outdoor Play Area
Your backyard holds a lot of potential. You can create a special outdoor play here that can be just as fun and entertaining as another far-off destination.
You can add swings and hammocks to the space, along with sandboxes, tree houses, and more. You will find countless ways to encourage sensory play and exploration for your children, right in your own backyard.
Another idea is to create an obstacle course that is going to help keep your kids active. Take some time to consider what your kids enjoy doing, and then create an outdoor play area that promotes this activity.
Exploring the Best Outdoor Activities for Kids
You have several options when it comes to the best outdoor activities for kids. Be sure to keep the ideas here in mind, which will help you find some ways to get your kids outside and keep them active.
You can even create a type of outdoor play “bucket list” for you and your kids. This is a fun way for them to pick what they will do next and get involved and excited about spending time outdoors.
Are you looking for more information that will help you be a better person and parent? If so, be sure to check out some of our other blogs covering topics like travel, fitness, pets, and more.
