In an age where the television and internet often end up as kiddie entertainment, outdoor play and activities take a backseat. Change that and get your kids all revved up and excited about heading outdoors and have fun with these five simple yet completely kid-friendly outdoor activities, perfect for children of all ages.
1. Nature Walks and Runs
Take a nature walk to pick leaves, rocks or wildflowers or simply, kit out the kiddos for a fun run around the neighborhood spotting interesting trees or birds. Invigorating and fun, make this outdoor activity a part of your family entertainment routine and you’ll have healthier and happier kids in no time at all.
2. Water Play in the Lawn
The summer months are perfect for a splash of water play every now and then. My daughter and her cousins had a wonderful time splashing around with a hose and an inflatable swimming pool during their summer holidays. So, gather the hose pipes, buckets and put on the sprinklers. Let all the kids wear bathing or swimsuits and splash around till the sun comes down.
3. Yard or Lawn Games
Remember how much fun you used to have playing Tag or Blindman’s Bluff as a kid? Let your children experience the same excitement with simple outdoor games that can be played in the lawn or backyard. With toddlers and preschoolers, its real fun to play Catch the Ball or even toss a Frisbee.
4. Cycle or Skate
A pair of skates or a cycle can be a simple yet fun way to spend the evening outdoors. Cycling and skating are not only fun outdoor activities but also fantastic and inexpensive exercise options. Just ensure that the kids are wearing the proper clothes and gear for either of these outdoor activities.
5. Sporty Outdoor Activities
Sports doesn’t always have to be for after-school. All you need is a net to string across the yard, a couple of racquets, a tennis ball and you’re set. Spend a Sunday afternoon playing a game of badminton or tennis. Have a group of kids ready to play? Divide them into teams and play a game of basketball.
These fun outdoor activities are great to bond with your toddler or teen and get a dose of exercise as well. Breathe in the fresh air, take in the sights and sounds of nature and have fun the real, natural way. Make them a part of everyday family time and not only will you reduce television viewing, but also you will instill healthy habits and a relationship with Nature in your children.
For more on enjoyable and free (almost!) activities with kids, do check out fun activities for the holidays, summer months and more outdoor activities that encourage green and eco-friendly habits, right here on Untrained Housewife!
I love this post. Except it makes me wish it weren’t 18 degrees right now. I need energy-boosting INDOOR games to play!
Here’s one more outdoor activity: Chalk drawing: hopscotch, foursquare… or tracing the kids and making them into characters. We spend hours drawing with chalk.
I know.. These will be great when the weather warms up.. Love your chalk drawing and hopscotch ideas.. Thanks for sharing!
I know the cold is not helping the kids’ desire to play the wii all day! My kids love to go sledding in the back yard tho… (when there’s enough snow!) 🙂
Hi Carissa, thanks for sharing a winter-themed outdoor activity! Sledding sounds like a lot of fun for everyone!
I have played whats the time Mr Wolf with my four kids ages ranging from five down, they love this and its a good chance to get some running and lunges in for yourself at the same time, find a nice park in the sunshine or somewhere shady if its hotter walk there and take scooters for the kids great work out for everyone and super fun.