Fresh air does wonders for the mind, body and soul. Here are 30+ outdoor activities for kids to enjoy on a summer day.
1.) Got to a park
Going to the park had to be number one on this list. Not only do children LOVE going to the park, but it’s free and easy.
One of our favorite things to do in the summer is explore the many different parks. Not only do we get to see different faces, but it keeps us from getting bored with the same one park.
2.) Take a walk
Sometimes all it takes is going for a walk to get the inside jitters out. Walks are especially useful for young children and babies.
Bonus Tip: As kids begin to age, talk to them about everything they are seeing. Stop signs, grass, the blue sky, etc.
3.) Have a Picnic
Take the afternoon to have a picnic outside at the park or even at home. We were gifted the cutest kiddie size picnic table and it was one of our favorite things to do last year!
4.) Play Tag
A good game of tag is a great way to burn off some energy. Be advised, though, if you are playing with a toddler you may just be the one getting the most exercise!
5.) Play with Bubbles
Whether you want to make your own bubble solution or use the store bought wands, bubbles are always a crowd-pleaser. You can even make it into a game. See how many bubbles they can pop or see who can get the most.
6. Draw Pictures with Sidewalk Chalk
If you haven’t already invested in some sidewalk chalk, the summertime is the perfect time to do so.
7.) Play Basketball
Basketball is a fun activity for boys and girls alike. If you don’t have a hoop at your home and have toddlers, I recommend this one. It’s super lightweight (but can be weighed down with water or sand). Plus in the winter months we bring it indoors for inside play.
8.) Plant Flowers
Planting flowers or having children help out in a garden is a great way to teach children about Mother Nature.
9.) Go to a Waterpark or Outdoor Splash Place
One of the most fun outdoor activities for kids, especially during the summer months, is to go to a waterpark or “splash area”. Plan a day to go to a waterpark or community waterpark.
10.) Plan a Beach Day
If you haven’t had a beach day in awhile, why not plan for one now? It’s a great way to spend a day exploring the outdoors with no electronics.
11.) Take a Swim
Have a pool or know somebody that does? Plan an afternoon at the pool, eating snacks and enjoying the water and sun. Don’t forget the floats and swim diapers!
12.) Go for a Bike Ride
If you have small children, let them practice riding their tricycles up and down the sidewalk. You could even encourage them to use their imagination by asking them where they are going.
Are you headed to school? The store?
13.) Host a Lemonade Stand
This is a classic, but one that doesn’t get old. Operating a lemonade stand teaches a lot to children – basic math, business skills, cooking, etc.
14.) Make Ice Cream
If you’ve never made homemade ice cream before, why not give it a try?! It’s fun and a great little experiment for the young ones.
Here are a couple of videos on YouTube showing how to make simple and easy ice cream.
15.) Fly a Kite
Grab a kite and head outdoors for some fun in the sky. If you don’t have a kite, consider making one.
16.) Build a Sand Castle
If you have a sandbox or sand activity table, the summertime is an excellent time to take it out and have some fun.
17.) Create an Outside Obstacle Course
Any time kids can climb, jump or crawl is usually a good time. This will take some planning on your part. Creating an outside obstacle course is both fun and exciting.
18.) Color Rocks & Hide Around Neighborhood
A super simple fun outdoor activity for kids is to find rocks, color them and then hide them around the neighborhood, if you’d like. Some communities even have entire Facebook groups dedicated to the “rock hunt”.
19.) Have a Water Balloon “Fight”
On those really hot days, fill up some water balloons and have a good old fashioned water balloon fight. While this is likely not ideal for small children, they can still be involved. Instead of a balloon “fight”, do a water balloon toss.
20.) Set Up an Outside Water Play Area
Have your kids cool off in the sprinkler, with a hose or some other play mat. You can also set up a super simple “pouring station” with a bucket and some cups. We love pouring water from one cup to the next and it’s great for fine motor skills ?.
21.) Visit a Local Library
Growing up our local library always had fun outdoor activities for kids to do during the summer. Check with yours and see if they offer anything.
22.) Have a Campout in the Backyard
Grab a tent, build a fire and have a campout in the backyard.
23.) Create an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
This will require some pre-planning, but kids will enjoy searching for the items on their outdoor scavenger hunt.
24.) Make a Bird House
Making a bird house doesn’t have to be elaborate. Take a toilet paper roll, cover it in peanut butter and add bird seed. Easy Peasy! Need a visual? Take a look at this awesome tutorial here.
25.) Go to a Farmer’s Market
Summer in our neck of the woods means fresh farm veggies, fruits and other fun items. Take the kids out for a fun day at the farmer’s market.
26.) Paint Outside
Does your kid love to paint? Take the paint outside and enjoy the sunshine!
27.) Go to a Zoo or Local Museum
Looking for a somewhat educational day? Take the kids to the zoo or local museum to learn about animals or other fun artifacts.
28.) Make Homemade Popsicles
Okay so this isn’t technically one of the outdoor activities for kids, but you can enjoy them outside! And if you wanted to, you could certainly bring the party out in the sunshine.
29.) Wash a Car
Kids love doing things that most adults prefer NOT to and that includes washing a car. Grab a sponge, some soap and a bucket and wash a car.
30.) Paint with Water
Now this is what I am talking about. No-mess, no-fuss and super easy. Get a paintbrush roller and fill a bucket up with water. Let your kids “paint” the driveway and sidewalk.
31.) Go on a Bug Hunt
Grab a magnifying glass and have the kids go on a bug hunt.
Did you skip down to the bottom? Here are the 30+ outdoor activities for kids to enjoy on a summer day.
- Got to a park
- Take a walk
- Have a Picnic
- Play Tag
- Play with Bubbles
- Draw Pictures with Sidewalk Chalk
- Play Basketball
- Plant Flowers
- Go to a Waterpark or Outdoor Splash Place
- Plan a Beach Day
- Take a Swim
- Go for a Bike Ride
- Host a Lemonade Stand
- Make Ice Cream
- Fly a Kite
- Build a Sand Castle
- Create an Outside Obstacle Course
- Color Rocks & Hide Around Neighborhood
- Have a Water Balloon “Fight”
- Set Up an Outside Water Play Area
- Visit a Local Library
- Have a Campout in the Backyard
- Create an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
- Make a Bird House
- Go to a Farmer’s Market
- Paint Outside
- Go to a Zoo or Local Museum
- Make Homemade Popsicles
- Wash a Car
- Paint with Water
- Go on a Bug Hunt
